Parents of children born in the final months of the year are weighing how FS1 or FS2 placement could affect their child’s academic journey.
As UAE schools prepare for September admissions and finalise class placements, many parents are facing an important decision: should their child start in Foundation Stage 1 (FS1), or move directly into Foundation Stage 2 (FS2)?
The discussion has gained attention following the UAE Ministry of Education’s decision to change the school-entry age cut-off from August 31 to December 31. While the adjustment is intended to bring the country’s admission system closer to international standards, it has created uncertainty for some families — especially those with children born between September and December — as they consider the most suitable starting point for their child’s early education.
To address parents’ concerns, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) introduced a one-time transitional arrangement for the 2026-27 academic year. The measure provides eligible children affected by the revised age cut-off with flexibility over whether they enter Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) or Foundation Stage 2 (FS2), depending on their eligibility.
Parents weigh FS1 and FS2 choices as schools offer guidance ahead of September
As schools prepare for the new academic year in September, many parents are discovering that the decision between Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) and Foundation Stage 2 (FS2) involves more than just age eligibility.
Concerns around school readiness, confidence, social development and long-term academic progression are leading families to seek advice from schools as they make decisions that could influence their child’s early learning journey.
Growing concerns over long-term implications
Sarah O’Regan, Principal and CEO of GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, said the school has seen a rise in enquiries from families affected by the updated regulations.
She said parents are looking for reassurance that they are choosing the right pathway, with many questions focused on future flexibility and whether children can move between year groups or repeat a year if needed.
“We have seen an increase in enquiries from families seeking reassurance that they are making the right decision for their child. The most common questions relate to the long-term implications of choosing either FS1 or FS2, particularly whether children would be able to move between year groups later or repeat a year,” she said.
O’Regan explained that under the revised regulations, placement decisions cannot be changed later, making parents more cautious before confirming enrolment.
“As the revised regulations state that, once a child has been placed in a year group, this decision cannot subsequently be changed, parents naturally want confidence that they are making the best choice for their child’s future learning and development,” she added.
Similar concerns are being reported at Nord Anglia International School Dubai.
Svenja Cassia, Director of Admissions, said families are seeking clarity on how the revised age cut-offs could affect their child’s educational journey.
“Some families are seeking reassurance around whether their child is ready to start school earlier than they had anticipated, while others are asking whether there is flexibility to delay enrolment until the following year in line with the traditional British curriculum cut-off dates,” she said.
She added that expatriate families are also considering how the changes may affect their children if they later move back to their home countries.
“We have also received questions from expat families who are considering how the changes may affect continuity should they return to their home country in the future,” Cassia said.
Looking beyond age to assess readiness
Educators say a child’s age should not be the only factor when deciding between FS1 and FS2.
O’Regan said the Foundation Stage plays an important role in building the skills and confidence children need for future learning, making it essential to consider each child’s overall development.
“Our advice to families is always that every child is unique. The Foundation Stage is a magical time where play and learning come together to build the foundations for a lifelong love of learning,” she said.
To support parents, some schools are offering Stay and Play sessions where children can interact with teachers and experience the classroom environment before placement decisions are finalised.
Families of children born between September 1 and December 31, 2022, are also meeting with Foundation Stage leaders to discuss the most suitable entry point.
School readiness assessments have become an important part of admissions processes at many UAE schools, with educators evaluating more than academic ability.
“School readiness extends far beyond academic ability. Our experienced Early Years team considers each child’s social, emotional and developmental readiness through observations made during our Stay & Play sessions,” O’Regan said.
At Nord Anglia International School Dubai, incoming students also take part in Stay and Play sessions before class placements are confirmed.
Cassia said the sessions help teachers understand each child’s development across different areas.
“This allows our Early Years team to observe each child’s school readiness across their academic, social and emotional development, ensuring they are appropriately supported and placed in the learning environment that best meets their needs from the outset,” she said.
