Admissions guide · checked October 2026
Which Dubai schools use CAT4 for admissions?
Most Dubai private schools give CAT4 to their own pupils every year as part of KHDA's assessment programme. Using it to decide admissions is a separate question, and it varies by school and year group. Here's what schools and reputable sources say.
Schools that say they use CAT4
| School | What's reported about CAT4 in admissions |
|---|---|
| JESS | JESS's Open Entry route for Years 3 to 9 lists a CAT4 mean score of 115+ as one of its academic criteria. |
| Nord Anglia Dubai | Nord Anglia International School Dubai lists an online CAT4 for applicants from Year 5, with Maths and English assessments added from Year 7. |
| DIA Emirates Hills | DIA Emirates Hills uses digital CAT4 testing for applicants from Year 3 upwards. |
| Dubai College | Dubai College asks Year 7 applicants for their most recent CAT4 or standardised test results, considered alongside school reports and GL Progress Test results. |
| Dubai British Schools | Khaleej Times reports that Dubai British Schools list CAT4 alongside a written English assessment for applicants from Year 3 to Year 12. |
Schools often linked with CAT4, where we couldn't confirm it for admissions
| School | What the school's own pages say |
|---|---|
| Repton School Dubai | The official admissions page describes observed play for Early Years, and formal assessments in Reading, Mathematics and English from Year 1. It doesn't mention CAT4. [6] |
Why we only list some schools
Many websites claim particular schools use CAT4 for entry, but often without any source from the school. We only include a school when its own admissions page or a reputable news source says so, and we link to it. If your child's school isn't listed, ask its admissions team which assessments they use for your child's year group.
Getting ready, whichever school
- Know the eight question types. See how each one works, with examples.
- Practise little and often with fresh questions every time, or print a practice paper.
- Practise on a screen too. Several schools use online CAT4.
Take the free practice test Full practice test
Which Abu Dhabi schools use CAT4 for admissions →
Sources
- JESS: Open Entry applications
- Khaleej Times: CAT4 tests explained for UAE parents (Sept 2026)
- Nord Anglia International School Dubai: entry requirements
- DIA Emirates Hills: admissions process
- The Good Schools Guide: Dubai College
- Repton School Dubai: admissions process
Edzuno is independent and not affiliated with any school listed, or with KHDA, ADEK or GL Education. Requirements change, so always confirm with the school before applying.