MIDDLE EAST ...Choosing a school in the Middle East


ASSESSING SCHOOLS Evaluating the quality of schools is often not an easy task for families moving to a new region. For those relocating to Dubai, strict regulations set by the KHDA can help. In 2015 a common framework for inspection was agreed for


private schools across the UAE in efforts to raise standards as part of UAE Vision 2021, which is focussed on developing a world- class education system. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which is responsible for the growth and quality of private education in Dubai, the quality of education in the past ten years has significantly improved. The KHDA’s Schools Fees Framework, which was introduced in 2012, restricts schools to fee increases based on their inspection standards, in conjunction with the Education Cost Index.


All Dubai private-school inspection reports are published on the KHDA website (www.khda.gov.ae).


British-curriculum schools in Dubai are also eligible for British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspections. These are based on standards equivalent to those for UK independent schools, and are available at www.cfbt.com.


QATAR – A GROWING MARKET


Qatar is predicted to see major growth in international schools over the next decade. The country currently has 166 English-medium international schools, between them teaching more than 134,000 students. The majority of these schools are located in Doha, where more are urgently needed due to the growing preference of Qatari families for international education: Qataris make up almost 40 per cent of students in Qatar’s international schools. Large-scale infrastructure projects are also attracting more expatriates to the region, increasing the demand for international-school places. Lusail, the new city that is being built 15 kilometres north of the centre of Doha, is attracting much attention. Alongside a number of Qatari national schools being built in Lusail, there will be a range of international schools, several of which are due to open in the next few years. Qatar’s Supreme Education Council’s (SEC) Outstanding Schools Programme selects the best schools from around the world – which teach the most reputable national and international curricula – and supports them in establishing a school in Qatar. As part of this programme, Qatar’s Outstanding Schools include Arabic, Islamic studies and Qatari social studies in their curriculum. The scheme has seen many well-known international school groups set up schools there, such as SEK International School Qatar.


The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is offered by 14 schools in Qatar. ACS Doha, part of the ACS International Schools Group, is an IB World School and also offers the US High School Diploma – accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). “Accreditation is an important quality mark for an international school,” explains Mark London, head of marketing at ACS International Schools. “It recognises and demonstrates that the educational offering reaches the highest levels of teaching and learning.”


Founded in 2008, The International School of London Qatar builds on over 40 years’ experience of its UK sister school. It is also an IB World School, authorised to offer the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes.


ADVICE ON SCHOOL SELECTION When choosing an international school, Amin Makarem, managing director of the ISL Group, suggests parents check out the local government requirements, such as children having identifications before they can be enrolled, and admissions deadlines, which are often also dictated to the schools. He adds, “It’s also important for parents to check out the student population and the proportions of the different student nationalities, find out which countries teachers are recruited from,


research the school’s external examination results


(or the results of standardised tests, if applicable), and review school accreditations.”


BEYOND QATAR AND THE UAE


Saudi Arabia has made the headlines recently with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s state visit to the UK in March 2018. During the visit, the prime minister and Crown Prince launched the UK-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, where they committed to a long-term partnership supporting the Crown Prince’s reform programme ‘Vision 2030’. Foreign secretary, Boris Johnson said, “This landmark visit has been an opportunity to strengthen and broaden our relationship into new areas. Education, healthcare, clean energy, culture, sports and tech are all sectors where we have world-leading expertise and which are fundamental to the successful realisation of Saudi plans.”


Saudi Arabia is expected to see rapid growth in the number of international schools once the law prohibiting full foreign ownership of schools is relaxed. It is not yet confirmed when this will come into effect but it will pave the way for investment in the country’s education provision and its current 257 international schools are likely to sky rocket in numbers.


180 | relocateglobal.com | Keep Informed


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