What Parents Need to Know About KHDA & ADEK Ratings of International Schools in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
If you’re searching for the best international school for your child in the UAE, you’ve probably come across KHDA and ADEK ratings. But what do they really mean? Do their inspection criteria align with what you value most in a school? What does it take for a school to be rated “Outstanding”? And what other inspection frameworks might you also consider?
At ED-SG Education Consultancy, we always recommend using school inspection reports as one of many tools in your school search. These reports provide valuable insights into teaching quality, student achievement, leadership, and well-being—but understanding them can be overwhelming.
Here’s a simple breakdown of KHDA and ADEK inspections, how they impact school ratings, and what you should consider when making a decision.
KHDA & ADEK Ratings Inspection Bodies in the UAE
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) regulates private schools in Dubai, while the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) oversees private schools in Abu Dhabi. Both authorities focus on improving education quality by assessing how schools meet high standards in academics, student well-being, and leadership.
Both KHDA and ADEK conduct regular school inspections, providing ratings from Outstanding to Weak that help parents make informed choices.
What Do KHDA & ADEK Assess?
✔️ Student achievement
✔️ Personal and social development
✔️ Teaching and assessment
✔️ Curriculum quality
✔️ Student protection, care, and support
✔️ Leadership and school management
Assessment of Mandatory UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) Subjects
In both KHDA and ADEK inspections, schools are also assessed on their delivery of UAE MoE subjects, which are compulsory for all students. These subjects include:
📌 Islamic Education – Required for Muslim students
📌 Arabic Language
✔️ First Language Arabic – For native Arabic speakers
✔️ Second Language Arabic – For non-native speakers
📌 UAE Social Studies – Covers UAE history, geography, and civics
📌 Moral Education – Focuses on values, ethics, and character development
Since these subjects are a core part of school inspections, weak performance in MoE subjects can lower a school’s overall rating, even if it excels in other areas.
What Does It Take for a School to Be Rated “Outstanding”?
To achieve the highest rating, a school must demonstrate exceptional performance across multiple areas. The exact weighting of criteria isn’t publicly available, but in general, schools must show consistent excellence—and no weaknesses in MoE subjects.
Beyond KHDA & ADEK: Other School Accreditations
While KHDA and ADEK ratings provide valuable insights, many families also consider international accreditations when choosing a school. These certifications often align with global education standards and can be particularly useful if you plan for your child to continue a curriculum from your home country.
Key International School Accreditations in the UAE to consider
✅ British Schools (BSO – British Schools Overseas)
✔️ Ensures UK curriculum schools follow British Department for Education standards
✔️ Evaluates curriculum, teacher qualifications, safeguarding, and leadership
✔️ Highly valued by British expat families
✅ American Schools (Cognia or NEASC)
✔️ Evaluates schools offering US Common Core and Advanced Placement (AP) courses
✔️ Assesses college readiness (SAT, ACT, AP exams)
✔️ Highly valued by American expat families
✅ IB Schools (International Baccalaureate Organisation – IBO)
✔️ Assesses inquiry-based learning, student engagement, and teacher training
✔️ Evaluates university preparation
✔️ Highly valued by expat families who are in, or are considering a move to, International Baccalaureate pathways.
✅ French Schools (AEFE or MENJS)
✔️ Inspects Baccalauréat preparation and bilingual learning
✔️ Highly valued by French expat families
✅ Spanish Schools (NEASC, Instituto Cervantes, IB)
✔️ Aligns with Spanish Ministry of Education guidelines
✔️ Evaluates schools that offer Spanish Baccalaureate (Bachillerato) pathways
✔️ Highly valued by Spanish expat families
✅ Italian Schools (MAECI – Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IB)
✔️ Follow Italian Ministry of Education standards
✔️ Considers how prepared students are for Italian State Exams and university pathways
✔️ Highly valued by Italian expat families
✅ Australian Schools (ACARA – Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority)
✔️ Assesses schools that follow the Australian National Curriculum
✔️ Considers how prepared students are for Australian universities and international options
✔️ Highly valued by Australian expat families
How ED-SG Can Help You Find the Right School
Navigating school inspections and accreditations can be complicated—but you don’t have to do it alone! At ED-SG Education Consultancy, we help families interpret reports, compare schools, and find the best fit for their child.
📩 Need expert advice? Contact us today!
