Private education in Abu Dhabi is showing measurable progress, with recent inspections revealing a notable rise in school performance levels. Conducted under the Department of Education and Knowledge’s (ADEK) Irtiqa’a framework, the evaluation has led to 23 schools moving up to the “Good” category, while a total of 13 have now achieved an “Outstanding” rating.
Irtiqa’a: Abu Dhabi’s school evaluation framework
The Irtiqa’a programme is Abu Dhabi’s main quality assurance system for private schools. It operates under the UAE Unified School Inspection and Evaluation Framework and aims to enhance educational standards across the Emirate. The inspections are conducted every two years by evaluators accredited and trained by ADEK, who assess schools based on international benchmarks.Schools are rated on a six-point scale ranging from Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak, to Very Weak. The national minimum standard is Good, meaning every school is expected to meet or exceed this level and continuously work towards improvement in subsequent inspections.
Abu Dhabi school ratings : 2025 snapshot
According to the latest Irtiqa’a results:
- 13 schools were rated Outstanding
- 51 schools received a Very Good rating
- 93 schools now fall under the Good category – an increase of 23 schools compared to the previous cycle
- 42 schools remain Acceptable
- 5 schools were assessed as Weak
Notably, there were no schools rated as Very Weak.Schools that received a rating of “Acceptable” or lower had been restricted from expanding enrolment or adding new grade levels. However, such restrictions were lifted for institutions that demonstrated verified improvements during this inspection cycle. Schools that continue to underperform remain subject to regulatory limitations until they meet the required performance benchmarks.
Key focus areas for Abu Dhabi school evaluations
The Irtiqa’a inspection framework examines performance across six core standards:
- Student Achievement
- Personal and Social Development, including Innovation Skills
- Teaching and Assessment
- Curriculum Quality
- Student Protection and Support
- Leadership and Management
Within these broad categories, inspectors assess performance using 17 detailed indicators. These cover academic outcomes, classroom practices, student well-being, safeguarding measures, and school leadership effectiveness. The multi-dimensional approach ensures that evaluations reflect not just test scores, but the overall learning environment and institutional leadership.The findings serve a dual purpose — they provide a clear performance picture for parents and also guide ADEK and school leaders in targeting areas for support and development.
ADEK’s broader role in Abu Dhabi’s education ecosystem
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) oversees the entire private education landscape in the Emirate. Its responsibilities include:
- Licensing and regulating private nurseries, schools, and higher education institutions
- Co-managing Charter Schools
- Setting policies and quality standards
- Conducting inspections and performance evaluations
Beyond regulatory functions, ADEK also runs enrichment programmes in areas such as STEM, arts, sports, and career development. It offers scholarships to UAE nationals, supports students of determination, and builds partnerships with the private sector to better align educational outcomes with workforce needs.The ongoing Irtiqa’a inspections are central to ADEK’s mission of raising education quality and ensuring equitable access to world-class learning experiences.