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ABU DHABI: Schools across Abu Dhabi are vying for places for the upcoming academic year, with more and more people being added to waiting lists for admission, the operator of the emirate’s most popular institution said.
As a result, a surge in demand from families relocating to the emirate has prompted many operators to open new campuses for existing schools, although they are urging families to plan ahead when applying for admission.
“We have witnessed a 9.5 per cent increase in student enrollments in the schools we operate, including Aldar Academies, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi and Al Shohub Private School. Currently, our network of operating and managing schools has a total of 33,000 students enrolled since November 2022 Since admissions started, more than 4,000 applications have been received,” Sabrina Cherrati, Head of Admissions and Marketing at Aldar Education, told Gulf News.
The Abu Dhabi-based educational institution has received most of the new applications for its primary schools, including Al Muna College, Pearl College, Al Yasmina College and Al Shohub Private School. Some of these schools are also currently operating at full capacity, with large waiting lists for the upcoming school year.
“To meet growing demand, we are preparing to open two new campuses for Al Yasmina Academy and Cranleigh Pre-Prep Abu Dhabi to support our growing learning community and serve a wider audience. The state-of-the-art campus will We welcome students in 2024-2025,” Cherrati said.
GEMS Education, the UAE’s largest school operator, has also seen strong demand for its facilities.
“To date, our schools in Abu Dhabi have received around 12,000 applications for September 2023 admission. This compares to 9,000 for the same period in the previous academic year. [Eventually,] In September 2022, a total of 14,800 students were enrolled at GEMS Education Abu Dhabi schools, compared to an expected enrollment of 15,500 in September 2023,” said Kelvin Hornsby, Senior Vice President Education, GEMS Education and Principal, GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi.
The educator attributes this demand to an increasing number of families relocating to Abu Dhabi from within the UAE and internationally.
“Many of our schools have waiting lists and places at our two quality schools GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi and GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi are filling up fast. The latter, my own school, only last year Moving to our brand new campus on Al Reem Island, we’ve seen a lot of interest from families from a variety of backgrounds and geographies. There’s also a higher retention rate for existing families,” Hornsby said.
cost increase
Interest in UAE schools has increased following the downturn brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools noticed many families leaving. However, there has been a major reversal in this trend, with the UAE’s education regulator, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek), approving tuition fee increases for 2023-2024 after a three-year moratorium on price increases.
Educators said the approval of the tuition hike is a testament to the quality of education offered in Abu Dhabi.
“The steady growth in enrollments and the strong interest in our school is a testament to Aldar Education’s reputation for academic excellence and our commitment to delivering a high quality and well-rounded education. As well as our wide range of course choices… we also offer a wide range of Extra-curricular activities, including sports and the performing arts, help our students develop a variety of skills and interests. We also bring state-of-the-art teaching facilities, equipped with innovative technology, creative laboratories and state-of-the-art sports facilities, to provide students with the opportunity to develop diversity. opportunities for interests and talents. Most importantly, the quality of our teachers is one of the most important drivers of growth in our student enrollment. We take great care in recruiting and retaining highly qualified and experienced educators who have a passion for teaching Passionate and committed to student success,” said Stephen Sharples, Executive Director of Education, Aldar Education.
The specific amount of the fee increase is determined by the inspection level of each school. This year, 11 schools in Abu Dhabi received the highest rating of ‘outstanding’.
Parents today are also looking for individualized educational options that fit each child’s individual strengths.
“At GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi, we are reimagining learning, encouraging businesses to develop future thinkers who become global citizens. Our advanced curriculum approach combines the International Baccalaureate and British National Curriculum Creates a world of personalized pathways. We do everything we can to get to know our learners, support their development and help them learn, play and perform. All learners, their families and our staff have a voice and they gather Together, we form a caring community full of opportunity. Our students are happy, balanced learners who know how to think for themselves and build on their own values, attitudes and qualities,” Hornsby said.
choose school
Educators share the many factors parents should consider when choosing a school for their child or transferring a child to another school.
Research and investigate: Research schools in your area and learn as much about them as possible. Check out their website, read their brochures, and talk to other parents with kids in school. Visit the school to observe classrooms, facilities and teachers.
Consider your child’s needs: Every child is unique, with their own strengths, interests and learning styles. When choosing a school, consider your child’s needs and preferences. For example, if your child is particularly interested in music or physical education, look for a school with a strong music or physical education program. If your child has special needs, look for schools that offer appropriate supports and services.
Talk to your kids: Involve your kids in the decision-making process. Ask them what they like and don’t like about their current school, and find out what they would like to see at their new school. Make sure they feel heard and valued.
Consider logistics: Consider the realities of transferring schools, such as distance from home, school hours, and transportation options available.
Plan ahead: Changing schools can be a big transition, so plan ahead and give your child plenty of time to adjust. Talk to them about the change and help them prepare for the new environment. Encourage them to make new friends and get involved in after-school activities.
Stay involved: Once your child starts classes at their new school, stay involved and informed. Attend parent-teacher conferences, volunteer at school, and ask your children about their experiences. This will help ensure your child gets the most out of their education and that you are fully involved in their learning journey. Transferring is a big decision, so make sure there are significant benefits and added value.
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