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Foremarke School Review

4

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 22:21

Hi
We are moving to Dubai from the UK at the end of this year and I am in the process of applying to the following schools who have advised they have places for Year 1, DESS, Victory Heights and Foremarke.

This forum speaks highly of DESS and there are good reviews about Victory Heights but it have not found any recommendations about Foremarke. Foremarke appear to charge close to twice as much as the other schools and I was wondering why that is? Even the Oustanding KHDA rated schools do not charge as much as Foremarke.

I am visiting Dubai next week and have arranged tours at these schools but If there are any parents on this forum who have children at either of these schools, especially Foremarke, I would really appreciate your opinion.

Thanks in advance.

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337

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 11:21

Hi, We had a tour of Foremarke along with a few other schools a couple of weeks ago. I liked Foremarke for the small class sizes, and the children were obviously doing really well. The teachers all seemed nice as well. One thing to take into consideration is the fees - not only the annual fee but you also have to stump up a 20,000 AED "facilities" fee.... Foremarke positions itself as an English prep school abroad so if this is the type of education you want, it could be for you. We didn't choose Foremarke in the end, we went with Nord Anglia. But doesn't it follow the British Curriculum not the Independent schools curriculum that prep schools do? Yes, follows English National Curriculum but apparently will support those preparing for Common Entrance tests. Common entrance is a totally different curriculum to the English National. All Prep schools in the UK follow it, why does the school trade off the UK prep school system when its not following the curriculum?

204

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 10:36

Hi, We had a tour of Foremarke along with a few other schools a couple of weeks ago. I liked Foremarke for the small class sizes, and the children were obviously doing really well. The teachers all seemed nice as well. One thing to take into consideration is the fees - not only the annual fee but you also have to stump up a 20,000 AED "facilities" fee.... Foremarke positions itself as an English prep school abroad so if this is the type of education you want, it could be for you. We didn't choose Foremarke in the end, we went with Nord Anglia. But doesn't it follow the British Curriculum not the Independent schools curriculum that prep schools do? Yes, follows English National Curriculum but apparently will support those preparing for Common Entrance tests.

2738

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 10:05

Hi, We had a tour of Foremarke along with a few other schools a couple of weeks ago. I liked Foremarke for the small class sizes, and the children were obviously doing really well. The teachers all seemed nice as well. One thing to take into consideration is the fees - not only the annual fee but you also have to stump up a 20,000 AED "facilities" fee.... Foremarke positions itself as an English prep school abroad so if this is the type of education you want, it could be for you. We didn't choose Foremarke in the end, we went with Nord Anglia. But doesn't it follow the British Curriculum not the Independent schools curriculum that prep schools do?

1029

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 19:40

Are you sure ? the website says 500dhs admission fee.When we applied a few years ago and got turned down, they didn't take the 500dhs.May be things have changed since then...... Absolutely positive.... Just checked the email and we had to pay 300 on application last year.. So maybe it has changed since you applied. Yes it changed end of 2013 I think.

1029

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 19:37

I must admit, I was really surprised when DESS said they had places for Y1 starting in Jan. I do hope it's not just a case of collecting revenue from registration fees for places which already have long waiting lists. DESS is definitely not that kind of school. The only school I encountered like that was Horizon (absolutely shocking admissions policy which I am certain the KHDA has made them clean up on following many complaints 2012-2013.). DESS will let you know where you stand.

1

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 16:14

Hi, We had a tour of Foremarke along with a few other schools a couple of weeks ago. I liked Foremarke for the small class sizes, and the children were obviously doing really well. The teachers all seemed nice as well. One thing to take into consideration is the fees - not only the annual fee but you also have to stump up a 20,000 AED "facilities" fee.... Foremarke positions itself as an English prep school abroad so if this is the type of education you want, it could be for you. We didn't choose Foremarke in the end, we went with Nord Anglia.

2738

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 10 April 2014 - 08:53

Wondering if anyone can follow up with what they think of Foremarke? We want to get baby's name down for schools as early as possible. Is it as large as Repton? What are the class sizes like? Is it worth double the fees of everywhere else?!! Why not look at Jess? or Nord Anglia.

2738

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 10 April 2014 - 08:52

No, Foremarke is nowhere near as big as Repton. Repton has 10 classes per year and I believe Foremarke only has 2. Very true. However it is only for now. The school capacity is for 8 classes per year with appr. 16 pupils per class. They ARE promising to grow slowly, not jumping from current 2 classes to 6 or 8 overnight - but there are no guarantees (apart from the currently prohibitive price)... The same promises as Repton when it came.

50

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 April 2014 - 21:08

No, Foremarke is nowhere near as big as Repton. Repton has 10 classes per year and I believe Foremarke only has 2. Very true. However it is only for now. The school capacity is for 8 classes per year with appr. 16 pupils per class. They ARE promising to grow slowly, not jumping from current 2 classes to 6 or 8 overnight - but there are no guarantees (apart from the currently prohibitive price)...

1913

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 09 April 2014 - 20:04

No, Foremarke is nowhere near as big as Repton. Repton has 10 classes per year and I believe Foremarke only has 2.

1042

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 08 April 2014 - 20:43

Wondering if anyone can follow up with what they think of Foremarke? We want to get baby's name down for schools as early as possible. Is it as large as Repton? What are the class sizes like? Is it worth double the fees of everywhere else?!!

