
Age-Grade Placement Guide
"At what age is my child ready for school?"
"I've just moved to a new country and I am not sure what grade my child should transfer to?"
At our GEMS schools, we are regularly questioned about the appropriate age for school admissions in the UAE. That's why we've put together this helpful guide with detailed tables for you.
School ages by grade or year
When it comes to the UAE, how do you understand what grade a 10 year old, a 12 year old or a 13 year old is in? This table lists the equivalent ages across different national curriculums. However, it should only be used as a guideline. We take the time to meet each and every new learner and their family before they start with us.
Age Requirements
When considering your child for a place at any of our primary and secondary schools, we may even conduct an age related placement test as part of the admission process. This is just to make sure we understand where your child is at today and consider how we can best fit them into the appropriate education level for them.
School Age Cut-off Requirements in Dubai
KHDA has changed the age cut-off requirements for FS1 or Pre-KG in Dubai for Academic Year 2021-22 onwards. Children enrolling in FS1 or Pre-KG in schools in Dubai starting in September must be three years old on or before August 31 of that year. Children enrolling in Pre-KG in schools starting in April must be three years old on or before March 31 of that year.
For more information, please visit the KHDA FAQ.
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