UAE Schools: What Parents Need to Know About Assessments After Half-Term Break
UAE schools are preparing for students to return to classrooms on October 19, 2026, following the October half-term break. School leaders are advising parents to help children prepare for upcoming assessments by restoring daily routines, ensuring sufficient rest and creating a supportive learning environment.
For schools following the UAE's unified academic calendar, the first-semester mid-term break runs from October 12 to October 16. However, assessment schedules vary depending on the school, curriculum and year group.
Schools Emphasise Assessments and Regular Routines
Simon Crane, Head Master at Brighton College Dubai, said the school has scheduled assessments after the half-term break, including for senior pupils.
These assessments help teachers understand students' progress, identify learning gaps and determine where additional support or challenges may be needed.
School leaders recommend that parents gradually re-establish regular bedtimes and morning routines before classes resume. Short revision sessions with breaks, practising questions and reviewing difficult topics can help students prepare more effectively than last-minute cramming.
Parents Advised to Reduce Exam Stress
Marah Kaddoura, Principal of the American School of Ajman, highlighted the importance of preparation and clear communication before examinations.
She encouraged parents to support their children rather than increase academic pressure. Maintaining regular sleep schedules, balancing revision with rest and listening to children's concerns can help students return to school with greater confidence.
Schools are encouraging students to approach assessments with focus, confidence and a positive mindset.
Indian Curriculum Schools Prepare for Pre-Board Exams
CBSE and ICSE schools generally follow an April-to-March academic calendar, meaning their schedules differ from those of schools following the UAE's unified calendar.
At Credence High School, the first pre-board examinations for Grades 10 and 12 are scheduled to begin on November 10, according to CEO-Principal Deepika Thapar Singh.
Practical examinations are expected to begin around the second week of January, in line with CBSE guidelines.
Students preparing for board examinations have been advised to practise using the latest CBSE sample papers and study the accompanying marking schemes. These resources help students understand examination formats, question patterns and marking expectations.
How Parents Can Help Students Prepare
School leaders recommend several practical steps for families before students return to school:
Re-establish regular sleeping and waking times.
Encourage short, focused revision sessions with breaks.
Practise sample questions and review difficult topics.
Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on children over marks.
Communicate with teachers about assessment schedules and preparation requirements.
Ensure children have sufficient rest and feel supported.
What Happens Next?
As students return after the October break, some schools will resume regular teaching alongside scheduled assessments. Indian curriculum schools will continue preparing students for term examinations and upcoming pre-board assessments.
School leaders stress that assessments should help teachers and students understand learning progress and identify areas for improvement, rather than become a source of unnecessary anxiety.
Parents are encouraged to check their individual school's calendar for confirmed examination dates and curriculum-specific requirements.
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