4

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 November 2013 - 22:04

I am not too sure where your information comes from Appletiser but I spoke to the Registrar face to face following a school tour at the end of Oct and she advised that there are places available in Yr 1 at DESS starting 5 Jan 14 <em>edited by IntrepidKiwi on 15/11/2013</em>

109

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 November 2013 - 10:21

We have attended both Repton and DESS and for us DESS wins hands down. But some schools suit some children and not others;- here are some of my observations;- They are very different schools so you have to weigh up what is more important to you. Repton has 10 classes per year where DESS only has 5! You are a just a number at Repton, nobody knows who anybody is, where the staff at DESS are more likely to know your childs name, for example the receptionist and librarian. If Christmas carol singing and concerts/plays are important to you, then DESS is the school for you. Repton don't host anything to do with Christmas. Also as far as I know Repton still don't have a hall to host any concerts. I think they still use the internal areas between class rooms etc. Repton is much stricter and rigid, for example if you child forgets (or parent) forgets their library book then they will have to wait a week to change it, they are not allowed in the library, where at DESS they can change their books as many times as they like during the week and are welcome to pop in and out of the library after school or even during play time. It is much harder to be included in one of the sports teams at Repton due to the high numbers and they will only be selected if they are the best of the best and can get changed on time and quickly. Repton also send home serious amounts of homework. There are several more reasons why we prefer DESS, but all schools are different so you have to decide which would work better for your child and your family. VH is a new school but only heard good things about it. Foremarke is owned by Repton, so assuming will be ran like Repton.

4

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 15:55

We visited Dubai last week (wow!) and we're very excited about moving there. DESS does charge 500 AED for registration as does Foremarke as we visited both schools and intend to register at both. They both have certain similarities to the school my child currently attends in the UK, although, they are completely different from each other.

5452

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 30 October 2013 - 12:29

Are you sure ? the website says 500dhs admission fee.When we applied a few years ago and got turned down, they didn't take the 500dhs.May be things have changed since then...... Absolutely positive.... Just checked the email and we had to pay 300 on application last year.. So maybe it has changed since you applied. Yes, you are correct. I went there last year and they told me that I had to pay per application form, even though they had no places for my children. I was also told to reapply every two years. I didn't ask but do they expect you to pay the application fee every two years?

1692

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 30 October 2013 - 07:01

Are you sure ? the website says 500dhs admission fee.When we applied a few years ago and got turned down, they didn't take the 500dhs.May be things have changed since then...... Absolutely positive.... Just checked the email and we had to pay 300 on application last year.. So maybe it has changed since you applied.

542

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 29 October 2013 - 21:42

Are you sure ? the website says 500dhs admission fee.When we applied a few years ago and got turned down, they didn't take the 500dhs.May be things have changed since then......

1692

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 29 October 2013 - 16:29

Unlike some, DESS does not clollect 500dhs fee unless they have a spot for you. No its just 300 they collect..

542

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 29 October 2013 - 15:47

Unlike some, DESS does not clollect 500dhs fee unless they have a spot for you.

4

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 13:09

I must admit, I was really surprised when DESS said they had places for Y1 starting in Jan. I do hope it's not just a case of collecting revenue from registration fees for places which already have long waiting lists.

1370

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 20:56

intrepidkiwi - don't give up on DESS. I got my kids in no problem and wasnt on a waiting list and several new starters at the same time as us. Quite a few new kids this year. Mine started Sept 2012 but both could have had places in Jan 2012 and one of them could have had a place in summer term 2012. The picture isn't always as gloomy as people say. I think the earlier years are more difficult but not impossible.

127

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 15:26

Horizon School is also worth a visit. Both my daughters go there, one of which is in year 1. I know that her class is not at capacity due to a couple of students leaving Dubai. We are very happy with the school and most importantly my girls love going. The school does show arounds on a Tuesday morning. Good luck.

1692

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 15:24

Very different schools, it is good that you can come and take a look for yourself. There is a cut off come the third week in January where internal transfers aren't permitted, so any availability following that will go to people coming from overseas. DESS has a lovely community feel to it.

793

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 15:08

DD started in Sept and I can't really fault it. I didn't expect certain things to be finished on time but they have been and everything has ran smoothly which is really what I need with my job. Communication is great, teachers are lovely and always willing to have a chat when they can. The school does start a little later than others which works for me perfectly but may not others (if got to drive to AD for example) Victory Heights is also lovely. 2 of my friends send their kids there and they love it!

4

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 14:37

Hhmmm, well I guess I will see for myself next week. I am looking forward to visiting the oldest established Brit school and these 2 new schools - the information on their websites make them all appear very good. I also made enquiries at JESS, JPS, Kings, WIS, Star Umm Sequim and Repton but they all have long waiting lists for Year 1 so I've decided not to visit those schools or even register as getting in next year seems near on impossible. Interestingly, the English Speaking College advised me to ring back in Jan as apparently places come up at the last minute as students transfer/leave. Mrs Chef good luck at VH. Perhaps both of our children will end up there.

1913

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 11:28

Foremarke is definitely open and I have heard that it is beautiful. They have some great staff there so it should be good.

139

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 11:13

As the school isn't open yet (I don't think it is?!) there probably won't be any reviews. I was interested in registering so sent them an email asking them to explain the additional facilities/services they will provide for the children which results in them charging twice, three x as much as every other school in Dubai. They basically came back with a very flimsy answer stating that because schools are only allowed to increase their fee's by (i think) 3-5% each year if they are awarded 'Excellent' by KHDA so basically, they are starting off high. I wasn't really satisfied with their answer so decided not to pursue it. My daughter is down for VH primary school so fingers crossed we get in there. Good Luck. Depending on where you'll be living you might also want to look at Repton which is the sister school to Foremarke.

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