The CAT4 and Dubai school admissions

Why the CAT4 is so common in Dubai

Private schools in Dubai are regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). As part of its benchmark assessment requirements, the KHDA expects schools to use a cognitive abilities test. GL Education's guidance for 2026 says schools are expected to test Grades 3, 5, 7 and 9 (Years 4, 6, 8 and 10) with the CAT4, in a window from late August to late November.

That testing is about school improvement, not admissions. But because so many Dubai schools already use the CAT4, many also use it to assess new applicants.

How schools use it in admissions

Each school sets its own admissions process. For applicants in Year 3 or above, a typical process asks for recent school reports and an online assessment, often the CAT4, sometimes with an English test or a short meeting. Some schools publish a score they look for in certain year groups; others read the results alongside everything else.

Premium schools often open applications 12 to 18 months ahead, and assessments for September entry cluster between February and April. Many schools also assess throughout the year for mid-year moves, and some can test children before they arrive in the UAE.

Which level will my child take?

Schools usually choose the level that matches the year group your child will join or is in now. British-curriculum schools use UK year groups; American and IB schools use grades, where Grade 3 corresponds to Year 4. If your child is moving from another system, ask the school which level they will sit.

Questions to ask the admissions team

• Is the CAT4 part of your assessment for my child's year group?
• Can my child sit it remotely before we arrive?
• How are results used alongside reports and the interview?
• Is support available if English is not my child's first language?

Helping your child feel ready

Children who are new to the CAT4 often lose time working out what a question type is asking, especially paper folding and hidden shapes. A few short practice sessions in the weeks before the assessment remove that surprise. There is no need for long sessions or tutoring.