Moving to a new country is an adventure filled with excitement, but also with big decisions—especially when it comes to finding the right school for your children. For British mum Sally Legget, relocating her family from Lincolnshire, UK, to Dubai meant choosing a school that could support her children while providing a nurturing, inspiring environment. After careful consideration, South View School stood out as the place where her three children—Rose, Aurora, and Cole—could thrive both academically and personally.

In this interview, Sally shares her family’s experience at South View School and why she feels it has been the perfect choice for their new life in Dubai.

1. How old are your children, and what school year are they in?

My eldest, Rose, is in Year 10, Aurora is in Year 5, and my youngest, Cole, is in FS2.

2. How long have you lived in Dubai?

We moved from Lincolnshire in the UK at the beginning of 2024.

3. How did you first hear about South View School, and what were your initial impressions?

I’m fairly sure we found South View School through a Google search.

My initial impression was how welcoming and vibrant the school felt. The atmosphere was beautiful, with its bright colors and abundance of resources—so much more than we were used to in schools back in the UK. It was clear that the school encouraged team work among students while also ensuring that every child felt safe, seen, and understood.

4. What inspired your choice to enrol your children at South View School?

We were looking for a school that could provide care and attention to help our children settle and succeed. South View impressed us with its ability to tailor support to every child’s unique personality and learning style.

5. What key factors led you to choose South View School over other options in Dubai?

South View’s focus on personalised learning and the warmth of its staff reassured us that our children would feel valued and supported. The familiarity of the British curriculum was also an added comfort, as it meant the children would be learning concepts that felt familiar to them and to us.

6. How have your children adjusted to their new environment and peers at South View?

The younger ones quickly embraced the change and made new friends, but our eldest, Rose, needed extra encouragement. The staff’s understanding and care helped her navigate this transition, and she eventually joined extracurricular activities. Through that, she was able to form meaningful friendships based on shared interests.

7. What are some of the standout facilities or learning spaces at South View that your family appreciates?

The Wellbeing Hub has been a standout for us. It’s a safe space where students who are feeling overwhelmed can take a few quiet moments to themselves and speak to a supportive staff member.

8. How would you describe South View’s approach to supporting both academic and personal growth?

The focus on personal growth has been outstanding. The children are constantly encouraged to think for themselves and take initiative. Every few weeks, there are opportunities for competitions in reading, writing, art, and sports. It’s not forced, which means when the children choose to take part, they excel and truly enjoy the process.

9. What are three things your children love most about being students at South View?

The swimming pool, lunchtime and playtime, and spending time with their friends.

10. What’s a unique academic feature or programme at South View that you feel truly sets it apart?

Both of my daughters have been enjoying the Falconry Club as an external ECA. It’s such a unique opportunity—I doubt they would have had the chance to experience anything like this elsewhere.

11. What’s a recent project, lesson, or learning moment at South View that your family found memorable?

Cole was invited to perform with the FS2 choir in the amphitheatre during Tunes on Tuesday. It was wonderful to see him focused and confident enough to perform in front of so many parents and children.

12. What’s a classroom experience your child has had at South View that they can’t stop talking about?

Aurora loved learning about the Vikings and couldn’t stop talking about how they analysed Viking poo, fake, of course, to learn what Vikings ate. It was such a creative way to engage the students and keep their interest.

13. In what ways does South View support your child’s individual learning needs and interests?

The teachers are incredibly considerate and attentive to each child’s needs. My three children are very different, but South View has created an environment where their individual personalities are celebrated, allowing each of them to flourish in their own way.

14. How would you describe South View School in one sentence?

South View School will support and encourage your child to become their best self, with their wellbeing at the heart of everything they do.

15. Would you recommend South View to other families in Dubai? If so, what would you say to them?

Yes, I’d highly recommend South View School. The teachers and staff have been so kind and welcoming to my family.

SVS is a British curriculum international school offering an exceptional educational experience to students aged 3 to 18. Our student body represents over 87 countries, with the largest group coming from the UK. South View School is located in Dubailand, near the Expo 2020 site and Dubai’s prime expat communities of Remraam, Mudon, Mira, Damac Hills, and Arabian Ranches.
SVS follow the UK National Curriculum for England across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the Primary phase for children aged 5 to 11, and the Secondary phase for students aged 11 and above. This includes IGCSEs and culminates in A-levels and BTEC qualifications, preparing students for university entry.

Find out more about South View School here.