Indian schools in UAE begin new academic year online from April 6

Wed, Apr 01, 2026 | Shawwal 13, 1447 | Fajr 04:52 [Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.] Students in Indian curriculum schools across the UAE are starting the 2026–27 academic year online, with a few institutions already having begun remote classes on Monday and the majority of them starting on 6 April. Schools have adopted a blended model of synchronous and asynchronous learning, allowing students to balance live lessons with flexible, self-paced activities. These activities include morning assemblies, introductions to new teachers, orientation sessions, and remote student leadership induction ceremonies. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels. Live lessons are designed to be interactive, concise, and student-centred, making full use of digital tools, multimedia resources, and collaborative platforms to sustain engagement. Teachers will closely monitor student progress through formative assessments, digital assignments, and targeted feedback to ensure that learning outcomes remain consistent. Fatima Martin, Principal and CEO of GEMS New Millennium School, explained the approach: “The extension of distance learning does not alter the core academic or operational processes of the school; rather, it shifts their delivery online." Teaching, learning, assessments, routines, and student support systems continue as planned, ensuring continuity and familiarity for students, staff, and parents.” She added, “All scheduled events in the school calendar – including morning assemblies, student leadership induction ceremonies, and other key engagements – will proceed virtually, ensuring that student voice, leadership development, and community connection remain central to the school experience.” The school has also strengthened technology support, offering seamless access to devices and platforms, while teachers are trained to manage any disruptions during live lessons, ensuring learning continues in a supportive environment. Chitra Sharma, Principal of JSS Private School, Dubai, described how her school has prepared: “JSS Private School stands fully prepared, with its entire community aligned and ready to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted start to the academic year. Systems and processes have been streamlined to support students transitioning into new grades and classrooms, ensuring clarity and ease from the very first day.” Students will meet their new class teachers through virtual orientation sessions, structured assemblies, and “meet-your-teacher” interactions, designed to foster familiarity and reduce anxiety in the online environment. “The initial weeks will focus on diagnostic and formative assessments, enabling teachers to gauge student readiness and provide targeted support, ensuring that no learning gaps emerge,” Sharma added. Noufal Ahamed, Managing Director of Woodlem Educational, said his group has taken a student-centric approach to ensure smooth transitions. “We understand that the start of a new academic year, particularly in an online format, can be challenging for students moving into new grades. To address this, we are ensuring that parents and students receive clear and timely communication, including hyperlinked timetables that allow direct access to schedules and virtual classrooms.” He explained that virtual orientation sessions will introduce students to their new teachers and familiarise them with classroom routines and learning platforms. “These initial interactions are crucial in building confidence and a sense of belonging among students from day one," he reiterated. “To support parents, the institution will conduct Zoom training sessions for parents, enabling them to effectively assist their children at home," he added. Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women's narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it's the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage. ©2026 Galadari Printing and Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.