Dubai school closure: KHDA to find solution

Dubai education regulatory authority has stepped in to find a “suitable solution” in the closure of English College Primary School in June next year.

The school had informed its decision to close down, reportedly due to a financial crunch.

The parents, however, have stepped in to save the school and announced their willingness to bear an 20 per cent increase in fee in order to see the school functional.

The education regulatory body is now keen to find a solution so that the school’s 400 students, 25 teachers and 20 support staff remain unaffected.

“We are working closely with all associated parties at English College, keeping the best interests of students in mind,” informed Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director-General of Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

“The issue has caused distress to parents, teachers and students. As soon as further information is available, English College will communicate directly with the parents.”

The KHDA informed that they “are actively bringing the owner and associated parties together to find a suitable solution”.

The news has found favourable response from Facebook campaigners for the school. “Still awaiting official outcome, please keep up the posts and keep up the positivity. SOS.”

Many parents shared the optimism. A parent wrote, “Fingers & toes crossed !! Let’s hope it’s good news then we will all be dancing in the playground.”

Another parent added, “I believe there is a silver lining behind every cloud. We will all get some wonderful news soon.”

Parents and well-wishers have supported the “SOS English College Primary School” campaign on the social media, with 3,240 followers supporting the cause.

On November 18, in a letter to the parents of students in English College Primary School (which is now posted on the school’s official website), head teacher William Johnston informed about the closure.

“The Primary phase of The English College has been making a loss, which cannot be sustained. The KHDA who controls fees in all private schools has refused permission to raise our fees and, therefore, the board has come to the decision to close,” he wrote.

“The closure date has been set for the final day of this academic year – 30 June 2014.”

“The Secondary School remains unaffected by this and our Year 6 pupils will transfer there in September.”

The primary school was ranked “good” by the KHDA during its annual inspection last year. No schools were allowed to increase fees this year.



 

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