GEMS National School AL Barsha Admission Process

How to begin your child's journey...

Looking for school admissions in Al Barsha? We’re happy to welcome you to GEMS Al Barsha National School, where we aim to interview every child and their parents prior to entry. Each child must take an age-related placement test to ensure that they are ready for the high quality education on offer at our school. 

GNS school admissions can be made at any time through the Registrar, although there are cut-off dates during the year, which are designated by the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education also requires all students to submit certain documents to the school before they can enter the educational system in Dubai. 

Please note, our school also has space for children with additional learning needs and this will be discussed further, where appropriate, with parents during the admissions process. However, at this time our school does not have provision for children with severe or complex special educational needs. 

To Apply

Step 1: Submit an Online Enquiry.

Step 2: Check the email address you provided when submitting your Enquiry; a confirmation email will be sent containing your Enquiry Number. Do not lose this number. It is your reference point for all further application-related communication with the school.

Step 3: Pay the registration fee (Dhs525) and bring the following documents to the school to complete the registration process:

  • Copies of child and both parents’ passport plus UAE entry stamp and/or Residency Visa page;
  • 2 recent passport photographs (on photographic paper please);
  • Copy of your child's last school reports for all children entering Year 1 and above;
  • Transfer certificate. Please see below.
  • Full details of any special educational needs and individual education plans (IEPs) plus any Educational Psychologist's report if completed. It is essential that all educational history is presented to GEMS GNS prior to a place being offered;
  • 1 copy of your child's birth certificate (residents of some countries must produce an attested copy);
  • Full details of all vaccinations and immunizations for your child;
  • Copies of child and both parents’ emirates ID cards.

Step 4: The school will contact you to schedule an interview and/or assessment test.

Step 5: Bring your child at the scheduled time for their interview and/or assessment test.

Step 6: Upon completion of the interview and/or assessment test, the school will contact you if your child has been offered a place.

Note: Receiving an offer of a place at GEMS Al Barsha National School, does not automatically give a right of access to any other GEMS school.

Curriculum Criteria

If your child is currently attending IB/American/Indian/SABIS curriculum school which is up to Grade 12, then please complete the enquiry for a Year above the current Grade. For example- If your child is currently in Grade 2 then your enquiry should be for Year 4.

Age on Entry

Please see KHDA link to FAQs on changes to age requirements for 2023/24

Key Stage

Age on Entry

Year Group

Foundation Stage

3 Years (31st August )

Foundation Stage 1

4 Years (31st August)

Foundation Stage 2

Key stage 1

5 Years (31st August)

Year 1

6 Years (31st August)

Year 2

Key stage 2

7 Years (31st August)

Year 3

8 Years (31st August)

Year 4

9 Years (31st August)

Year 5

10 Years (31st August)

Year 6

Key stage 3

11 Years (31st August)

Year 7

12 Years (31st August)

Year 8

13 Years (31stAugust)

Year 9

Key stage 4

14 Years (31st August)

Year 10

IGCSE Examination

15 Years (31st August)

Year 11

As Level

16 Years (31st August)

Year 12

ADVANCED Level Examinations

17 Years (31st August)

Year 13

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