Nursery, FS1 and FS2 Ages in Dubai (2026–27)

Quick answer: In Dubai, nursery takes children from infancy to about 3 years, FS1 (Pre-KG) is for children who are 3, and FS2 (KG1) is for children who are 4. From the 2026–27 academic year, children must reach that age by 31 December of the admission year in schools that start in August or September. The old cut-off was 31 August.

What is the difference between nursery, preschool, FS1 and FS2?

• Nursery usually means care and early learning for babies and toddlers up to about 3 years.

• Preschool is a general word for the years just before formal school, roughly ages 2 to 5. In British curriculum settings it covers the nursery class, FS1 and FS2.

• FS1 (Foundation Stage 1) is the first year of the Foundation Stage, for children aged 3 to 4. Other curricula call it Pre-KG.

• FS2 (Foundation Stage 2) is for children aged 4 to 5. Other curricula call it KG1. It is the Reception year in the UK.

All four sit inside the British Early Years Foundation Stage. Our EYFS guide explains what children learn at each stage.

What is the age cut-off for FS1 and FS2 in Dubai for 2026–27?

The UAE Ministry of Education announced in December 2025 that the cut-off date moves from 31 August to 31 December of the admission year, starting with the 2026–27 academic year. It applies to schools that start in August or September. Schools that start in April keep 31 March (Gulf News).

Minimum age by the cut-off date:

• Pre-KG / FS1: 3 years

• KG1 / FS2: 4 years

• KG2 / Year 1: 5 years

• Grade 1 / Year 2: 6 years

Who does the new cut-off apply to?

KHDA's admissions guide, reported in August 2026, says the revised cut-off applies to children being registered in the KHDA system for the first time, and that it covers early childhood centres and nurseries from FS1 upwards as well as schools. Children who are already enrolled stay in their current year group. KHDA describes 2026–27 as a transitional year, with the rule applying to all new registrations from 2027–28 (Khaleej Times).

What does this mean for a child born between September and December?

These children can now start one year earlier than before. For example, a child born on 15 November 2023 turns 3 on 15 November 2026. Under the old 31 August cut-off that child would have waited until 2027 to start FS1. Under the new rule the child can start FS1 in the 2026–27 academic year, because they turn 3 before 31 December 2026.

Being eligible does not mean a child has to start. The youngest children in a class can be almost a year younger than the oldest. If you are unsure, talk to your child's nursery teacher about readiness: speech, independence in the toilet and at mealtimes, and how your child copes with separation. Always confirm the final year group with the school or nursery you are applying to, or with KHDA.

At what age can a child start nursery in Dubai?

There is no single starting age. Nurseries set their own minimum. Kinder Castle Nursery accepts children from 45 days old up to 5 years.

Which class would my child join at Kinder Castle Nursery?

• Infant Care: 45 days to 1 year

• Toddlers: 1 to 2 years

• Nursery: 2 to 3 years

• Foundation Stage 1: 3 to 4 years

• Foundation Stage 2: 4 to 5 years

Both branches, Dubai Sports City and Meydan Heights, are open Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The admission process page lists the steps, and you can book a tour or a free trial day at either branch.

Frequently asked questions

Is FS1 the same as nursery?

Not quite. FS1 is a specific year group for children aged 3 to 4. Many nurseries in Dubai, including Kinder Castle, offer FS1 and FS2 classes in the nursery building, so a child can stay in a familiar place until they move to Year 1.

Is FS2 the same as KG1?

Yes. FS2 in the British system and KG1 in other curricula are for the same age group, children who are 4.

Can my child do FS1 or FS2 in a nursery instead of a big school?

Yes, where the nursery offers those classes. Kinder Castle Nursery offers both FS1 and FS2.

Does the new cut-off change anything for a child already in school?

No. Children who are already enrolled stay in their current year group and move up as normal.