How does KHDA inspect and rate schools in Dubai?

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is a government body responsible for the growth and quality of private education in Dubai. KHDA supports schools, universities, parents, students, educators, investors and government partners to create a high-quality education sector focused on happiness and wellbeing.

School Inspection Reports
The school inspection reports published on KHDA’s website provide a comprehensive review of the performance and standards of private schools in Dubai in general, and of every private school in Dubai in particular. The reports include a new ‘Parent Report’ section which gives parents detailed information about the quality of education provided by their child’s school, helping them to make informed decisions. In addition, each report includes specific information about the quality of provision for students with special educational needs, and the quality of early years education.

The information contained in the reports is designed to assist parents work more closely with schools, as partners in their children’s learning and facilitate school improvement. The Dubai School Inspection Bureau encourages school leaders to share their improvement and action plans with parents when inspection reports are published.

Inspections cover key aspects of a school at all stages of operation. It evaluates students’ achievements, the effectiveness of the school, the environment for learning, the school’s processes for self-evaluation and capacity for improvement. Additionally, there is a particular focus on students’ progress in Islamic Education (for Muslim students), Arabic, English, mathematics and science.

The DSIB looks at the students’ achievement in key subjects, learning skills and personal development. The curriculum is also judged as to how well it includes activities inside and outside the classroom to meet the needs of students. The school’s effectiveness in terms of protecting and supporting children are also measured.

The government body gathers evidence through observation of students’ learning in lessons, review of their work, discussions with students, meetings with staff, parents and governors, and review of surveys completed by parents, teachers and students.

How to Read KHDA Inspection Results?

The DSIB inspection covers vital aspects of the school’s performance. It evaluates the achievements of students, school’s effectiveness, learning environment, and self-evaluation. Students’ progress in Islamic education are also measured, along with students’ performance on core subjects such as Arabic, English, Math, and Science.

Rating levels

How does KHDA inspect and rate schools in Dubai?

Key Areas for Inspection (2017-2018)

In line with the UAE Vision for 2021, 90% of Emirati students will complete their secondary education. This year’s inspection focused on the achievements of Emirati students in each school.
Similarly, how schools support the UAE Vision for 2021 is also covered in this year’s inspection. Schools which promote a “Culture of Innovation” are gauged according to designing and implementing innovative practices. The key performance indicators are learning skills, Social responsibility and enterprise; Teaching; Curriculum adaptation and Leadership.
Schools’ provision for moral education is also a key focus, as UAE Moral Education is one of the most important areas which need attention, given the diversity of students in Dubai.
Schools are also required to include Ministry of Education Social Studies in the curriculum, as part of the UAE National Priorities and Dubai Strategic Plan 2021. Key performance indicators are curriculum provision, teaching, learning, and assessment involving Social Studies.
Inspections also focused on reading as part of the UAE Reading Law (2016). How students’ acquire reading skills, use references, and comprehension are some of the key focus areas.
Lastly, the provision for Special Education Needs has been in focus for the past years. This is in line with the vision of Dubai becoming an inclusive city by 2020.

To comply with the requirements of the Ministry of Education, schools must appoint an Inclusion Champion; a “Governor for inclusive education”; hire learning support assistants and create an Inclusive education action team. All these is an integral part of Dubai school’s strategic inclusive education improvement plan.

Summary of Inspection Judgement

During the inspection, the overall effectiveness of the school are judged according to below aspects. The age groups Kindergarten and Grade 1 -12 are evaluated as either Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak, or Very Weak.