The Smart Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right School in Dubai and Beyond - Part 2

In Part 1 of our schools guide, we explored the different curriculums and opportunities available to UAE students. In the next stage of the interview with Fiona Hughes D’Aeth, Head of Content Strategy at the Independent Schools Show which is coming to Dubai on 14 March, we unpack the milestones, myths and mindset shifts that help parents make thoughtful decisions at every stage.

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Q. Many Dubai families wrestle with whether to stay local or consider overseas education at some point. How should parents approach this decision without feeling pressure to decide too early?

A: Good educational planning can really help parents work through the “should we stay or should we go” question. It is helpful to explore options early so that parents understand about the timelines and application processes and any preparation that needs to be done in advance. For example, applications and preparation for a 13 + move to a UK boarding school will often start in Year 5 and there maybe an 11+ exam whereas moving at 16+ need only be considered a year in advance. By having an idea of the direction parents will feel more confident about when they have to make a decision.

The decision-making horizon will depend on age of the child but there are some natural decision-making windows and transition points; Primary, pre the GCSE/MYP years and at 16+, as well as when it comes to making University choices. But it is not nearly as clear cut as it was in the past and there is much more flexibility for moving at different points.

So much will depend on the child and whether they are ready to thrive on the independence of being educated overseas or are they better to be in the family environment for a bit longer. If staying is working well for child well then parents shouldn’t feel anxious about what they are missing but if they are ready for more than families who have done their research will know what options are out there.

The key advice is to do the research:

Exploration – talk to schools – come to the ISS schools show in March for a chance to chat to schools about what they offer, application timelines, competition for places, natural times for transitioning.

• Sign up for Scholato a parent driven support to help families map out their options and find out more about schools

• Talk to an education consultant for professional guidance and advice to guide you through process and make sure that you are keeping relevant options open at the different stages.

And keep your options open.

Q. Boarding is something many families think about but feel unsure discussing. What signs suggest a child might thrive in a boarding environment – and when might it be better to wait?

A: Boarding has an enduring appeal for many children, especially those familiar with the Harry Potter stories with the allure of midnight feasts, friends on hand all the time, independence, endless facilities but knowing if the reality is right for your child can be a challenge.

The key thing to remember is that boarding schools are well prepared to support children of all ages and stages and have well developed pastoral systems to help pupils settle quickly into the 24/7 lifestyle of a boarding environment. Boarding schools are busy, purposeful places with a carousel of activities and opportunities to suit each child.

Schools are looking for children who will thrive in this fast-paced environment, who will take advantage of all that is on offer, who will be curious and happy to try new things.

On the surface children who are socially adaptable, good at managing themselves academically and seeking independent experiences and opportunities will often be the most obviously ready to board. Whereas a child who is less gregarious or not so good at organising themselves may feel like a riskier proposition. However, the right boarding environment can be the making of every child, encouraging them to develop skills, and giving them the tools to problem solve and make their own independent decisions and to forge new friendships.

If a move to boarding feels the right thing to do and aligns with an education milestone then it is worth exploring but it has to be right for each child and for the family circumstances too.

Q. At what stage do parents genuinely need to start thinking about secondary school, sixth form, or even university?

A: Whilst it is an interesting perspective to think how you can prepare your child for Oxbridge when they are still in nappies, the reality is you will not be too late if you wait a few years before planning their university career.

Be aware of secondary school choices but you may not need to act just yet - from a planning perspective, by the age of 9 it is helpful to have an understanding of the different curriculums and how they operate and where they can lead, this is helpful in terms of understanding where each child has the best opportunity to flourish academically. But it is worth remembering that whichever route they take, it can still lead to the same destination, the path will be different for each child.

By 11-13 the planning starts to kick in, if families are planning a move to a British

boarding schools then 11+ maybe a key part of the process for entry into Year 9. Even at

13+ there are still options to move as long as your child is settled before the GCSE or MYP programme begins.

16+ is another key transition point, subject choices are very important at this stage as

they start to determine future degree programmes and career options.

Many families consider the benefits of boarding for the final two years of school to give their child a bridge to independence, to get them used to living away from home and managing their daily lives in a safe and secure environment. Making lifelong friends and developing a social network can help to set them up for the next steps to university.

16-18 is when the university planning needs to start in earnest, by this stage children will

have done some preliminary exploring of potential degree options so that they can start

to build a profile towards university applications.

Q. How can parents balance preparation with protecting their child’s confidence and

love of learning?

This is often a tricky balance to pull off, and the tone is really set by parental expectations. Children lose confidence and curiosity not because parents care too much, but because the preparation quietly turns into pressure. Any form of preparation should be building ‘agency’ not anxiety.

Preserving a child’s love of learning is essential if they are to feel able to take academic risks, to not worry about things not always going right first time and to trust themselves as learners. Preparation that builds capability helps them to perform better in the long run. If it is building pressure, then it is time to rethink the strategy and allow for more unstructured time with a better balance between studying and activities that they can do for pleasure.

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Whether you're considering school in Dubai or further afield, visit the Independent Schools Show on Saturday 14 March at The Sheraton Hotel MOE, Dubai for expert advice and guidance on the next steps.