Dubai private schools to skip full inspections in 2025-26, confirms KHDA
Dubai, UAE – May 2025:
Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has confirmed that private schools across the emirate will not undergo full inspections during the 2025-2026 academic year, continuing its revised approach to school evaluation. This marks the second consecutive year that comprehensive school inspections will be suspended as part of an evolving strategy aimed at enhancing education quality through collaboration and innovation.
Key points from the KHDA announcement
• No full inspections for most schools
Full inspections for private schools in Dubai will not take place in the 2025-2026 academic year. This decision is intended to encourage schools to focus on internal development and collaborative growth.
• Exception for new schools
The only exception applies to schools in their third year of operation, which will still be subject to a comprehensive full inspection.
• Targeted visits to continue
Instead of full inspections, KHDA will carry out targeted visits focusing on specific educational areas. These visits will be guided by:
o Feedback from parents, students, and educators
o Alignment with the Education 33 strategy—Dubai’s forward-thinking education roadmap
• Ongoing monitoring mechanisms
KHDA will maintain oversight of school performance through:
o External benchmark assessments to track student progress
o Self-Evaluation Forms (SEFs) submitted regularly by schools
Emphasis on collaboration and innovation
Fatma Ibrahim Belrehif, who leads KHDA’s Education Quality Assurance and Compliance Agency, highlighted the reason behind the move, noting that Dubai’s private schools have shown strong dedication to innovation, resilience, and student wellbeing. She explained that pausing inspections will open up opportunities for deeper collaboration and thoughtful discussions around the future of educational quality.
She further noted that KHDA’s ongoing engagement and targeted support will help ensure that students continue to benefit from high-quality education in line with Dubai’s leadership goals.
What this means for parents and schools
• Parents can still access current school performance data and ratings on the KHDA website and mobile app.
• Schools are encouraged to use this period to deepen reflective practices, improve academic outcomes, and strengthen community engagement.
Looking ahead
The KHDA’s move aligns with its broader mission to evolve the education system in Dubai by fostering trust, innovation, and sustainable improvement rather than relying solely on inspection results.
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