Admissions Policy
Admissions Policy
Admissions Policy
1. Purpose
Al Fanar School is a British curriculum primary school committed to providing high- quality, innovative, and holistic education to students of all nationalities, aged 1 to 11 years old. We embrace diversity by welcoming students from all segments of society, including those with special educational needs, and prioritising the inclusion of Emirati families to promote cultural identity and heritage.
Our ethos fosters global citizenship while honoring the cultural context of the UAE. The curriculum adheres to rigorous academic standards, aligned with the English National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring clear knowledge and skill expectations to support academic and personal growth
At Al Fanar, we prioritize well-being, creativity, autonomous learning, and forward- thinking, alongside a robust academic foundation. Our approach aligns with Dubai’s National Agenda, focusing on happiness, innovation, and student achievement, while nurturing twelve core capabilities for holistic development.
This Admissions Policy serves to inform prospective parents about our admission criteria and processes, ensuring transparency, fairness, and equity. We strive to attract families who value our vision and are committed to partnering with the school and broader community to cultivate every child’s potential.
2. Scope
The Al Fanar admissions policy outlines eligibility criteria and the application process- including required documents, deadlines, and selection factors such as academic performance and extracurricular achievements. It also details how decisions are made and communicated, offers procedures for appeals and special considerations (e.g., for transfers or applicants with special needs), and ensures the protection and confidentiality of applicant data, all in compliance with relevant legal and accreditation standards.
3. Policy Statement
Al Fanar School is committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive, and academically enriching environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive. As a British curriculum primary school, we welcome students of all nationalities and abilities, prioritizing Emirati families to promote cultural identity and inclusivity.
Our admissions process is designed to be transparent, fair, and accessible, ensuring a good fit between students, families, and the school community. We aim to foster a strong sense of belonging and high aspirations for every child by offering comprehensive educational programs, pastoral care, and personalized support.
Admissions Approach
Individual Consideration: Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account academic readiness, behavioral aspects, and any additional learning needs to ensure the school can provide the required support.
Inclusive Practices: We are an inclusive school that welcomes both academically inclined students and those with special educational needs (students of determination). Our Inclusion Team, led by the Head of Inclusion, works closely with families to assess barriers to learning and recommend appropriate support strategies.
Assessment Process
Students undergo age-appropriate assessments aligned with KHDA guidelines to evaluate readiness and ensure that Al Fanar can fully support their educational journey.
Assessments focus on school readiness rather than exclusion, and where additional support is required, parents will be involved in planning and funding resources such as Individual Learning Support Assistants.
Admission Criteria and KHDA Compliance
Admissions operate on a “first come, first served” basis, adhering to KHDA’s age placement criteria and regulatory standards.
Parents must provide all required documentation, including previous school reports, professional assessments, and individual learning plans, where applicable.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) sets the standards for student registration, and both parents and the school are required to comply with KHDA policies. Additional resources, including KHDA’s Parental Guide for School Admissions, are available through the KHDA website.
Inclusivity and Support
We prioritise dialogue between the child, family, and school to assess learning needs and ensure a smooth transition into school life.
If a child’s needs cannot be adequately supported within the mainstream environment or if their placement would significantly impact the learning of others, the Principal and Head of Inclusion will carefully review and agree on any decisions before offers are made.
Commitment to Excellence
Our goal is to create a supportive and welcoming environment where every child can learn, grow, and achieve their potential. We invite all prospective families to meet with our Admissions Team to discuss their child’s needs and aspirations.
4. Guidelines
Prioritisation
Applications at Al Fanar School are processed based on a prioritisation system to ensure fairness and inclusivity. Priority is given in the following order:
Siblings of Current Students – To maintain family connections within the school.
Children of Staff Members – To accommodate staff needs.
Emirati Students – To support cultural identity and promote inclusivity.
General Applicants – Subject to assessments and availability.
Age Requirement
Al Fanar School follows the KHDA guidelines for year group placement. To be eligible for admission, prospective students must meet the age criteria corresponding to their grade level as outlined below. A student must have reached the specified age by August 31st of the academic year in which they are applying.
Previous Schooling
All new students must provide official documents from their previous school,including the most recent report card and test scores. All documents submitted must be in English.
For overseas students joining Grade2/Year 3 and above, the transfer certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of the school’s origin, as well as by the UAE Embassy.
For students transferring within the UAE,only the transfer certificate is required. Ifthe transfer certificate is not attested, it must be attested by the Ministry of Education in the UAE.
