For the first time ever, Dubai private schools have ranked among the top 14 in the world in mathematics, science, and reading, according to the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa).
Organised every three years by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Pisa measures the ability of 15-year-olds to use their reading, mathematics and science knowledge and skills to meet real-life challenges.
Dubai schools’ most remarkable achievement is seen in their math performance: From No. 34 in 2015, it is now No. 9 in the world, beating countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia. Their mean score of 497 exceeded the OECD average by 25 points.
They also ranked 13 globally in reading with a mean score of 498, and 14th in science, with a mean score of 503 points, according to Pisa results.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, proudly shared the achievement on X, thanking all the educational staff who have made it possible.
“We emphasise that the quality of education contributes significantly to a better quality of life for our citizens, residents, and their families,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
“The intellectual strength of our schools today augments the strength of our future and ensues success for the new generations.”
The Dubai Crown Prince expressed his gratitude to all the staff in the emirate’s education sector, as well as the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), for their efforts that have made the achievement possible.
By making it to the top 14, the emirate’s schools have crossed the national target of top 15.
Schools rated ‘outstanding’ scored 551 points in mathematics, 553 in science, and 554 in reading, significantly higher than the OECD average of 472, 485 points and 476 points, respectively.
IB curriculum schools performed the best, scoring 535 points in mathematics, 538 points in science, and 528 points in reading.
Dr Abdulla Al Karam, director-general of the KHDA, said: “Through the leadership of their principals, the expertise of their teachers and the resolve of their students, our schools have gone beyond the national agenda targets and can rightfully take their place as among the best in the world.”
“We’re grateful to school leaders, teachers, parents, and students whose commitment to quality and improvement have made our private school community what it is today, and whose continued dedication will propel it into the future,” he added.
A total of 9,250 students from 171 schools offering eight different curricula participated in the Pisa 2022 study.
Fatma Belrehif, CEO of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau, said: “The performance of Dubai private schools in the latest round of Pisa shows our schools continue to offer a high quality of education across all curricula, which is on par with the best education systems around the world, and exceeds the UAE National Agenda targets.”
© Khaleej Times
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