How KHDA ratings work
A plain-English guide to the official inspection ratings for Dubai private schools.
Who rates Dubai schools?
Private schools in Dubai are regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Through its Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau, KHDA visits schools, observes lessons, looks at results and talks to students, parents and staff. Each school then gets an overall rating on a six-level scale.
23 schools
48 schools
84 schools
52 schools
0 schools
0 schools
What is inspected?
The overall rating draws on the UAE School Inspection Framework. It covers students' achievement in key subjects, their personal and social development, teaching and assessment, the curriculum, how well the school protects and supports students, and the quality of leadership and management.
KHDA also publishes separate ratings for wellbeing and inclusion (how well the school supports students of determination and other learners who need extra help). You will see both on each school page here.
Which year is the rating from?
Most ratings on this site come from the 2023-24 inspection cycle. KHDA paused full inspections for established schools after that cycle, so their 2023-24 rating is still their current one. Newer schools have since been inspected for the first time, and their 2024-25 or 2025-26 ratings are shown with the year. 22 newer schools have not been inspected yet and show as Not inspected yet.
How to use the ratings
- Use the rating to build a shortlist, not to make the final decision.
- Read the full inspection report on the KHDA website. It explains the school's strengths and what it needs to improve.
- Visit the school, ask about class sizes, fees and transport, and talk to other parents.
- A newer school without a rating is not necessarily a weaker school. It simply has not been inspected yet.
Every school page on UAE School Finder links to its official KHDA listing so you can check the source yourself.