Middle East School Search & Selection | Expert advisory on schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha

Securing the right-fit school for your child in the Middle East

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“Honest, unbiased and practical insights”
– Joanne, relocating to Abu Dhabi, happy parent on Google Reviews

Tailored school search in the Middle East for children with additional learning needs

The school system can seem complex and difficult to navigate, especially with a child with additional learning needs. Even more so when you are relocating to a new country, with a different educational approach, cultural expectations and social-emotional challenges.

Adam D’Souza and inclusion specialist Natalie Smith are sought out as leading Middle East education consultants for children with SEND, providing tailored support to families on international school admissions in the UAE and Qatar.

Select:ed’s modern, empathetic approach to school placement for the children of global professionals draws together two strands: academic profile + character fit. We call it IQ+EQ. Or the balance between classroom + sports pitch, rehearsal space or art studio.

Our primary aim is to design a pathway for your child that leads to happiness and success. We pride ourselves on recommending the best schools which will cultivate your son or daughter’s talents, and, most importantly, are the right fit for them.

How we can support you:
SEND-specific educational consultancy to choose the right-fit schools for ‘students of determination’ with additional learning needs, across the Middle East region

Expertise includes:

  • Autism/ASD

  • ADHD

  • Learning difficulties, e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia, working memory etc.

  • Social/emotional/mental health

  • Sensory challenges

Book a confidential call to discuss your child

How an inclusion specialist strengthens the placement strategy for children with additional needs

  • Alongside Adam’s character/emotional portrait, I work with families to map out your child’s unique learning profile. This includes strengths and challenges related to attention, language, sensory preferences, and social-emotional wellbeing. For children with additional needs, this ensures that the portrait captures more than just academic or personality traits. It highlights what supports your child to feel safe, confident, and motivated in the classroom.

  • If traditional entrance exams are not the right measure of your child’s potential, I can provide a complementary review using inclusion focused tools. Instead of purely benchmarking against selective entry standards, we can evaluate learning readiness, adaptive skills, and support needs so that the schools considered are realistic matches for your child’s growth trajectory.

  • Following the academic and inclusion profile, I provide parents with a tailored debrief that includes not just academic implications but also practical guidance on how to advocate for their child in applications and interviews. For families relocating to the UK or navigating UAE private schools, this includes advice on what questions to ask admissions teams, what support provisions are typically available, and what to request in writing to safeguard your child’s needs.

  • I extend the right fit shortlist process by reviewing each shortlisted school’s inclusion policies, SEN/EAL support provision, class sizes, and track record with diverse learners. In the UAE especially, schools vary significantly in how inclusive they are in practice. My role is to filter the list to highlight which schools genuinely offer environments where your child can flourish academically and socially.


  • For children with additional needs, success is not just about passing an assessment. It is about managing anxiety, building confidence, and preparing for new routines. I provide strategies for parents and children on preparing for interviews or trial days, alongside tailored support for easing transitions into a new school environment. Where appropriate, I can liaise with schools directly to ensure they are prepared to meet your child’s needs from day one.

Group of people sitting on grass near a brick building, surrounded by trees and flowers, with two people walking in the background.

“Adam was highly sensitive to our children's individual needs and even thought strategically about the best way to 'pitch' the various options to them - understanding that their 'buy-in' was all-important. If you're looking for someone who understands the UK independent school system and what it takes to get into certain schools, but who also takes a holistic approach, taking into account the perspective of the child, then look no further

– Polly, San Francisco, happy parent

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  • Adam is the consummate professional, extremely knowledgeable and bags of experience in the field, highly motivated and genuinely keen to find workable solutions for our daughter/family. Very easy to work with. His reports are very well written, case specific and very thoughtful/ extremely helpful to us as a family with qualitative and quantitative observations. The schools obviously engage with him from a position of trust, confidence and transparency that he injects into the whole process. Thank you so much Adam!!

