July 17, 2025 | Dubai, UAE . The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, ADEK that is the Abu Dhabi education authority has now prohibited the enrollment of new students in grades 11 and 12 at 12 private schools, a major decision to ensure academic integrity and to curtail grade inflation as part of an initiative to review and improve private schools across the emirate.
The Abu Dhabi education authority found the schools being inspected by the regulatory agency to be non-compliant, and therefore could not wait to impose sanctions against these schools. Sources indicate that the ADEK private schools ban will be free to continue providing educational services for their existing students, but they will have to stop enrolling new students into grade 11 and/or grade 12 until they take care of the issues raised by the department and comply with the department’s requirements.
12 Schools Under Scrutiny
The Abu Dhabi education authority has been watching the private schools in the emirate since 2016. The process of monitoring schools is called “Irtiqaa,” and there are several components to the process, including academic performance, the overall level of teaching, and the overall well-being of the students.
In addition to it, based on findings of the “Irtiqaa” inspection, the 12 schools had been unable to meet the required standards, and were especially lacking in academic rigor related to grading. The ADEK private schools ban is the Abu Dhabi education authority testament to indicate their concern about the lack of academic rigor and inconsistent grading practices, and that the quality of education for the students may have been compromised.
The Abu Dhabi education authority will expect the 12 high schools to work with the department on addressing the items of concern and making improvements. The ADEK private schools ban is a step towards ensuring that all schools update their courses or make changes to their teaching practices, and ensure that grading practices are fair and meet the PISA and TIMSS standards.
After the 12 high schools have made the improvements, they can apply to have the ADEK private schools ban removed so they can enroll new students into Grade 11 and ultimately, Grade 12. The ministry will continue to monitor the schools for continued improvement.
Reason Behind The Decision
The ongoing development of the capacity to regulate private schools and monitor the integrity of academic standards is also critical for the reputation of the emirate as an educational destination. The process for establishing high standards is also essential for accountability purposes.
Although the Abu Dhabi education authority role is to assess compliance with standards, the establishment and enforcement of these standards will also assure parents, students and the public that students are provided with a high-quality education that provides them with quality future opportunities.
Better Education For All
The Abu Dhabi education authority decision to suspend these 12 private schools from admitting new students in grades 11 and 12 clearly shows the department’s unwavering resolve to engage in education that is not only about academic integrity but also of high quality.
Despite necessary efforts, the department continues to work with the schools on pending improvements. Parents and students can reason that the emirate’s private schools will, ultimately, offer a better quality of education, leading to better academic potential for the next generation.
Moreover, the Abu Dhabi education authority resolved to take this strong step because it wanted to place the educational interests of the students and their learning experiences. This attempt to raise expectations on private schools to high standards contributed to the student environment and their academic and personal success.
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