Age Placement Guide

Let us simplify the Dubai school admission process and age requirements for you. Refer to the table below to learn more about the age cut-off for Pre-KG admissions (FS1 in the British Curriculum) as well as other grades. If your child has previously studied in a different curriculum, you can use this chart to compare grades and see exactly where they fit in.

School Age Cut-off Requirements

To support children’s wellbeing and readiness for school, education authorities have introduced age cut-off requirements that ensure children begin their learning journey at the most appropriate developmental stage, while also creating consistency across schools and Early Years providers.

These requirements apply to new student admissions from the 2026–27 academic year.*

*These age eligibility requirements apply to children enrolling in a school or Early Childhood Centre for the first time, in accordance with the approved age cut-off dates. Students who are currently enrolled in schools or ECCs will not be affected by this amendment.

KHDA FAQs

School Ages by Grade/Year
(New Age Eligibility Requirements)

School Ages by Grade/Year
(Current Students)

The table below shows the current age eligibility requirements, which remain unchanged for all students who are already enrolled. These requirements will continue to apply for the duration of the student’s enrolment.