FS1 andFS2 Admission Guide Dubai.

For FS1 (Foundation Stage 1, called Pre-K or Pre-KG in other curricula) admission in the 2026-2027 academic year, children must turn 3 years old by 31 December 2026 in schools that start the year in August or September. This updated cutoff date replaced the previous 31 August cutoff. 2026–27 only: for a child born between 1 September and 31 December 2022 who is not enrolled at any school or nursery, the parents and the school may choose FS1 or FS2, and, under this one-year provision, British curriculum schools may allow limited flexibility for FS1 entry where readiness is formally assessed.

For FS2 (Foundation Stage 2, also called Reception, and KG1 in other curricula) admission in the 2026-2027 academic year, children must turn 4 years old by 31 December 2026 in schools that start the year in August or September. FS2 is the year before Year 1 (KG2 in other curricula).

FS1 (Foundation Stage 1) is the first school year in the British curriculum, equivalent to Pre-K or Pre-KG. FS2 (Foundation Stage 2) is the second year, also called Reception, and equivalent to KG1. Both are part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework in British curriculum schools. In American curriculum schools, the equivalents are Pre-K and KG1.

Common documents include: child's passport copy, UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, birth certificate, immunisation records from a DHA-approved clinic, passport-size photographs, and parents' identification documents. Some schools also request a nursery report or reference letter. Requirements vary by school.

FS1 and FS2 admissions are typically observation-based rather than formal testing. Schools may invite children for a play-based assessment or classroom observation to assess social readiness, communication skills, and basic developmental milestones. The focus is on readiness rather than academic knowledge.