School admission in Sharjah can be daunting, especially to expat parents relocating to the UAE or relocating within the Emirates. With all the schools offering varying curricula—British, American, Indian (CBSE), and Emirati—a little insight on what is required in getting your child into a school is helpful. In an upper class or a kindergarten, planning and preparation are the key to a hassle-free admissions process.
1. Research Schools and Curriculum
Go through the different schools in Sharjah and see what they have to offer in their curriculum. Meet the school, fees, facilities of the school, extracurricular activities, and image of the school. The schools organize open days or virtual tours, where the parents can familiarize themselves with the environment and the teaching methodology.
Your syllabus must be kept with a future perspective towards the child’s education. For instance, CBSE is widely used in Indian homes, whereas British or American styles may be used by others.
2. Note Admission Schedules
The school calendar and time of application also vary for every school. For all of them, admission to school in Sharjah will generally be a few months before the beginning of the school year, i.e., April (in case of Indian curricula) or September (for British/American curricula).
Ensure to double-check application opening times on school websites or contact their admissions offices personally. To have the best opportunity of getting a place, apply early, especially for very competitive schools.
3. Documents Ready to Hand
You will require a list of documents ahead of time. Most schools need the following:
Completed application form (most of them online)
Photocopy of the child’s and parents’ passports
Parents’ and children’s Emirates ID copies
Child’s birth certificate
Recent passport-sized photographs
Transfer certificate from the current school
The latest report or transcript of the school
Medical records and vaccination history
Have these documents prepared in advance to avoid wasting time.
4. Apply Online or Person-to-Person
The majority of schools have an online admission platform now. Enter the information required, upload the documents, and pay the fee. Some schools might still be processing documents in person but only for verification.
Maintain a photocopy of all documents and fee payments for future use.
5. Visit an Entrance Test or Interview (If Necessary)
Your child can be called for an entrance exam or interview, depending on the class and school policy. The entrance tests help the school assess the study capability of your child, aside from his/her capability to manage the curriculum.
It is preferable to condition your child with some review of the fundamentals, such as English and Math, particularly for Grade 1 and above.
Conclusion
School admission in Sharjah is hassle-free when you’re properly prepared and ready. From curriculum searching to application form submission and paperwork, all steps count towards getting the best learning experience for your child. For quality learning and a balanced learning experience, visit The Royal Academy Ajman and search for next year’s school intake opportunities.
