1 in 10 Dubai private schools rated 'outstanding'

More than three quarters of students in Dubai attend private schools rated Good or better, according to the latest inspection report issued by the KHDA.

Out of the total of 199 schools included, 20 were marked as outstanding.

Overall, 77 per cent of pupils attend private schools in Dubai that were rated as either outstanding, very good or good, compared with 70 per cent when schools were last fully assessed during the 2018/19 academic year.

The report, which included six schools for the first time, also showed that 25 improved in rating. 

The release of the inspection results coincides with school re-enrolment deadlines for the next academic year, enabling parents to make informed decisions about their children’s schooling.

The KHDA had earlier announced that schools maintaining their inspection ratings are eligible to raise tuition fees by up to three per cent while schools that improved their rating can hike their fees between 4.5 to six per cent.

Emirati students have also benefitted from the improvement in school ratings. Seventy-six per cent of Emirati students (22,876) now attend a private school rated Good or better, compared to 70 per cent in the 2018/19 academic year.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KHDA said "private schools in Dubai are known for their commitment to quality and continuous improvement. This year’s results show that thousands more students have access to better quality teaching and learning, a sign of the dedication and expertise of teachers and school leaders. We are grateful to the whole education community for supporting our schools to be among the best in the world.”

Speaking to Dubai Eye 103.8's The Agenda, Fatma Belrehif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau said parents should be pleased with the results, with the report showing how Dubai schools have maintained their standards and many continuing to improve.

Fatma Belrehif went on to describe how schools have improved their performances - from international assessment scores and student interaction, with schools embarking on creative ways to engage pupils in learning, while involving parents to a greater extent.

A full list of all Dubai private school ratings can be found here.

77% of students in Dubai attend private schools rated 'good or better': KHDA.#WamNews https://t.co/PivYpv3JRX

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) April 3, 2023