Admissions at MBK School

Our Admissions Policy

We welcome applications from families seeking a values-driven, American-curriculum education in Al Ain. We comply with UAE and ADEK regulations, accept students without discrimination, and support learners with mild to moderate Special Education Needs (SEN). All students and families agree to follow school rules and policies.

Who Can Apply (Age & Entry)

• KG1: 4 years old by September 1 of the school year
• KG2: 5 years old by September 1
• Grade 1: 6 years old by September 1
• Grades 2+: Must show proof of successful completion of the previous grade (transfer letter within UAE or stamped transcript/letter if transferring from outside the UAE). 

How to Apply (Steps)

1. Contact us: Call, submit the online registration form, or visit Reception.
2. Initial guidance: Our team explains the process and collects basic details.
3. Assessment:
   • KG: Placement interview with child and parents.
   • Grades 1+: Placement test (written; may be on paper or digital).
4. Submit forms & documents (on assessment day or immediately after).
5. Decision & next steps: We contact you within three (3) days of the interview/test with the enrolment options.
6. Secure your seat: On acceptance, complete the acceptance form and pay 5% of the first installment (on-site or online). The first installment is due within 1 month before the academic year starts.
7. Uniform & books: Available within 1 week of school start (after first installment). 

Required Documents (Checklist)

• Completed and signed Application Form (student & guardian details)
• Birth Certificate (Arabic or English; attested by Foreign Affairs & UAE Embassy in country of origin)
• Vaccination card
• Copy of student passport
• Copy of guardian passport (valid UAE residency for expatriates)
• Six recent passport-size photos
• Previous school report/transcript (officially stamped)
• Transfer Certificate (Arabic or English; officially stamped)
• Medical & health agreement forms (completed)
• KG information form (for KG applicants)
• Good Conduct Certificate from previous school (if applicable)
• SEN records (if applicable)
• Parents–School Partnership Agreement (signed) 

If the Grade Is Full (Waiting List)

• Your child is offered the next place on the waiting list.
• We’ll explain any expansion plans and the likelihood of admission.
• We advise all wait-listed families to seek a parallel option.
• As places open, families are invited to continue the process in list order. 

Placement & Class Sectioning

We form balanced classes considering: mixed ability, learning mode (face-to-face/distance), gender balance, and a balanced mix of local/non-local students.

SEN & Gifted (GAT) Support

• We maintain registers for SEN and Gifted & Talented students.
• Each student on these registers has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), co-created with the SEN/GAT Coordinator, teachers, parents, and (where suitable) the student, and reviewed at least once per term.
• Support may include curriculum and assessment adaptations, seating plans, small-group/individual sessions, enrichment/acceleration, counselling/mentoring, and use of special equipment where appropriate. 

Admission Preferences (Order)

1. Current students re-enrolling and their siblings
2. Children of staff
3. Students living near the school (as defined by the board)
4. All other new students 

Capacity & Space Guidelines

• Kindergarten: up to 25 students, 1.5 m² per student
• Grades 1–7: up to 30 students, 1.5 m² per student 

Annual Re-Enrolment

• Continuing students are re-enrolled automatically, subject to confirmation of details with the Registrar and payment of the first installment for the new year. 

First Day at School

• Students report in school uniform at the notified time and are taken to their classroom (or we provide login details and timetable for distance learning).
• A staff member welcomes the student, shows their seat, and helps them settle in. 

Records & Transfers

• Admissions records are kept in hard copy (student file) and soft copy (school system).
• Relevant information (medical, SEN/GAT, languages, transport) is shared with the appropriate departments.
• Upon transfer, a complete report is sent to the new school.
• Enrolment registers are stored off-site, updated each term, and retained for 5 years before archiving.
• All students are registered in ADEK eSIS within ADEK timelines. 

Compliance & Review

• We follow all UAE and Emirate of Abu Dhabi enrolment laws and regulations.
• This policy is reviewed annually (or sooner if legislation changes or internal review is requested).