KHDA Publishes Inspection Results for Only 4 New Schools in Dubai

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority has released the latest inspection results for four private schools in Dubai. This limited number reflects the KHDA decision in early 2024 to pause full inspections for most schools for the 2024 to 2025 academic year. The pause has now been extended to 2025 to 2026.

Only private schools that opened in 2022 received full inspections during this cycle. All other schools continued with quality assurance visits or submitted self-evaluation reports.

Summary of Previous School Ratings

During the 2023 to 2024 academic year, Dubai had:

23 schools rated Outstanding
48 schools rated Very Good
85 schools rated Good
51 schools rated Acceptable
2 schools rated Weak
No schools rated Very Weak

For 2024 to 2025, full reports have been issued only for the four schools opened in 2022. These evaluations include curriculum quality, teaching standards, reading, mathematics, Arabic, student performance and well-being.

Below is the breakdown of the four newly rated schools.

Citizens School Dubai follows the UK National Curriculum is rated Good

1. Citizens School Dubai Rated Good

Citizens School Dubai follows the UK National Curriculum, supported by its Citizens Future Framework focused on innovation and problem solving.

Location: Al Satwa
Curriculum: UK
Year levels: ECC to Year 9
Fees: Dh45,000 to Dh80,000

Highlights
A caring and well resourced learning environment supported by highly qualified staff
A future focused curriculum appreciated by parents
A strong culture of inclusion and respect supported by leadership and staff

Areas for Improvement
Strengthen literacy across phases and provide support for students with limited English
Improve Arabic provision and integrate it more clearly into the school vision
Ensure parent reports include full details on academic progress, social development and well-being

Bloom World Academy is an IB school and is rated Good

2. Bloom World Academy Rated Good

Bloom World Academy is an IB school offering personalised learning and a strong culture of innovation.

Location: Al Barsha Second
Curriculum: IB
Year levels: ECC to Grade 11
Fees: Dh53,000 to Dh85,000

Highlights
Good student progress in English, Islamic Education, mathematics and science
A strong culture of innovation and personalised learning
Parents value the school’s welcoming ethos and excellent learning resources

Areas for Improvement
Ensure subject improvement plans align with school development
Improve self-evaluation processes to meet UAE inspection expectations
Establish a comprehensive governing body
Strengthen governance to monitor progress, well-being and inclusion

Durham School Dubai delivers a British curriculum and is rated acceptable

3. Durham School Dubai Rated Acceptable

Durham School Dubai delivers a British curriculum and reflects the heritage of the UK based Durham School.

Location: Dubai Investments Park First
Curriculum: UK
Year levels: FS1 to Year 11
Fees: Dh55,269 to Dh95,000

Highlights
Positive student behaviour and strong personal development
Appreciation of Islamic values, cultural understanding and environmental awareness
Strong teaching in the primary phase
Effective relationships with parents

Areas for Improvement
Develop a structured approach to monitoring well-being
Improve consistency in teaching and assessment
Increase inclusion capacity and support
Ensure governors fully understand their improvement responsibilities

4. Dubai Schools Nad Al Sheba Rated Acceptable

This school is part of the Dubai Schools initiative overseen by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The focus is on accessible, high quality education with an emphasis on Arabic literacy, STEM, UAE heritage and Islamic studies.

Location: Nad Al Sheba Fourth
Curriculum: American
Year levels: KG1 to Grade 8
Fees: Dh30,603 to Dh45,853

Highlights
Strong teaching and learning in Kindergarten
Excellent personal and social development
High awareness of Emirati culture and heritage
Strong child protection, safety and well-being systems
Committed leadership with a strong focus on inclusion

Areas for Improvement
Remove inconsistencies in teaching and encourage best practice
Raise expectations and provide more challenging activities
Support students to develop independence and critical thinking
Strengthen English and Arabic reading
Improve links between self-evaluation and actual student outcomes

For more information please visit,

KHDA Website