Dubai private schools score high in PISA tests

For the first time, Dubai private schools have ranked among the top 14 in the world in mathematics, science and reading in the most recent cycle of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

The ranking of Dubai schools exceeds the National Agenda target of top 15.

Organised every three years by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), PISA measures the ability of 15-year-olds to use their reading, mathematics and science knowledge and skills to meet real-life challenges.

Dubai private schools stand ninth globally in maths with a mean score of 497, exceeding the OECD average by 25 points. They also ranked 13 globally in reading with a mean score of 498, and 14th in science, with a mean score of 503 points.

"Through the leadership of their principals, the expertise of their teachers and the resolve of their students, our schools have gone beyond the national agenda targets and can rightfully take their place as among the best in the world," said Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) announced the ranking results of its Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA 2022) in 81 countries and regions around the world, evaluating skills in mathematics, science, and reading. Dubai’s private… pic.twitter.com/eOk5IDFxfR

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) December 7, 2023

A total of 9,250 students from 171 schools offering eight different curricula participated in the PISA 2022 study.

Schools rated Outstanding in the KHDA's ratings scored 551 points in mathematics, 553 in science and 554 in reading, significantly higher than the OECD average.

Curriculum-wise, IB curriculum schools performed the best, scoring 535 points in mathematics, 538 points in science, and 528 points in reading.

"The performance of Dubai private schools in the latest round of PISA assessments shows our schools continue to offer a high quality of education across all curricula, which is on par with the best education systems around the world, and exceeds the UAE National Agenda targets," said Fatma Belrehif, CEO of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau.