Dubai Schools Welcome Short-Notice KHDA Inspections as Focus Shifts to Everyday Learning Standards
Dubai’s private school sector has welcomed the return of quality assurance visits by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) for the 2026–27 academic year, describing the updated approach as a positive step toward strengthening continuous improvement and educational excellence.
School inspections across Dubai’s private schools had been suspended for two consecutive academic years, with no inspections conducted during the 2024–25 and 2025–26 academic years. The only exception was newly established schools in their third year of operation, which continued to undergo inspections to ensure compliance with educational standards and receive developmental support.
A significant feature of the revised framework is the introduction of short-notice inspections, with schools typically receiving no more than 24 hours' notice before a visit. The change is intended to provide regulators with a more accurate reflection of daily teaching and learning practices rather than a carefully prepared snapshot designed specifically for inspection purposes.
Education leaders across the emirate have expressed support for the move, emphasizing that high-performing schools focus on maintaining quality throughout the year rather than preparing for periodic inspections.
Dino Varkey, Group CEO of GEMS Education, said that continuous improvement is deeply embedded within the culture of successful schools.
“The best schools do not prepare for inspections; they prepare for students every single day. We welcome KHDA’s renewed focus on quality assurance visits that reflect the authentic everyday experience of teaching and learning, because sustained excellence is built through continuous improvement, not periodic preparation,” he said.
Varkey added that robust internal quality assurance systems already help maintain educational standards across schools, reinforcing the principle that improvement should be an ongoing process rather than an activity linked solely to inspection cycles.
Under the updated framework, eligible private schools will either undergo a full inspection or a shorter monitoring visit. The approach is designed to ensure that the evaluation method reflects the unique context and learning environment of each school instead of applying a uniform model across the sector.
School leaders also highlighted the value of constructive feedback and collaboration between regulators and educational institutions. They believe the resumption of quality assurance visits will further strengthen professional dialogue and support schools in enhancing teaching practices and student achievement.
Tara Lambert welcomed the return of KHDA visits, describing them as an important opportunity for professional engagement and continuous development.
“We welcome the resumption of KHDA quality assurance visits and look forward to continuing our close partnership with the regulator. We see quality assurance visits as a valuable opportunity for professional dialogue and continuous improvement,” Lambert said.
She added that initiatives promoting transparency, accountability, and high-quality education contribute positively to Dubai’s education sector and support the ongoing development of schools across the emirate.
The return of inspections marks a renewed emphasis on authentic classroom performance, student outcomes, and continuous school improvement, with educators viewing the updated system as a constructive tool for maintaining high educational standards throughout Dubai’s private school sector.