Exceptions and Adjustments to Placement
In special cases, adjustments to year group placements may be made based on the following considerations:
• Developmental Readiness: Students may be placed in a year group below their age expectations if this is deemed in their best interest. Such decisions require:
1. Parental consent.
2. Approval from KHDA.
3. Collaboration between the Principal and Head of Inclusion.
• International Transfers: Placement may take into account cut-off dates in the student's country of origin to avoid academic penalties upon their return.
• Academic Performance: A review of previous transcripts or report cards may determine eligibility for advanced placement if a student demonstrates exceptional academic performance and strong social skills.
Curriculum Compatibility
Al Fanar School follows the English National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. However, we welcome applicants from different educational systems.
• Age and Year Comparisons:
• Applicants from other curricula will be assessed for age-appropriate placement based on their most recent academic achievements and school reports.
• Adjustments, if needed, will follow KHDA approval and involve collaboration with parents to ensure smooth integration into the school’s academic framework.
This approach ensures that all students are placed appropriately to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, while maintaining compliance with KHDA standards and honoring the school’s commitment to inclusivity and holistic development.
5. Application Process
How to apply
Parents must complete the online application form available on the school website. Support is provided for parents requiring assistance.
A non-refundable application fee of AED500 applies per application. Payments can be made online (credit/debit card).
Applications are processed in the order received,and updates are provided within 15 days of assessment.
Required Documents on application:
Copy of the child’s passport
Copy of the child’s Emirates ID (both sides)
Copy of the child’s immunization records
Copy of the child’s birth certificate
Recent photograph of the child & parents
Copy of the father’s passport
Copy of the father’s Emirates ID (both sides)
Copy of the mother’s passport
Copy of the mother’s Emirates ID (both sides)
Reports of additional learning support needs (if applicable)
Copies of the child’s school reports from the past two academic years
Attested Transfer Certificate (to be submitted before your child joins the school; this must be attested by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the UAE Embassy in the country of the school’s origin)
Pre application form and information videos
Once parents have applied, they will be sent a pre application form which they are required to fill out and send back tothe school. See appendix 1 for a copy of the pre application form. Parents will also be sent Al Fanar information videos to provide them with further information about the school’s approach.
School/ELC safeguarding form
If the child is currently in a school or an ELC, a form will be sent directly to their current setting. The form will ask for any safeguarding or inclusion information that needs to be shared by the school. This should be sent directly back to the school and will never be shared with parents. See appendix.
Once all of the above documentation is received, the leadership team will review the submitted documents and children will be invited to an in person assessment. If the child is overseas then the school will facilitate an online assessment.
Admissions Criteria:
Within the Al Fanar, the criteria of acceptance is on an individual basis. However, broadly we seek to enrol the following students.
Who are well-rounded and enjoy learning
Whose academic performance (where applicable) is at an appropriate level Whose conduct is good overall and those that are respectful to others
Who are and whose parents are committed to the Al Fanar school’s mission and vision and have an interest in the community
Whose qualities will enrich Al Fanar school and who will make a positive contributions.
Failure to provide accurate information during the applications process may result in the offer of a place being withdrawn.
Inclusive admissions
Al Fanar is committed to inclusivity, offering places to students of determination and ensuring access to personalized support plans.
Parents are required to disclose any learning support needs or submit educational assessments during the application process.
The School’s admission policy adheres to the stipulations of the UAE Federal Law No 29 of 2006 concerning the Rights of People of Determination.
The School’s admission policy adheres to the stipulations of the Dubai Law No 2 of 2014 concerning the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Emirate of Dubai.
The School’s admission policy adheres to the stipulations of the UAE Executive Council Resolution No. (2) of 2017 Regulating Private Schools in the Emirate of Dubai (especially
Article 4 clause 14; Article 13, clauses, 16, 17 and19; Article 23 clause 4)'
Article 4 Clause 14: To establish the conditions, rules, and standards that are required to facilitate the enrolment and integration of Students with disabilities in Private Schools.
Article 13 Clause 16: To treat its Students equitably and not discriminate against them on grounds of nationality, race, gender, religion, social class, or special educational needs of Students with disabilities.
Article 13 Clause 17: To admit Students with disabilities in accordance with the terms of its Educational Permit, the rules adopted by the regulator, and the relevant legislation in force.
Article 13 Clause 19: To provide all supplies required for conducting the Educational activity, including devices, equipment, furniture, and other supplies which the regulator deems necessary, such as the supplies required by Students with disabilities.
Article 23 Clause 4: To provide a special needs friendly environment and academic programmes appropriate for Students with disabilities in accordance with the rules and conditions determined by the regulator and the concerned Government Entities in this respect.
