KHDA asserts that schedule changes in Dubai schools must prioritize student well-being

With the start of the current academic year, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has resumed quality checks, establishing a new link between school inspection results and potential tuition fee increases in private educational institutions in Dubai.

The regulator stated that in the future, any increase in tuition fees at private schools in Dubai will depend on the most recent inspection result for that school, even if the check was conducted more than two years ago.

During a media majlis on Thursday, the regulator announced that schools will no longer undergo the same types of inspections annually. Instead, the approach is shifting towards targeted visits based on data and areas where schools have potential for improvement.

This step comes amid the preparation of Dubai's private schools for the next stage of quality checks. KHDA aims to make inspections more meaningful for educational institutions while ensuring resources are used where they will have the greatest impact.

KHDA Director General Aisha Miran noted that no schools were permitted to raise tuition fees this year, which was positively received, including by investors, as they understood the logic behind the decision. She added that schools faced pressure from operating costs but managed to compensate for them.

For parents, the financial implications will be determined by the school's latest inspection result. KHDA clarified that it will use existing school data instead of requiring a new inspection before determining the payment status.

The new method also takes into account feedback from stakeholders, including teachers, who expressed concerns about the frequency of inspections and the time needed for schools to implement changes. Miran emphasized that teachers often lack sufficient time for rapid transformation.

Although the regulator conducted annual inspections for 17 years, the goal is now to focus on improvements that can significantly impact the overall quality of the school. There will be two types of quality checks: QA1 and QA2.

A QA2 inspection will not change the school's overall rating; instead, it will focus on specific areas where KHDA believes targeted support can help. Schools will not know in advance whether they are being considered for a QA1 or QA2 inspection; the decision will be based on data and KHDA's assessment of where the inspection might be most beneficial.

Under the new model, some schools may receive a rating for the current academic year, while others may continue to hold a rating from an inspection conducted two years ago. KHDA stated that it will visit schools with potential for measurable improvement, especially where progress in certain areas could ultimately affect the school's overall rating.

The regulator particularly stressed that when considering the possibility of increasing tuition fees, the most recent inspection result, which may date from the current or a previous year, will be used. KHDA also reported that the actual amount of permissible fee increase is still unknown, as the Education Cost Index (ECI), used to determine potential fee growth, is usually calculated in April.

Nevertheless, KHDA warned that it is currently unknown whether there will be any tuition fee increase at all, since the ECI is typically calculated no earlier than April. Meanwhile, QA1 inspections will retain their significant role, as any school entering its third year of operation will undergo a QA1 inspection, as it is still considered a new school.

Students in grades 10 and 12 across the UAE are awaiting an official announcement from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) regarding the 2027 exam schedule. Nevertheless, school principals strongly advise families not to postpone serious preparation until the exam date is released.

The preliminary CBSE schedule for 2027, based on last year's timeline, is expected closer to the end of September or October, with the exams themselves planned for February-March 2027. Schools in the UAE have already begun planning interim exams (pre-boards) for November and January while students wait for the preliminary CBSE schedule for 2027.

Banu Sharma, Principal of Woodlem Park Al Jurf Ajman, advised parents and students to rely solely on the official CBSE website and school notifications once the schedule is published. She noted that, based on the previous year, the CBSE date set for the 2027 exams is likely to be announced in late September or October 2026, but confirmation should only be sought on official CBSE resources and school alerts.

Sharma emphasized that the waiting period should not lead to a halt in preparation. At Woodlem Park, students will undergo two rounds of interim exams—in November and January. She recommended that students review subject dates, examination times, and intervals between tests before creating a final revision plan.

Other schools in the UAE are also moving forward with their internal testing schedules. Dipika Tapar Singh, CEO of Credence High School, reported that the first interim exam for grades 10 and 12 at this school is scheduled for November 10, with practical exams beginning around mid-January, in line with CBSE recommendations. She reminded that last year CBSE released a preliminary schedule on September 24 and a final one in early December, whereas this year schools are still awaiting the preliminary schedule.

Singh also pointed out that students already have a useful preparation tool—the latest sample papers and marking schemes from CBSE. She stressed: 'What is more important is that CBSE has already shared the latest sample papers with the marking schemes upon which this year's examination papers will be based. Our teachers use them to prepare for interim exams, and parents must ensure that students complete them and carefully study the marking scheme.'

