The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has released the latest private school inspection results in Dubai. Alongside these quality ratings, major policy changes have been confirmed for the 2026–2027 school year, including a revised notice system for inspections and a strict freeze on tuition price increases to ensure high academic standards and support families across the emirate.
What’s New for the 2026–2027 School Year?
Major policy reforms introduced by the KHDA to promote transparency and reduce financial burdens on parents include:
- 24-Hour School Inspection Notice: The short-notice inspection system returns after a two-year absence. Schools will now have as little as 24 hours’ notice instead of five days, ensuring that ratings accurately reflect day-to-day operations.
- Tuition Fees to Remain the Same: The KHDA has announced a complete freeze, meaning no increase in private school tuition fees for the 2026–2027 academic year.
- AED 1.5 Billion Help Package: The government’s substantial AED 1.5 billion financial aid package for the education sector directly supports and stabilizes the tuition fee freeze.
- Revised Outstanding List: The official list of ‘Outstanding’ schools will be updated following fresh inspection visits.
Dubai Private School Ratings Breakdown
The KHDA evaluates schools across five performance categories: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, and Weak. Currently, 81% of children in Dubai attend schools rated Good or superior.
Until the next inspection cycle is fully completed, the current rating distribution across the emirate’s private schools is as follows:
- 23 schools rated outstanding
- 48 schools rated very good
- 86 schools rated good
- 53 schools rated acceptable
| School | Location | Curriculum |
| Kings School Dubai | Umm Suqeim Third | UK |
| Victory Heights Primary School | Dubai Sports City | UK |
| Dubai British School Jumeirah Park | Jumeirah Park | UK |
| Dubai British School | Emirates Hills | UK |
| Jumeirah English Speaking School | Arabian Ranches | International Baccalaureate |
| Safa Community School | Al Barsha South First | UK |
| Nord Anglia International School | Al Barsha Second | UK |
| Dubai International Academy | Emirates Hills | International Baccalaureate |
| Kings School Al Barsha | Al Barsha Second | UK |
| GEMS Dubai American Academy – Dubai Branch | Al Barsha South First | American |
| Dubai English Speaking College | Academic City | UK |
| Dubai College | Al Safouh First | UK |
| GEMS Wellington International School – Dubai Branch | Al Safouh First | UK/IB |
| Repton School | Nadd Al Shiba Third | UK/IB |
| GEMS Modern Academy | Nadd Al Shiba First | Indian |
| GEMS Jumeira Primary School – Dubai Branch | Jumeira Third | UK |
| Jumeirah College | Al Safa First | UK |
| Jumeirah English Speaking School | Al Safa First | UK |
| Horizons English School | Al Wasl | UK |
| Deira International School | Dubai Festival City | UK |
| Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou School Oud Metha | Oud Metha | French |
| Lycee Francais International | Oud Metha | French |
| Dubai English Speaking School | Oud Metha | French |
Why These Changes Matter for Dubai Parents
Ultimately, KHDA’s updated regulations and the government’s AED 1.5 billion financial package mark a massive win for families. With tuition fees completely frozen and the new 24-hour inspection notice guaranteeing absolute transparency, parents can confidently expect a highly authentic, stable, and world-class educational environment across Dubai for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year.
