Schools and Nurseries with Places - Right Now!
Choosing a school is a big decision, but sometimes it is one that has to be made quickly! Maybe you've just landed in the UAE, or maybe you have made a last minute decision to change your child's school. Whatever the reason, this round up of established schools and nurseries with availability for January 2022 and onwards is sure to help.
Nb. we will update this article regularly, if you are look for a school and your child's start date is a few months away, please bookmark the page and return frequently.
Dubai Schools With Availability
Nord Anglia International School, Dubai
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
The NAS Dubai Admissions team can be contacted by filling in an enquiry form here.
Is the school currently available for tours?
Limited touring is available - after school hours only.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Yes. There is an expected time of approximately four weeks given to visa processing.
What other paperwork is needed?
The application will require school reports, copies of the passports and UAE ID cards if available. Application link here.
What is the total capacity of the school, and how many students are currently enrolled?
NAS Dubai responded: "Currently undergoing a Sixth Form expansion to support the growing interest due to offering both IB Diploma and A Levels".
Which year groups have availability?
Limited spaces are available across year groups.
GEMS World Academy, Dubai (GWA)
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Medina Malik, Registrar - [email protected], call 04 373 6373 or visit the school website : https://www.gemsworldacademy-dubai.com/en/.
Is the school currently available for tours?
Parents can visit the school at any time.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Yes, the school can manually register children while their Visa is under process. Parents to sign an undertaking that they will provide this.
What other paperwork is needed?
Parents can apply online
The supporting documents that are required when a registration is submitted are:
- Student Birth Certificate Copy
- Student Passport Copy
- Student Visa Copy
- Student Emirates Card ID Copy (both sides)
- 2 recent Passport size photographs
- Immunisation Certificate Copy
- Most Recent School report/nursery (previous 2 years) copy
- Medical Declaration and Mandatory Information Forms
- Sponsor Passport Copy
- Sponsor Visa Copy
- Sponsor Emirates ID Copy
What is the total capacity of the school, and how many students are currently enrolled?
Capacity 2,047 - 1,444 enrolled.
Which year groups have availability?
All year groups (Nursery to Grade 12).
Arcadia School
Which year groups have availability?
For primary, Years FS1, FS2, Year 1, Year 4, Year 5 (limited) and Year 6. In secondary. Open seats in Year 7 (limited), Year 8 and Year 9. All year groups have availability for Academic Year 2022-23.
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
- Arcadia Admissions Team on: [email protected]
- Head of Adminssions: [email protected]
- Website Inquiry
Is the school currently available for tours?
Yes, both schools are available for tours which can be arranged through the contacts included.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Yes they can - subject to the demonstration of the process beginning. Schools can then apply for special permission to commence.
What other paperwork is needed?
- Student Passport Copy
- A transfer certificate from a previous school for students from Year 2 and above
- Parent Passport copy or EID or Residence visa copy
What is the total capacity of the school, how many students are currently enrolled?
- Arcadia Primary School (FS1 to Year 6) - Current (COVID) capacity 690. Enrolled 600.
- Arcadia High School (Year 7 to 9) - Current capacity 150. Enrolled 100.
GEMS Wellington Academy –Al Khail (WEK)
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Lene Heum, Registrar - [email protected], call 04 512 9100 or visit the school website.
Is the school currently available for tours?
Parents can visit the school at any time. Alternatively there is a virtual tour showcasing the school and facilities - https://www.gemswellingtonacademy-alkhail.com/en/Admissions/Virtual-Admissions-Centre
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Yes, the school can manually register children while their Visa is under process. Parents to sign an undertaking that they will provide this.
What other paperwork is needed?
Parents can apply online through this link. The supporting documents that are required when a registration is submitted are:
- Student Birth Certificate Copy
- Student Passport Copy
- Student Visa Copy
- Student Emirates Card ID Copy (both sides)
- 2 recent Passport size photographs
- Immunisation Certificate Copy
- Most Recent School report/nursery (previous 2 years) copy
- Medical Declaration and Mandatory Information Forms
- Sponsor Passport Copy
- Sponsor Visa Copy
- Sponsor Emirates ID Copy
What is the total capacity of the school, and how many students are currently enrolled?
Capacity 1,803 - 1,674 enrolled.
Which year groups have availability?
FS1 to Year 12.
Emirates International School, Jumeirah
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
For EISJ registrar: [email protected] and Assistant Registrar: [email protected]
Is the school currently available for tours?
