'Unauthorised fee hike' at Dubai school suspended

Following complaints over “unauthorised fee hike” in an Indian private school, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has stepped in to put the revised fee on hold.

A spokesperson from KHDA confirmed the case is under investigation.

The decision was taken following numerous complaints over 'unauthorised fee hike'.

Elite English School received an ‘acceptable’ ranking from the Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB). And, based on this grading, it is allowed to increase the tuition fee by 2.92 per cent for the new academic year 2015-16.

However, some parents claim the school hiked the fees above the specified range and have since lodged a complaint with the school, and then the KHDA.

“It’s tough for families to deal with such massive increases. Had we known in time, we could have moved our child to another, more affordable school,” said a parent, requesting anonymity.

“It’s usually tough when it concerns our children, because we will still pay if we know that the money is being used genuinely.”

When Emirates24|7 contacted the school principal Valsala Mathew, she refused to comment on the matter but confirmed that the revised fee is on hold.

“I am waiting to hear from the KHDA,” she said. “We have been asked to withhold the matter.”

Elite English School offers classes from KG1 to Grade 12, and the annual fees range between Dh4,053 and Dh8,907.

Dubai schools are allowed to increase their fees for the academic year 2015-16 based on their DSIB rating.

‘Outstanding’ schools are eligible for a raise of up to double the ECI (5.84 per cent), ‘good’ for up to 1.5 times the ECI (4.38 per cent) and the rest will be granted the ECI rate (2.92 per cent).

“The fees framework balances the needs of schools and parents,” Mohammed Darwish, Chief of Regulations and Permits Commission at KHDA, had explained earlier.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.