Policy shift for 2026-27 academic year leads to withdrawn offers, altered year groups, and concerns over child readiness, leaving families scrambling for clarity.
DUBAI – A recent change to student age eligibility in the UAE has sparked confusion and frustration among parents, with some seeing confirmed school placements revoked and children moved to different year groups than originally planned.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) announced in December that for new admissions starting the 2026-27 academic year, children can enter Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) if they turn three by December 31 of that year, extending the previous August 31 deadline. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed the policy applies to new admissions in early years grades across Dubai.
However, the implementation has left many families in limbo. Parents report that schools are now applying the rules to admissions already secured, leading to withdrawn offers or suggestions that children skip a year or start earlier than anticipated.
“This sudden policy shift, without a grace period, raises serious concerns,” said Eshanka Wahi, a mother of two. Her elder son, born in October 2022, is now being asked to skip FS1 and enter FS2 as the youngest in his class, while her younger son would start FS1 at just two years and nine months old.
Another parent, Cristina Rusu, had her child’s FS1 enrolment rescinded due to the reclassification, only to find no space available in FS2. “We’re being forced to look at schools we never planned for,” she said.
Authorities Cite Federal Mandate, Experts Flag Developmental Risks
In a statement to Khaleej Times, the KHDA stated the update aligns with federal legislation. “Compliance with this legislation is mandatory and not subject to local discretion,” a spokesperson said, encouraging schools and parents to work together to support children’s wellbeing during the transition.
Educational and child development experts, however, highlight potential challenges. Rose AlKaabi of Woodlem British School noted the wider age range in a class could affect readiness and classroom dynamics, with limited recourse for parents to review placements later.
Dr. Sneha John, a psychologist at Medcare Camali Clinic, warned of developmental risks. “Children who start school too early often show patterns of elevated anxiety, difficulty sustaining attention, and poorer learning behaviours, which can impact academic skills through elementary school,” she explained.
As the 2026-27 academic year approaches, parents are urgently seeking clear communication and support to navigate the altered admissions landscape.
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