Nord Anglia Education
WRITTEN BY
Nord Anglia
07 January, 2025

Best Practices for Transferring Schools and Curriculums Mid-Year

Best Practices

Transferring schools or changing curriculums during the academic year is a significant decision for both parents and students. Whether the move is prompted by relocation, changing educational needs, or dissatisfaction with the current school, families often face challenges when shifting from one educational system to another. This article provides expert guidance on the best practices for transferring schools and curricula mid-year, with insights from Mr. Waleed Al Qassem, Admissions Manager at Nord Anglia International School Al Khor (NAISK), and Ms. Sana Obaid, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Family Liaison at the same institution.

Understanding the School Transfer Process: Essential Tips

When transferring schools, particularly in the middle of the academic year, it’s vital for parents to understand the transfer process, including the differences between various educational systems and how to navigate them. Both Ms. Obaid and Mr. Al Qassem offer valuable insights on making this process as smooth as possible.

  1. Communicating with Parents: Understanding the New Curriculum

The first and most important step for parents is to understand the curriculum their child will be entering. Mr. Al Qassem explains: "When parents are transferring from, any curriculum to a British curriculum, especially in secondary school, they need to understand what their child will face. The first thing they need to know is why they’re making the move, and how their child’s education will progress."

Understanding the differences between curricula is crucial, especially when transferring between systems with significantly different structures. Mr. Al Qassem adds, "In the American curriculum, for example, a Grade 4 student would join Year 6 in the British system, not because they’ve skipped a year, but because of age equivalency. This can be confusing for parents."

  1. The Required Documentation for a Smooth Transition

A smooth transfer also requires the right documentation, and both Ms. Obaid and Mr. Al Qassem emphasise the importance of completing this process accurately.

Mr. Al Qassem outlines the essential documents needed: "Parents must provide passport copies, QIDs, vaccination records, health cards, birth certificates, and school reports for the last two years." It's also essential that all attestation documents are properly handled to ensure their authenticity, particularly when transferring from an international school.

“Regardless of which country families transfer from, each country would have their own equivalency in grades and language and this in turn must be attested in accordance with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar,” confirmed Mr. Al Qassem. Ms. Obaid stresses: "The school must review the reports before starting the attestation process to ensure we don’t waste the family’s time and money."

  1. Full Transparency on Special Needs and Behavioural Issues

Honesty plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition for students with special educational needs or behavioural challenges. According to Mr. Al Qassem, transparency is key: "90% of the admissions process is based on honesty. Parents often hide vital information, such as learning difficulties or behavioural issues, but being upfront helps us provide the best support for the child." Adding that "if a child has behavioural issues, it’s essential that the new school is aware. It’s not easy to accept a student with behavioural problems, but understanding the background helps us manage the situation effectively."

Ms. Obaid concurs, noting that “the school he/she is coming from should provide an accurate report that is sent to the school along with the ministry.”

  1. What is the Best Time to Transfer?

When it comes to timing the transfer, Mr. Al Qassem confirms that the beginning of the academic year is often the best time for a transfer. Mr. Al Qassem explains: "For primary students, the start of the academic year in September is ideal. However, for families transferring from countries like India, where the academic year ends in March, it’s often better to wait until January. This way, the child can continue within the same academic year."

However, secondary school transfers are more complicated, particularly when moving into Year 10, as Mr. Al Qassem notes: "Year 10 is the most challenging year to transfer because students are beginning their GCSEs or IGCSEs. It’s a key stage in their education, and it requires careful planning."

So, while there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the best transfer timing depends on the specific situation and the academic calendar of both the old and new schools.

  1. Language Proficiency: Overcoming Language Barriers

One challenge many students face when transferring from international schools is a lack of proficiency in English. This is especially true for families coming from outside of Qatar. Mr. Al Qassem explains, "Students from Malaysia or Indonesia for example often join British schools with little to no English. This is also true for students coming from Middle East countries like Syria and Jordan.  Although it’s not a requirement to have strong English when joining, it does become part of the assessment process."

Mr. Al Qassem adds: "Students from the International curriculum schools generally don’t face the same challenges because they already have a good command of English. However, for those who do struggle with language, we support them by focusing on improving their English during their first year at NAISAK."

  1. Behavioural Problems: How Schools Handle Behavioural Issues

Students who are transferring due to behavioural issues need special consideration. Mr. Al Qassem points out: "If a child is being bullied or is facing behavioural problems in their current school, the parents need to communicate this during the admissions process. We need to understand why the child is transferring so we can help them transition smoothly into the new environment."

Mr. Al Qassem further explains: "Sometimes, parents may try to cover up behavioural issues, but it’s crucial to be transparent. If we know upfront, we can support the child better and ensure they are placed in an environment where they will thrive."

Conclusion: Best Practices for Successful School and Curriculum Transfers

Transferring schools or changing curricula mid-year can be complex, but with the right approach, the process can be far less stressful. Key to a smooth transition is understanding the new curriculum, ensuring all necessary documentation is in place, being fully transparent about any special needs or behavioural issues, and choosing the right time for the transfer.

As Mr. Al Qassem outlined, honesty and clarity are essential. By working closely with school admissions teams and communicating openly, families can ensure their child’s transition to a new school is as seamless as possible, setting them up for academic success.

Parents should also bear in mind that each transfer is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the process will vary depending on factors such as the country of origin, the age of the child, and the timing of the transfer. However, by following these best practices, families can minimise disruption and give their child the best chance of success in their new school environment. NAISAK is proud to accept students from around the world ensuring that each child is nurtured, happy, and excelling in their new school home.

Interested in joining our vibrant learning community? Learn more about Nord Anglia International School Al Khor (NAISAK) and the opportunities we offer by visiting our Admissions Page or scheduling a tour today!