Application and Assessment – What Happens Next?

Once all the assessments have been completed, academic staff will be responsible for the final choice of children to join the school.

This is not an arbitrary process.

The aim is to offer places to a mix of children based on a range of criteria which, for example, include date of birth (ages across the year), even split of boys and girls, confident and quiet personalities, a mix of first language skills and different nationalities.

At this point you have no influence over the decision!

There is no harm however in following up with the preferred school to find out when they expect to make offers. If you do not hear anything, do telephone or email to find out the status of the application. A pleasant approach to the Admissions staff will usually result in an update.

Timing for offers varies from school to school – and this can make it complicated if you are waiting to hear from more than one! Usually, for September starters, schools aim to have finalised the Early Years offers by March. For April starters, the offers tend to be finalised by the end of the calendar year.

If, for some reason, you have been delayed in making your applications, don’t despair, but do ensure that you make them as early as possible and that you do not rely on a single choice only. Again, it is not uncommon for children who have been registered, not to appear on the first day of term. The offer could come at any time and you should also stay in touch with the Admissions team by email or the occasional visit if this is possible.

Once you have received your offer, you will usually be given a deadline by which you are required to pay the deposit (which is deducted from the first term’s fees).

This is the point at which you probably do not want to turn back. If you are expecting to hear from another school and are not sure if you want to accept the place offered, do go back to the Admissions team and request an extension. Most schools will allow a few extra days.

Once you have made your decision and paid the deposit, the excitement of getting your child ready for his/her new school can start. You will receive copious information from the school in relation to the basic requirements (uniform, books, transport etc.). Many schools also offer introductory sessions for children and parents joining Early Years so that they can meet their teachers, visit their classrooms and prepare for their first day. Older students will often be asked to join the school a few days ahead of the existing student body, in order to be given the chance to orientate themselves without being overwhelmed by large numbers.

We would encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity for you and your child to get to know the new school and look forward to the anticipation of that first important day.

In this series:

MY CHILD DID NOT GET A SCHOOL PLACE. WHAT CAN I DO?
APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENT – WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
CHOOSING A SCHOOL – WHAT MAKES A SCHOOL THE RIGHT ONE FOR MY CHILD?
MOVING TO THE UAE WITH CHILDREN: RULES AND REGULATIONS YOU SHOULD KNOW
THE SCHOOL VISIT CHECKLIST – WHAT YOU NEED TO LOOK FOR… 
THE CHOICE BETWEEN NEW AND ESTABLISHED SCHOOLS 
UAE SCHOOL ACCREDITATION: WHAT TO LOOK FOR, AND WHY? 
WHEN DO I START TO LOOK FOR A SCHOOL?
WHICH SCHOOL CURRICULUM SHOULD I CHOOSE?