Switching schools: what parents need to know

What should parents consider when choosing a new school?

When choosing a new school, parents should look at the quality of teaching, the range of extracurricular activities, and the school's environment. At NAS Abu Dhabi, our dedicated teachers are committed to providing an excellent education and school experience daily. We offer a wide array of enrichment activities, from before and after school programs to transformational trips and expeditions. Our vibrant, inclusive environment ensures that every child feels safe, valued, and supported, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging students to thrive both academically and personally.

How does our admissions team support families?

Our admissions team is with you every step of the way. From the initial inquiry to enrolment, we provide personalised support, answering all your questions and addressing any concerns. We offer campus tours, meet-and-greets with school heads and teaching faculty, and detailed information sessions. For our Foundation Stage, we also offer Discovery sessions where parents and children spend a few hours at the school, meeting teachers, learning about our curriculum and teaching methods, and experiencing life as a Foundation Stage student.

How do we ensure transparent and effective communication?

Open, transparent communication is the foundation of a trusting relationship between our school and families. We use various channels to keep parents informed, including regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, webinars, school screens, and an intuitive mobile app. This app is a one-stop shop for parents, providing everything needed to stay up to date with school events and their child's life at school. Additionally, our open-door policy encourages parents to come in, ask questions, seek clarifications, or provide feedback.

How do we ensure that parents feel heard and valued in our school community? 

Feedback is crucial to our continuous improvement. Regular forums, coffee mornings, surveys, and our open-door policy ensure that parents have plenty of opportunities to share their thoughts and ideas. Our annual parent survey helps us learn, reflect, grow, and meet our community's needs. The survey results are discussed openly with parents in a Town Hall meeting, and we take measures to improve where necessary. Our heads of school are always available for a chat, and you'll see them daily at morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, helping us build a strong community with open communication.

How do we keep parents informed about their child's progress and school life?

We keep parents updated on school events and changes through notifications on our Parent App, supported by information on school screens, our whole-school newsletter, and weekly reminders from class teachers via email. Regarding academic progress, parents have regular opportunities to meet their child's teachers throughout the academic year. These meetings are crucial for understanding your child's academic progress, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and discussing their behaviour and well-being at school. Parents also receive periodic academic reports and can reach out anytime to discuss any pressing issues.

How do we attract and retain the world's best teachers?

Being part of the Nord Anglia group helps us attract and retain the world's best teachers by providing top-notch opportunities for skill and career development. We create an environment where teachers feel appreciated and supported to work at their best and develop in their careers. Our staff benefits from Nord Anglia University, which offers online training, resources from global experts, and best practices. We invest heavily in professional development with ongoing training and career advancement opportunities. Additionally, we offer workshops, conferences, and training through collaborations with MIT, Juilliard, and UNICEF. Our Executive Master’s in International Education from King's College London offers an in-depth understanding of school leadership in international settings. Regular collaboration within the Nord Anglia network keeps our staff at the forefront of educational excellence. This commitment not only attracts the best educators from around the globe but also keeps them motivated and inspired, ensuring the highest quality education for your child.

How do we maintain a low teacher-student ratio?

We prioritise small class sizes to ensure each student receives personalised attention. This approach caters to individual learning needs and fosters strong teacher-student relationships, which are crucial for effective learning.

What unique architectural and facility features does our campus offer?

Our state-of-the-art campus is designed with both students and parents in mind. We offer modern classrooms, well-equipped science and technology labs, and extensive sports facilities. The campus layout includes convenient parking, drop-off zones, and a welcoming Parent Cafe for parents to connect and engage with the school community.

How do we ensure the safety and convenience of our car park facilities?

Safety is our top priority. Our car park is monitored by security personnel and equipped with full-time CCTV cameras. We offer ground floor and basement parking with several access points, clear signage, a one-way traffic flow system, and designated drop-off and pick-up zones. To make operations even smoother, we offer a safe and reliable school bus service in collaboration with Global Wings. This service further eases the drop-off and pick-up process, ensuring convenience for families. Our Senior Leadership Team is always present at drop-off and pick-up points to ensure everything runs smoothly. We brief families on drop-off and pick-up procedures at the start of the year or when they join the school, ensuring a smooth and safe daily school run.

By addressing these common concerns, we hope to provide clarity and confidence to parents considering a switch to Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi. Please do reach out to admissions@nasabudhabi.ae if you have further questions or wish to speak to our team.

We look forward to welcoming new families into our vibrant and supportive community.