Last Updated: January 2025
Find the perfect school for your children in the UAE. From British and American curricula to IB and French systems, we help families navigate school selection, enrollment processes, and educational planning.
Expert guidance on choosing the right school based on curriculum, location, fees, and your child's needs.
Complete enrollment assistance including application forms, document preparation, and interview coaching.
Higher education planning including UAE universities, international programs, and scholarship opportunities.
GCSE, A-Levels, Early Years
K-12, AP courses, SAT prep
PYP, MYP, DP programs
French, German, Indian, Filipino
| School Category | Annual Fees (AED) | Additional Costs | Notable Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium International | 80,000 - 120,000 | Registration, books, uniform | JESS, Repton, Kings |
| High-Quality International | 50,000 - 80,000 | Transport, activities, trips | GEMS schools, Horizon |
| Good International | 25,000 - 50,000 | Minimal additional costs | Victory Heights, Arcadia |
| Budget International | 15,000 - 25,000 | Basic extras | Deira International |
* Fees vary by grade level. Higher grades typically cost more.
Request a callback and we'll help you find the right schools for your family in the UAE.
Understanding UAE's education landscape by emirate helps you choose the right location for your family. Each emirate has unique characteristics, school options, and educational opportunities.
450+ Schools
200+ Schools
120+ Schools
40+ Schools
50+ Schools
25+ Schools
UAE schools are regularly inspected by education authorities (KHDA in Dubai, ADEK in Abu Dhabi). Understanding these ratings helps you make informed decisions about your child's education.
The highest rating - exceptional quality in all areas
Examples: JESS Arabian Ranches, Repton School Dubai, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
High quality education with strong student outcomes
Examples: Kings' School Dubai, GEMS Wellington International, Dubai International Academy
Solid education with some areas for improvement
Examples: GEMS Modern Academy, Horizon International School
Meets minimum standards but significant improvement needed
Schools working toward higher standards
Academic progress, test scores, and learning outcomes
Behavior, attitudes, social skills, and cultural understanding
Quality of lessons, teacher effectiveness, and feedback
Curriculum design, implementation, and adaptation
School governance, vision, and continuous improvement
Pro Tip: Look for schools that show consistent improvement over multiple inspection cycles, not just the latest rating.
Understanding the school application timeline and requirements is crucial for securing your child's place. Most schools follow similar processes but have unique requirements and deadlines.
Applications open for the following academic year. Most popular schools receive applications during this period.
School assessments, interviews, and entrance exams. Schools begin making offers to successful applicants.
Final offers made. Parents confirm acceptance and pay registration fees. Waiting lists become active.
Final preparations, uniform purchases, and orientation sessions. Some last-minute places may become available.
Begin researching schools 12-18 months before your planned move. Popular schools fill up quickly.
Don't put all eggs in one basket. Apply to 3-5 schools including your preferred and backup options.
Most schools require entrance exams or assessments. Prepare your child appropriately for their age level.
Join waiting lists even if initially unsuccessful. Spots often open up closer to the academic year.
Factor in registration fees, deposits, uniforms, books, transport, and extracurricular activities.
The UAE has made significant strides in inclusive education. Many schools now offer specialized support for students with diverse learning needs, from dyslexia to autism spectrum disorders.
Dubai - Comprehensive SEN department with specialized staff
Dubai - Outstanding SEN provision with individual support plans
Abu Dhabi - Dedicated SEN team with therapy services
Dubai - Specialized school for children with learning difficulties
Provide comprehensive medical reports, psychological assessments, and previous educational support documentation.
School SEN team conducts their own assessment to understand the child's specific needs and required support level.
Individual Education Plan (IEP) developed with specific goals, accommodations, and support strategies.
Understanding school transport options, timing, and logistics is crucial for working parents. Most UAE schools offer comprehensive transport services, but knowing your options helps with planning.
Most popular option with door-to-door service
Flexible but consider traffic and parking
Cost-effective option organized by parents
Premium option for maximum flexibility
Start: 7:30-8:00 AM
Finish: 2:30-3:15 PM
Break: 15-20 minutes
Lunch: 30-45 minutes
Start: 7:30-8:00 AM
Finish: 3:00-3:45 PM
Periods: 6-8 per day
Duration: 40-50 minutes each
• Sports clubs: 3:30-5:00 PM
• Academic support: 3:30-4:30 PM
• Music/Drama: 3:30-5:30 PM
• Additional cost: 500-2,000 AED per term
Most schools use platforms like ClassDojo, Seesaw, or custom apps for daily updates, homework, and communication with teachers.
Regular parent-teacher conferences (2-3 times per year), plus curriculum evenings and information sessions for each grade level.
Parent volunteers welcome for reading programs, sports days, school trips, and special events. Great way to integrate into the school community.
Common questions about schools and education in the United Arab Emirates
Start the application process 6-12 months before your planned move. Popular schools fill up quickly, especially for certain grade levels. The main admissions cycle runs from October to February for the following academic year (starting in August/September), but schools accept applications year-round subject to availability.
The best curriculum depends on several factors:
School fees vary widely based on curriculum, location, and school reputation:
Add 15-25% for registration fees, uniforms, books, transport, and extracurricular activities.
Yes, UAE schools are required to provide inclusive education. Many schools have dedicated SEN departments offering:
However, capacity varies. Disclose any SEN requirements early in the application process and request a school assessment.
Standard documents required for UAE school applications:
All documents must be in English or officially translated. Attestation requirements vary by emirate.
Our education consultation (799 AED) includes: