Cognita UAE Schools Welcome Students Back with Focus on Safety and Wellbeing

Cognita UAE schools welcomed students back to campus this week, prioritising safety, structure and a well organised learning environment in line with Ministry of Education guidance.

A Coordinated and Supportive Return to School

Recognising that students may have returned with a range of emotions, schools across the Cognita group, including Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, Repton Dubai, Repton Al Barsha, Repton Abu Dhabi, Horizon English School, Horizon International School, Ranches Primary School and Al Ain English Speaking School, are fully equipped to support young learners. Comprehensive operational measures are in place to ensure a seamless and efficient learning experience.

Students returning to school campus greeted by teachers and staff — Pupils are welcomed back to school by staff as campuses reopen across the UAE

Staff are thoroughly trained in all relevant protocols, with a focus on maintaining a safe and supportive environment while ensuring continuity in learning as students settle back into a positive and familiar routine.

Wellbeing at the Heart of the School Day

Extended tutor time has allowed for regular check-ins, giving pupils space to share how they are feeling and reconnect with peers. Activities centred on mindfulness, creativity and outdoor engagement, supported by Cognita Enrich ME, the group’s dedicated enrichment programme, provide further opportunities for expression and connection.

Cognita UAE Schools Welcome Students Back with Safety and Wellbeing Focus

The first school day has also been designed with flexibility to support a gradual and comfortable return. Senior leadership, wellbeing teams and school counsellors remain highly visible and accessible, working closely with teaching staff to ensure that every child feels cared for.

Students walking into school building at the start of the day — Children return to a structured school routine in a safe and organised environment

A Smooth Transition Back to Learning

These measures have supported a smooth and well managed transition, helping students feel secure and ready to re engage with learning. They also reflect the strong preparedness of teaching teams and the continued implementation of the highest safety standards.

“Returning to school after a period away can feel different for every child, and for their families too. We greatly appreciate the guidance and continued support from the Ministry of Education and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in enabling schools to deliver a safe, structured and well organised return, where students feel comfortable, reassured and ready to take their next steps with confidence. We are also hugely appreciative of our families for their partnership and support throughout what has been a challenging time. Across all Cognita schools, we remain committed to ensuring continuity in learning and supporting every student’s stability as they settle back into a positive and familiar routine.”

Glen Radojkovich, Managing Director, Cognita UAE,

Teacher guiding young students during a classroom lesson at a Cognita UAE school — Primary school teacher interacting with children in a bright and welcoming classroom environment

“It was wonderful and really quite emotional to see our pupils walk through the gates, greeting familiar faces and settling back into the rhythm of RGS life. There was a real sense of positivity and togetherness across the school. We’re taking a compassionate approach, giving students the time and space to settle in, reconnect and smoothly return to their routines.”

Matthew Pearce, Principal of Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai

A Continued Commitment to Student Development

Cognita’s approach is anchored in its global commitment to student wellbeing and every child’s happiness, with schools placing equal importance on emotional readiness and academic progress. Through programmes such as Cognita Enrich ME, students continue to benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities across sport, performing arts, music and specialist development pathways, contributing to their overall development.

School staff welcoming children at the entrance during morning arrival — A warm welcome awaits students as they begin their first day back at school

This move back to in person learning reflects the outcomes of continuous assessments by the Ministry of Education, supported by clear data insights, reinforcing confidence in the stability and readiness of the education system in the UAE. As the term progresses, Cognita UAE schools will continue to manage this phase through a flexible, balanced approach that responds to evolving developments while maintaining continuity in learning.

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