Only 24 schools can raise their fees

ABU DHABI // The 24 best rated private schools will be able to raise fees by an average of 3 per cent next academic year, the education regulator says.

The other 167 either did not apply for fee rises or had them knocked back by Abu Dhabi Education Council.

“Adec has rejected the request of 60 private schools to increase their fees,” the authority said. The announcement came after its increasingly tough stance on failing schools.

Last month it named some of the worst performers and said they would not be allowed to enrol new pupils.

The authority said it monitored tuition and other fees, and ensured schools refrained from imposing extra fees without approval.

Rajendra Padmanabhan at Global Indian International School Abu Dhabi, said he supported the decision to reject the applications from so many schools.

“It is the right decision because the schools cannot increase their fees or ask for an increase in fees without providing better facilities and better education for the children,” Mr Padmanabhan said.

“If out of about 200 private schools only 24 are allowed increase fees, parents will be happy.”

But Dr Abdul Kader, principal of the Model School, said not being able to lift fees made it more difficult for schools to operate.

“The expenses of running a school have become very high now,” Dr Kader said.

“Increases are needed. Our fees are very low and I know we find it very difficult.”

In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority said this year schools could increase their fees between 2.4 and 4.8 per cent, depending on their performance.

Fees rises are also based on the annual Education Cost Index set by the Dubai Statistics Centre. This year’s index was set at 2.4 per cent.

Schools rated “outstanding” can raise fees by double the index, “very good” schools by 1.75, times and “good” schools by 1.5.

All other private schools can increase their fees equal to the Index.