Age Requirement Guidelines

AIS places students in age-appropriate year levels in accordance with the Ministry of Education/KHDA regulations.

Families are encouraged to use the country comparison chart below to ensure that they are applying to the correct Year level, considering the differences that exist in the naming of “grades” around the world.

Age Criteria Chart

Key Stage

Age

Year Group

Foundation Stage 1

FS 1

Foundation Stage 2

FS 2

Key Stage 1

5 - 7

Year 1 - Year 2

Key Stage 2

7 - 11

Year 3 - Year 6

Key Stage 3

11 - 14

Year 7 - Year 9

Key Stage 4

14 - 17

Year 10 - Year 11

Sixth Forum

16 - 18

Year 10 - Year 11

A simple, transparent four-step admission process

If there are questions about the correct grade-Year level placement, please contact the Admission Team.

Age as of December 31 of each school year

Year

Year Group

3 years old

FS1 (Nursery/ Pre.K.G)

4 years old

FS2

5 years old

6 years old

5 years old

7 years old

5 years old

8 years old

5 years old

9 years old

5 years old

10 years old

5 years old

11 years old

5 years old

12 years old

5 years old

13 years old

5 years old

Age as of
December 31

Our school year typically begins in September. However, the age calculation for placement is based on the student’s age as of December 31st of that academic year.

Important Note

Students must meet the minimum age requirements by the cut-off date to be considered for their respective year group. For students transferring from different curricula, please consult our admissions team for equivalency.

Age Requirement Guidelines