Dubai Schools Get Inspection Break, Focus Shifts

Dubai's Private Schools to Get Inspection Break in 2025-26 – A Shift Towards Quality Education

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) of Dubai announced a pause in regular, comprehensive inspections for private schools during the 2025–26 academic year. This decision applies to all private schools that have been operational for at least three years. Newly established institutions will continue to undergo a full review during their third year.

New Focus: Targeted Visits Based on Community Feedback

According to KHDA, this change is part of a transformative approach to supporting quality education, aligning better with the priorities of the Education 33 strategy. The authority will not completely abandon school inspections but will shift focus towards targeted visits concentrating on specific quality areas. These visits will be partially based on feedback from parents, students, and teachers, as well as ongoing development goals.

KHDA officials noted that over recent years, Dubai's private schools have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and strong commitment to student well-being and development. The temporary suspension of full inspections provides an opportunity for schools to engage more deeply and rethink the interpretation of quality education.

Mandatory Self-Evaluation and External Assessments

Although comprehensive inspections are paused, schools will still be required to conduct external benchmark assessments to track students' academic progress. Additionally, each institution must regularly fill out a Self-Evaluation Form (SEF), available online and to be submitted at least two weeks before targeted visits.

The SEF covers areas such as provisions for students with special needs, early education stages, innovation, the UAE national education program, social sciences, and support for students learning English as a second language.

Tuition Increase Possibility Based on ECI

In early May, KHDA allowed private schools to implement a moderate tuition fee increase for the upcoming academic year based on the 2.35% Education Cost Index (ECI). The extent of this increase depends on the school's rating and the outcome of the latest inspection. It is important to note that the fee increase applies only to a specific academic year and cannot be automatically transferred to the next.

Conclusion

Dubai is introducing a new perspective on evaluating education quality: instead of regular, comprehensive school inspections, the focus will be on targeted, concentrated visits and community feedback. This step aims not only to reduce administrative burdens but also to redefine quality and collaboration between schools and educational policymakers. Self-evaluation and external assessments ensure that educational standards remain high, while schools are given greater flexibility for growth.

(Source of the article: Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announcement.)