KHDA resumes private school inspections in Dubai from the 2026-27 academic year to strengthen education quality and improve student outcomes.
DUBAI: KHDA private school inspections will resume across Dubai from the 2026-27 academic year as part of efforts to enhance educational standards, strengthen accountability and improve student outcomes throughout the emirate.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority announced that quality assurance visits will return under a revised framework designed to support continuous school improvement while increasing parental confidence in Dubai’s private education sector.
The initiative aligns with Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy, which places students at the centre of learning and aims to elevate education quality across the emirate. The programme also supports broader objectives outlined in the Dubai Plan 2033, Dubai Economic Agenda and Dubai Social Agenda.
Under the updated model, KHDA private school inspections will take place through two distinct formats. Eligible schools may receive a comprehensive inspection conducted by specialist teams using the UAE School Inspection Framework. These inspections will result in detailed reports and updated overall ratings.
Other schools may undergo shorter monitoring visits focused on specific areas identified through performance data and school evaluations. These visits will provide recommendations and improvement guidance without issuing a new overall rating.
KHDA confirmed that schools selected for inspections will receive no more than 24 hours’ notice. The approach is intended to provide a more accurate reflection of everyday school operations, teaching quality, learning environments and student wellbeing.
Fatma Belrehif, Chief Executive Officer of the Education Quality Assurance and Compliance Agency, said the renewed inspection framework recognises that schools are at different stages of development and allows authorities to provide more targeted support where needed.
KHDA private school inspections will also assess the impact of improvement efforts undertaken by schools over the past two years. Authorities will use a data-driven methodology based on performance indicators, self-evaluation processes and educational outcomes.
The programme supports Dubai’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global destination for high-quality education while ensuring continuous improvement across the private school sector.