For the first 2 weeks not available due to Covid 19 Protocols. As of the 17th January, school tours will be available, please contact the school for timing and availability.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Yes, they have 45 days grace period from the start date of school to submit the residency visa and the Emirates ID.
What other paperwork is needed?
Parent Documents Required
- Latest passport copy of Primary Contact
- Latest residency visa of Primary Contact
- Latest Emirates ID of Primary Contact (front and back)
Student Documents Required
- Latest passport copy of Student
- Latest residency visa of Student
- Latest Emirates ID of Student (front and back)
- Birth Certificate
- Vaccination Card
- End of year report card of AY 20-21 and Term 1 reports of AY 21-22
What is the total capacity of the school, and how many students are currently enrolled?
EISJ total capacity of school is 2500 students, and currently enrolled 2000 students.
GEMS Royal Dubai School (RDS)
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Noha Abdelfattah, Registrar - [email protected], call 042886499 or visit the school website : https://www.royaldubaischool.com/en.
Is the school currently available for tours?
Parents can visit the school at any time.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Yes, the school can manually register children while their Visa is under process. Parents to sign an undertaking that they will provide this.
What other paperwork is needed?
Parents can apply online through https://www.royaldubaischool.com/en/Admissions/Virtual-Admissions-Centre.
The supporting documents that are required when a registration is submitted are:
- Student Birth Certificate Copy
- Student Passport Copy
- Student Visa Copy
- Student Emirates Card ID Copy (both sides)
- 2 recent Passport size photographs
- Immunisation Certificate Copy
- Most Recent School report/nursery (previous 2 years) copy
- Medical Declaration and Mandatory Information Forms
- Sponsor Passport Copy
- Sponsor Visa Copy
- Sponsor Emirates ID Copy
What is the total capacity of the school, and how many students are currently enrolled?
Capacity 1,169- 879 enrolled.
Which year groups have availability?
All year groups apart from Y3 and Y6.
Victory Heights Primary School
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Contact the admissions team on: [email protected] or to fill in the application form on the website: here.
Is the school currently available for tours?
Yes. Parents can book school tours via website or directly contacting us at: 044 23 1100 or by sending an e-mail to the email address above.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
New joiners can start their educational journey with VHPS while their documents are still in process.
What other paperwork is needed?
Parent and student passport copies are sufficient at the beginning.
These are required registration documents: 1) child's passport copy, 2) child's birth certificate, 3) transfer certificate copy from the previous school, 4) attendance letter from the previous school, 5) child's Emirates ID, 6) parents' Emirates IDs, 7) residence visa of sponsor parent, 8) completed VHPS and DHA medical forms, 9) child's immunization record and 10) completed VHPS parents security ID application form along with photographs.
What is the total capacity of the school, and how many students are currently enrolled?
Capacity: 900 students with 852 students enrolled.
Which year groups have availability?
FS2, Y2,Y3,Y4, Y5 and Y6.
GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa (FPS)
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Jenny Sutton, Registrar - [email protected], call 04 278 9700 or visit the school website : https://www.gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.com/.
Is the school currently available for tours?
Parents can visit the school at any time. Alternatively, parents can arrange a video call with a member of the school Senior Leadership Team. Alternatively, parents can visit the virtual school tours offered on the website.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Yes, the school can manually register children while their Visa is under process. Parents to sign an undertaking that they will provide this.
What other paperwork is needed?
Parents can apply online through https://www.gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.com/Admissions/Virtual-Admissions-Centre
The supporting documents that are required when a registration is submitted are:
- Applicant’s and Sponsor's passport (2 copies)
- Applicant’s and Sponsor's Emirates ID Cards (front and back)
- Parents’ passports
- Applicant’s and Sponsor's UAE Residence Visa (2 copies)
- Applicant’s Birth Certificate (in English or Arabic)
- Vaccination record/s
- 4 recent passport sized photographs of the applicant
- Report cards from the previous 2 years
- Reports relating to a student’s additional support requirements, where applicable
- Transfer Certificate (for admission to Year 2 upwards)
What is the total capacity of the school, and how many students are currently enrolled?
Capacity 1,621 – 1,503 enrolled.
Which year groups have availability?
All year groups.
The Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Parents can apply or enquire online or call +971 44464333 to speak with a member of the Admissions team.
Is the school currently available for tours?
Yes, school tours are available. In line with Covid-19 protocols, tours are organised by appointment only, and places are limited. Please note: there are select timings according to your child’s year group.
You can register for a school tour HERE.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Yes, however parents will need to provide proof that the visa is in process.
