Admission

Age Groups

Dubai British School Mira accepts children from age three, with class placement determined by birth date according to KHDA regulations. For instance, the FS1 cohort includes those born between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022. Students entering Year 2 or above must provide a Transfer Certificate from their previous school, which helps track academic history. Since British year levels differ from IB grades—Year 2 and Grade 1 serve the same age group despite different names—families should consult the equivalency table when applying.

Student Assessment

Assessment methods vary by age: younger children in FS1 and FS2 participate in Stay and Play sessions that gauge development through informal observation, while those in Years 1-2 complete individual testing. From Year 3 onward, the school administers the standardized CAT4 alongside an English writing sample. The admissions team also requests a reference from the child’s current institution to better understand their progress and behavior. Once evaluations are complete and reviewed, successful applicants receive an offer requiring payment of the AED 4,000 registration fee within five working days (prices current as of 2026).

Mandatory KHDA Registration

Every student must be registered with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority before classes begin—a government requirement for all Dubai schools. Registration requires copies of the child’s and parent’s Emirates ID plus family contact details, though temporary registration via passport is acceptable while ID documents are being processed. The Transfer Certificate becomes legally mandatory from Year 3, without which enrollment cannot proceed. Attestation requirements depend on origin: North American and Western European certificates need only the principal’s signature, whereas those from Russia, Asia, and most other regions require multi-stage authentication through both countries’ education and foreign affairs ministries.

Enrollment Retention and Withdrawal

Families planning to continue at DBS Mira must pay a non-refundable AED 2,000 re-registration deposit each year, though exceptions apply for documented circumstances like relocation abroad. Those considering withdrawal should contact admissions early to ensure smooth transitions and proper documentation. The school may withhold report cards and Transfer Certificates until all tuition debts are settled, making timely payments essential. Refund structures depend on attendance duration: less than two weeks results in one month’s deduction, two weeks to one month means two months deducted, and beyond one month triggers retention of the full semester’s fees.