In this episode, Lauren Lucy Grafton, Senior Education Consultant in the UAE, joins Fiona Hughes D’Aeth, Head of Content Strategy, Independent Schools Show, to explore the journey from Dubai schooling to UK schools and how parents can successfully navigate the admissions process.

Together, Lauren and Fiona break down the UK school admissions timeline, including the key ages and year groups when families should start researching schools, making applications and preparing for entrance assessments. They discuss what parents moving from Dubai to the UK need to know about differences between the two education systems and how the admissions process can vary between schools.

The episode takes a detailed look at the ISEB Common Pre-Test - what it is, which schools use it, when children typically sit it and how parents can prepare their child effectively. Lauren and Fiona also explain the CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test), what it assesses, how it can be used by schools and how it differs from the ISEB Pre-Test.

From when to start the process and age-specific admissions timelines, to ISEB and CAT4 preparation, entrance assessments, school selection and the differences between Dubai and UK schooling, this episode provides practical guidance for parents planning their child’s transition from a Dubai school to a UK independent or selective school.

If you are a parent considering moving from Dubai to the UK, researching UK independent schools, or preparing your child for ISEB, CAT4 or school entrance tests, this episode is a useful guide to what to expect and how to plan ahead.