Parents say they’re thrilled as well as worried

dubai — The key messages report by the Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) on Thursday may have outlined great improvements in Indian curriculum schools here, but parents are now waiting for the onset of yet more tuition fee hikes.

One parent Khaleej Times spoke to, whose son attends a school which obtained a ‘very good’ rating, said improved school progress is often marred for them.

“When any parent sends their child to school, they want to ensure the institution does well on the inspections scale, but now I’m just waiting to hear if my son’s school fees will rise for 2017/18.”

According to the KHDA’s School Fees Framework, schools will be eligible to apply for increases to fees according two factors. All schools can implement the Educational Cost Index (ECI) percentage (this is calculated on a regular basis and is announced by Dubai Statistics

If a school jumps up a rating, they will for sure raise the fees, a financial burden for parents. Smriti J, Mother of two girl students

Centre, but for schools who achieved a rating of ‘good’ and above, the increase will be as per the rating. Smriti J, who has two daughters in a good-rated school

Parents want good rating. Now I’m just waiting to know if my son’s school fees will rise.” Dubai resident, parent of boy

here said it is a catch-22 for some parents when it comes to inspections results. “If my children’s school receive a higher rating, I would be thrilled on one hand but anxious on the other. Because if a school jumps up a rating, they will for sure raise the fees, a financial burden for parents.”

When asked, Ashok Kumar of Indian High School about the school fees, he said: “The fee increase will be in accordance with KHDA norms and regulations.”

However, Nargish Khambatta from Gems Modern Academy declined to comment.