47 private schools in Abu Dhabi banned from enrolling new Emirati students over standard violations

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) revealed that, according to the latest inspection results of the 'Irtiqaa' system, 23 private schools have been promoted to a 'Good' rating within one year. Thanks to these efforts, supported by rigorous inspection and oversight processes, improved performance was shown across the emirate, with the results as follows: Thirteen schools were rated 'Outstanding', 51 'Very Good', 93 'Good', 42 'Acceptable', and five 'Weak'.

The ADEK noted that schools rated 'Acceptable' or lower were subject to restrictions on increasing their capacity and adding new classrooms. These restrictions were only lifted for schools that demonstrated significant improvement. They are not permitted to enrol new Emirati students until they meet the required standards. This includes 47 schools that were rated 'Acceptable' or lower.

Under the supervision of the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), the education sector in Abu Dhabi is witnessing continuous development, with more private schools rising to higher levels of quality and delivering better educational outcomes. As the sector's regulator, the department spearheads comprehensive development efforts by devising systematic action plans, organising mandatory follow-up sessions and carrying out targeted interventions. These efforts ensure the implementation of necessary accountability measures, provide accurate feedback, and enable corrective action to be taken when needed.

Operating within the framework of the UAE's unified school inspection and evaluation standards, the Irtiqa'a programme is the primary regulatory tool aimed at ensuring the continuous improvement of educational quality in schools in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. School evaluation is based on six key performance criteria: outstanding, very good, good, acceptable, weak and very weak. A "good" rating is the expected standard for all UAE schools.

Inspections under the Irtiqa'a programme are conducted every two years and private schools are evaluated according to six criteria and 17 performance indicators. These include student achievement, personal and social development, innovation skills, teaching and assessment, the curriculum, student protection, care, guidance and support, and leadership and management.

By implementing approved accountability standards, ADEK ensures that educational institutions adhere to the highest performance levels and provides parents with transparent information, encouraging students to achieve excellence. This coincides with continuous improvements in the performance of private schools in Abu Dhabi, offering parents a more diverse range of high-quality educational options.