Dubai: Of the almost 1,000 complaints received by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) this year from parents, the most common was about school fees.

The authority that regulates all private schools in Dubai said it received 948 complaints this academic year, out of which 167 were regarding school fees.

Teacher conduct came second in the list of woes with 149 complaints, while problems related to student admission was third with 130 complaints. Complaints about health and safety (115), school administration affairs (115) and school communication (74) were also in the list.

However, since the introduction of a Parent-School contract by KHDA in 2013, the complaints have shown a 20 per cent decrease this year, Amal Bel Hasa, Chief of Compliance and Resolution Commission at KHDA, told Gulf News.

The contract aims to reduce disputes between parents and schools by outlining each party’s rights and responsibilities.

“Both schools and parents have a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities from the outset, resulting in fewer complaints. More disputes and issues are being discussed and resolved directly between the schools and parents,” she said.

The contract is currently adopted by 24 private schools and 38,624 pupils. This includes 22,885 Emiratis, which accounts for 78 per cent of the Emirati pupil population in Dubai’s private schools.

Amal said the KHDA plans to implement the contract in all the schools within the next five years.

“The Parent-School contracts were designed to increase communication between schools and parents, as well as helping both parties to understand their rights and responsibilities. The contract includes an appeals process, which means more disputes can be resolved directly between the school and parents,” she said.

The contract has added additional terms this year that require students aged above 15 to sign the contract as well.

Speaking to some parents, Gulf News found that school fee issues are in fact among the worst burdens that parents face in Dubai.

“I have two children in grade 5 and 7 and I pay around Dh30,000 annually for each. It is the number one burden I currently have in my life. But that is how it is here, I have accepted it and I see no use in complaining, I just hope my children’s education will allow them to have a successful life,” said Jordanian father Osama Al Haj.

Palestinian mother of three Sara Al Khatib said fees are one of chief concerns she has about her daughter’s schools.

“Fees are an issue and they will always be an issue, but I am currently worried about one of my daughter’s teachers who seem to be not teaching well in class. I have already complained to the school. I also complained about the lack of activities in school,” she said.

Sara, whose daughter is in a school that has implemented the parent-school contract, believes that it is effective especially when it comes to attendance. “I think twice before not sending her to school now, and I am confident that my rights are protected as a parent through the contract.”

Categories that received the least complaints this year include proper admission age applied to specific grade (3 complaints) and education centres facilities (6 complaints).

Amal said the authority will refer the complaints to the relevant body and investigate thoroughly on a case-by-case basis.