4th February 2026

How the New Admission Age Cut-Off Affects FS1, FS2, Year 1 & Year 2

Based on ADEK Guidelines for the 2026–2027 Academic Year ADEK has introduced a significant update to school admission age requirements in the emirate. Effective from the AY 2026–2027, this revised rule applies to FS1, FS2, Year 1, and Year 2 admissions across British curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi, including Diyafah International School.

Understanding the new age eligibility cut-off is crucial for parents preparing their child’s school journey.

Key Takeaway: What Has Changed?

The new school-age cut-off in Abu Dhabi requires children to reach a specific age by December 31st for the AY 2026 – 2027. This change aligns with international early-years education standards across all curricula, including British curriculum schools like Diyafah International School and applies to new admissions only.

How the New Rule Affects Each Grade Level

FS1 /Pre-KG

• Requirement: Children must turn 3 years old by 31st December.
• Eligible Birth Year: 2023 This provides more opportunity for earlier school entry, especially for children graduating from nursery.

FS2 / KG1

• Requirement: Child must be 4 years old by 31 December.
• Eligible Birth Year: 2022 This ensures proper age alignment with the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and supports a smoother transition from nursery to FS2.

Year 1 / KG2 or Equivalent (Grade 1 Prep Entry)

• Requirement: Must turn 5 years old by 31 December.
• Eligible Birth Year: 2021 With a strong focus on foundational literacy and numeracy, Diyafah International School prepares children for confident progression to the primary stage

Year 2 / Grade 1 Admission Age Requirement

• Requirement: Must be 6 years old by 31 December.
• Eligible Birth Year: 2020

Why Did ADEK Introduce This New Policy?

The updated ADEK school-age policy is designed to:

• Promote fairness for children born between September–December
• Align UAE school admissions with international standards
• Improve consistency across different curricula (British, American, IB, etc.)
• Support social and emotional development before formal schooling At Diyafah International School, our admissions and academic teams are fully aligned with these changes to ensure students are placed appropriately for success.

What This Means for Parents

As a parent, here’s how this impacts your decision-making:

• More placement opportunities for children previously delayed due to late-year birthdays
• Greater consistency across school admission rules in the UAE
• Better alignment of your child’s age and academic development Diyafah International School offers guidance to help parents navigate age-based entry points and ensure a smooth admission process <u>For enquiry, call: +971 2 5585 665 ext. 106/110 </u>

Children who were not eligible to enrol in the 2025-2026 academic year due to being born between 1st September and 31st December 2021 will, in the 2026-2027 academic year, have the option to enrol in either FS2 (KG1) or Year 1 (KG2) based on availability and internal assessment conducted by the school

Policy changes can feel overwhelming — but with the right guidance and school support, they can be empowering. At Diyafah International School, we are committed to helping every family make informed choices that support their child’s learning journey. If you're considering admissions for 2026–27, now is the perfect time to plan, apply early, and secure your child’s seat at one of Abu Dhabi’s trusted British curriculum schools.