Dubai schools are seeing a 40% rise in admissions for Term 2 compared to last year. Waiting lists are growing as demand for quality education hits a record high.
This increase is largely due to professional families moving to the UAE and the country’s reputation as a global hub for world-class education.
Surge in Enrollments
Glen Radojkovich, Director of Education at Taaleem, said, “Our schools are seeing a significant rise in enrollments. For Term 2, there’s been a 40% increase in new students compared to last year.
Most of the new admissions are in our IB schools since our UK curriculum schools are already full. Applications for next year are also up by 22%.”
Expanding School Capacity
To address the growing demand, schools are increasing their capacity. Radojkovich explained, “We’re seeing high demand for British and IB curricula, known for critical thinking and holistic development. We are expanding class sections at popular schools like Greenfield International School and Dubai British School Emirates Hills.
“We’re also planning new campuses, including Dubai British School Mira in 2025 and Harrow International Schools in 2026, which will each accommodate over 1,800 students. Additionally, the acquisition of Lycée Libanais Francophone Privé (LLFP) has added multilingual education options to our portfolio.”
Early Applications Are Key
With the competitive environment, families are advised to plan early for school admissions. Dr. Neil Hopkin, Director of Education at Fortes Education, shared, “Our schools, Sunmarke and Regent International, have seen a 30% surge in interest compared to last year. Sunmarke’s strong IB results and Regent’s top global grades have driven this growth.”
Maintaining Class Sizes
Despite the demand, schools are committed to keeping class sizes optimal for learning. Simon Herbert, CEO of GEMS International School Al Khail, noted, “We prioritize maintaining manageable class sizes to ensure academic excellence and parental trust.”
Advice for Parents
Parents are encouraged to start the application process early and thoroughly research schools. Visiting campuses, attending open houses, and meeting admissions staff can provide valuable insights.
Herbert advised, “Parents already in the UAE should visit schools after exploring their websites and asking key questions. Webinars on International Baccalaureate programs can also help clarify what the curriculum offers.”