    ★★★★★

    M, O & S, happy family from London (writing on Google Reviews) – the daughter secured an in-year entry at a co-ed senior school, moving from single-sex

  • Adam also guided us as parents through the minefield of London school options, advising on which ones were best suited to our son as well as us as a family. His perspectives were honest and refreshing and saved us a lot of time and deliberation. Having cast a wide net when we started out our son in the end aimed high, trying for just two very academic independent schools, as well as a top grammar school, and got three offers. We are very grateful to Adam and his dedication to his profession. Our journey would have been much harder and less likely to succeed without him.

    ★★★★★

    Laura, happy parent from Essex (writing on Google Reviews), of a successful Select:ed alumnus who secured an 11+ place at one of the most competitive London schools

  • From the very beginning, Adam took the time to truly understand my daughter – her personality, quirks, and natural tendencies – before diving into the lessons. This thoughtful approach laid the foundation for a tailored and meaningful learning experience. Adam prioritised building a connection first, which made a significant difference.

    ★★★★★

    Stella, happy parent from Essex (writing on Google Reviews) of a successful Select:ed alumna who joined a major British boarding school at 13+

  • Kind, caring, thorough and extremely expert in his field! Cannot recommend Adam enough for anyone looking for guidance on schools! Adam helped us consider various boarding schools for our son and brilliantly guided him through test papers. Due to his wonderful tutoring skills, our son was accepted at the school of our choice and we believe this was all down to Adam's extensive knowledge.

    ★★★★★

    Sophie, happy parent from Surrey (writing on Google Reviews) of a successful Select:ed alumnus who gained a place at a high performance sports-focused boarding school, aligned with his talent and interests

  • He also presented us with detailed and thorough analysis of possible secondary schools/sixth form options for our son and daughter. In each case, Adam was highly sensitive to our children's individual needs and even thought strategically about the best way to 'pitch' the various options to them - understanding that their 'buy-in' was all-important. If you're looking for someone who understands the UK independent school system and what it takes to get into certain schools, but who also takes a holistic approach, taking into account the perspective of the child, then look no further

    ★★★★★

    Polly, happy parent from San Francisco (writing on Google Reviews) of two successful Select:ed alumni, who both secured places at their desired first-choice schools

IQ+EQ

How we help you find the right-fit school for your son or daughter

At the heart of the unique Select:ed approach to educational consultancy in the Middle East is deep care for your child’s and your family’s emotional wellbeing. Our expert school search and selection advice is informed by human insight, and empowered by technology.

Book a consultation to discuss your family's move

Your 5-step school placement strategy

How the proven Select:ed IQ+EQ approach opens doors to the right-fit schools for your child in the UAE or Qatar:

1. Character portrait: revealing your child’s true potential

First, and most importantly, is founder of Select:ed, Adam D’Souza, meeting your son or daughter to build up a character/emotional portrait, which includes personal interests, approach in the classroom, relationships with teachers and discovering what motivates them to learn. For a relocation, this is crucial: your child’s adaptability, social skills and motivational style all contribute to how they will transition smoothly into a new expat community and school environment. This session, which typically takes place via video conference, ensures our recommendations are aligned with your child’s personality, making their relocation a positive growth experience.

2. Academic assessment: data-driven benchmarking vs schools’ entry requirements

The next step is benchmarking your son or daughter’s current academic levels against the academic entry standards of potential schools using our adaptive cognitive abilities assessment. This online test shows a child’s current potential in comparison to their peers. This data is essential: a) because it helps us identify schools that will provide the right level of academic challenge for your child; and b) it allows us to prepare a compelling ‘ready-to-offer’ application portfolio, positioning your child tactically for a quick and successful placement against fierce competition for limited spaces.

3. Strategic debrief: personalised data analysis and action plan

After the academic assessment, you will receive a personal debrief on a video call with your Select:ed educational consultant. We guide you through the inferences that can be made from the data in your child’s test report: identifying strengths and areas requiring more support. Then, we work together to collaboratively develop a detailed action plan, ensuring you are equipped to confidently discuss your child's profile with shortlisted schools.

