Dubai: Several private school groups in the UAE have formally applied, or are preparing to submit applications, to reopen campuses early ahead of the April 3 distance learning deadline, despite ongoing regional geopolitical tensions, according to local authorities.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai’s school regulator, confirmed on Tuesday that all private educational institutions will continue online classes until April 3, but schools may request an early return if they provide detailed justifications, with student safety as the primary consideration. Each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Ministry of Education.

Schools prioritise exam cohorts

Following earlier applications by Taaleem and GEMS Education to reopen from March 30, Leams Group, which operates four schools across five Dubai campuses, has confirmed it is seeking approval for examination cohorts.

Leams operates The Oxford School and The Indian Academy Dubai in Muhaisnah, as well as Apple International School Primary and Secondary and Apple International Community School in Qusais and Karama.

“Due to disruption experienced in March, mock examinations could not be conducted as planned, and submission of predicted grades to examination boards remains a critical requirement,” said Nabil Hasan Lahir, CEO of Leams Education, to Gulf News. The proposed reopening will be limited to identified exam groups, allowing focused preparation for board exams, completion of essential mocks, and accurate assessment.

Parents and students in these cohorts have been informed, with structured engagement meetings indicating general support. Students who prefer to continue distance learning will face no academic penalty, with online timetables, curriculum-aligned resources, and regular teacher interaction maintained.

Some schools hold back on reopening

Not all private schools are rushing to reopen. Woodlem Education, operating eight schools and two nurseries, has chosen to wait for government instructions before seeking approval. Its American and British curriculum schools continue online learning, while Indian curriculum schools are on academic year-end break, resuming on April 6.

Similarly, Sharjah Indian High School, initially scheduled to reopen on March 30, will maintain distance learning. Principal Dr Pramod Mahajan highlighted concerns over the practical limits of safety guarantees, questioning emergency evacuation protocols in the event of missile or drone attacks.

Schools prepare for future on-site learning

While some groups are not immediately reopening, they are actively preparing campuses to ensure safety when approval is granted. Measures include trained personnel, secure transport, real-time parent communication, and emergency response protocols.