Schools Situation in Dubai

[Chad Gates]

I am a Qantas Guy, looking at the "opportunity" created by the QF/EK deal.

My major concern (if I was lucky enough to get the job) is schooling for my kids. Can any of the new joiners give me an idea of the situation at the moment? I read in another thread someone mentioned that of 10 schools they called, 1 seemed to have a place.

Trying to talk the wife into it. Tough job.

[ironbutt57]

If wife doesnt like it....dont do it...trust me unless you are unemployed..:ok:

[fatbus]

Our school experience was very good. there are many good choices. As far as places go , the schools are a bit arrogant, some how spots come available. Seems they hold spots for the more connected types and when not filled come down to our level.

Also agree, wife has to want to come not be convinced.

[Chad Gates]

Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated.

[ekwhistleblower]

There are some great schools but space depends upon the age of your kids. The other posters hit the nail, happy wife, happy life!

[Chad Gates]

Not that I can change it, but which is better, older or younger?

[springbok449]

Chad,

You asking about wife or the kids...? ;)

[mini cooper]

First problem is you may end up living in a place nowhere near the school of your choice - get ready to do a lengthy school run!
Secondly your school of choice may not have places for both your kids - get ready for a long school run via 2 schools.
In an ideal world your kids will both get into your school of choice which is near to where you are allocated your accommodation. However if you brace your wife (and yourself) to having a long school run every morning, in busy chaotic traffic and a similar school run every afternoon then anything else is a bonus. Hope you realise that school starts early here so its up and at them early Sunday - Thursday!!
The earlier comment about your wife having to be 100% behind the move is SO important, if she is not happy you will be moving to a world of pain and thats before you even start line training ho ho ho!!!!!
Please seriously contemplate the move, the distance from parents/relatives, outdoor lifestyle that you have available now - it all plays a part.
Best of luck.
PS most of the schools here are very good!

[NGFellow]

Unless EK has preferential admission agreements with certain schools, expect to be on a waiting list for most of the good schools. We were on one list for almost two years (DIA) and then they were only able to offer admission to one of our children (as mentioned by a previous poster). So we chose to go with another school (not our first choice) just so that all of them would have the same schedule. We are happy with the school thus far. School fees go up quite regularly. Ours just had a 14% hike. If your employer pays 100% then it's a non-issue. But for many of us (non-EK) they pay only up to a cap and the rest is on you. Another point, figure out what curriculum you want to enroll in, as that will also make a difference in availability and price. We chose the IB program because of it's portability and general reputation. Good luck!

[littlejet]

I am a Qantas Guy, looking at the "opportunity" created by the QF/EK deal.

Sorry, I don't understand.
Will QF base their pilots in Dubai?
Will there be a single seniority list?

[Chad Gates]

:p springbok

Thanks for all the replies. I understand a long commute may be required but can I assume everybody is getting spots somewhere in Dubai?

I don't mean to be cryptic. As part of the QF/EK alliance, subject to getting the job, the "opportunity" is to go on three year Leave Without Pay. Our masters down here have made a big deal of the "opportunity" in our correspondence.

[Hu-Flung-Dung]

Found this little snippet which may be apt:

The scandal of UAE school fees - Education - ArabianBusiness.com (http://www.arabianbusiness.com/the-scandal-of-uae-school-fees-485734.html)

Good luck!

[singleseater]

As mentioned earlier, a lot will depend on the age of your kids.
Most schools have waiting lists is some years, but few have lists for every year.
Wife works in a very good school, English curriculum (IB, so immediately transferable to the Aussie system later) but run and taught mainly by Aussies and Kiwi's. Her school has waiting lists for the early years but not from Yr 9 on wards.
While there is no official policy, I know that EK kids get a bit of priority as do kids that have English as a first language.
Most schools have bus system, for which you pay and is not covered by the EK allowance and as mentioned earlier, the commute can get lengthy if you are any distance from the school.
Cost is an issue. EK cover the vast majority of it, but the fees are increasing as they reflect the cost of living here. Remember, schooling here is a business and schools are run that way.
The Government of DXB put a lot of emphasis on education and it has steadily improved for the last decade. Despite all the down sides, been here a few years and having friends/ relatives who work in the school system back home, the balance is that the schooling here is at least as good, if not better.