Latest news with #Taaleem
The National
4 days ago
- Business
- The National
How to enrol your child at school in the UAE
The UAE is home to some of the best private school brands in the world. That will soon include two campuses of the UK's renowned Harrow School. But as the UAE experiences an influx of residents, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, securing places for children at the best schools has become competitive. Whether you're new to the Emirates' education system and don't know where to start, or looking to switch your child's school, here's everything you need to know about getting a place. How has demand changed over the past year? There has been a significant increase in enrolments, driven by the high number of families moving to the UAE, notably from the UK, said Victoria Lumby, senior vice president of growth at Gems Education. 'Year on year, our total enrolments have risen by approximately 5 per cent.' To meet this rising demand, Gems Education has expanded capacity at some of its schools across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It also opened Gems Education Founders School – Masdar City and Gems Education Founders School – Dubai South last year, with Gems Education School of Research and Innovation to follow next month. Nikki Holman, head of admissions of UK curriculum schools at Taaleem, reported a similar increase. 'Over the past year, we have experienced accelerating demand across our school portfolio,' she said. 'New campuses such as Dubai British School Jumeira have reached high utilisation within their first year, and DBS Mira, set to open in August 2025, is already enrolling over 700 students, a record for a premium school in Dubai.' How do I know if a school is good? In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) rates schools regularly with six rankings, from 'very weak' to 'outstanding'. The rankings are available to the public in the Education Directory on its website. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) does the same, and these ratings are also available on its website. Inspection criteria include students' achievement and progress, teaching and learning quality, curriculum and resources, leadership, management, environment, and safety. The KHDA also measures well-being and inclusion. 'We advise families to visit schools, speak with leadership teams, try to meet parents already at the school and review KHDA or Adek inspection reports to understand the unique strengths of each school,' said Ms Holman. How do I choose the right curriculum? It's important to consider your children's learning needs, said Ms Holman. 'For families who may return to their home country, choosing a familiar curriculum often supports continuity. Although the British curriculum is by far the most popular among families, the International Baccalaureate is widely recognised as a highly transportable curriculum for globally mobile families,' she added. There are several curriculum frameworks to choose from in the UAE. Taaleem schools also offer American and French curriculums, while Gems Education also offers an Indian curriculum. How much are fees? Education institutions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can vary widely when it comes to fees. In May, the KHDA announced that private schools in Dubai will be allowed to increase tuition fees by up to 2.35 per cent in the 2025-2026 academic year. The fees can be found on each school's website. For example, following the price rise, at Kings' School Al Barsha in Dubai, Foundation Stage 1 costs Dh57,999, while Year 13 is Dh105,873. Brighton College Abu Dhabi charges Dh50,830 for nursery and Dh80,780 for Year 13. When should parents start the admissions process? The earlier the better. 'Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision and one that should be made with careful consideration and time to explore all aspects of the school,' said Luke Steward, director of admissions and marketing at Swiss International Scientific School Dubai. 'Our admissions for the 2026/27 academic year will open once the current school year is under way, while we continue to accept applications for the current year where space is available.' Most schools open admissions in January for the academic year beginning the following September, said Ms Holman. At Gems Education, schools accept applications a full year in advance and they are open during the summer for tours and support with applications, added Ms Lumby. What is the admissions process? The process is similar across schools. It often includes an online application form, an application fee and the submission of documents, such as passport copies, visa pages, Emirates ID and school reports, depending on the year group you're applying for. An assessment appointment will follow and, if successful, an offer letter will be issued. The place will be reserved with a signed offer and deposit. What should my child expect from the admissions test? Tests depend on the grade and curriculum. They typically cover key subjects such as science, maths and English. In Abu Dhabi, children are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and the tests are used to help determine their grade level. In Dubai, assessments are often prerequisites for elite schools and some carry a non-refundable fee of up to Dh1,000 What happens if we are put on the waiting list? For many schools, being placed on a waiting list is common because year groups fill up fast, particularly in transitional years such as Foundation Stage or Year 1. For example, Gems Education schools such as Jumeirah Primary School, Jumeirah College and Gems Education Wellington International School have waiting lists across all year groups. Others, such as Gems Education International School, only have them in some year groups. Finding yourself on the waiting list can be unsettling for families, said Mr Steward of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai. 'While there is often movement as family plans shift, we can never guarantee when a place will become available,' he added. 'We always recommend that families check in with our admissions office as early as possible to understand current availability. Staying in regular contact ensures you're well positioned if a space becomes available.' At Gems Education, application fees need to be paid and assessments completed even if you're on the waiting list. 'Wait-listed families are then updated on a termly basis, but will need to reapply if they've been on the wait-list for over two years,' said Ms Lumby. 'When a seat becomes available, students with siblings already attending the school are given priority; otherwise, it's first come, first served.' What are common documentation issues? One of the most important documents is a transfer certificate from your child's current school. 'Depending on your country of origin, this may need to be attested,' said Mr Steward. 'If this step is missed or not completed properly, it can cause delays in final enrolment.' Beyond this, teacher recommendations are often required, which can be difficult to obtain during summer holidays. 'School reports are occasionally submitted in informal formats which can lead to delays,' added Mr Steward. 'Wherever possible, we kindly ask families to provide official, signed and dated academic records.' Remote assessments may also be required if the student cannot attend in person. 'These require appropriate invigilation to be considered valid, which can be a challenge if your current school is closed or teachers are unavailable during holidays,' said Mr Steward. Ms Holman also advised families to bring original birth certificates, immunisation records and previous school reports for the last two academic years. What support do schools offer families who are new to the UAE? Everything from personalised school tours to transition support, admissions consultations and a step-by-step onboarding process are offered, said Ms Holman. 'Our community-focused schools provide induction programmes for both students and parents, including orientation events, communication guidance and resources about life in the UAE.' What should I do if my child has additional needs? While inclusion services for children with physical or intellectual disabilities are mandatory as per the KHDA and Adek, provision widely varies, so parents should carry out detailed research to find the right fit, said Victoria McKeown, a neurodiversity specialist known as The Diverse Mind Coach. 'Try to get the school to offer a trial session. Very often, when they see what the child's needs are, they realise they can accommodate them because their needs aren't significant enough to need a huge amount of support,' she said. If a school is insisting on a learning support assistant (LSA), which comes at an extra cost, parents need to advocate for themselves, Ms McKeown added. 'Ask: what would the LSA be used for? How do you know my child will need this LSA, and also what would a phasing-out plan look like? How will we know when we don't need an LSA any more?' Above all, it's important to decide whether the school will be able to meet your children's needs, said Ms McKeown.
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Simon O'Connor appointed to lead Harrow International Schools in the UAE
Mr. O'Connor brings 25+ years of experience and a global education vision grounded in Harrow's core values of Courage, Honour, Humility, and Fellowship Taaleem announces the appointment of Mr. Simon O'Connor as the Executive Principal of Harrow International UAE. Harrow's illustrious alumni network includes some of the most influential figures in global history, among them, Winston Churchill, the poet Lord Byron, and numerous Nobel laureates, statesmen, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. The Harrow name is synonymous with distinction, not only academically but in shaping leaders of integrity, influence, and imagination. Maro Itoje, the current captain of both the England and British & Irish Lions rugby teams is an Old Harrovian. Taaleem's announcement of the appointment of Mr. Simon O'Connor marks a significant milestone in the development of Harrow International School Dubai and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi, through a landmark partnership between Harrow International Schools Limited (HISL) and Taaleem. As Executive Principal, Mr. O'Connor will oversee both schools and serve as the Founding Principal of the Dubai school, helping to shape a new chapter in Harrow's 450-year legacy of educational excellence. With more than 25 years of leadership experience across outstanding British and international schools, Mr. O'Connor brings a deep understanding of academic excellence, innovation, and character-building education. Most recently, he served as Director of Deira International School and Chief Education Officer for the Al Futtaim Education Foundation. Under his leadership, the school received multiple accolades for digital learning, wellbeing, and inspection outcomes. Mr. O'Connor is a former Principal of Jumeirah College and has also served as Vice President for a leading education company, overseeing the performance of British curriculum schools across the UAE. He is the founder of the Centre for Education Action Research (CEAR), a pioneering alliance of educators investigating topics including AI in education, instructional leadership, and language learning. Educated at The King's School, Rochester, one of England's oldest independent schools, Mr. O'Connor went on to read History and Philosophy at the University of Wales, Cardiff, followed by a PGCE at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was a choral scholar. He holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), and is currently completing a Doctorate in Education at the University of Buckingham, with a focus on organisational culture and school improvement. He also serves on the Board of COBIS, the TES Global Advisory Board, and chaired the T4 World Schools