Inclusive education in Dubai’s private schools is making marked strides, offering significant benefits for students of determination. According to the latest figures from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), 146 schools — constituting 74% of the total — have been rated as ‘Good’ or better for their inclusive education provision in the current academic year. This represents a considerable rise from the 121 schools that achieved similar ratings during the last full inspection cycle in 2018-19.
Schools earning an ‘Outstanding’ rating for their inclusive education provision have also seen a substantial increase, nearly doubling from 7% to 12%.
Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KHDA, remarked, “The true quality of an education sector shines through its ability to inspire and empower students of all abilities to strive for their best. Dubai’s private schools have shown noteworthy progress in eliminating learning barriers and securing equal access to education.”
Dr Karam credits this improvement to both the systematic measures school leaders have implemented to enhance individual learning experiences, as well as the dedication of the whole school community to cultivate an environment that encourages achievement, personal growth, and overall wellbeing. He extended his gratitude to teachers and school leaders for their expertise and unwavering commitment to their students, schools, and Dubai.
For their inclusive education programmes, 24 schools achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating, 48 were deemed ‘Very Good’, and 75 ‘Good’. A further 45 schools received an ‘Acceptable’ rating for their provision for students of determination.
The evaluation of schools encompassed several areas, including their capacity to modify the curriculum to suit students’ needs. In this area, 66% of schools received a ‘Good’ or better rating, a substantial increase from the 55% in 2018-19. The number of schools rated ‘Outstanding’ for curriculum modification also doubled from 5% in 2018-19 to 10% this year.
Fatma Belrehif, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau, commented, “Dubai schools have striven to improve their provision for students of determination by tailoring their curriculum based on students’ learning skills. This refined approach to curriculum design and support has resulted in students experiencing enhanced academic progress this year.”
Throughout the 2022-23 academic year, a total of 199 private schools in Dubai were inspected. As per data released in April, 77% of students are enrolled in schools rated ‘Good’ or better.
The comprehensive list of inclusive education ratings for Dubai schools can be found on the KHDA website.