At GEMS Our Own Indian School in Dubai, according to Director/CEO Lalita Suresh, interim exams for grade 12 are scheduled for late November, and for grade 10—for January. These exams are intended to identify knowledge gaps and give students time to improve before the final exams. Suresh added that schools may conduct a second mock test if necessary.

Principals noted that the true value of interim exams lies not only in the scores obtained but also in the actions taken by students afterward. Suresh advised students to complete the first full revision before the interim exams begin, and then use the results to identify areas needing attention. She clarified: 'Interim exams should not be viewed as the final goal, but as an important diagnostic test. They give students the opportunity to understand what they know, where they make mistakes, and which areas require further attention.'

Furthermore, she recommended focusing after the interim exams not on completing the curriculum, but on refining exam-taking skills. Regular practice with CBSE samples and questions will help improve time management, presentation, and accuracy. Analyzing mistakes after each test is equally important. Students should ask themselves not only 'What did I do wrong?' but also 'Why did I do it wrong and how can I ensure I don't repeat this mistake?'

Meanwhile, Singh also urged families not to turn the approaching exams into a source of unnecessary anxiety. She stated: 'There is no need for anyone to worry. Children simply need a proper schedule and study plan after school, as putting everything off until the last minute creates pressure. The CBSE exam requires multiple revisions, so starting early helps.'

She advised students to analyze returned interim exam papers, determine where marks were lost, and revise those sections first. Singh also addressed parents: 'These are older children, so talk to them and help them understand why they should give up phones and study from NCERT textbooks, class notes, and notebooks. If online material is required, set a clear time limit.'

In conclusion, she added: 'Above all, children should write and study, not just read. They should also review the sample answers and top student responses published by CBSE every year to understand where they are right and where they are mistaken. Our teachers regularly discuss this in class so that children understand how the work should be presented.'

Dubai's private schools have entered the 2026–2027 academic year with an updated quality assurance system from KHDA, as most established educational institutions resumed inspections after a two-year hiatus from full checks.

In June, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed that quality assurance visits will commence at the beginning of the new academic year, but schools should not expect a return to the previous inspection cycle in exactly the same form.

Under the revised approach, schools may receive either a comprehensive inspection or a more targeted monitoring visit. KHDA will determine the appropriate type of visit using existing data on performance and school information, instead of following a single inspection schedule. Another significant change concerns the notification period: schools will be notified no later than 24 hours before the inspection team arrives. This means that leaders and teachers must maintain readiness throughout the entire academic year, rather than preparing specifically for a scheduled visit.

Currently, the private school sector in Dubai serves approximately 387,000 students from 185 nationalities across more than 220 schools. KHDA has confirmed that quality assurance visits will take place in the 2026–2027 academic year, but there is no single schedule for all private schools in Dubai.

The authority is adopting a more flexible method, determining the time and method of assessment based on individual school data. One category has a clear requirement: private schools completing their third year of operation in Dubai will undergo a comprehensive quality review. Schools in their first or second year will not be subjected to a full inspection.

For well-established schools, the type and timing of the visit will depend on KHDA's assessment of circumstances, performance, and the school's improvement stage. Not every private school in Dubai will undergo a comprehensive inspection in 2026–2027.

KHDA uses a data-driven process to determine which schools require a comprehensive assessment and which are better assessed through monitoring. The information considered includes the school profile, history of previous inspections, student achievements, self-assessment data, and external evaluation data. Education specialists will analyze this information and use moderation to ensure consistency in decisions.

When selecting a school for a comprehensive visit, the assessment will cover the full UAE School Inspection Structural Framework. A detailed report will be issued, and an overall school rating will be published. However, for schools reaching their third year of operation, the comprehensive review is automatic.

A monitoring visit is a more focused form of quality assurance. Instead of examining every area covered by a comprehensive inspection, a smaller group will review specific areas or 'areas of inquiry' identified through KHDA's analysis of the school. The resulting report will indicate strengths and areas requiring further development. Nevertheless, this visit will not result in a new overall KHDA rating.

