UAE announces how public, private schools may calculate Term-2 grades

This follows Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research decision to bring forward spring break for all schools and universities

The UAE’s Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced that Term-2 grades for students in government schools will be decided based on ongoing assessments, projects, and assignments completed during the semester.

The ministry clarified that each private schools will set an appropriate method to complete the semester and assess students according to approved academic policies. Schools need to inform students and parents about the chosen evaluation method, the authority said.

This announcement follows Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research decision to bring forward spring break for all schools and universities.

Authorities confirmed that spring break will now run from Monday, March 9, to Sunday, March 22. The decision applies to all government and private schools, as well as universities, covering students, teaching staff, and administrative personnel.

The 2025–2026 academic calendar had set the last day of class for some schools on March 13, with holidays from March 16 to March 29 and classes starting again on March 30. But now, due to the current regional conflict and security concerns, the authorities have decided to start the spring holidays early.

Earlier, the UAE extended distance learning until Friday, March 6, as authorities continued to monitor the regional security situation. Classes had initially shifted online from Monday, March 2, through Wednesday, March 4, after the first day of the Iranian offensive, following an announcement on Saturday, February 28.

The move to online classes is a precautionary measure due to regional tensions, particularly following missile and drone attacks launched by Iran against Gulf states, including the UAE, after the recent escalation between Iran and the US and Israel.

On Tuesday, CBSE postponed Class 10 and 12 Board Exams in the Middle East regions. The exams scheduled for Thursday, March 5, and Friday, March 6, in schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been postponed.

The board in its circular sent out on Tuesday, stated, “After a critical review of the current situation in parts of the Middle East — Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE — the Board has decided to postpone the examination scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026 and Friday, March 6, 2026, for both class X and Class XII. The new dates shall be announced later.” The Board will review the situation on Thursday, March 5, 2026, and take appropriate decisions regarding examinations scheduled from March 7 onwards.