Getting slots in schools no longer a problem in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - 10 new schools with affordable fee structures are set open in Abu Dhabi soon.

Gone are the days when kids have to be wait-listed first to be admitted in a new school. Today, the increasing number of private schools in Abu Dhabi has provided parents with a wide range of choices for their children.
Official figures show that from 186 schools with 250,000 seats in academic year 2015-2016, the number has grown to 198 private schools are offering 295,000 seats for year 2018-2019.
The number of students who had enrolled in private schools across Abu Dhabi in the previous academic year reached 251,000.
By school year 2020-2021, the number of enrollees is expected to go beyond the 280,000 mark, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) said recently.
"Unlike in the past years when we used to line up for new school places for our children, the situation has now changed especially with new schools opening up in various residential areas," said Pakistani resident Mohammed Salim, who has two children going to private schools in Musaffah Shabia. "Having a variety of schools from where a parent can choose is very important."
Another parent, Indian resident Iqbal Abdul Rahman, said that six years ago, it was "very difficult" to get a slot in Indian curriculum schools.
"You had to book for a place for your child joining Grade 1 or other classes one year in advance or even earlier, because there were limited seats," said Abdul Rahman.
"But with many new schools now, we have a number of schools to choose from, based on the standard and performance of the school."
Adek earlier reported that 20 new private schools were inaugurated in Abu Dhabi in the previous academic year, aiming to meet the then growing demand.
In June 2018, the Abu Dhabi Executive Council approved an Adek proposal to develop private schools with a yearly limit on tuition fees of between Dh20,000 and Dh30,000 per student.
Education authorities said 10 new schools with affordable fee structures are set open in Abu Dhabi soon.
Adek had also adopted specific requirements for the registration of students, allowing all pupils - regardless of race or gender - to apply for admission in any private school.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com