As part of Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to enhance education quality and uphold high academic standards, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge has continued its direct engagement with schools across the emirate.
Led by its newly appointed Chairman, H.E. Mohamed Al Qadi, ADEK conducted visits to Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys and Al Ghad Charter School, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence, national identity and future ready learning.
Recognising Outstanding Academic Performance
The visits focused on acknowledging strong academic outcomes and promoting the importance of cultural identity alongside skills required for the future workforce. This approach reflects ADEK’s broader vision of developing well rounded learners prepared to succeed locally and globally.
Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys achieved an Outstanding rating under both the Irtiqaa Inspection Framework and the National Identity Mark, placing it among the highest performing schools in Abu Dhabi. ADEK’s inspection and review processes aim to provide transparency for parents and clarity on school quality, supporting informed decision making and continuous improvement across the education system.

Strengthening Arabic Language and Cultural Identity
In addition to its inspection outcomes, Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys was recognised as a runner up in the ADEK Awards for Best Arabic Programme last year. This recognition highlights the school’s sustained efforts to strengthen Arabic language proficiency and reinforce cultural identity among students.
Al Ghad Charter School Builds Academic Momentum
The visit continued at Al Ghad Charter School, which holds a distinctive position as the first charter school in Abu Dhabi to graduate a cohort. The school has demonstrated positive academic momentum, with improving student outcomes and strong performance in Mathematics and Science, further supporting the impact of the charter school model.
The pioneering Class of 2025 secured placements at leading universities in the UAE and internationally, including the University of Melbourne, the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney.
Alumni Engagement and Student Development
Alumni from Al Ghad School’s first graduating cohort participated in the visit, reflecting on how the school supported their readiness for higher education through academic guidance, skills development and early exposure to post school pathways. Alumni also shared insights into their current academic journeys and future aspirations.
Al Ghad School continues to support the development of well rounded students, with many engaging across diverse disciplines such as arts, poetry and sports. During the visit, students showcased their talents, reflecting the school’s emphasis on recognising individual strengths.

Collaboration with Parents and Students
The visit included engagement sessions with parents, who shared perspectives on their children’s learning journeys, progression to graduation and transition to post school pathways. These discussions underscored the importance of collaboration between schools and families in supporting student development.
The visit concluded with a focus group workshop bringing together ADEK representatives and outstanding Al Ghad students, joined by peers from across Aldar Education schools. Students shared their views on learning experiences and topics including artificial intelligence adaptation, cultural belonging, Arabic language proficiency and passions beyond academics, such as entrepreneurship, sports and the arts.
Driving Excellence Through Direct Engagement
These visits underline ADEK’s approach to working closely with schools, educators, students and families, highlighting the value of direct engagement and collaboration in driving academic excellence and strengthening national identity across Abu Dhabi’s education system.
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Further Reading:
- ADEK Launches Wellbeing Mark School Recognition Programme
- New MoHESR-ADEK Pact to Streamline School-to-University Pathways
- MoHESR and EGA Partner to Boost Engineering Scholarships for Emirati Students
- New ADEK Policy Mandates 240 Minutes of Arabic Weekly in Kindergartens
- Global and Local Experts Unite at the ADEK Counselors Forum to Strengthen Student Career & University Guidance Across Abu Dhabi






























