ADEK requires private schools to offer at least three equal tuition payments, while parents can use second-hand textbooks, devices and uniforms that meet school requirements.
Parents in Abu Dhabi will have more flexibility in managing private-school costs under the latest Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) School Fees Policy.
Private schools must offer parents at least three equal instalments for tuition fees, while schools can allow payments to be spread across as many as 10 instalments.
The policy also gives families more flexibility over school-related purchases by allowing students to use qualifying second-hand textbooks, devices and uniforms.
Parents can pay tuition in up to 10 instalments.
Private schools in Abu Dhabi are required to divide approved fees into six categories:
- Tuition fees
- Educational resources
- School uniforms
- Transportation
- Extracurricular activities
- Other fees
Schools may also charge separate fees related to board examinations.
For tuition, schools must offer at least three equal instalments.
They can, however, allow parents to spread payments across up to 10 instalments.
Schools can collect the first instalment as early as one month before the start of the academic year.
Schools must publish their approved fee structures and payment schedules online. The approved structure must also carry ADEK’s official stamp.
Second-hand books and uniforms are allowed.
One of the more significant provisions concerns educational materials.
If a student uses a second-hand textbook, device or school uniform that meets the school’s current requirements, the school must exempt the family from the corresponding fee.
That includes resold or donated items.
For textbooks, the edition must remain valid. For uniforms, the clothing must comply with the school’s current colours and designs.
The rule gives parents another way to reduce the cost of preparing children for the new academic year without compromising the school’s requirements.
Board examination fees must be clearly disclosed
Schools can charge separate fees for board examinations.
They may also impose administrative charges connected with those examinations, including costs related to document processing, invigilation and mailing.
However, these charges must be clearly explained and published on the school’s website, along with the relevant grade levels and any additional fees.
Schools must also comply with applicable VAT requirements.
School transport remains a major expense.
Transportation is not included in the tuition instalment rule and remains a separate component of school fees.
School bus subscriptions can cost parents between Dh5,000 and Dh8,500 per student, depending on the school and service.
That has prompted some families to explore alternatives such as:
- Family cars
- Carpooling
- Ride-sharing
- Public buses
- Shared taxis
- Other private transport arrangements
The high cost of school transport has become a growing concern among parents, particularly as the new academic year approaches.
Some families have also raised safety concerns about informal transport and called for stronger regulation of school transportation prices.
What the ADEK policy means for parents
The policy is intended to make private-school fees more transparent and manageable while giving parents clearer information about what they are paying for.
For families, the practical changes are straightforward.
Tuition can be split into at least three payments and potentially as many as 10. Eligible second-hand books, devices and uniforms can reduce certain school costs. Schools must clearly publish approved fees and payment schedules.
The overall aim is to make private-school costs easier to understand and payments easier to manage, without changing the school’s approved fee structure.
As school bus fees continue to rise, parents have identified six alternative modes of transport for their children to travel to school.
Supplied, source: Gulf News
