In light of the ongoing conflict and instability across parts of the Middle East, Lumos Education have had a number of clients considering the possibility of relocating their families out of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These may mean a temporary move back to their home country, be that UK, US, France or Italy. Corporates employing other clients have considered assigning them elsewhere on short notice.
An immediate concern for Lumos Education in these situations is continuity of schooling, particularly given that this is not a typical point in the academic year for students to start in a new school. Many schools in London have been very accommodating and open to children starting at the end of the academic year, in the summer term.
Schools in Dubai switched to online learning at the beginning of the conflict. Dubai schools managed the transition to online schooling extremely well. The Ministry of Education announced a return to in person schooling in April. In light of additional developments this week, we understand that there has been a temporary return to online schooling in the region. At present, it is uncertain how long the disruption will last.
Understandably, families and organisations are trying to anticipate what educational options may realistically be available in other destinations. For families returning to their home country, state or public education is often the most viable option. In London or the wider UK, a placement in a state or free school would take a minimum of two weeks to arrange, depending on how long the London borough or local authority take to process the paperwork. London’s private international schools, such as ACS Cobham in Surrey and the International Community School (ICS) in Marylebone are accustomed to welcoming families who need to relocate at short notice. Some of London’s private British education system schools are also open to supporting families who require in person education, subject to the usual admission requirements which may involve an interview and entrance exam. London’s private French schools, such as the Lycée Charles de Gaulle in Kensington, operate a fixed registration system at certain times of the year: Registration to Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle: A Guide – Lumos Education. In the United States, students are often able to enrol in public or state schools relatively quickly once documentation—such as proof of residence and vaccinations—is in place.
During the Covid Pandemic, we saw several US families relocating to London to access in person learning in British private schools, whilst many US schools remained closed, and children were learning online: Johanna Mitchell on the US families relocating to the UK – Finito World. If a family is entering a country on a temporary visa, this can influence which schools are accessible, as policies differ widely across education systems. Some schools will consider visa status as part of admissions; others will not.
When it comes to supporting children through these transitions, our priority is always to ensure continuity, stability, and the best possible school for each child—whatever the circumstances.
To discuss finding the best school for your child, please contact us.
