Arcadia British School is committed to ensuring our admissions process fully aligns with the latest KHDA requirements for EYFS enrolment in Dubai, while continuing to prioritise every child’s wellbeing, development, and academic success.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced updated guidance regarding Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) admissions across Dubai schools. Below, we explain what these changes mean for families applying to FS1/FS2 at Arcadia British School.

What Are the New KHDA Requirements for EYFS Enrolment?

KHDA has clarified age and placement regulations to ensure children are enrolled in developmentally appropriate year groups that are consistent across British curriculum schools in Dubai.

The updated EYFS enrolment requirements focus on:

• Age eligibility at the time of enrolment
• Alignment with the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework
• Clear progression from FS1/FS2 to Year 1
• Consistency across Dubai schools following the English National Curriculum

These measures support children’s social development, emotional wellbeing, school readiness, and long-term academic success.

EYFS Admissions at Arcadia British School

As a leading British curriculum school in Dubai, Arcadia British School follows the English National Curriculum, including the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

In line with KHDA guidelines:

• Children must meet the KHDA-approved age criteria for EYFS.
• Admissions decisions are based on date of birth and developmental readiness.
• Placement decisions are made in partnership with parents and in the best interests of the child.
• Transitions between EYFS year groups follow KHDA-approved progression standards.

Our Early Years provision offers a nurturing, play-based learning environment designed to support communication, physical development, emotional growth, and early literacy and numeracy foundations.

EYFS Age Criteria in Dubai

Parents applying for EYFS must ensure their child meets the official KHDA age requirements at the point of enrolment.

Key considerations include:

• Checking your child’s date of birth eligibility
• Understanding cut-off dates for the academic year
• Confirming alignment with KHDA regulations

If you are unsure which year group your child qualifies for, our Admissions Team is available to provide personalised guidance.

How Parents Can Prepare for EYFS Enrolment

To ensure a smooth EYFS admissions process at Arcadia British School, we recommend that parents:

• Confirm their child’s age eligibility under KHDA regulations
• Share any previous nursery or early learning reports
• Contact our Admissions Team for advice on the most suitable entry point
• Arrange a school visit to explore our Early Years environment

Early preparation helps ensure a seamless and positive start to school life.

Our Commitment to KHDA Compliance and Early Years Excellence

Arcadia British School remains fully committed to transparent and KHDA-compliant admissions processes, clear communication with families, a supportive and inclusive Early Years programme, and ongoing alignment with updated KHDA policies.

We continuously monitor KHDA guidance to ensure our admissions policies reflect the latest regulatory requirements for Dubai schools.

Contact Arcadia British School Admissions

If you have questions about EYFS enrolment, or KHDA age requirements in Dubai, our Admissions Team is here to help.

We warmly invite you to visit Arcadia British School, meet our Early Years educators, and discover how we support children during this important stage of their educational journey.

Start your child’s EYFS journey with confidence at Arcadia British School.