Al Fanar welcome students of determination and are committed to the following principles in line with the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (2017):
Admission to the school will not be conditional upon the submission of a medical diagnosis, and students will not be refused admission based solely on their special needs.
Students of determination are guaranteed the right to receive quality education and training across all phases of schooling.
Students of determination will be actively supported to participate in learning processes, develop their potential, and build relationships with peers in age-appropriate common learning environments.
Access to appropriate provisions, resources,and curricular options will be provided for students of determination.
Students of determination will receive necessary support, accommodations, and curricular modifications to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities.
The school promotes equity for students of determination.
Al Fanar school will fulfil their legal and moral responsibilities under UAE law to accommodate the needs of applicants. Further assessments and information may be requested from parents to provide effective support. For more information on parental rights and responsibilities in the admissions process, please refer to the KHDA publication"Advocating for Inclusive Education – A guide for parents."
Upon application to the school, parents are required to disclose any known additional needs their child may have. The Head of Inclusion will then arrange a meeting with parents to understand these needs and ensure appropriate provisionsand support arein place before thechild's entry into school.
Al Fanar school is not able to undertake any diagnosis for specific conditions and may request a formal assessment to be arranged at the parents’ or guardians’ expense that would support the students in-class learning, however, this is not a requirement to be accepted in the school.
The Head of Inclusion will assess and determine appropriate provisions for the student, which may include additional costs to parents or guardians. This could involve 1:1 Learning Support Assistants and/or specialist support from external agencies (such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy). All conditions for specific interventions will be agreed upon with parents upon acceptance of the admission offer and implemented post-admission. If additional needs are identified after admission, the school will collaborate with parents to provide the best possible support and educational plan for the student.
Where available, parents are expected to:
Provide the school with copies of all medical, psychological, or educational assessment reports that are available, before entry to the school. Such materials are a prerequisite in enabling us to provide the best education for the student.
Please refer to the school’s Inclusion Policy on the website or ask the Admissions Manager for a copy for further information.
Should a student require the support of an LSA (Learning Support Assistant) this practitioners must be approved by the principal and HoI prior to joining the team. The school holds full authority to recommend replacement or termination of an LSA where there are concerns around practice or support.
6. Acceptance of offers
Admissions Offers
Parents are notified of admission decisions within 15 days of assessment. Offers must be accepted or declined within 7 days.
Failure to respond may result in the offer being extended to a waitlisted candidate.
Managing Waitlists
Priority for Waitlist Placement:
Siblings of current students.
Children of staff members.
Emirati Students
Class sizes are capped at 15 students to ensure personalized learning.
Waiting lists are capped at 20students per grade level, with periodic-status updates provided to parents.
Parents must confirm their intention to remain on the waitlist within 7 days of notification.
Deferred Applications
Parents may request a deferment of their child's application to the next academic term or year,subject to availability.
Deferred applications are valid for up to one year.After this period, applications must be resubmitted,and deposits may be forfeited.
7. Registration and Re-Registration
Registration Fees
New Students:
All new students are required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of 10% of the annual fees to confirm their place at Al Fanar School.
This amount will be deducted from the first term’s tuition fees. This payment has to made within 7 working days
Re-registration Fees
Returning Students:
To secure their place for the following academic year, returning students must pay a non-refundable re- registration fee of 5% annual fees.
This fee will be deducted from the first term’s tuition fees for the next academic year.
Failure to pay the re-registration deposit by the specified deadline may result in the forfeiture of the student’s place.
8. Withdrawals
Relocations and Withdrawals:
Application and registration/re-registration fee will not be refunded if students choose not to return to school for the next academic year or choose not to take their offered places
Families who relocate outside the UAE or to another Emirate may request a refund of deposits before the new academic year begins.
Refund requests must be submitted in writing to the Admissions Office prior to the start of the school year.
Refund requests will be reviewed at the discretion of the Senior Leadership Team and may require supporting documentation.
Tuition fee refunds during the academic year will be processed in adherence to the regulations and guidelines stipulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
No refunds for registration/re-registration will be issued for requests submitted after the start of the academic year.
9. Outstanding Fees
Non-Payment of Fees:
Al Fanar School reserves the right to:
Withhold academic reports.
Deny re-enrollment for students whose fees have not been settled or who have a history of late payments.
10. Acceptance of Policies
By accepting a place at Al Fanar School, parents/guardians agree to comply with all school rules, policies, and expectations. This includes guidelines related to behavior, respect for others, attendance, use of school facilities and equipment, field trips, and academic integrity.
Intentional and verified violations of school policies—such as those addressing behavior, anti- bullying, and social media usage—may result in disciplinary actions, including suspension or withdrawal of enrollment from the school.
This ensures a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students.