10 new schools offer big hope for parents
dubai — Education expense of children continues to be a sensitive subject for parents here in the UAE, according to a recent report published by HSBC.
But with 10 new schools opening in Dubai this new academic year — several of which have been deemed affordable by many — it’s good news for parents.
During the summer, HSBC released its ‘Value of Education’ report, revealing that parents in the UAE spend about $99,378 (Dh365,000) on educating each child — from primary school through to university.
As expected, the news struck a chord with many parents here who have complained about the rising cost of schooling in recent times, especially with 93 per cent of them having one child or more in paid-for education.
However, although the report highlights the challenges that parents face, the good news is that affordable schools are beginning to pop up more and more, as the education sector continues to strengthen here.
Back in April, Amity School Dubai (Indian curriculum) had a soft opening with its KG block for 150 students. Priced at between Dh15,000-26,000 per student, many parents welcomed the new, affordable campus to the Dubai schooling map.
With a capacity to house 3,500 students from grade one to eight, it
365K dirhams being spent by parents on educating each child in the UAE
could be a popular choice for families here. “The main school will be ready in December and we are now admitting students for the March 2018 session. The school has a capacity of 3500 students in Phase 1 and we will open till grade 8,” Srinivas Naidu, principal of Amity School, told Khaleej Times.
Another school, which is due to open next week, offering high quality education at an affordable price is Newlands School in Al Warqa. With fees starting at Dh17,000 up to Dh23,000, the English National Curriculum school already has 200 students enrolled for the new academic year. “The school will open with 200 children on Sunday and will add close to 60 more throughout September. “Parents have chosen Newlands School because the school is able to offer the full, British curriculum at an affordable price,” Shaun Robison, chief executive of BBD Education, said.
With classes housing no more than 25 children in each setting, Robison said this has been a big lure for parents — the majority of whom from the Al Warqa and Mirdif areas. “This student ratio per class is exceptional, given the fees. Despite the current economic climate, the demand for a high quality school at this price point is still very high. Parents with more than one child can access the full UK curriculum, at an affordable price, in the knowledge that their children will still sit GCSEs, and Alevels,” he said.