Abu Dhabi private schools to display performance ratings

Private schools across Abu Dhabi will now display official School Performance Plaques at their entrances.

The initiative, launched by the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), highlights each school’s latest Irtiqa’a rating and National Identity Mark — giving parents and visitors a clear view of school quality at a glance.

Officials say the move promotes transparency, encourages improvement and supports informed decision-making for families.

Sulaiman Al Ameri, Acting Executive Director of ADEK’s Private Education and Charter Schools Sector, said that the plaques are more than just ratings — they represent a school’s commitment to academic excellence and national identity.

The plaques showcase two key indicators of school quality:

• Irtiqaa Rating – an inspection framework that evaluates school performance across six core areas: student achievement, personal and social development, teaching and assessment, curriculum quality, student care and wellbeing, and leadership effectiveness.
• National Identity Mark – A measure of how well schools embed and promote national culture, values and citizenship within their educational environment.

In the coming phase, a Wellbeing Mark will also be added to reflect schools' efforts in supporting the emotional, social and physical wellbeing of students and staff.

Parents are encouraged to look for the plaques when visiting schools and to explore more about the Irtiqa’a and National Identity frameworks via ADEK’s website or its parent app, Rayah.