Schools adopt later start times, green lessons to boost student well-being

Schools across the UAE are increasingly putting student well-being at the centre of the school day, introducing later start times and eco-friendly programmes to help children become calmer, more focused and ready to learn.

- Nandini Sircar

#MEtime at Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi. While students practise a sport or develop a new skill, teachers take part in wellbeing activities with colleagues.

Educators highlight that a small change in the morning routine can have a big impact on both students' mental health and their overall engagement in learning.

The shift is part of a growing recognition that well-being is as important as academics. By adjusting start times, schools are giving students the opportunity to ease into the day at a pace that suits them, whether that means taking part in on-campus activities, catching up on rest, or simply enjoying a calm breakfast with family. Teachers, too, are benefiting from these changes, using extra morning time to prepare, exercise or spend quality time with their own families.

Alongside changes to schedules, UAE schools are also embracing sustainability and environmental education as a core part of their approach to well-being.

Hands-on initiatives, from eco-programmes to wildlife recording projects, are encouraging students to take ownership of both their emotional health and their responsibility to the planet, creating a holistic approach that connects personal well-being with global awareness.

"At Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi, we recognised that early mornings can be tough on families," said Liam Cullinan, Principal.