Leadership Council. Rebecca Gray, Chief Education Officer at Taaleem, said 'Mr. Simon O'Connor's vision for the Harrow International Schools in the UAE is firmly rooted in the four timeless Harrow values: Courage, Honour, Humility, and Fellowship. These principles are not just traditions; they are enduring pillars that inform every aspect of school life, from pastoral care and academic endeavour to leadership, service, and global citizenship. Under Mr. O'Connor's guidance, these values will be brought to life in a dynamic and inclusive way, tailored to the UAE context. His educational philosophy is rooted in these principles, and he is passionate about cultivating school cultures that inspire curiosity, purpose, and global citizenship'. Mr. O'Connor commented 'I am immensely proud to lead the launch of Harrow International UAE. We are building schools that honour Harrow's tradition while embracing the innovation, diversity, and ambition of this extraordinary region. Our pupils will be supported, known, and challenged to become thoughtful leaders in a rapidly changing world.' Mr. O'Connor's appointment underscores Taaleem's commitment to delivering world-class education, with the Harrow International Schools representing a flagship expansion into the super-premium sector. As Executive Principal, he will be instrumental in embedding Harrow's ethos and setting the foundation for long-term success across both campuses.
Arabian Business
07-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Taaleem's revenue up 18.5% to $268mn on capacity increase
Taaleem, UAE's leading K-12 premium education provider, said its operating revenue grew 18.5 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to AED984.2 million (US$ 268 million) for the first nine months of academic year 2024-25 as enrolment rose 19.2 per cent YoY to 16,678 students in its premium schools and capacity was up 28 per cent to 21,574 seats with the additions of two new schools. Net profit reached AED242.3 million (US$66 million) in the first nine months, up 7.6 per cent YoY, with a stable net profit margin of 24.6 per cent, reflecting a decline of 2.5 percentage points from the prior-year period. Taaleem recorded an EBITDA of AED378.9 million (US$103.2 million), an 11.8 per cent YoY increase, as gross profit grew by 14.9 per cent YoY, recording AED493.5 million (US$134.4 million). During the first nine months of the academic year, Taaleem expanded premium school capacity by 28 per cent through the acquisition of LLFP Meydan and the launch of DBS Jumeira. The group also announced in May that it is expanding into the early education segment through the acquisition of Kids First Group (KFG), a leading GCC nursery operator. The transaction is set to add 34 nurseries to Taaleem's portfolio. The company's premium and super-premium expansion continues, with DBS Mira on track to add 1,800 seats in AY2025-2026, and Harrow School Dubai receiving KHDA approval and securing a land lease in a prime location in Dubai. Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem, commented: 'During the first nine months of the year, we achieved meaningful growth across our premium and government partnership segments, supported by disciplined execution and a clear focus on quality. 'A key milestone this quarter was the announcement of our second Harrow International School in Dubai. Following initial approvals from KHDA and the signing of a land lease for a prime campus, which will accommodate up to 1,800 students, it is scheduled to open in the academic year 2026. This development marks a step forward in our super-premium strategy, emphasising our commitment to delivering world-class education. 'With our portfolio now comprising 38 schools and a student body exceeding 41,300, we remain well-positioned to capture further growth opportunities.' Alan Williamson, Chief Executive Officer of Taaleem, added: 'Our strong financial performance, driven by an 18.5 per cent YoY increase in operating revenue and a 7.6 per cent YoY rise in net profit, highlights the resilience of our business model and sustained demand for high-quality education across the UAE. 'These results underscore the scalability of our model and our ability to deliver value at scale. In parallel, we accelerated investment across our platform, with CAPEX reaching AED600.3 million (US$163.5 million), or 61 per cent of operating revenue, as we invested in acquisitions, new schools, and existing schools. This was supported by an increase in total debt to AED551.2 million (US$150 million), in line with our growth strategy, while our financial position remains strong with net debt at just AED 17.4 million (US$4.75 million). 'In the pipeline, we have the asset-light acquisition of KFG, poised to benefit from rising demand in the early education segment while maintaining financial prudence. With our acquisitions and expansions on track, we remain firmly focused on expanding our impact across the UAE's education landscape.' Premium schools remain the cornerstone of Taaleem's operations, contributing 87.6 per cent to operating revenues. The segment comprises 12 owned and operated schools offering British, IB, American, and French curricula across eight established brands. Premium schools' utilisation stood at 77.3 per cent, declining 5.7 per cent YoY due to the increased capacity, with utilisation levels expected to normalise over the coming terms during the ramp-up phase of newly launched schools. The segment's student-teacher ratio improved slightly to 13.1. The company operates 26 government partnership schools and nurseries under long-term agreements with key public sector entities, including the Department of Education and Knowledge, Knowledge Fund Establishment, and Emirates Schools Establishment. Total capacity across the government partnerships portfolio reached 33,555 seats, up 28.6 per cent YoY, while enrolment rose 3 per cent YoY to 24,685 students. The number of schools increased to 26, following the addition of four nurseries in Q2.
