How it works
From a long list of schools to a place you feel sure about.
Most families arrive with a short window and a long list of schools. This is how Elizabeth helps you narrow it down, and what to expect along the way.
Timing
Where are you in the school year?
Choose the month you expect to move. You’ll see where it falls in the UAE school year and how much time that leaves.
September start 2026–27
British, IB, American, French and most international schools
- Autumn term 31 August 2026 to 11 December 2026
- Spring term 4 January 2027 to 2 April 2027
- Summer term 12 April 2027 to 2 July 2027
Half-term in October varies from school to school.
April start 2026–27
Indian, Pakistani and some other Asian curricula
- Term 1 6 April 2026 to 3 July 2026
- Term 2 31 August 2026 to 11 December 2026
- Term 3 4 January 2027 to 31 March 2027
The last day falls between 15 and 31 March, depending on the school.
Dates are from the KHDA calendar for Dubai private schools. Each school sets its own half-terms, and schools in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah follow similar but not identical dates. Whatever your timing, Elizabeth can help.
Process
How the work usually runs.
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Understand
Getting to know your child and your family: how school has gone so far, what matters to you, and where and when you plan to move.
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Narrow
Working out which schools are really worth considering, and setting aside the ones that wouldn’t suit your child or wouldn’t work for the family.
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Navigate
Visits, documents, applications, assessments and deadlines, and keeping in touch with each school along the way.
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Decide
Looking at the offers side by side and making a decision you feel comfortable with.
Every family starts in the same place: a free conversation of around thirty minutes. Request a free 30-minute call
The decision
An important decision, often made under time pressure.
Most families arrive with a short window and a long list of schools, and from the outside it’s hard to tell which differences really matter. The school you choose also tends to decide where you live and how the children get there each day, so it shapes a good deal of the move itself. That is a lot to weigh up while you are also moving country.
Families come to Elizabeth with all sorts of circumstances. A few common ones:
- Three children, three different year groups, and eight weeks before the move.
- A child thriving in a UK independent school, and parents unsure whether British or IB is the better next step.
- A Dubai neighbourhood already chosen, but no clear picture of which schools make sense from there.
- An offer from one school, while another the family prefers has yet to decide.
- A move in the middle of GCSEs or Sixth Form, when timing really matters.
Perspective
Schools known from within, not from the prospectus.
Most families get to know a school through its website, its inspection rating and an organised tour. Elizabeth has also seen schools from the other side, in the classroom, in leadership meetings, in admissions discussions and during inspection weeks. It makes it much easier to tell what looks impressive from what will actually suit your child.
About ElizabethQuestions
Questions families often ask.
When should we begin a UAE school search?
As soon as a move looks likely. Popular year groups can fill up, and some schools assess and offer places well before term starts, so more time usually means more choice.
That said, plenty of families start with only a few weeks’ notice and still find a school they are happy with. Timing varies a good deal by school, year group and circumstances, and working out a realistic timetable is one of the first things Elizabeth will do with you.
Can Elizabeth guarantee a school place?
No. Nobody honestly can, because each school makes its own admissions decisions based on the places it has and its own assessment of your child. What Elizabeth can do is make sure your child applies to the right schools, well prepared and in good time.
Does Elizabeth receive commissions from schools?
No. Elizabeth is paid by families and by no one else. She doesn’t take commission, referral fees or introduction fees from any school, so she has no reason to steer you towards one school over another.
Can she advise families who already live in the UAE?
Yes. Elizabeth works with families already living here who are thinking about a change of school, as well as families who are moving.
Can she work with more than one child in the family?
Yes, and it’s very common. Additional children are included in the same engagement. If they need different things or are joining different year groups, Elizabeth plans around each child while keeping the family’s day-to-day life in mind.
Does she advise on where to live?
As far as schools are concerned, yes. The search takes account of the areas you’re considering and the daily journey each school would mean, and Elizabeth will talk through how the two decisions affect each other. She doesn’t give property advice or act as an agent.
Can a family office or relocation adviser make the introduction?
Yes. Introductions from family offices, private banks, lawyers, immigration advisers and relocation professionals are welcome. Elizabeth then speaks to the family directly. There’s more on the page for professional advisers.
Begin with a private conversation.
The first conversation takes around thirty minutes and there is no charge. It’s simply a chance to talk through your situation, ask questions and see whether Elizabeth can help.
Request a free callor message on WhatsApp
Elizabeth replies personally, usually within the same working day.