Quick answer
KHDA school ratings are the inspection judgements given to Dubai private schools by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. Ratings use a six-point scale, from Outstanding and Very good to Good, Acceptable, Weak, and Very weak, based on the UAE School Inspection Framework. Inspectors judge achievement, personal development, teaching, curriculum, care, and leadership.
- Six-point scale from Outstanding to Very weak.
- Judgements across achievement, personal development, teaching, curriculum, care, and leadership.
- Reports are published for parents.
- KHDA updates its approach over time; check the current framework.
What is the KHDA rating scale?
| Rating | Broad meaning |
|---|---|
| Outstanding | Exceptionally high quality, well above expectations |
| Very good | Quality well above expectations |
| Good | The expected level for every school in the UAE |
| Acceptable | The minimum level of quality required |
| Weak | Quality below the expected level |
| Very weak | Quality significantly below expectations |
How are Dubai schools rated today?
Most Dubai private schools sit in the middle of the scale. In the 2023 to 2024 inspection cycle, Gulf News reported 23 Outstanding, 48 Very good, 85 Good, 51 Acceptable, and 2 Weak schools out of 209 inspected, with none rated Very weak. Acceptable is the minimum expected standard, and KHDA aims for every school to reach at least Good. Check the KHDA website for the latest published ratings of any school.
What do KHDA inspectors judge?
- Students achievement
- Attainment and progress in key subjects, including Arabic, Islamic education where applicable, English, mathematics, and science.
- Personal and social development
- Attitudes, behaviour, understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture, social responsibility, and innovation skills.
- Teaching and assessment
- Quality of teaching and how assessment informs learning.
- Curriculum
- Design, implementation, and adaptation to meet students needs.
- Protection, care, guidance, and support
- Safeguarding, health and safety, wellbeing, and support for students with additional needs.
- Leadership and management
- Leadership, self-evaluation, partnerships with parents, governance, and resources.
These follow the UAE School Inspection Framework used by KHDA. Check the KHDA website for the current framework and any updates.
How does a KHDA inspection work?
- Self-evaluation. The school evaluates itself against the framework throughout the year.
- Notice and data. The school receives notice and submits data as required.
- Inspection visit. Inspectors observe lessons, review work and data, and meet students, parents, staff, and governors.
- Judgements. Inspectors make judgements for each standard and an overall rating.
- Report. A report is published with strengths and recommendations.
- Follow-up. The school acts on recommendations before the next cycle.
Why do KHDA ratings matter to parents and schools?
- Parents use ratings and reports to compare schools.
- KHDA fee frameworks have linked permitted fee increases to school ratings; check current fee rules.
- Ratings affect reputation and admissions demand.
- Reports give schools a clear improvement agenda.
How can schools prepare for inspection all year?
- Use the framework. Map school self-evaluation directly to the inspection standards.
- Track progress data. Attainment and progress by subject, grade, and student group.
- Show improvement. Record actions taken after the last report and their impact.
- Strengthen safeguarding. Policies, training, and records that are complete and current.
- Support inclusion. Identify and track students of determination and their support.
- Engage parents. Regular communication and survey feedback.
How does a school ERP help with inspection readiness?
Inspectors look for evidence of progress, care, and improvement. When attendance, assessment, wellbeing, inclusion, and parent communication data sit in one system, leaders can show trends quickly and accurately. In Hudace SchoolOS, attendance analytics and exams in Student Information, dashboards and the report builder in Core School, and parent portals support this. See school ERP system in Dubai.
Frequently asked questions
What does KHDA stand for?
Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the education regulator for private schools in Dubai.
What are the KHDA rating levels?
Outstanding, Very good, Good, Acceptable, Weak, and Very weak.
How often are Dubai schools inspected?
KHDA sets the inspection cycle and has changed it over time. Check the KHDA website for the current approach.
Where can parents see KHDA reports?
On the KHDA website and app, which publish school information and reports.
Do KHDA ratings affect fees?
KHDA fee frameworks have linked permitted increases to ratings. Check current fee rules for each year.
Does KHDA inspect public schools?
KHDA regulates private schools in Dubai. Public schools are under the federal education system.
What is the expected rating for UAE schools?
Good is described as the expected level for every school in the UAE.