Dubai school ratings 2024–25: KHDA publishes inspection results for new schools

Dubai: Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has released new inspection results for just four private schools, a notably small number following the regulator’s decision in early 2024 to pause full inspections for most schools. This pause, originally announced for the 2024–25 academic year, has now been extended to include 2025–26 as well.

Only schools that opened in 2022 received full inspections this year, making these the only institutions to receive fresh, detailed KHDA ratings for the 2024–25 cycle.

Why full inspections were paused

The KHDA temporarily stepped back from its annual inspection schedule to give schools greater time and space to focus on internal development, innovation, and self-evaluation. Instead of full reviews, most schools received targeted quality assurance visits or submitted self-evaluation reports.

In the 2023–24 academic year, Dubai had:

• 23 schools rated Outstanding

• 48 Very Good

• 85 Good

• 51 Acceptable

• 2 Weak, and none Very Weak

For the 2024–25 cycle, the KHDA has published full inspection reports for the four schools opened in 2022. Their reports cover student performance, curriculum quality, teaching standards, reading and mathematics, Arabic, and student well-being. Full details are available on the official KHDA website.

Below is a breakdown of the four newly rated schools, along with their strengths and areas for improvement.

1. Citizens School Dubai – Rated ‘Good’

A British-curriculum school known for its entrepreneurial approach and focus on student well-being. The school follows the UK National Curriculum enhanced by its own Citizens Future Framework, centred on innovation, problem-solving and global citizenship.

• Location: Al Satwa

• Curriculum: UK (13 years)

• Year levels: ECC (0–1) to Year 9

• Fees (2025–26): From Dh45,000 (FS1) and Dh80,000 (Year 9)

Highlights

• A caring, well-resourced learning environment with highly qualified staff

• An innovative future-focused curriculum valued by parents

• A strong culture of respect and inclusion supported by leaders and staff

Areas for improvement

• Strengthen literacy across all phases, with extra support for students with limited English

• Improve Arabic provision and integrate it more clearly into the school’s vision

• Ensure parent reports provide full details on academic progress, social development and well-being engagement

2. Bloom World Academy – Rated ‘Good’

Bloom World Academy is an International Baccalaureate (IB) school for students aged 3 to 18, operated by Bloom Education.

• Location: Al Barsha Second

• Curriculum: IB

• Year levels: ECC (1–2) to Grade 11

• Fees (2025–26): From Dh53,000 (KG1) and Dh85,000 (Year 12)

Highlights

• Students make good progress in English, Islamic Education, mathematics and science

• Strong innovation culture, personalised learning pathways, and wide extra-curricular offerings

• Parents appreciate the school’s welcoming ethos and strong learning resources

Areas for improvement

• Ensure subject improvement plans support wider school development and align with IB standards

• Align self-evaluation processes with UAE inspection requirements

• Establish a governing body representing the whole school community

• Strengthen governance to better monitor student progress, well-being and inclusion

3. Durham School Dubai – Rated ‘Acceptable’

Durham School Dubai is a British international school opened in 2022, bringing the heritage of the UK-based Durham School to Dubai.

• Location: Dubai Investments Park First

• Curriculum: UK (13 years)

• Year levels: FS1 to Year 11

• Fees: Dh55,269 (FS1) and Dh95,000 (Year 11)

Highlights

• Students demonstrate positive attitudes, behaviour and strong personal development

• Appreciation of Islamic values, world cultures, social contribution and environmental awareness

• Strong teaching in the primary phase

• Effective relationships and partnerships with parents

Areas for improvement

• Develop a systematic approach to promoting and monitoring well-being

• Improve consistency in teaching, learning and assessment

• Increase capacity for effective inclusion planning and support

• Ensure all governors fully understand their role in school improvement

4. Dubai Schools Nad Al Sheba – Rated ‘Acceptable’

The most affordable school in this inspection cycle, part of Dubai Schools initiative His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The project aims to provide high-quality, accessible education focused on Arabic literacy, STEM learning, UAE culture and Islamic studies.

• Location: Nad Al Sheba Fourth

• Curriculum: American

• Year levels: KG1 to Grade 8

• Fees: Dh30,603 (KG1) to Dh45,853 (Grade 8)

Highlights

• Strong teaching and learning in the Kindergarten

• Excellent personal and social development, with strong awareness of Emirati culture and heritage

• Effective health, safety and child protection measures

• Strong leadership and commitment to inclusion and well-being

Areas for improvement

To raise student attainment and accelerate progress:

• Eliminate inconsistencies in teaching and share best practice

• Raise expectations and ensure activities are consistently challenging

• Support students to become independent learners and critical thinkers

• Strengthen English and Arabic reading development

• Improve links between self-evaluation, development planning and actual student outcomes