Where can I see the latest KHDA ratings?

Visit the official KHDA website and use the School Finder tool to view 2026 inspection reports and ratings.

Do all Dubai schools receive a KHDA rating?

Yes, every private school in Dubai is inspected annually by KHDA and receives one of five ratings.

Can a school’s rating change every year?

Yes, ratings are updated after each inspection, so check the most recent report before applying.

KHDA School Ratings Explained: How to Pick a Dubai School

What the KHDA ratings actually measure

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) inspects every private school in Dubai once a year. Inspectors look at student achievement, teaching quality, curriculum adaptation, health and safety, and leadership. The final rating, Outstanding to Weak, appears on the KHDA website and in every school’s inspection report.

Breakdown of the five ratings

Outstanding: Students exceed curriculum expectations. Teaching is consistently strong and the school shows sustained high performance across all subjects.
Very Good: Most students achieve above expected levels. The school demonstrates strong practice but may have minor areas for improvement.
Good: Students meet curriculum expectations. Teaching is solid, yet the school has clear next steps to reach higher performance.
Acceptable: Students reach minimum requirements. Significant improvement is needed in teaching quality or leadership.
Weak: Students fall below expectations in core subjects. The school must submit an improvement plan monitored by KHDA.

How ratings affect fees and admissions

Schools rated Outstanding or Very Good often charge 20-40 percent higher annual fees than Acceptable schools. Some Outstanding schools in 2026 list Year 7 fees at AED 85,000-110,000, while Acceptable schools in the same curriculum may start at AED 45,000. Waiting lists at top-rated schools can exceed 18 months, so early registration is essential.

Using ratings alongside other factors

A rating is one data point. Check the full KHDA report for subject-specific strengths, Arabic and Islamic Education scores, and inclusion support. Visit the campus, speak with current parents, and review transport routes via RTA. Confirm the curriculum (IB, British, American, Indian) matches your child’s long-term university plans.

Steps to shortlist schools in 2026

Download the latest KHDA inspection reports from the authority website.
Filter by curriculum, location, and rating on the KHDA School Finder tool.
Book campus tours during term time to observe lessons.
Compare total annual costs, including books, uniforms, and bus fees.
Submit online applications via each school’s portal before the January-March window.

Ask Tovi for more

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything. Ask Tovi free →

Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →