UAE Schools See 95% Attendance As BBQ, Fun Events Welcome Students Back

Classrooms across the UAE came alive on Monday (January 5) as students returned after the winter break, with schools reporting attendance of around 95 per cent on the first day. While most schools observed a month-long holiday, students following Indian and Pakistani-curriculum returned after a shorter three-week break.

Regardless of the calendar, headteachers said the mood on campus was upbeat, calm and organised, with children eager to reconnect with friends and teachers.

At The British International School Abu Dhabi, the first day back felt less like a restart and more like a reunion. Principal Alan Cocker described the morning as defined by warmth and preparation, noting that behind the smiling faces was careful planning to ensure everything ran smoothly.

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"Our teams were fully prepared, and seeing students reconnect with friends and teachers made it a joyful start to the term. Attendance was very strong, with approximately 95 per cent of students present on the first day, and we were delighted to welcome around 50 new students and their families into our school community. This reflects the strong sense of belonging that families value, particularly during the UAE's Year of the Family.”

Cocker added,“All classes resumed as planned, and the week ahead is a busy and exciting one. We have a Family Fun Run and BBQ bringing our community together, Senior School Awards Ceremonies celebrating student achievement, Duke of Edinburgh students currently out on expedition, and Year 13 students beginning their mock examinations.”

School leaders stressed that although the first day appeared relaxed and cheerful, it was the result of weeks of preparation. From transport and safety checks to staffing and timetables, teams worked to ensure a seamless return.

At The Indian High Group of Schools, CEO Punit MK Vasu pointed out that strong attendance reflects student enthusiasm and a culture of discipline among families in the UAE.

“A dedicated team of leaders and administrators ensured that all safety, security, and operational protocols functioned seamlessly. Attendance is compulsory for all learners on every working day of the academic year unless an absence is unavoidable due to medical or genuine family emergencies.

Learners are enthusiastic about returning to school, especially on the first day after a break. Coupled with engaging activities planned by educators, attendance levels remained strong, averaging between 96 per cent and 98 per cent across age groups.”

Principals also noted that parents are informed of term dates well in advance and are careful to align travel plans with the academic calendar. This contributes to consistently high attendance across the country.

In Dubai, Dewvale School echoed similar sentiments, with hallways once again filled with chatter and laughter.

Principal Seema Umar said the focus this week has been on easing students back into learning while keeping their enthusiasm up.

“Around 95 per cent of students were present on the first day back. It was wonderful to see the school buzzing with energy, with students excited to reconnect with their classmates and teachers.

All classes resumed as scheduled on the first day. The week's agenda is structured to ensure a smooth transition back to school while maintaining strong academic momentum.”

Welcome back BBQ organised by schools

Some schools went a step further in welcoming families back. In the capital, Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi hosted a Welcome Back BBQ before the first bell rang. This initiative aimed to rebuild connections after the break.

Principal Liam Cullinan said the event helped set a positive tone for the term ahead.

“The first day back after the winter break was extremely positive and ran very smoothly. Our Welcome Back BBQ, held ahead of the first day of term, set a strong tone for the weeks ahead. It brought families together, welcomed new students into our community, and created a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere that helped everyone feel connected before returning to routine.

We missed the rhythm of the school week. Attendance was good at approximately 94 per cent, which shows that students and families were relaxed after the break and keen to return to the school week.”

Meanwhile, school leaders pointed out that the extended break allowed the school to complete upgrades that would not usually be possible during term time.

Matthew Burfield, Principal, GEMS Founders School, Al Barsha, said,“The extended break gave us time to do a few more things than we would normally do. At the Founders Green - our central playground - we've been able to plant all the trees and create shaded seating areas across the space.

“It's a large green area that can comfortably accommodate a few hundred children and offers an alternative for those who don't necessarily want to play sports. It's a place where students can sit, talk and connect with each other, and that entire space has now been completely revamped.

“We've also finished work on our Key Stage Five iHub on the Phase Two rooftop. The space includes a podcast studio, a full iMac suite that will function as a media communications hub, a dining area, and a large raised garden. It's a huge, multi-purpose space designed specifically for older students.”

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