Zawya
20-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Taaleem acquires GCC-focused KFG to expand network
Dubai – Taaleem Holdings has signed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire 95% shareholding in Kids First Group Limited (KFG), an early-learning premium education provider in the GCC. The acquisition is expected to boost Taaleem's expansion into the high-growth early-learning segment, offering accretion to both earnings and cash flow, according to a press release. KFG manages a diversified network of 34 nurseries in areas close to business districts and within residential districts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. It serves more than 5,000 students across multiple leading brands. Subject to regulatory approvals and other pre-completion conditions, the transaction will be fully self-funded through a mix of equity and debt. It is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter (Q4) of Taaleem's financial year (FY)2024/25. Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem, commented: 'This acquisition of Kids First Group represents an important next chapter in Taaleem's growth strategy. By expanding further into the early-learning education segment, we are creating a comprehensive educational pathway that supports children from their earliest stages of development through to K-12 education.' Kamil Najjar, Founder and CEO of KFG, said: 'Together, KFG and Taaleem are committed to setting a new benchmark in early childhood education - preparing children to thrive in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving world, and ensuring they benefit from holistic, world-class learning environments from their earliest years' All Rights Reserved - Mubasher Info © 2005 - 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arabian Business
19-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Taaleem gets into early-learning sector with 95% stake acquisition in KFG
UAE's education provider Taaleem Holdings is expanding into the rapidly growing early-learning sector, complementing its existing portfolio of K-12 schools by acquiring a 95 per cent stake in Kids First Group Limited (KFG). KFG is a leading early-learning education provider in the GCC, which operates 34 centrally located nurseries in areas close to business districts and within residential districts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. It currently serves more than 5,000 students across multiple leading brands and offers four curricula at various price points, enabling the company to offer tailored education solutions that caters to a broad segment of the market. Taaleem expands into early-learning sector The acquisition, which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter following regulatory approvals, is expected to deliver a value-accretive expansion for the UAE-listed education provider into the high-growth early-learning segment, offering immediate accretion to both earnings and cashflow. It will be fully self-funded through a mix of equity and debt. Exact financial details of the acquisition were not provided. Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Taaleem, commented: 'This acquisition of Kids First Group represents an important next chapter in Taaleem's growth strategy. By expanding further into the early-learning education segment, we are creating a comprehensive educational pathway that supports children from their earliest stages of development through to K-12 education. 'Kids First Group's proven track record and diverse network of leading nurseries, which receive strong recognition and demand amongst parents, strongly complement our existing market-leading portfolio, while further diversifying Taaleem's offering. This strategic move reinforces our defensive positioning and our commitment to scalable, high-quality education in the region.' Following the completion of the acquisition, KFG will be run as a standalone vertical within Taaleem's portfolio, with the existing management, including the company's founder – Kamil Najjar, who continues as a shareholder with a 5 per cent stake, working with Taaleem's Board of Directors. Najjar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KFG, added: 'Since its inception, KFG has been built for one unwavering purpose: the well-being and development of the KFG individual child. For over 14 years, this singular mission has guided the Group's growth and success. 'Today marks an exciting new chapter in KFG's journey. Taaleem's strong educational legacy will enable both organisations to enhance educational standards and accelerate the growth of premium early-learning centres. Together, KFG and Taaleem are committed to setting a new benchmark in early childhood education – preparing children to thrive in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving world, and ensuring they benefit from holistic, world-class learning environments from their earliest years.'
