Hey Raha blog · UAE school life

First week at a new school in the UAE: a parent plan that works

By Marie Adly · 24 October 2026

You have the offer letter, the uniform is on order and the first day is coming. Your child is excited one minute and in tears the next. And you are wondering which of the six apps you were sent actually matters. A new school in the UAE, whether after a move from abroad or a switch between schools, is a lot to absorb in a week. This plan breaks it into small steps.

Last updated: 24 October 2026

Before day one: the paperwork

Most of the stress in week one comes from paperwork that was not finished. Check these before the first day:

1. Transfer or leaving certificate from the previous school. The UAE Government Portal: Switching schools page explains that within the UAE no test is needed to switch schools under Ministry of Education rules, though each school may apply its own criteria, and it points to Ministerial Decree No. 820 of 2014 for the transfer rules. Ask your new school exactly which certificate it needs.
2. Previous school reports, translated into Arabic or English if needed.
3. Emirates ID or residency details for your child, if the school asks for them.
4. Medical and vaccination records for the school nurse.
5. Fees, deposits and any outstanding forms on the parent portal.

Before day one: what to ask the school

1. Which year group or grade will my child join, and why? This matters if you are moving between curricula. Our UAE school year groups guide explains FS1, FS2, KG1 and Year 1.
2. What time is drop-off and pick-up, and which gate do we use?
3. Who is the class teacher, and how do I contact them?
4. Which app or portal is used for messages, homework and payments?
5. Is there a buddy system or a welcome session for new families?
6. What are the uniform, PE kit and lunchbox rules?
7. How does the school bus work, and when will the route be confirmed?

The night before

1. Uniform laid out, named and tried on.
2. Bag packed with a water bottle, a healthy snack and a lunchbox that fits the school rules. Our UAE lunchbox guide helps.
3. A short, honest chat: what will happen, who will meet them, when you will be back.
4. An early bedtime, even if they do not sleep straight away.

A day-by-day plan for week one

Day 1: Arrive early, find the right gate and keep the goodbye short and warm. Tell the teacher anything important, such as allergies, a nickname or a worry. After school, ask one open question, such as "What was the best bit?", then leave it.

Day 2: Expect tiredness. New routines, new faces and possibly a new language of instruction take energy. Plan a quiet afternoon.

Day 3: Check the app or portal properly. Set up notifications, find the timetable and note PE days, library days and any events this term.

Day 4: Ask the teacher for a quick update by message: settling, eating, making friends. Most teachers are happy to send two lines.

Day 5: Celebrate the first week. Something small and fun, and a weekend that is not overloaded.

Signs your child is settling, and when to ask for help

Most children take a few weeks to settle. Good signs include talking about a classmate by name, eating most of their lunch and fewer tears at drop-off. Speak to the school if, after a few weeks, your child is still very distressed, not eating, not sleeping or saying they have no one to play with. Many UAE schools have a counsellor or wellbeing lead. Ask the class teacher who to contact.

Handling the flood of messages

Week one brings welcome emails, app invites, class WhatsApp groups, uniform reminders and form deadlines all at once. Choose one place to check each evening and add the important dates to your calendar straight away.

First week checklist

Frequently asked questions

Does my child need a test to switch schools in the UAE?
Under Ministry of Education rules, no test is required to switch schools within the UAE, but each school can apply its own criteria. Check with the new school.

What documents does a new school in the UAE ask for?
Usually a transfer or leaving certificate, previous reports, ID and residency details and medical records. Requirements vary, so ask the admissions team for their list.

How long does it take a child to settle at a new school?
Often a few weeks. Speak to the school if your child is still very upset after that.

Can my child join mid-year?
Many UAE schools accept mid-year joiners if there is a place. Ask the admissions team about availability and the start date.

Which year group will my child join?
It depends on age, curriculum and previous schooling. Our year groups guide explains how FS, KG, Year and Grade compare.

Sources

• UAE Government Portal: Switching schools

Related: KHDA calendar 2026-27 · School emails survival guide · UAE year groups explained

More from the blog: the Hey Raha blog hub. New here? Our practical guides walk through the day-to-day.