Schools seek fee increase of 180%

Dubai: Fifty-one per cent of private schools in Dubai are asking for a fee rise of up to 180 per cent, the Dubai Educational Council has said.

An in-depth study on fee increases was conducted by the Dubai Education Council (DEC) after the licensing of private schools came under its jurisdiction, which was earlier the responsibility of the Ministry of Education.

Earlier this year some private schools announced their intention to increase monthly fees by 50 to 70 per cent, but were asked to put their plans on hold by the DEC following an angry reactions from parents.

Direct dialogue

Dr Abdullah Al Karam, DEC Secretary-General, said after considering the components of the educational sector, which sees an imbalance in demand and supply, and the lack of a quality assessment system the only option was to conduct a study to tackle the issue for the benefit of all parties concerned.

"The DEC's future approach will be based on opening a direct dialogue between parents and schools and producing a system that will rectify the imbalance. Putting a ceiling or capping increases is not a long term solution as it will bring about another ceiling on quality which we don't wish to encourage," Dr Al Karam said.