Schools in the UAE are evolving rapidly, facing increasing demands to deliver outstanding academic and career outcomes. With the growing number of international students, the need for globally recognized curricula, and rapid technological advancements, refining enrollment strategies is more important than ever.
In the latest edition of #illuminateByMeritto, we engaged in an insightful discussion with Neetha Shetty, School Principal at Al Diyafah High School, to explore how schools can decode the ideal inquiry-to-enrollment and learning-to-outcome journey. Through her expertise, she provided valuable perspectives on refining enrollment strategies, fostering student engagement, and ensuring long-term academic and career success.
Balancing local needs with global competitiveness
With the increasing demand for globally accepted curricula, UAE schools must strike a balance between local educational mandates and international standards. Neetha emphasized that schools must adopt flexible and globally aligned curricula that cater to the aspirations of both local and expatriate students. She highlighted the importance of integrating international best practices while preserving cultural identity, ensuring that students are well-prepared for both regional and global higher education opportunities.
Addressing challenges in converting inquiries to enrollments
Neetha highlighted how parental priorities have evolved, shifting from a sole focus on CBSE curricula to a greater emphasis on skill-based learning. She noted that while local parents are generally familiar with schools, foreign parents conduct extensive research before making enrollment decisions. The challenges that schools face in converting inquiries into enrollment are :
- Establishing credibility and reputation through academic excellence and innovation
- Effective data management to maintain structured records of prospective students.
- Beyond enrollment, she stressed that the real challenge lies in ensuring students not only succeed academically but also thrive personally, necessitating well-defined support systems throughout their educational journey.
Prioritizing key milestones in the enrollment-to-outcome journey
A well-structured student journey extends beyond just enrollment—it encompasses critical stages that ensure students achieve academic and professional success. Neetha outlined the key milestones that schools should prioritize:
- Seamless onboarding to help students transition smoothly into the school environment.
- Regular academic tracking and personalized feedback to monitor progress and provide necessary interventions
- Creating an environment that prioritizes student well-being, ensuring they are happy and supported
- Industry interactions and career guidance, where experts provide insights to help students make informed career choices
- Holistic learning programs that develop leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
By ensuring these milestones are effectively implemented, schools can create an environment where students not only enroll but also excel in their academic and career pursuits.
Harnessing technology to enhance student recruitment and success
Technology has become a critical driver in enhancing school operations, student engagement, and academic success. Neetha highlighted:
- How a blended approach—integrating both offline classrooms and online learning through platforms has transformed student engagement.
- She also emphasized the impact of tools which have earned recognition for their effectiveness in modern education.
Furthermore, she emphasized that preparing students for the future requires a blend of academic excellence and career readiness, with schools like Al Diyafah leveraging collaborations with universities and industry partners for real-world exposure while integrating adaptive learning platforms to personalize education and enhance student success
KPIs critical for success an enrollment-to-outcome strategy
Tracking institutional success requires well-defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). We explored that schools must focus on measurable metrics to assess the effectiveness of their enrollment-to-outcome strategies. Essential KPIs include:
- Inquiry-to-enrollment conversion rates to evaluate recruitment efficiency
- Student retention rates to measure engagement, academic performance, and overall well-being through student surveys and feedback
- Career readiness indicators to determine how well students are prepared for the workforce through industry interactions and career guidance.
- University placement rates to assess student success in higher education and determine which universities students are enrolling in.
- Academic performance trends to track board exam results, student progress, and overall learning outcomes.
By consistently monitoring these KPIs, schools can make data-driven improvements to their educational strategies and institutional operations.
Key takeaway for school leaders looking to enhance student journey
School leaders must take a strategic and student-centric approach to enrollment. It is advised for institutions to:
- Strengthen communication and transparency to build trust with prospective students.
- Develop personalized engagement strategies to foster meaningful connections.
- Continuously evaluate and optimize their enrollment strategies using data insights.
- Implement technology-driven management systems to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and improve student engagement throughout the enrollment to outcome journey.
The future of schools in the UAE
Looking ahead, we along with Neetha addressed how UAE schools will evolve over the next 5-10 years. She highlighted the rapid advancements in technology, emphasizing the need for inclusiveness and a blend of tradition with modern learning approaches.
Neetha said, “Schools will increasingly focus on competency-based curricula, vocational pathways, and portfolio-driven assessments, ensuring students not only acquire essential skills but also gain recognized microcredentials and certifications that enhance their future career prospects.”
The importance of global competencies, critical thinking, and adaptability are also to be considered, as these will be key in preparing students for an ever-evolving workforce. Furthermore,the growing role of collaborations with universities and industry partners, which will help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. Schools that actively build these partnerships will be better positioned to offer students meaningful career pathways and long-term success.
Conclusion
This webinar provided an enriching discussion on the future of school education in the UAE, highlighting key strategies for refining enrollment processes, enhancing student engagement, and driving academic and career success. Neetha Shetty’s insights underscored the importance of adaptability, innovation, and a student-centric approach in shaping the future of education.
But all this requires a technology partner by your side. And that partner is Meritto. Discover how a centralized, purpose-built Meritto’s education CRM can empower your organization to build meaningful student connections, maximize conversions, and drive sustainable growth. Contact us today to learn more.