What other paperwork is needed?
Along with a completed application form we will require the following:
- Previous School Report
- Passport Copies of pupil and Parents/Guardians
- Copy of ID of pupil and Parents/Guardians
- Completed Transfer Certificate (if transferring from another school in Dubai)
What is the total capacity of the school, and how many pupils are enrolled?
The Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai currently has over 300 pupils enrolled. The school will grow year by year and eventually will be able to accommodate 2000 pupils.
Which year groups have availability?
We are still accepting applications for the current academic year. As we receive applications throughout the year, places will be confirmed once the application is received and the assessment is processed. HERE you can find the link to apply.
GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis (WSO)
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Sarah Christiansen and Michelle Repsold, Registrars - [email protected], call 04 515 9000 or visit the school website.
Is the school currently available for tours?
Parents can visit the school at any time. Alternatively, parents can arrange a video call with a member of the school Senior Leadership Team. There is also virtual tour showcasing the school and facilities - https://xcalibur360.com/vr/gems/tour/.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Yes, the school can manually register children while their Visa is under process. Parents to sign an undertaking that they will provide this.
What other paperwork is needed?
Parents can apply online through this link.
- One copy of the student’s passport
- One copy of both sides of the student's Emirates ID card (if available)
- Two years of full school reports and any mid-year interim reports from the current academic year, must be included.
- Reports must be in English. Nursery report required for Foundation Stage 1 and 2 children (if available). If your child has received any learning support/special education please provide all reports/information
What is the total capacity of the school, and how many students are currently enrolled?
Capacity 3,554 – 3,308 enrolled.
Which year groups have availability?
Nursery to Year 12
Ranches Primary School
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Parents can contact Louise Luchford, Admissions Coordinator via email on [email protected] or on +971 4 4429765. Should they have any specific questions or wish to book a tour Parents can then apply online at www.rpsdubai.com (via Admissions/How to apply/ click on the Step 1 link).
Is the school currently available for tours?
Tours currently take place each Monday and Wednesday at 8.15am for FS and 8.45am for Years 1-6. Separate tours are available at 1pm each Monday for Ranches Nursery (children aged 18 months to 3 years). Numbers are currently restricted due to the current COVID19 restrictions and a place will need to be booked. Following the updated protocols from KHDA, all visitors who enter the school premises should provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken in the previous 48 hours.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Yes, students can start at the school whilst their residence visa is being issued.
What other paperwork is needed?
Once the online application has been received, parents will be contacted detailing the initial paperwork required. There may be some additional documents required in certain Year groups but the main documents are as follows:-
- 1 Copy of Passport
- 1 Copy of Residence Visa (if available)
- 1 Copy of Birth Certificate in English
- 1 Copy of Emirates ID Card (Both sides, to be provided on or before the first day of school)
- 1 Copy of Parents Emirates ID Card (Both sides, to be provided on or before the first day of school)
- 2 passport size photographs (Please ensure original passport size photographs are provided. Copies will not be accepted)
- Copy of up-to-date Immunisation Record
- Copy of Health Insurance Card
- Last 2 years school reports including the most recent school report (if applicable)
- Any reports relating to assessments or evaluations together with any progress reports
- Transfer/Leaving Certificate from previous school
What is the total capacity of the school, and how many students are currently enrolled?
Current capacity, 768 students and 720 students enrolled.
Which year groups have availability?
Some availability in each year group (FS1 to Year 5), although Year 6 and Ranches Nursery are at capacity.
South View School
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Is the school currently available for tours?
Yes.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
A 4-week window is offered.
What other paperwork is needed?
Passport, previous school reports (Transfer Certificate for pupils moving within the UAE).
What is the total capacity of the school, and how many students are currently enrolled?
1600 capacity, 1100 current.
Which year groups have availability?
At the moment, all but EYFS and Y5 have less than 5 per Year group available.
Abu Dhabi Schools with Availability
GEMS World Academy - Abu Dhabi (WAA)
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Hamsa Rakem, Registrar - [email protected], call 02 641 6333 or visit the school website : https://www.gemsworldacademy-abudhabi.com/.
Is the school currently available for tours?
Parents can visit the school at any time. Alternatively, parents can arrange a video call with a member of the school Senior Leadership Team. There are also virtual school tours offered on the website.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Yes, the school can manually register children while their Visa is under process. Parents to sign an undertaking that they will provide this.
What other paperwork is needed?
