Khaleej Times, 3 August 2026: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) released comprehensive placement guidelines for parents, clarifying how children will be assigned to grades or year groups in Dubai private schools during the 2026–27 transitional academic year.
The guidelines explain that placement depends on a child’s age, previous school records, and individual learning needs. For Pre‑KG through KG2 (FS1 to Year 1), age is the overriding rule. From Grade 1 (Year 2) onwards, the transfer certificate (TC) becomes the primary reference, with KHDA approval required if discrepancies arise between the TC and the UAE age–grade chart.
Key provisions include:
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Admission age cut‑offs: Children must reach the required age by December 31 for September‑start schools, or by March 31 for April‑start schools.
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Transitional flexibility: Applies only to new registrations in 2026–27. From 2027–28, all new admissions will follow the revised cut‑off strictly.
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Special cases: Children born between September 1 and December 31, 2022 may start in FS1 or FS2, depending on readiness.
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Overseas transfers: Children arriving from countries with later school start ages may enter their age‑appropriate grade, with schools providing targeted support.
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Exceptional placements: Allowed only with documented evidence of developmental delays, KHDA approval, and parental agreement.
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Restrictions: Children cannot be held back for maturity alone, nor moved down due to lack of English proficiency.
The KHDA emphasised that the rules ensure fairness, readiness, and consistency across curricula, while supporting children’s learning needs through structured interventions rather than grade repetition.
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