UAE school compared to UK Prep

[Ghat55]

Hi we are looking to move to the UAE for a few years and the school will be the main determinant as to where we chose ( between Dubai, AD, Sharjah). Job is flexible! Our son is joining Y3 and is currently in a London prep.

Please can you give me your true thoughts of the schools in UAE compared to the typical prep. Not necessarily about academics but the whole child experience.

We are looking at BSAK, Cranleigh etc but really looking for your advice, thoughts..

We are planning 2 to 3 years in UAE then back to London ( of course plans change...)

Do not go to Sharjah.

Dubai and AD are similar in terms of schools. BSAK and Cranleigh are both in AD and have a relatively high % of British students. You can search online for UK curriculum schools and see their Irtiqa'a rating (AD) and fee bracket using the TAMM website.

In general, they are not directly comparable to UK private schools because they have to offer a more narrow curriculum in order to fit in compulsory subjects such as Arabic and UAE social studies. Many of the teachers will have worked in other international schools and UK state schools, but generally not in UK private schools. Class sizes are generally higher than prep schools, usually 20-24.

Yes, I echo absolutely do not go to Sharjah.

From my experience and what I’ve seen, in the late primary years the schools in the UAE do not come close to ‘good’ prep schools in the U.K. if you are basing this on how well they prepare children for the 11+/entrance exams for senior school because they aren’t preparing your children for those exams. There are tutors here outside schools who will though.

I’m told in years 5 and 6 it can feel like your child is behind children in top U.K. preps, but by year 8 it’s all evened out.

My oldest went to a good prep in London and they now go to NAS Abu Dhabi. I think in terms of academics it’s not comparable, also consider at the London prep all the kids were very able whereas there is more of a range in Abu Dhabi non selective schools.

But the school has been very good in developing the whole child and I think my oldest has come a long way in self development and confidence since we moved. Perhaps he’s been lucky with his teachers but they keep on top of his progress and encourage him to push himself which is an area where he was a bit behind in his academic prep.

As with all things, your experience will very much depend on the school you choose.