EDUCATION UAE INTERVIEWS ROBERT WALLS HEAD OF MIDDLE EAST SCHOOLS, NORD ANGLIA.
EDUCATION UAE: How has the concept of boarding schools evolved in Dubai and the UAE?
Robert Walls: Historically, there were only two boarding schools in the UAE, Swiss International School Dubai (SISD) and Repton Dubai, both attracting a range of families for reasons beyond the typical boarding school rationale. These families often had business interests in Dubai, liked the idea of short-haul destinations, or were looking for a more global, cosmopolitan boarding education for their children.
As the UAE now gains credibility as a centre of educational excellence, interest in boarding has grown, with families now considering it a more serious and viable option. The safety of Dubai, ranked as one of the world’s safest cities, is also a major attraction for families.
And of course, add to that the city’s entertainment options – beaches, deserts, waterparks, malls – and Dubai becomes a teenager’s dream!
The city’s accessibility, with Dubai being the world’s largest transport hub and SISD being only 15 minutes from DXB airport, further makes boarding here an appealing and convenient option. With Dubai’s growing attraction, the concept of boarding in the city has certainly become more visible and interesting for families to explore.
EDUCATION UAE: How do boarding schools ensure the well-being and mental health of boarding students, especially those far from home?
Robert Walls: At SISD, we prioritise student well-being by dedicating significant time and resources to mental health. We have a team of pastoral leaders and support staff living in the boarding house, who are responsible for the students’ happiness. They conduct regular check-ins, pulse checks, and work closely with our Secondary teams to identify any concerns.
We also have a dedicated Boarding Counsellor and an onsite medical team to ensure students’ safety, well-being, and emotional development are thoroughly supported. Our approach emphasises the importance of collaboration between parents, teachers, and support staff to ensure a holistic team effort around each child, making sure they feel supported throughout their boarding and educational journey.
EDUCATION UAE: How do boarding schools ensure the well-being and mental health of boarding students, especially those far from home?
Robert Walls: At SISD, we prioritise student well-being by dedicating significant time and resources to mental health. We have a team of pastoral leaders and support staff living in the boarding house, who are responsible for the students’ happiness. They conduct regular check-ins, pulse checks, and work closely with our Secondary teams to identify any concerns.
We also have a dedicated Boarding Counsellor and an onsite medical team to ensure students’ safety, well-being, and emotional development are thoroughly supported. Our approach emphasises the importance of collaboration between parents, teachers, and support staff to ensure a holistic team effort around each child, making sure they feel supported throughout their boarding and educational journey.
EDUCATION UAE: And how are students shaped into well-rounded individuals?
Robert Walls: As a school, SISD is very passionate about supporting both the character development and educational success of our students. We offer a wide array of opportunities for personal growth, such as MUN, Debating, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, volunteer work for IB CAS, and a Life Skills Programme in the boarding houses. This programme ensures that students are prepared for life beyond school by teaching essential skills such as cooking, laundry management, budgeting, recipe planning, and CV writing. We aim to equip students not only for academic achievement but also for success in life.
EDUCATION UAE: What are some innovative approaches Dubai’s boarding schools are adopting? And how is technology transforming the boarding school experience?
Robert Walls: While boarding remains inherently human and intuitive, technology has allowed us to streamline processes and increase efficiency. At SISD, we use the ORAH app to support students, staff, and parents in booking exeats, organising flights, and keeping everyone informed. This ensures we maintain clear communication and know where students are at all times, while also making administrative tasks simpler and more efficient.
EDUCATION UAE: What should parents consider when choosing a boarding school in Dubai?
Robert Walls: We always encourage parents to visit and experience our school firsthand, particularly as Dubai is fast becoming a popular destination for innovative, first-class education. We believe that once families see our world-class boarding facilities, our campus, and our premium educational offer, it becomes an incredibly attractive choice.
Beyond that, the benefits of boarding in a cosmopolitan and safe city like Dubai are clear – it’s not only the opportunities available through our bilingual IB curriculum, but also the entertainment options, weekend trips, academic support, and outdoor activities that are easily accessible in the Dubai climate.
The city offers a wealth of opportunities for families, and once they learn more about the unique aspects of our boarding program, making a decision becomes easy. We also support families who choose weekly or flexi-boarding, assisting them with their longer-term move to Dubai or busy working lifestyles. This option has become increasingly attractive to families in recent years.
For more information about Nord Anglia Education;