GEMS Education has said it will offer some parents discounts on school fees, subject to them submitting details of their financial situation.

In a letter to parents at Jumeirah Primary School, GEMS said it would soon be release details of a Relief Package application process.

Earlier this week, in a letter to parents, GEMS Education CEO Dino Varkey said there would be no fee cuts, instead offering payment instalment plans.

Many parents have complained that with schools now shut until June, final term fees should be reduced.

On Monday, Arabian Business called on all UAE schools to cut fees by 20% in the final term.

Following intense pressure from parents, yesterday some schools began cutting fees. Al Najah Education cut term 3 fees by 20%, whilst one school in Sharjah announced a 50% cut.

In the email sent this morning, GEMS said: “Consistent with the past philanthropic efforts of GEMS Education and the Varkey Foundation which has positively impacted the lives of over 3 million students around the world, we are committed to offering tuition fee relief to those families that have been adversely impacted by COVID-19, as follows:

Deferment of fees, payment plans or discounts for families who have lost their jobs, had salary cuts or been placed on unpaid leave and are struggling to pay fees at this point in time as a direct result of the COVID-19 outbreak;

Waiver of all registration fees, assessments and administration fees until further notice."

It did not specify what the means test would involve.