4. Right-fit shortlist: school placement aligned with your goals and values

Adam and his Select:ed team of education experts will draw together the data from your child’s academic profile with the insight of the character/emotional portrait. This complete, all-round view of your child will be used to create a list of potential right-fit schools in your target city which are aligned with your son or daughter’s individual academic needs, character, interests – and your family values. We have local experts with significant school leadership and headship experience, who can organise personalised school tours, offering unbiased, on-the-ground insights that cut through the hype of brochures and schools’ marketing materials.

5. Ongoing support: ensuring a smooth transition for your child

Care for your family does not end with the offer letter. We are committed to ensuring your child is smoothly settled in their new school, and that your family feels fully supported as you begin your new chapter in the Middle East. Looking further ahead, we are proud of the long-term relationships we have developed with families – which can include tailored tutoring or coaching, or simply checking in to learn more about your child’s school experience. Several children our team supported in primary school are now working with us again for sixth form applications.

Book a consultation to discuss your child

Breadth of expertise

Adam, Hannah, Natalie and all the Select:ed education experts can support you with finding the right-fit schools, and securing a place for your child, in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.

The pillars of our admissions success

Why choose us as your expert guides to find the right-fit schools in the UAE or Qatar for your child?

— Empathetic understanding of your child: considering IQ+EQ to provide a smooth transition

Relocating to the Middle East is a significant transition for your entire family. For a professional parent, ensuring your child thrives emotionally is as important as academic excellence.

Your child’s character, talents and academic profile are at the heart of our process. Our unique IQ+EQ approach builds up a 360-degree view that goes beyond just grades to assess your son or daughter’s emotional and cultural fit with a new school, ensuring that they receive the right balance of support and challenge.

— Data-driven insight: benchmarking against leading global schools’ standards

In the rapidly-evolving Middle East schools market, data-driven benchmarking is essential to cut through the marketing hype. The top British-curriculum schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha are often managing substantial waiting lists. But which schools’ outcomes measure up against the leading global competition?

Our robust, detailed assessments provide you with an accurate, objective snapshot of your child's current academic performance. This is paired with our analysis of potential schools’ academic outcomes, which we compare against leading British independent and global private schools.

— Unbiased, expert guidance: consultants, not agents

Some educational “consultants” operate as agents, taking referral commissions from schools. We believe strongly that this is morally wrong, and a conflict of interest.

We do not accept payments from any institution in the UAE or Qatar; your Select:ed education experts work exclusively for you, helping to craft the best school journey to suit your child and aligned with your family values, with integrity and heart.

FAQs

Book a consultation to discuss your child

  • Typically, the whole process takes 2-3 weeks from start to finish.

    Once we have completed the age-tailored character profiling and academic benchmarking assessments, it usually takes around a week or two to prepare the detailed school search report, which includes personalised why and why not for your child for each school.

  • Select:ed uses a fixed, per-project fee structure, giving you control and confidence over the whole process.

    Typical project cost for a full School Search and Selection project would range from £4000-7500 GBP or 20,000-38,000 AED, depending on the exact scope of the project (i.e. mainstream, SEND, categories of schools, managed placement etc.)

  • Traditionally, educational consultancy was a ‘legacy’ business, built on the individual relationships between consultants and school admissions departments. This is a vital piece of the puzzle, but cannot be the whole story.

    • EQ (Emotional Quotient) profiling: We conduct a tailored assessment of your child’s character, interests and motivational style. This is vital for assessing how they will cope with a new culture, climate and the transient nature of expat schooling.

    • Targeted shortlisting: We shortlist schools not just on academic results (IQ), but on their pastoral care structures, the diversity of their expat community support systems and the quality of their transition programmes for newly relocated students.

    • Preventative fit: By understanding your child's character, we avoid schools that might be a good academic fit but a poor cultural or social fit, mitigating the risk of adjustment challenges a few months into the relocation.

