The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced updated policies on student attendance, behaviour, and administrative affairs, which will take effect in the 2025/26 academic year. These measures are designed to reinforce student wellbeing, ensure consistent academic engagement, and promote a safe and respectful learning environment across Abu Dhabi schools.
Attendance Rules: Why Every Day Counts
ADEK has stressed that regular attendance is the foundation of academic success. Schools will now implement strict guidelines to monitor absence rates and lateness:
- Grades 1–12: Missing more than 5% of the school year (nine days) will be flagged as a concern.
- Kindergarten: Missing over 10% of the year (18 days) will be reported.
- Both excused and unexcused absences count toward the total.
Excused Absences
Illness, medical appointments, family bereavements, official duties, competitions, government holidays, and ADEK-approved study leave fall under authorised absences. Parents must submit proper documentation, including medical certificates for absences longer than three days.
Unexcused Absences
Family holidays during term time, non-emergency appointments, or staying home without notice will be considered unauthorised. Repeated lateness will also trigger school intervention.
Student Behaviour: Building Respectful School Communities
The Student Behaviour Policy requires every school to maintain a positive behaviour model and a clear Code of Conduct. These set expectations for respect, punctuality, academic integrity, and cultural awareness.
Key features include:
- A strong focus on bullying prevention, both in school and online.
- Clear definitions of misconduct, ranging from minor infractions like repeated lateness to severe issues such as vandalism, substance use, or harassment.
- A tiered disciplinary system, starting with verbal warnings and restorative interventions, and escalating to suspension or expulsion in extreme cases.
Schools must also provide support and interventions to address underlying causes of behavioural concerns, such as counselling and tailored learning plans.
Administrative Affairs: Smooth Transitions and Student Support
The Student Administrative Affairs Policy outlines school responsibilities for admissions, enrolments, promotions, and student transfers. It ensures that transitions between grades and schools are transparent and supportive.
Highlights include:
- Clear procedures for admissions and grade placement without discrimination.
- Daily reporting of attendance data to ADEK.
- Transition support for students moving between cycles or changing curricula.
- Specific guidelines for students with additional learning needs, ensuring inclusive practices throughout their education journey.
What Parents Need to Do
Parents play a central role in ensuring compliance with the new policies. Families must:
- Notify schools promptly of absences and provide documentation.
- Support children in making up missed work.
- Reinforce the importance of punctuality and good behaviour at home.
By working with schools, parents can help their children meet ADEK’s standards and thrive academically and socially.
ADEK’s updated attendance, behaviour, and administrative policies underline the importance of responsibility, respect, and consistency in education. With these rules in place for 2025/26, Abu Dhabi schools aim to create stronger learning environments that prepare students not only for academic success but also for positive citizenship.
For full policy documents, visit the website below:
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