UAE School Assessments and Calendar Updates for British and Indian Curricula

What happened

Schools in the UAE following the unified academic calendar are concluding their first-semester mid-term break, which runs from October 12 to October 16, 2026 [1, 2]. Students at these institutions are scheduled to return to classrooms on October 19, 2026 [1, 2]. School leaders have noted that several schools plan to conduct assessments shortly after students return [1].

At Brighton College Dubai, Head Master Simon Crane stated that assessments are being scheduled for the period following the break, including for senior pupils, to help identify where students need further support or challenge [1]. Marah Kaddoura, Principal at the American School, Ajman, said the school ensured students, particularly in senior classes, understood assessment expectations before the break began [1].

For schools following the Indian curriculum, such as those under the CBSE or ICSE boards, the October mid-term break does not apply as they follow an April-to-March academic cycle [2]. These schools typically continue with regular classes and first-term examinations during October [1]. At Credence High School, CEO-Principal Deepika Thapar Singh announced that the first pre-board examinations for Grades 10 and 12 are scheduled to begin on November 10 [1]. Practical examinations are expected to start around the second week of January, following CBSE guidelines [1].

According to the published Dubai academic calendar for schools starting in April, the winter break is scheduled to begin on December 14, 2026, with classes resuming on January 4, 2027 [2]. Seema Umar, Principal of Dewvale School, Dubai, confirmed that for CBSE and Indian curriculum students, the next major holiday will be this winter break [2].

Who is affected

• Students in British and international curriculum schools: These students are returning from the mid-term break on October 19, 2026, and may face upcoming assessments [1, 2].
• Students in Indian curriculum (CBSE/ICSE) schools: These students remain in school during October to complete term 1 half-yearly assessments and transition to the second term [2].
• Grades 10 and 12 at Credence High School: These students face pre-board exams starting November 10 [1].

What students should do next

• For revision: Simon Crane suggests using short, focused sessions with breaks rather than last-minute cramming, and practicing questions to test recall [1].
• For CBSE preparation: Deepika Thapar Singh advises students to use the latest CBSE sample papers and marking schemes, as these will be the basis for the board exam papers [1].
• For routine management: Parents are encouraged by school leaders to re-establish regular bedtimes and morning routines before the term resumes [1].