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What’s Behind the Trend?
Families Are Getting Creative, And So Should You With limited options, families are exploring new strategies
Migration shifts UK families are leaving Britain in response to new VAT on private school fees (effective 2025), finding Dubai’s education, while costly, more accessible. Reputation over quantity Many families prefer established schools with strong KHDA ratings, even as new campuses launch. Sibling splits With no availability across multiple year groups, some families are forced to split children between schools or compromise on location.
T emporary placements in lesser-known schools while waiting for transfers
H ome tutoring or online schools to bridge the gap
R elocating to nearby emirates with availability (e.g., Sharjah or Ajman) H iring education consultants to identify openings and navigate assessments
There’s also growing interest in alternative schooling models—like online academies, microschools, or hybrid options, which offer more flexibility and have seen a quiet rise in post-pandemic UAE. Parent Checklist How to Beat the Waitlist Apply Early, Ideally 12–18 months ahead of your move. Stay Flexible, Consider different locations, curricula, or school tiers. Hire a Consultant, Professionals can spot openings and fast- track assessments. Plan a Backup, Use tutoring, online schooling, or interim placements to bridge gaps. Watch for Openings, Track new school launches and capacity expansions from groups like GEMS and Taaleem. Looking Ahead Dubai’s Education Strategy 2033 promises relief, with plans for 100 new private schools and continued investment from major operators. But parents shouldn’t wait for supply to catch up. The reality? Demand is a sign of success, not failure. For families, it’s a prompt to act strategically, not reactively. For consultants, it’s a chance to add value. And for Dubai, it’s proof that the city’s future isn’t just rising in steel and glass, but in classrooms shaping the next generation.
Expert Advice “Apply early, stay flexible, and consider interim solutions,” Victoria Lumby, GEMS Education
Still unsure where to begin? Choosing the right school can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to navigate it alone. REACH OUT TO US FOR PERSONALISED GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT.
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