DUBAI GROWS BY NEARLY 100%
Top UAE school – one of the only boarding schools in the Middle East – sees
record growth in number of boarders
[Dubai, September 27, 2023] Swiss International School Dubai (SISD), a unique IB,
bilingual boarding school based in the heart of Dubai, has seen the number of
boarders attending the Al Jadaf site rise by nearly 100% this academic year.
Some 20% of the boarding cohort of pupils are weekly boarders, spending weekends
at home.
One of Dubai’s youngest schools, recently ranked as one of the world’s top 100
schools, SISD has seen a significant growth and level of interest this year in
boarding – of nearly 100% growth year-on-year — and still growing.
There are several reasons why boarding has increased in popularity – but the main
attractions include the school’s world-class facilities, teaching excellence and the
rich, multilingual repertoire of both academic and pastoral care provided on site.
On top of this, part of the increase is reflected in the city’s rapid population growth –
which rose by some 86,607 people between June 2022 and June 2023, hitting a
population figure of 3,597,829 citizens.
Dubai is renowned for being a safe city in which to board, and is considered a
dynamic place with lots to do. And as a multinational city, Dubai is attracting new
residents who are interested in this type of destination for their children.
Principal Ruth Burke says: “UK and European boarding schools are often perceived
as old fashioned and very traditional in their approach to boarding. SISD is not like
that. We believe we are setting a new standard in what 21 st century boarding looks
like.”
Boarding students with a passion for sports can enjoy the world-class facilities and
training sessions — including a Speedo Swimming Club and an Athletics Club —
before and after school easier, without having to rely on early mornings and mum’s
taxi. Parents are relived of the burden of driving the kids to and from school early in
the morning and later in the evening, after normal school hours.
And with more time for sleep, and less stress in the logistics of taking part in extras-
curricular clubs, SISD sports students and teams tend to excel.
Students live in purpose-built boarding houses on campus, with either individual or
shared bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. They have access to a full academic
and pastoral care team living on site to support their needs.
There are pantries on each floor of each boarding house, and students are permitted
to make their own snacks and drinks. Older students have access to a cooker and a
washing machine to help develop these very important life skills.
Ashley Fitzgibbons, head of boarding, says: “Boarding in the UAE is fast setting the
tone for boarding schools worldwide. Refreshingly different, modern, sporty and well-
supported – that’s how our students and families describe boarding at SISD.
“It’s a fantastic option for both students and parents, and is well-suited for parents
who live in Asia, other GCC countries, or who want to send their children to a safe
and exciting city for their boarding experience.
“Our weekly boarding families are also increasing, as families find this a convenient
way of allowing their children to focus more on sports and academic studies, and
supports busy working parents.
“Boarding is also a great way of students having some independence, and preparing
them for life at university, away from home.”
The school’s Al Jadaf location provides easy access to Dubai international Airport,
the world’s largest airport hub, and let’s not forget that Dubai always ranks among
the world’s safest cities.
Ashley continues: “Boarding is ideal for parents who travel to Dubai and/or the
Middle East a lot, live in GCC countries, or who have commercial business interests
in Dubai.
We are also offering a new boarding skills life programme – preparing students for
life after school.”
At the heart of the school’s boarding philosophy is a desire to always maintain the
student/parent relationship, with parents encouraged to visit the students, and to
take them out at the weekends if they are in Dubai.
From a pastoral perspective, every student has their own specific boarding tutor who
is responsible for their general welfare, happiness, mental health and wellbeing.
Dedicated boarding counselling sessions are offered in three different languages.
There is also a dedicated boarding nurse who attends to students’ medical needs.
Boarding activities don’t end at the weekend, either, with a host of local weekend
trips – chosen by the students themselves – including the likes of the ICCA culinary
institute, the Emirati Centre for Cultural Understanding, Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi,
and of course, the beaches and malls.
After homework, extra-curricular activities and dinner, evenings are filled with
laughter and social activity, as students enjoy movie nights, barbecues and quiz
nights.
Student voice and agency is key, with boarding student leaders and ambassadors
playing a significant leadership role, not only within the boarding house, but also
within the school environment. They have the opportunity to support new and
prospective families with school tours, plan house activities, shape boarding house
rules and share their own experiences in the boarding school with other students.
They also provide significant input into menus, trips and the general running of the
houses.
SISD is ranked as one of the Top 100 schools in the world by the Spears Index and
Carfax Education.
