Fee Increase 'Approved' for 39 Abu Dhabi Schools

Fee rises have been approved for 39 private schools in Abu Dhabi for the coming academic year.

The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) had received applications from 82 schools but a little under half have been allowed. Just 19 schools applied for increases last year.

There has been no official confirmation of the level of increases by ADEC but local media report that the average level is believed to be about 6 percent. Among the criteria used to approve increases are the performance levels of the individual schools according to the yearly inspection by ADEC; 'improvement in human resources'; 'investment in maintenance of school facilities'; 'percentage of Emiratis in key school posts and provision of special educational needs.

The amount of money paid by parents in school fees in the Emirate is Dh2.9 billion, according to the regulator. Almost half of pupils in the emirate (49 percent) attend schools that charge less than Dh10,000 a year. A quarter of parents pay between Dh10,000 and Dh20,000 while 15 per cent pay between Dh20,000 and Dh30,000. Just 11 per cent pay more than Dh30,000, says ADEC.