    Our IQ+EQ approach combines data-driven academic benchmarking with an empathetic all-round portrait of your child’s interests, motivational style, strengths and weaknesses. Select:ed’s in-house dataset now extends to more than 3000 data points on 300+ schools around the world, allowing us to track patterns in academic performance.

  • Our team has in-depth understanding of both the main city markets in the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

    We have a particular specialism in supporting British families moving from the UK to the UAE, helping you navigate the complexity of securing a school in the Middle East, which seems similar to the British system but is not in many important ways!

    Founder Adam D’Souza taught in academically selective independent schools in London, and held leadership roles in international schools groups. Other Select:ed consultants have been headteachers and senior leaders in British and international schools, including both the Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets.

    We offer a tailored service for families relocating to the United Arab Emirates, with an expert resident advisor available in both cities.

  • Founder of Select:ed Adam D’Souza is a renowned teacher and expert in school entrance. He and his team have experience as teachers, heads and admissions directors in British and international schools. In addition:

    • Regulatory deep dive: We have in-depth knowledge of how to interpret KHDA/ADEK/MOEHE inspections and what these mean for your child's daily school experience, looking beyond a headline score.

    • Local market dynamics: There is no substitute for being on the ground, and understanding the ‘texture’ of the market; Adam regularly visits the region to build relationships with schools and interview parents. Our relationship with you as a family extends well beyond the day your child starts at their new school.

    • School leadership track record: Our team includes former UK and international headteachers and admissions directors. This gives us a unique insight into the standards and expectations that are exported from the British system to the top international schools in the Gulf.

      This team includes local experts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha who are deeply connected to school education trends in their city.

    • We can advise on the varying school fee structures, debenture requirements and the fluctuating visa-dependent admissions environment that is unique to the Middle East.

  • Yes, definitely. Select:ed is a consultancy, not an agent, so our singular aim is finding the right-fit schools for your children. That may be separately or it may be together – we understand that there are lots of factors around that decision.

    Our expertise encompasses schools of all different types in the Middle East region: standalone primary vs all-through, legacy schools vs school groups, mainstream vs specialist SEND provision.

    We are happy to offer a sibling discount.

  • Our expertise is specifically tailored to bridging the gap between the UK and Middle East British-curriculum schools. We go beyond simple website information by evaluating schools on factors including:

    1. Curriculum: We assess the school's specific GCSE/A-Level/IB offering and attainment data, ensuring a direct path for your child's future UK/international university applications.

    2. Regulatory performance: We interpret the latest KHDA (Dubai) or ADEK (Abu Dhabi) inspection reports, translating what these local benchmarks mean in terms of UK-equivalent quality and governance.

    3. Teaching quality: We offer insight, based on local expertise, into the quality of teaching and pastoral care within each potential school.

  • We recognize that your relocation might not align with the typical August/September school year start. Our strategy for securing competitive in-year admissions is:

    1. Proactive relationship management: As an unbiased consultancy, led by former teachers and school senior leaders that does not accept referral commissions, we maintain transparent, trust-based relationships with school admissions directors and group-level senior leadership of school operating companies across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.

    2. We can prepare a 'ready-to-offer' portfolio of schools that are somewhat ‘below the radar’, based on our IQ+EQ profiling, allowing us to submit a complete, compelling application the moment a place becomes available, bypassing admin delays.

  • Select:ed is an unbiased consultancy that works for you; we are not agents. Therefore we will only contact schools on your behalf if you give us the go-ahead to do so.

    In addition, we have developed strong data security procedures, e.g. around sensitive personal data and assessment scores. Our data protection policy includes AI.

  • After our initial consultation call, which is free of charge, your Select:ed education expert will prepare an individual proposal for you and your child. We will then schedule a follow-up call, usually within 2-3 days, to talk through our planned programme of support.

    The whole process, from initial consultation to final delivery of the report and follow-up, typically takes around 2-3 weeks, although this depends on variables such as range of schools, managed application support, SEND needs etc.