Moving to Dubai from the UK with children: a schools guide

Last checked against KHDA on 22 October 2026.

Many UK families moving to Dubai look first at British curriculum schools, which use UK year group names. Placement follows UAE age rules rather than English ones, tuition is frozen for 2026-27, and places vary by school and year group, so check availability and start applications early.

Quick answer

Shortlist schools by curriculum, KHDA rating, fees and school run time from where you plan to live. Check year group placement against the UAE age cut-off, read each school's KHDA fee fact sheet, and contact admissions early.

A simple timeline

Well before you move, research areas and shortlist schools. Then contact admissions to ask about places and assessments, and gather school reports and documents. Once you accept an offer, the school may ask for a registration deposit of up to 10% of annual tuition. Before you leave the UK, ask your current school for its leaving paperwork and latest reports.

Choosing a curriculum

British schools in Dubai use UK year groups and UK qualifications, while IB and American schools follow different structures. Our curriculum comparison guide sets out the differences, and the best British schools list ranks British curriculum schools by KHDA rating.

Year groups and the age cut-off

From 2026-27, for new admissions to schools starting in August or September, the UAE age cut-off is 31 December of the admission year, replacing 31 August. This is a different date from England, so a child's Dubai year group can differ from their UK one in the early years. For FS1 to Year 1, age decides placement. For Year 2 and above, KHDA uses the transfer certificate as the main placement reference, and the school notifies KHDA if it differs from the age chart.

British year groupUAE levelAge by 31 December of the admission year
FS1Pre-KG3
FS2KG 14
Year 1KG 25
Year 2Grade 16

Where to live

Most families pick an area and a school together, because the morning school run matters. Our area guides cover rents, schools nearby and typical drive times, and the map shows every school we list.

Fees and total cost

KHDA confirmed there will be no increase in private school fees for 2026-27. Each school's fact sheet shows tuition, mandatory fees and a total, plus supplies and optional services. Our fees index summarises published starting fees by curriculum and rating.

Admissions and documents

Schools set their own admissions process and document lists, so check each one. Our application documents checklist covers what schools commonly ask for. If your child previously attended a KHDA permitted nursery or school, a Transfer or Withdrawal Certificate is required.

Special educational needs

Ask each school about inclusion support before applying, and share any reports or plans early. Our SEN and inclusion guide explains what to look for.

Arriving mid-year

Children can join during the year if a school has a place. Under KHDA's refund policy, fees are charged by term or month, so ask the school how fees work for a mid-year start.

Frequently asked questions

Do Dubai British schools use the same year groups as the UK?

They use UK year group names, but placement follows the UAE age cut-off. From 2026-27, for new admissions to September start schools, Year 1 requires a child to be 5 by 31 December of the admission year.

Will my child stay in the same year group?

For Year 2 and above, KHDA uses the transfer certificate as the main reference, so most children continue in sequence. For FS1 to Year 1, age decides, so the year group can differ from the UK.

When should I apply?

As early as you can. Ask each school about places and assessment dates, because availability varies by school and year group.

Are school fees going up in 2026-27?

No. KHDA confirmed on 22 May 2026 that there will be no increase in private school fees for 2026-27.

How much is the registration deposit?

Up to 10% of annual tuition, requested only after a formal offer is accepted, and deducted from first term fees.

Can my child start mid-year?

Yes, if the school has a place. Ask the school how fees are charged for a mid-year start.

Related pages

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