The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is Dubai's educational regulatory body, overseeing private education to ensure international standards. Established in 2006, KHDA conducts surveys to gather feedback from the education community and has identified several schools that received an 'outstanding' rating based on their performance, curriculum, and leadership. Key findings from the latest survey indicate high parental satisfaction and student safety, along with effective initiatives for school improvement.

1. Knowledge and Human Development
Authority

2. Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
 Is the educational quality assurance and
regulatory authority of the Government of
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
It oversees the private education sector in
Dubai, including early childhood education
centres, schools, higher education providers,
and training institutes.
KHDA was established by decree in 2006,
under the directive of HH Sheikh Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and
Prime Minister of the UAE, and the Ruler of
Dubai).
aim of developing the education and human
resource sectors in the Dubai emirate to the
level of international standards and best
practice.

3. The DSIB (Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau ),a section of the
KHDA.
This DSIB inspectors applies a four point scale to specify their
quality judgement.
The four point scales defines the follows:-
a. Outstanding – High Quality Of Practice.
b. Good – Expected Level.
c. Acceptable – Minimum Level of Acceptability.
d. Unsatisfactory – Quality not at the level of Acceptability.

4. KHDA Survey:-
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority
(KHDA), Dubai has completed its annual survey,
which was carried out among 70000 principals,
teachers, students and their parents from private schools
in Dubai.
This survey is expected to be beneficial in guiding
community-building activities and informing education
policies.

5. 2013 survey feedback help introduce new ideas :-
 Parent Safaris
 Informal meetings arranged for parents to opine about
the educational system in Dubai and to make them aware
about the services offered by KHDA.
 96% parents happy with the Parent/School contract.
The KHDA survey revealed the effectiveness of its
Parent/School contract which outlines the rights and
responsibilities of students, parents and schools.
 93% students feel safe and secure.
 Teachers get enough time to assess students.
 Principal’s Playground
To develop the quality of education in Dubai, KHDA
established a networking event called the Principal’s
Playground for Dubai’s school principals where they can meet
regularly and share their ideas.
 Initiatives to meet the targets of the UAE National Agenda

6. Schools with Outstanding KHDA Rating in 2013-2014
Survey :-
KHDA has recently published the ranking of private
schools for the year 2013-2014 in their website.
Only 12 out of the 140+ schools inspected have been
ranked outstanding for their performance.
Those schools include:

7. 1. Kings School
Dubai  Curriculum: UK
 Located in Umm Suqeim, Kings’
Dubai is a private school that
provides education to both boys and
girls aged between 3 and 13 years.
here were 870 students in the
school, representing 46 countries
altogether.
There were 29 Emirati students,
comprising 3% of the total students
in the school.
The staff consisted of 90 teachers
and 36 learning assistants, where all
teachers had prior teaching
experience.

8. Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
 Marvelous staff-student coordination leading to a good work
environment.
 Outstanding performance by students in English, mathematics
and science in the Foundation Stage and primary.
 Easy-to-follow curriculum which develops students’ talents.
 Independent learning through critical thinking and enquiry
across all phases.
 Good infrastructure facilities that give a better learning
experience to students.
 Excellent leadership and supervision to bring the best out of both
staff and students

9. 2. Dubai College
Curriculum: UK
Situated in Al Sufouh, Dubai College is a
private, not-for-profit school that follows a
selective intake policy.
Every year, only one-fourth of the
applicants are enrolled into the school.
there were 826 students overall, aged
between 11 and 18 years.
Out of these 826 students, just over a half
were from the United Kingdom while
Emirati students consisted of only 1% of
the total number of students.

10. Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Teaching approaches in Islamic Education have been improved
tremendously.
Outstanding performance by students in English, mathematics and
science as a result of good teaching methods.
Students’ mature attitude towards social and global issues
combined with strong work ethics.
Attention given to students to the fullest in terms of healthy
lifestyles, safety and support in their academic and personal
development.
The strong vision and leadership values exhibited by senior staff and
governors, thus setting up a good learning environment to take the
school forward

11. Dubai English Speaking College
At the time of inspection, there were 950 students, aged between 11 and
18 years, out of which 10 students were Emiratis.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
The highly motivated leadership team, including the governance, committed
to improve all aspects of the school at all levels
Self-evaluation approaches help to improve performance
Students perform exceptionally well in all subjects
Students’ commitment towards solving personal, social and environmental
issues
High quality infrastructure facilities to meet the needs of all students

12. 4.GEMS Dubai American
Academy
There were 2,285 students,
aged between 3 and 18 years,
who represented 99 nationalities.
There are 124 students in the
school having a special
education need.

13. Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Guided by teachers who implement outstanding teaching techniques,
students have made tremendous progress in subjects such as English,
mathematics and science, their performance meeting international
expectations
Pleasant school atmosphere as a result of impeccable behavior and
positive attitude of students
Performance evaluation to assess students’ progress and challenges
set persuaded students to fare well in all subjects
Parents’ confidence regarding their children and the school in
providing quality education to students added to the strength of the
school
School leaders and governors work hand in hand to churn out the
best results from the students and staff

14. GEMS Jumeirah Primary School
There were 1,415 students in the school, representing 70 nationalities, out of which 100
students had special needs.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
The speedy progress made by students by scoring well in English,
mathematics and science
Students’ personal development including their good and mature
behavior and their desire to learn
High quality teaching that inspired students to learn more and to be
independent and flexible
Interesting and engaging curriculum that played an important role in
the academic and personal development of students
The school addresses all concerns regarding the safety and well-being of
students and provides support to students, especially those with special
education needs

15. 6. GEMS Modern Academy
3,289 students enrolled at the time of the inspection, the majority of
whom were Indians.
There were under 10% of the students having special educational needs.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Excellent performance by students in academics
Students who are well disciplined, modest and always stick to their principles
when it comes to studies
Efficient teaching that persuades the students to perform well in studies
Importance given to the safety and welfare of students, especially those having
special educational needs
Commitment and passion mixed with leadership qualities of the staff in creating
an engaging learning environment for the students

16. 7.GEMS Wellington International
ScThhoeroel w ere 2376 students enrolled in the school, majority of whom
belonged to the British background while other students belonged to
India, Pakistan and the USA.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
The school continues to maintain its record in outstanding performance by
students in academics
The personal and social development of the students are at such a level that
they have clear understanding of Islamic values and local, cultural and global
awareness
Performance evaluation combined with teaching technique that is
praiseworthy boosts confidence in students
Flawless curriculum design
School provides immense support to students in terms of their security and
academic performances
Unmatchable leadership and management remain the ingredients to the
school’s continued success

17. 8. Horizons English School
Horizon English School provides education for boys and girls aged
between 3 and 11 years.
At the time of inspection there were 498 students enrolled in the school
of which 41% came from the United Kingdom and 12% from Australia.
Also, there were four Emirati students.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Excellent performance by students in academics and other activities
Cordial staff-student relationship and attitude of the students to stick by their
morals and to exhibit good behavior
Well-designed curriculum suitable for all students, inspiring them to work
hard and produce great results
Efforts by staff and students equally to improve the school

18. 9. Jumeirah College
1,100 students on roll at the time of the inspection, aged between 12 and 18
years, majority of them belonging to UK.
Out of the 1,100, three students were Emiratis.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Students scored well in external examinations
Students’ positive attitude towards learning and other activities
The students’ maturity in terms of behavior and relationships
The school provides great opportunities in terms of academics and
extra-curricular activities
Students and staff are equally committed towards betterment of the
school

19. 10. Jumeirah English Speaking School
Provides education for students aged between 3 and 11 years
of age.
Majority of the students are of UK background while the other
students come from around 40 different countries.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Excellent leadership qualities exhibited by students and staff at all levels
Students, teachers, non-teaching staff and parents join hands to create a
lively environment, thus providing a better learning experience
Remarkable progress by students in their academics and other activities,
including the development of their personal, social and learning skills
Well designed curriculum apt for all the students, which includes exceptional
use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and development of
enquiry and critical thinking skills
The belief of the school that every child is special, thereby providing splendid
care and support to students in terms of academics and well-being
The outstanding infrastructure facilities that inspire students to reach the
highest standards of achievement

20. 11. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Br)
Is the sister concern of Jumeirah English Speaking School in Al Safa.
More than half of the students from the school are from UK, while other
students come from more than 20 countries across the world.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Leadership skills shown by students and staff at all levels
Curriculum that is updated every year and is suitable for all students
Outstanding performance by students in academics and other
activities
Infrastructure provided by school to maintain a safe and vibrant
environment for the students
Good environment that provides a better learning experience to
students

21. 12. The Indian High School
This school had 5,866 students enrolled, out of which 23 students are having
special needs.
Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?
Students display outstanding progress in mathematics and science
Students’ commitment and personal, social development
The efforts taken by governors, leaders and teachers to support the
students and to help them out in academics and other activities

22. By this KHDA Report titled “Inspection handbook 2014-15” get
feedbacks like
 The school Authorities, Media and parents can easily identify
their shortcomings, of private schools in Dubai.
 Dubai schools must raise student attainments in maths and Science

23. Resources
http://www.edsys.in/all-about-khda/
http://www.edsys.in/services/consulting/khda-inspection/
http://www.edsys.in/schools-outstanding-khda-rating/