Parents can apply online
The supporting documents that are required when a registration is submitted are:
- Applicant’s and Sponsor's passport (2 copies)
- Applicant’s and Sponsor's Emirates ID Cards (front and back)
- Parents’ passports
- Applicant’s and Sponsor's UAE Residence Visa (2 copies)
- Applicant’s Birth Certificate (in English or Arabic)
- Vaccination record/s
- 4 recent passport sized photographs of the applicant
- Report cards from the previous 2 years
- Reports relating to a student’s additional support requirements, where applicable
- Transfer Certificate (for admission to Year 2 upwards)
What is the total capacity of the school, and how many students are currently enrolled?
Capacity 420 – 393 enrolled.
Which year groups have availability?
All year groups (Pre-k to Grade 7, subject to approval for Pre-k, Grade 6 & Grade 7).
Al Ain Academy
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Parent Relations Executive [email protected] and/or the Admissions Department [email protected].
Is the school currently available for tours?
Both virtual and in school physical tours are available, please sign up via the website or email the PRE who will arrange a tour for you [email protected]
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Students need to be in the UAE in order to be registered with eSIS and they need to be registered with eSIS before they can start at school with us. We are able to register students that do not have their Emirates ID, but parents would need to sign an undertaking saying that the students Emirates ID will be ready by the end of the respective term.
What other paperwork is needed?
Passport, Emirates ID and most recent report card.
What is the total capacity of the school, and how many students are currently enrolled?
There are 976 students enrolled at Al Ain Academy.
Which year groups have availability?
Nursery; Year 03; Year 04 and spaces available in secondary school.
West Yas Academy
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
The admissions officer at [email protected] or +971 2 885 7053.
Is the school currently available for tours?
Yes, either virtual or in person.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Yes, parents can sign an undertaking that the visa will be issued and the Emirates ID will be submitted to the school once issued within a deadline suggested by ADEK.
What other paperwork is needed?
For the application we only need a copy of the Emirates ID \ Passport and a copy of the latest 2 report cards. After the offer is sent we will send a list of the required documents to the parents to submit with the acceptance.
What is the total capacity of the school, and how many students are currently enrolled?
The campus can accommodate 1115 students.
Which year groups have availability?
Limited availability for 2021-2022 and admissions open for 2022-2023. Please contact the Parent Relations Executive to find out more: [email protected].
Nurseries with Availability
Al Forsan Nursery, Aldar Academies
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Contact the admissions team on: [email protected] or complete the application form online: here .
Is the nursery currently available for tours?
Yes. Parents can book virtual or face to face school tours via the website or directly by contacting: 02-813 2301. Alternatively, parents can e-mail the Parent Relations Executive [email protected].
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Yes. New joiners can start with Al Forsan Nursery while their documents are still in process.
What other paperwork is needed?
Parents can apply online through https://www.alforsannursery.sch.ae/apply-now/
The supporting documents required:
- Emirates Identity Card (EID) / Diplomatic Identity Card/ Court Letter
- Passport of the student and both parents
- Residence Visa of the student and both parents (not applicable to UAE and GCC nationals and Diplomats)
- Birth Certificate
- Address/location
What is the total capacity of the nursery, and how many students are currently enrolled?
Capacity: 189, 172 students enrolled.
Which year groups have availability?
There are available seats in Pre-FS and FS1.
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Parents can call 04 255 4649 or email : [email protected]
Is the nursery currently available for tours?
Yes, by appointment only.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Yes.
What other paperwork is needed?
- Passport copies child and parents
- Emirates ID copies of child and parents
- Visa copies of parents
- Completed application form
- 1 passport sized photograph of your child
Which year groups have availability?
Waiting list for some age groups, as of Jan 1, 2022 there is availability for Pre-FS and FS1.
Creative Nest Nursery
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Parent Relations Executive, Ms Suha on [email protected] or 0504388500 (whatsapp) or 042633876.
Is the school currently available for tours?
Yes.
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
If in process, yes.
What other paperwork is needed?
Emirates ID, passport, (child and parents), vaccination record.
Which year groups have availability?
All.
Little Land Nursery
Who should parents contact to begin the application process?
Is the school currently available for tours?
From 3rd January (outside children hours).
Can students start prior to their residence visa being issued?
Every situation can be considered.
What other paperwork is needed?
Parent and Child govt ID, child photos, birth cert, child’s normal vaccination record
What is the total capacity of the nursery, and how many students are currently enrolled?
104 is the capacity and we have 4 places available.
Which year groups have availability?
For children with DOB Jan- May 2019.
