The mosques are nestled between the residential towers and surrounding the famous square – earlier known as Al Khan Bridge
Private schools in Dubai will not be subject to full inspections during the 2024-25 academic year except for new schools entering their third year of operations.
This directive was issued by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) after releasing the full report of its latest inspection. Here's a breakdown of what this means for various stakeholders in the Dubai school community.
No quality checks during this period?
The Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) will conduct visits targeting specific focus areas and ongoing monitoring activities. Institutions will be notified of the focus areas and priorities for the next academic year.
Schools must also routinely update the Self-Evaluation Form and the online school profile throughout the next academic year.
Additionally, schools can submit a request for a full inspection to the DSIB, which will be subject to review and approval at KHDA's discretion. Schools must submit their requests by July 5, 2024. Those whose requests are approved will be notified during Term 2 of the 2024-25 academic year.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
How will the school set fees?
The rate by which schools in Dubai can adjust their fees is tied to each institute's most recent inspection rating. Any fee adjustment by schools must be approved by KHDA. Depending on the school's performance, the institutions have traditionally been rated 'outstanding', 'very good', 'good', 'acceptable', or 'weak'. Henceforth, it is unclear how fee increases will be decided and managed.
In early April 2024, the KHDA announced an Education Cost Index (ECI) of 2.6 per cent, based on which schools could adjust their fees for the 2024-25 academic year. In Dubai, private schools were authorised to raise a maximum of 5.2 per cent of tuition fees.
Dubai schools have typically undergone annual inspections and received new ratings, except during the pandemic when inspections couldn't be conducted.
According to a Principal who spoke to Khaleej Times, one possibility is a uniform percentage increase next year across all schools, based on the Education Cost Index (ECI).
It's worth noting there has yet to be an official confirmation regarding the resumption of inspections for the 2025-26 academic year. However, the announcement about an inspection pause pertains solely to the 2024-25 academic year.
Will it benefit schools?
The temporary halt in school inspections provides several benefits, including increased stability, decreased administrative burden, and improved data collection quality. Headteachers reiterate that it strikes a balance between maintaining stability and ensuring timely interventions and feedback.
This decision further aims to support students' teaching and learning process and allows schools to implement changes to support their development and improvement plans.
What it means for parents?
School ratings based on the inspection outcomes assist parents in making decisions should they be considering transferring their children to different schools for the upcoming academic year.
In the interim, parents are encouraged to read the latest and past reports and gain insights about the quality of education in their children's schools. Following this announcement, the education regulator also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the education community to raise the quality of education in Dubai and align with the future goals of the emirate.
Key outcomes of this year's inspections?
During the academic year 2023-24, inspectors in Dubai evaluated 209 private schools, including 10 schools inspected for the first time. The KHDA conducted 19,782 classroom visits and engaged in 4,407 hours of dialogue with students, parents, and school leaders.
A total of 23 schools were rated 'Outstanding', 48 were rated 'Very Good', 85 'Good', and 51 'Acceptable', while two were rated 'Weak' with no schools rated as 'Very Weak'.
Overall ratings improved for 26 schools, while three schools saw a decline in their ratings.
In another demonstration of the continuous improvement in the quality of education, 81 per cent of Dubai students now attend private schools rated 'Good' or higher compared to 77 per cent during last year's inspection cycle. This means nearly 49,500 students have benefitted from this improvement.
ALSO READ:
The mosques are nestled between the residential towers and surrounding the famous square – earlier known as Al Khan Bridge
The last time a Philippine president came to the country was in December 2008 during the time of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Amid the buzz, the Indian tourist told Khaleej Times she was just grateful that her mum had the chance to experience the emirate's luxury and hospitality
Parking fees are set in order to regulate the limited spaces and to prevent the arbitrary use of these spots
The violators were caught as authorities step up its monitoring of the public's compliance with regulations
Over the weekend, about 80 members of Filipino Kasambahay Club (FKC), an organisation of nannies and domestic workers in Dubai, had their first meet-up
Instead of going to shopping malls and indoor play areas, there are still a few outdoor spots that residents can visit during these hot and humid days
Some agencies are able to find a solution, with one expert encouraging travellers to get a five-year multiple-entry visa to the popular holiday destination