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What the five KHDA rating levels mean, how school inspections work in Dubai, and how ratings affect fees. Based on official KHDA inspection framework documentation.
The KHDA rates private schools on five levels: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, and Weak. As of the 2023-2024 inspection cycle, 23 schools are rated Outstanding (11%), 48 are Very Good (23%), 85 are Good (41%), 51 are Acceptable (24%), and 2 are Weak (1%). Ratings affect fee increase eligibility.
Source: KHDA 2023-2024 Inspection Key Findings
KHDA ratings are an important data point but should be considered alongside other factors when researching schools. A school's overall rating is a summary — the detailed inspection report provides much more nuanced information about specific areas of strength and development. GetYourTutors does not use KHDA ratings to recommend schools.
23 schools (11%) — 2023-2024 cycle
The school provides an exceptional quality of education. Student outcomes are consistently high across all areas. The school demonstrates innovative practice and has a strong, well-established culture of continuous improvement.
48 schools (23%) — 2023-2024 cycle
The school provides a high quality of education. Student outcomes are above expected levels in most areas. Teaching and leadership are consistently strong, with effective strategies for further improvement.
85 schools (41%) — 2023-2024 cycle
The school provides a good quality of education. Student outcomes meet expected levels in most areas. There are clear strengths alongside areas identified for development. The school has capacity for improvement.
51 schools (24%) — 2023-2024 cycle
The school provides an acceptable quality of education. Student outcomes meet minimum expected levels. There are significant areas requiring improvement, and the school is expected to demonstrate progress by the next inspection.
2 schools (1%) — 2023-2024 cycle
The school provides a quality of education below acceptable levels. Student outcomes are below expected standards. The school requires significant improvement across multiple areas and is subject to increased KHDA oversight.
KHDA inspections are conducted by teams of trained inspectors who visit schools over several days. The inspection framework assesses six key areas, each of which receives its own rating:
| Inspection Area | What It Assesses |
|---|---|
| Student Achievement | Attainment and progress in core subjects (English, Maths, Science, Arabic) and other subjects |
| Personal and Social Development | Personal responsibility, understanding of Islamic values, social responsibility, innovation skills |
| Teaching and Assessment | Quality of teaching, use of assessment data, differentiation, and meeting students' diverse needs |
| Curriculum | Curriculum design, adaptation, and implementation including links to UAE culture and context |
| Protection, Care, Guidance, and Support | Safeguarding, health and safety, support for students with additional needs (Students of Determination) |
| Leadership and Management | School governance, self-evaluation, strategic planning, partnerships with parents, and management of resources |
Source: KHDA inspection framework documentation.
The KHDA regulates private school fees in Dubai through the Education Cost Index (ECI). Schools rated higher by KHDA have historically been eligible for larger fee increases. The ECI reflects operational costs including staff salaries, support services, and rent, calculated from audited financial data.
| Rating Change | Maximum Fee Increase |
|---|---|
| Rating maintained (same as previous) | Up to ECI (currently 2.35% for the 2025-2026 academic year) |
| Rating improved | Up to double the ECI |
| Rating dropped | No fee increase permitted |
| School less than 3 years old | No fee adjustment permitted |
| During inspection pause (2024-26) | Up to ECI only (2.35% for the 2025-2026 academic year) |
Full KHDA inspections were paused for 2024-25 and extended through 2025-26. All schools can only adjust fees based on the ECI during this period. Full inspections are expected to resume in the 2026-2027 academic year.
During the inspection pause, all schools can only adjust fees based on the ECI regardless of their previous rating. The 2023-2024 inspection reports remain the most current set of full ratings available.
KHDA inspection reports are detailed documents. Here are the key sections to focus on:
Full reports are available on the KHDA website (khda.gov.ae) and are free to access.
| KHDA Rating | Number of Schools | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding | 23 | 11.0% |
| Very Good | 48 | 23.0% |
| Good | 85 | 40.7% |
| Acceptable | 51 | 24.4% |
| Weak | 2 | 1.0% |
Source: KHDA 2023-2024 Inspection Key Findings. 209 schools inspected.
Contact GetYourTutors — KHDA Ratings Information
Phone: (+971) 4-313-2715 | Mobile: 050-947-9432
WhatsApp: 050-947-9432
Email: info@getyourtutors.com
Emirates Towers, Office Tower, Level 41, Sheikh Zayed Road, PO Box 31003, Dubai, UAE
Last verified: March 2026
All KHDA ratings referenced are the intellectual property of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. GetYourTutors is an independent tutoring company and does not influence, determine, or endorse any KHDA rating.
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