As part of Taaleem, one of the UAE’s leading education providers, Dubai British School Jumeira (DBSJ) set out with an ambitious goal: to attract families to a brand-new school in an already competitive market. The challenge was clear – how could DBSJ convince parents to unenrol their children from established schools and take a chance on a school that was just starting out?
For many families, the deciding factor wasn’t just academics – it was the school’s commitment to a seamless, connected experience. Introducing Schoolbox played a pivotal role in DBSJ’s success, helping the school build trust, create a strong sense of community, and ultimately exceed its enrolment targets in the first year.
The Challenge: Attracting Parents to a New School
Launching a new school in Dubai, a city known for its world-class education options, is no small feat. Without a physical building to showcase in the early stages, DBSJ needed another way to inspire confidence. They also wanted to avoid a common frustration among families: juggling multiple platforms for school communication.
DBSJ needed a solution that would unify communication, reflect the school’s identity, and create a digital experience that felt as welcoming as the school itself.
“Schoolbox became our online community, our school, but in a digital space. It was essential that it felt familiar to families, reflecting our school's identity, colors, and branding. That consistency helped parents feel at home, even in an online environment.”
The Solution: One Platform, One Community
DBSJ partnered with Schoolbox to create a digital platform that truly belonged to them. From branding to navigation, every element of their new portal, Dalili, was designed to reflect the school’s identity and values.
The result? A seamless communication hub that not only kept parents informed but also strengthened their connection to the school.
“Before our school building was even ready, Schoolbox played a crucial role in building trust with parents. In a region where families often juggle multiple communication platforms, having a single, unified space for all school communication made a significant difference in their experience.”
The Results: Happy Families, Growing Reputation
The impact was immediate. Parents embraced the simplicity of Dalili, appreciating how it centralised all communication in one place. Unlike their experiences at other schools, where information was scattered across multiple platforms, DBSJ parents always knew exactly where to find what they needed.
For the school, this wasn’t just a convenience – it was a competitive advantage. The strong sense of connection and trust fostered by Schoolbox contributed to a highly positive first year, with families not only staying but actively recommending DBSJ to others. This strong word-of-mouth momentum helped DBSJ surpass its enrollment goals and build a solid foundation for future growth.
"Reputation is everything in Dubai - it carries a lot of weight. Having families who joined us in our first year and were extremely happy with their experience means we can set ambitious targets for the future. Schoolbox has played a key role in shaping that reputation and will continue to support our growth.”
Advice for Other Schools
For schools considering Schoolbox, DBSJ emphasises the importance of starting with a clear purpose. Success with the platform isn’t just about streamlining communication – it’s about creating a seamless, familiar experience for families. By aligning the platform with the school’s identity and ensuring it’s simple to use, schools can enhance engagement and build trust with their community.
At DBSJ, this approach made all the difference. Parents quickly adapted to the platform, finding it intuitive and easy to navigate. As teachers became more confident using it, parents naturally became more familiar with its features, making communication smoother for everyone.
"Because we worked so closely with the Schoolbox team to plan and design the system, it was ready for our users from day one. We kept it simple for teachers initially, and as they gained confidence, parents naturally became more engaged. The best part is that we’ve hardly needed to upskill parents—it’s that user-friendly."
