74% of schools rated ‘Good’ or ‘Better’ for inclusive education provision   

Dubai, June 19, 2023: More schools in Dubai are better equipped for inclusive education compared to pre-COVID years, results of the latest inspection survey by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has revealed. 

This academic year, 146 schools – 74% overall – have been rated ‘Good’ or ‘Better’ for inclusion provision compared to 121 schools during the last full inspection cycle in 2018-19.   

The number of schools rated ‘Outstanding’ for their inclusive education provision has nearly doubled from 7% to 12% this year. Overall, 24 schools were rated ‘Outstanding’ for their inclusive education programmes, while 48 were rated ‘Very Good’ and 75 rated ‘Good’. Forty-five schools were rated ‘Acceptable’ for the provision for students of determination.   

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KHDA says, “A true mark of a high-quality education sector is in how well it inspires and enables student of all abilities to strive for their best. Private schools in Dubai have made great progress in reducing barriers to learning and ensuring equitable access to education.  

“This improvement is not only a result of the systemic steps that school leaders have taken to promote individual learning experiences but of the commitment of the whole school community to build a school culture and environment that nurtures achievement, personal growth and overall well-being. We thank teachers and school leaders for their expertise and dedication to their students, their schools and to Dubai.”  

Schools were evaluated in several areas, including curriculum modification to suit students’ needs.  

About 66% of schools were rated ‘Good’ or ‘Better’ in this area compared to 55% in 2018-19.

The proportion of schools rated ‘Outstanding’ for curriculum modification doubled from 5% in 2018-19 to 10% cent this year.   

Schools in the UAE, especially Dubai, have been leading the way in the region when it comes to inclusive education, thanks to a series of initiatives and regulations over the past decade and a half.

Fatma Belrehif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau says, “Schools in Dubai have worked hard to improve their provision for students of determination by modifying their curriculum based on students’ learning skills. As a result of this improved approach to curriculum design and support, students have experienced greater academic progress this year.”  

A total of 199 Dubai private schools were inspected during the 2022-23 academic year. According to data released in April, 77% of students attend schools rated ‘Good’ or ‘Better’.   

Click here for the full list of inclusive education ratings for Dubai schools.