Private schools in Dubai will not be subject to full inspections during the 2024-25 academic year, except for new schools entering their third year of operations. This decision was made by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) after releasing the full report of its latest inspection. Instead of full inspections, the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) will conduct visits targeting specific focus areas and ongoing monitoring activities. Schools will be notified of the focus areas and priorities for the next academic year and must update the Self-Evaluation Form and school profile regularly. Schools can also submit a request for a full inspection to the DSIB, subject to review and approval by KHDA, with requests to be submitted by July 5, 2024.
The rate by which schools in Dubai can adjust their fees is linked to their most recent inspection rating. Schools must seek approval from KHDA for any fee adjustments, and the previous ratings range from ‘outstanding’ to ‘weak’. The Education Cost Index (ECI) for the 2024-25 academic year was announced in early April 2024, allowing schools to adjust their fees within a specified range. The KHDA has traditionally conducted annual inspections in Dubai, except during the pandemic when inspections were halted. A proposed idea is a uniform percentage increase in fees next year across all schools based on the ECI, although there is no official confirmation yet on the resumption of inspections for the 2025-26 academic year.
The temporary pause in school inspections offers several benefits, including increased stability, decreased administrative burden, and improved data collection quality. Headteachers believe this decision strikes a balance between stability and timely interventions and feedback. This measure aims to support the teaching and learning process for students, allowing schools to make necessary changes to support their development and improvement plans. Parents can use school ratings based on inspection outcomes when considering transferring their children to different schools for the upcoming academic year. It is recommended for parents to read past and current reports to gain insights about the quality of education in their children’s schools.
During the 2023-24 academic year, inspectors in Dubai evaluated 209 private schools, including 10 schools inspected for the first time. The KHDA conducted numerous classroom visits and engaged in dialogue with students, parents, and school leaders. Out of the schools inspected, 23 were rated ‘Outstanding’, 48 were ‘Very Good’, 85 ‘Good’, and 51 ‘Acceptable’, with two schools rated as ‘Weak’. Overall, 26 schools saw improvement in their ratings, while three schools experienced a decline. This reflects the continuous enhancement in the quality of education, with 81% of Dubai students now attending private schools rated ‘Good’ or higher, benefiting nearly 49,500 students. The KHDA remains committed to collaborating with the education community to elevate education quality in Dubai and align with the emirate’s future goals.
