In a significant educational reform, the United Arab Emirates has announced that private schools following the Ministry of Education’s curriculum will transition to teaching mathematics and science subjects exclusively in English. The policy change, reported by Emarat Al Youm, will commence in the 2026-2027 academic year and be implemented through a carefully structured four-phase rollout scheduled for completion by the 2029-2030 academic year.
The initiative begins with Grade 9 Advanced Track students, who will receive instruction in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology in English during the inaugural year. Subsequent phases will expand English-medium instruction to Grade 10 (2027-2028), Grade 11 (2028-2029), and finally Grade 12 (2029-2030), ensuring a systematic and balanced transition across all secondary levels.
According to an official circular distributed to private school administrations, the Ministry of Education emphasized that this strategic shift aims to create educational equity by standardizing the language of instruction between public and private institutions. The reform specifically targets enhanced student preparedness for higher education pathways, where these subjects are predominantly taught in English. Additionally, the policy seeks to boost academic competitiveness, facilitate smoother transitions between educational sectors, and better align graduate competencies with both labor market demands and national strategic objectives.
School administrators have responded positively to the announcement, acknowledging that the previous discrepancy between secondary and university language mediums created significant challenges for students. Many institutions have already begun preparatory measures, including teacher training and curriculum development, to ensure a seamless implementation that maintains academic stability throughout the transition period.
The Ministry has committed to providing all necessary educational resources and support to guarantee full operational readiness across the private school network, marking a transformative step in the UAE’s ongoing educational modernization efforts.