Thursday, Nov 21, 2013
Dubai: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has responded to parents’ plea to keep The English College’s primary school open by assuring that it is actively working towards finding a suitable solution.
The school told the parents earlier this week that it will close its doors on June 30, 2014 because it has been making a loss and the KHDA has refused to allow for a 20 per cent increase that will help in sustaining it.
In hopes of stopping the closure, parents delivered more than 250 signed letters asking the KHDA to make an exception and allow the increase in order to keep the school open.
Responding to the parents’ appeal the KHDA issued a statement stating that it is actively bringing the owner and associated parties together to find a suitable solution.
Dr Abdullah Al Karam, Director General of KHDA said: “We are working closely with all associated parties at English College, keeping the best interests of students in mind. We appreciate the issue has caused distress to parents, teachers and students. As soon as further information is available, the English College will be communicating directly with parents.”
The KHDA’s fee structure depends on the school’s ranking. The higher the ranking the more fee increase the school is entitled to.
The English College which has a ‘good’ ranking is allowed an increase of 4.5 per cent which, according to the school, given the already low fees that range from Dh23,600 to Dh29,093, is not enough for it to compete with other schools.
Parents told Gulf News that they are happy that the KHDA is responding to their efforts to keep the school open, however they won’t be at ease until an official statement confirming that it will remain open is issued.
Lucy Kidd, the British mum of two who delivered the letters to the KHDA said that she hopes that a solution will be found soon.
“It is a fantastic and great reaction however we will only rest until we get an official statement stating that the school will be open and will be sustainable enough to remain open for a long time.”
Another parent, Eliass Abood a Lebanese father of two students affected by the closure said that time is a big concern.
“We are happy with the KHDA’s response and appreciate its effort. My main concern is that if the solution takes long teachers and students will start moving to other schools which will make it more complicated. I hope that the KHDA finds a fast solution.
Julian Skyrme, UK, father of one English College student said that KHDA’s response helps in comforting parents.
“When there is speculation and rumours, the most important thing is transparency, I think that KHDA issuing the statement is an important step towards a good solution and helps in comforting the parents.”
By Noor Nazzal Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
