The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has published inspection results for four private schools that opened in 2022, marking the only institutions to receive detailed ratings for the 2024–25 academic year. Following a decision in early 2024 to pause full inspections for most schools, this limited number of reviews reflects KHDA’s focus on giving schools time for internal development and self-evaluation. The pause on full inspections will continue into the 2025–26 academic year.

Why Full Inspections Were Paused KHDA temporarily adjusted its annual inspection schedule to allow schools to prioritise innovation, curriculum development, and internal quality assurance. Instead of comprehensive inspections, most schools were evaluated through targeted quality visits or self-assessment reports.

In the 2023–24 academic year, Dubai’s private schools were rated as follows: 23 Outstanding, 48 Very Good, 85 Good, 51 Acceptable, 2 Weak, and none rated Very Weak.

2024–25 Inspections: New Schools Reviewed The four newly rated schools received full KHDA inspections covering curriculum quality, teaching standards, reading and mathematics performance, Arabic language provision, student well-being, and overall academic development. The results provide parents with a clear overview of each school’s strengths and areas for improvement.

1. Citizens School Dubai – Rated ‘Good’ Located in Al Satwa, Citizens School offers a British curriculum from Early Childhood to Year 9. Known for its entrepreneurial approach and future-focused curriculum, the school emphasises innovation, problem-solving, and global citizenship.

Strengths:

• Strong student support and well-resourced learning environment

• Innovative curriculum valued by parents

• Inclusive culture and respectful environment

Areas for improvement:

• Enhance literacy support across all phases

• Improve Arabic language provision and integration

• Provide detailed academic progress and well-being reports to parents

2. Bloom World Academy – Rated ‘Good’ An International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Al Barsha Second, serving students aged 3 to 18. Bloom World Academy promotes personalised learning pathways and offers wide extracurricular activities.

Strengths:

• Good student progress in English, mathematics, science, and Islamic Education

• Strong culture of innovation and personalised learning

• Welcoming ethos and excellent resources

Areas for improvement:

• Align improvement plans with IB standards and inspection requirements

• Strengthen governance and monitoring of student progress and inclusion

3. Durham School Dubai – Rated ‘Acceptable’ Based in Dubai Investments Park First, Durham School Dubai follows the UK curriculum from FS1 to Year 11, bringing the UK school’s heritage to the city.

Strengths:

• Positive student behaviour and personal development

• Appreciation of cultural and environmental awareness

• Strong primary-phase teaching

Areas for improvement:

• Develop consistent well-being promotion strategies

• Improve teaching, learning, and assessment consistency

• Expand inclusion planning and support

4. Dubai Schools Nad Al Sheba – Rated ‘Acceptable’ This American-curriculum school offers affordable education from KG1 to Grade 8 in Nad Al Sheba Fourth. It focuses on Arabic literacy, STEM, UAE culture, and Islamic studies.

Strengths:

• Strong teaching in early years and Kindergarten

• Excellent social development and cultural awareness

• Effective safety measures and student well-being initiatives

Areas for improvement:

• Reduce inconsistencies in teaching and share best practices

• Increase academic challenge and expectations

• Strengthen English and Arabic reading skills and independent learning

Key Takeaways for Parents Parents looking at schools for the 2024–25 academic year can now access the full KHDA inspection reports online. The limited number of schools inspected this year highlights KHDA’s strategy to focus on new institutions while giving existing schools more time to enhance their educational provision.

The reports provide valuable insights into curriculum quality, teaching standards, and student well-being, helping parents make informed decisions for their children’s education.