This means that parents or schools should not automatically interpret a monitoring visit as evidence of poor school performance. It is part of a new system designed to align with the nature of KHDA's interaction with the individual school improvement path. Thus, a school receiving a monitoring visit will retain its existing public overall rating.

Some schools will receive an overall rating and a new published rating during a comprehensive review. Schools selected for monitoring will receive a report on the reviewed areas, but their existing overall rating will remain unchanged. This will lead to a transition period where the last available rating will differ from school to school.

It is important to note that inspection standards remain based on the UAE School Inspection Structural Framework 2015–2016 and the DSIB Inspection Guide. The main change lies in how KHDA allocates its quality assurance resources, which are typically more detailed and conducted by education assessment specialists, culminating in a detailed report that includes an overall school rating and ranking. This does not replace the framework used to assess schools.

Institutions should continue to familiarize themselves with the established inspection standards while preparing for a more flexible inspection process. The UAE Ministry of Education has introduced a new inspection framework for public schools, but this framework does not apply to private schools in Dubai.

The reduction in notification time has been significantly decreased compared to the previous five working days. This step aims to give inspectors a fuller picture of normal school life, rather than allowing schools several days to prepare specifically for an inspection. This means inspectors expect to see teaching, learning, student well-being, and the daily operations of the school under conditions close to normal school routine. For school leaders and teachers, the practical implication is simple: preparation for inspection can no longer be viewed as a process starting a few days before the announced visit.

A key focus area in 2026–2027 will be the impact of schools' improvement work during the two-year inspection hiatus. Inspectors will examine what schools have done during this period and, importantly, whether these actions have led to measurable improvements for students. The emphasis, therefore, is not just on whether the school implemented new initiatives, but on the impact these efforts have had on the students.

Schools participating in the Excel Anywhere program will also undergo progress checks as part of the quality assurance process. This initiative was introduced as part of Dubai's Education 33 strategy to support improvement in schools with a high enrollment of Emirati students. KHDA also indicated that quality assurance work will consider broader circumstances in which schools operated, including recent regional events and disruptions affecting education.

The issue of inclusivity remains an important element of Dubai's school quality assurance system, including support for Students with Special Needs. The UAE School Inspection Structural Framework considers inclusivity alongside areas such as teaching and learning, curriculum, leadership, and student well-being. KHDA data shows that in 2023–24, 76 percent of Dubai's private schools received a 'Good' rating or higher for inclusive education. The focus on inclusivity also aligns with Dubai's broader Education 33 strategy and its All Rise initiative, which aims to strengthen educational opportunities and outcomes for students. For schools, this means that inclusive practice cannot be viewed as a separate area outside the inspection process. Evidence of how schools support diverse learners can be relevant in several quality assurance areas.

School self-assessment remains an important source of information for KHDA. In the previous inspection system, schools provided a Self-Evaluation Form (SEF) before the inspection. Since schools are now notified no later than 24 hours in advance, the role of continuous self-assessment becomes particularly significant. During the inspection hiatus, schools were required to provide regular SEF updates as part of ongoing monitoring. The current KHDA approach requires schools to maintain an accurate picture of their own strengths, weaknesses, and improvement efforts throughout the year. The practical takeaway for school leaders is that evidence of improvement should not only be collected after the inspection announcement.

It is important to distinguish between two concepts: the KHDA Compliance Guide, released in September 2026, establishes a separate process for compliance visits. These may include scheduled annual visits, complaint-driven or request-driven inspections from KHDA or other government departments, follow-up visits, and joint visits with other governmental bodies. Compliance visits may also occur without prior notice. In contrast, quality assurance visits relate to the assessment of educational quality and improvement through a comprehensive or monitoring visit.

This distinction is important for parents: a KHDA visit does not automatically mean that the school's overall educational rating is being reviewed or changed. The type of visit determines what is assessed and whether a new overall rating will be issued. The return of quality assurance visits will gradually provide families with more current information about private schools in Dubai after the inspection hiatus. However, parents should check the type of visit the school received before assuming its KHDA rating has been updated. A comprehensive review provides an overall rating and ranking. A monitoring visit provides a focused report but does not change the school's existing published rating.