New System to Monitor and Evaluate the Performance of Private Schools in Dubai for the Upcoming Academic Year
In a move aimed at enhancing the quality of education, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has announced the introduction of a new system to monitor and evaluate the performance of private schools for the upcoming academic year. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve student experiences and bolster parents’ confidence in the available educational options. Through this system, the KHDA aims to implement clear and defined standards to enhance school performance.
Data-Driven Methodology
Representatives from the KHDA explained that the framework of school inspection and evaluation standards, established in the UAE since the 2015-2016 academic year, will be applied during visits commencing in the 2026-2027 academic year. “This framework will ensure clarity and consistency for school leaders and teachers,” they added. The framework includes comprehensive performance standards based on accurate data, aiding schools in systematically improving their performance.
The KHDA indicated that information related to schools, achievement data, and self-evaluation results will be utilized to determine the appropriate type of visit for each school. “Visits will depend on a precise data-driven methodology,” thus supporting the evaluation process with modern tools and specialized reviews from education sector experts.
Development Efforts
Through quality assurance visits, the KHDA seeks to monitor the impact of development efforts made by schools over the past years. These visits will require schools to adopt a flexible and multi-faceted approach that aligns with their individual needs while also assisting in assessing their progress.
According to this approach, schools will undergo two types of visits: a comprehensive visit conducted by a team of specialized evaluators, culminating in a detailed report, and a short visit carried out by a smaller team focusing on specific aspects to analyze data. Both visits aim to provide comprehensive insights into educational performance.
Flexible Multi-Faceted Approach
In this context, Fatima Ibrahim Al-Balheef, Executive Director of the Quality Assurance and Compliance Foundation, emphasized the importance of partnership with school leaders. “We continue to work to ensure that every student in Dubai receives a world-class education,” she stated. The flexible approach adopted in evaluating schools is part of Dubai’s Education Strategy 2033.
Al-Balheef remarked, “Short-notice visits allow us to better understand the daily performance of schools.” This enhances the objectivity of feedback and increases the effectiveness of the continuous development process.
Feedback
Over the past two academic years, the KHDA has provided private schools with the opportunity to develop their internal tools and plans. This initiative was based on feedback from schools, which was discussed in listening sessions. The KHDA focuses on monitoring the quality of education through various methods such as self-analysis and evaluation results.
The KHDA is also launching a school improvement program as part of the “Excellence Wherever You Are” initiative, aimed at supporting schools with a high number of Emirati students. “Quality assurance visits contribute to achieving the targets of Dubai’s Education Strategy,” the KHDA added, emphasizing the importance of committing to providing high-quality education.
Through this new system to monitor and evaluate the performance of private schools in Dubai for the upcoming academic year, the KHDA appears determined to direct its efforts toward achieving an education that aligns with global best practices, thereby enhancing Dubai’s position as a leading educational destination.