PARTNER CONTENT

Every summer, thousands of families relocate to the UAE.

As they begin researching schools, many naturally focus on curricula, examination results, university destinations and inspection ratings. These factors are important and should absolutely form part of the decision-making process. Yet after spending many years working in international education and speaking to parents, students, counsellors and school leaders globally, I have noticed something interesting. Very few parents begin by asking about grades. Instead, they ask questions such as:

Will my child be happy? Will they feel safe? Will they make friends? How is bullying managed? Will they fit in?

What they are really asking is something much deeper:

WILL MY CHILD BELONG?

I have come to believe that belonging is not simply an outcome of a successful school experience. It is one of the things that enables success. Of course, that doesn’t mean practical considerations aren’t important. They are. In fact, there are several questions every family should consider before making a decision

1. Which curriculum is right for my child?

One of the first decisions many families face is choosing between the British, American and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula. There is no universally “best” curriculum. The right choice depends on your child’s learning style, interests, future university plans and your family’s longer-term goals. The most successful students are often not those following the most prestigious pathway, but those following the pathway that suits them best.

2. What are our long-term plans?

Are you planning to remain in the UAE for a few years, or do you expect another international move in the future? Some families know they will eventually return to the UK, while others may remain overseas for many years. Thinking ahead can help you choose a school that provides continuity and flexibility.

3. How important is location?

The UAE is home to many excellent schools, but daily logistics matter. A long commute can have a significant impact on a child’s wellbeing and family life. Sometimes the right school is not necessarily the most famous school, but the one that works best for your family as a whole.

4. What opportunities exist beyond the classroom?

Education is about much more than examination results. Sport, music, drama, leadership, entrepreneurship, volunteering and community engagement all play an important role in helping young people discover their strengths and build confidence. When visiting schools, ask what opportunities exist outside the classroom as well as within it.

5. What support is available?

Every child is different. Some students need additional academic support. Others may need help settling into a new country, new culture or new environment. Understanding how a school supports students pastorally can be just as important as understanding its academic performance.

6. What happens after graduation?

For older students, it is worth understanding how schools support university and career planning. University destinations can provide useful information, but so can conversations about guidance, mentoring and the support available throughout the application process.

7. Will my child feel that they belong?

For me, this remains the most important question of all. When students feel valued, listened to and included, they are more willing to participate. They ask questions. They contribute ideas. They develop confidence because they know their voice matters.

By contrast, even highly capable students can struggle if they feel isolated or disconnected from their school community.

This is particularly important for families relocating internationally. Students are often leaving behind friends, routines and communities they have known for years. The right school does more than deliver a curriculum. It helps students feel welcomed, supported and connected.

The strongest schools are not simply places where people coexist. They are communities where people actively support one another’s success. This is one of the great strengths of international education in the UAE. Students learn alongside peers from different nationalities, cultures, languages and faiths. Through everyday friendships and shared experiences, they develop curiosity, empathy and confidence. They learn how to communicate across cultures and build relationships with people whose backgrounds may differ from their own. These skills are increasingly valuable not only for university, but for life.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Inspection ratings, league tables and examination results all have their place, but when visiting schools, I would encourage parents to look beyond the prospectus. Observe how students interact with one another. Notice how staff speak to students. Ask how new families are welcomed into the community. Find out what support exists for students who may need help settling in. The best school is not necessarily the most expensive or the most famous. It is the one where your child feels supported, challenged and able to thrive.

And perhaps the most important question is also the simplest: Will my child feel that they belong here?