It’s early years admission season — from stay-and-plays to school assessments, parents are wondering how to tell if their little ones are truly school-ready. Helen Farmer is joined live in the studio by Ashleigh Thompson, Head of Junior School at Repton Al Barsha, and Stephanie Nazarian, Assistant Head Teacher and Head of EYFS at Horizon English School, to talk about what schools are really looking for, how to prepare your child with confidence, and why “ready” looks different for every child.

Plus, as Dubai Police warn parents about a risky new TikTok trend, psychologist Mark Samways joins Helen to unpack the science behind peer pressure, how social media fuels it, and how to raise confident kids who can say no.

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Teaching is about much more than ABCs. But what sets the best apart? Helen honours our educators with two school leaders.

Plus, we dive into the realities of bullying in our schools - and how to tackle it.

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From the UN to our local schools, the education world is being charged with raising a new generation who understand our climate challenge. But how do we promote a sustainable future at all ages? Helen finds out from Audrey Grossemy, Sustainability Lead at Ranches Primary School, and Repton Dubai sixth formers Arhaan Chokshy and Azlan Rehman Shah, Co-Lead Mechanical Engineers for the school’s H2 Grand Prix Pro entry.

Plus, as research shows we’re all reading less, we find out how to foster a love of books with a host of local booksellers and authors…

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We explore the transition from education into employment, especially for neurodiverse youth. Are we doing enough to support inclusive pathways into the workforce?

We also take a closer look at key academic transitions — from the leap into secondary school in Grade 7 to the pressures of starting GCSEs in Grade 10. How can we help students navigate these pivotal moments both academically and emotionally?

And finally, we tackle the age-old question: homework. How much is too much, especially for primary school students — and how can schools strike the right balance for families?

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Should you encourage my child to play an instrument? Helen finds out how harnessing the transformative power of music for your kids and teens can benefit them through school and beyond, with Mark Tribble of Repton Dubai and Chloe Amsellem from RGSGD.

Plus, from anxiety to classroom confidence, toilet and feeding issues to teacher woes, we get some expert advice on how to tackle school issues early in the term from OT Adam Griffin and child psychologist Dr Haneen Jarrar.

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From teamwork to discipline to self-confidence, sports and art classes offer more than just a physical or creative workout. So, what activities should our kids be doing to shape character, build confidence, and create lifelong friendships? Tom Asbury, Director of Sport at Repton Al Barsha, and Stephen Quinn, Principal at Horizon International School, join Helen in studio.

Plus, in a world where resilience is more critical than ever before, entrepreneur and coach Sebastien Bates is on hand to talk us through how to impart courage and confidence in our kids…

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So, your kids are back in the classroom – but what do you do now to ensure the year ahead is a personal, emotional and academic success? Helen gets expert advice from Michael Bloy, Principal of Repton Dubai, and Charlotte Grieves, Head of Preparatory at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai.

Plus, we’re joined by the business coach teaching kids across the UAE about entrepreneurship, finance and thinking like a boss….

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Thousands of kids across the UAE opened their GCSE results this morning. But what comes next, and what are the options if those results aren’t what you expected, for better or worse?

Plus, Adam the OT has all the advice you need for navigating back to school anxieties.

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This week on Eye on Education, we explore two powerful stories shaping students’ lives in the UAE. First, we celebrate academic achievement as A-Level results are announced, with Zareef Petkar, Assistant Principal at Horizon International School, Annette Drake, Head of Senior at Repton Dubai, and exemplary A-Level graduate Zain Junaid sharing their insights.

Then, Mark Samways, Director of Wellbeing & Counselling Psychologist at The Free Spirit Collective, explains how teaching empathy in schools—from Denmark to France—is helping children connect, learn, and thrive.

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From sports to education actiivities, keeping kids active an engaged over summer can be a challenge. Helen gets some expert advice on how to get them learning and moving, from Cognita EnrichME’s David Tangney and Mena Press of Dovecote Nursery.

Meanwhile, in the last 24 hours, Meta, TikTok & Snap have ALL unveiled new policies aimed at making social media safer for teens here in the UAE. But what does it mean in reality – and what do parents need to know? Philippa Wraithmell from EdRuption has all the answers…

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