Dubai schools have reported a 40% increase in admissions for Term 2 compared to last year, driven by the influx of professional families relocating to the UAE and its growing reputation as a global hub for world-class education.
Key Insights from Education Leaders
- Glen Radojkovich, Director of Education at Taaleem, highlighted the rising demand for British and IB curricula, noting a 40% surge in Term 2 enrolments and a 22% rise in applications for the next academic year. UK schools are operating at capacity, with higher growth seen in IB schools.
- To meet this demand, Taaleem is increasing capacity at schools like Greenfield International and Dubai British School Emirates Hills. Upcoming projects include Dubai British School Mira (2025) and Harrow International Schools (2026), each designed for 1,800+ students. The acquisition of Lycée Libanais Francophone Privé further expands multilingual education opportunities.
- Dr. Neil Hopkin, Director of Education at Fortes Education, noted a 30% rise in interest for Sunmarke and Regent International Schools, citing their exceptional academic achievements, such as Sunmarke’s third-highest IB results in Dubai and Regent’s world-topping grades.
Maintaining Quality and Class Sizes
Despite the surge in admissions, schools remain committed to maintaining optimal class sizes to ensure academic excellence. Simon Herbert, CEO of GEMS International School – Al Khail, stressed the importance of healthy class sizes and parental trust in maintaining them.
Advice for Parents
With increasing competition, parents are urged to:
- Start the admissions process early.
- Research schools thoroughly, considering location, curriculum, facilities, and values.
- Attend school tours and open houses to engage with staff and admissions teams.
- Interact with parent groups for insights.
Herbert advises families already in the UAE to visit schools in person after reviewing online resources and speaking to trusted sources. Webinars on key curricula, such as the IB, are also useful for understanding offerings and clarifying doubts.
As demand for quality education rises, early planning and proactive research are critical for securing placements at preferred schools.
News Source: Khaleej Times
