Principals say the updated guidance enables closer collaboration with families to determine where children will genuinely thrive, rather than simply placing them according to paperwork.
School leaders across the UAE say the new guidance is enabling more open and reassuring conversations with parents, allowing schools to collaborate with families to place children where they can genuinely thrive, rather than simply assigning them to a year group on paper.
Last week, the Ministry of Education clarified that children born between September 1 and December 31, 2022, who are not yet enrolled in any educational system, will be given a placement choice for the 2026–2027 academic year.
With the new age cut-off for admissions, many parents across the UAE whose children are entering early years programs breathed a sigh of relief. For families worried that their children might be placed in a year group beyond their developmental stage, the clarification offered welcome reassurance.
UAE Schools Emphasise Flexibility and Collaboration Under New FS1/FS2 Admission Rules
The Ministry of Education has clarified that schools and parents can jointly decide whether a child should enter FS1 or FS2, addressing concerns from families worried about their children skipping a year. Officials described the move as a one-time measure to ease families into the new age cut-off framework for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Admissions Teams Work Closely With Parents
School leaders across the UAE say the updated guidance allows for more honest, reassuring conversations with parents, ensuring children are placed in settings where they can truly thrive.
Lee Hole, Principal of Dubai British School, explained:
“Our admissions teams are working to implement the new guidance consistently across Taaleem schools. The priority is communicating with families, helping them understand what the changes mean for their children, and supporting them throughout the process. Our goal is to place every child in the environment where they can flourish — educationally, developmentally, and emotionally.”
The approach focuses on understanding each child individually, rather than relying solely on age, to ensure readiness and a smooth transition into school life.
Providing Flexibility
The guidance adds a welcome layer of flexibility for schools. Hole added:
“We now have the ability to collaborate with families who have concerns, ensuring placement decisions meet the child’s developmental needs and integrate them successfully into the school community.”
At GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, Primary Principal Michael Stewart noted:
“We are reviewing our admissions and Early Years processes to align fully with the guidance. Our Foundation Stage structure allows us to respond to shifts in admissions patterns. Placement decisions are thoughtful, collaborative, and centred on each child’s readiness and wellbeing.”
Schools emphasise the importance of readiness conversations, age-appropriate assessments, transition visits, and close communication with families to support children entering FS1 or FS2.
Natalia Svetenok, Principal at Woodlem British School, Ajman, highlighted that:
“Readiness is more than age. We consider confidence, independence, emotional security, curiosity, and coping ability. We work closely with parents to plan placements and, if needed, provide additional support or transition time. The goal is for children to enter FS2 or Year 1 feeling secure and ready to learn, not rushed.”
A Child-Centred Approach
Across the UAE, principals underline that placement decisions should be made jointly between schools and parents, prioritising readiness and the child’s best interests. Families have welcomed the flexibility, as it allows for decisions that support development, wellbeing, and long-term success rather than simply meeting an age-based requirement.
