Choosing the right school in Abu Dhabi is about to get easier for families. The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has introduced a new initiative—school performance plaques—that will soon be visible at every private school across the emirate.
These plaques aim to give parents quick access to key information about a school’s overall performance and cultural values, simply by glancing at the display near the school’s entrance. Rather than relying only on online reviews or brochures, families can now have a clearer picture of what a school offers the moment they step inside.
The initiative is part of ADEK’s broader mission to make the education system more open and parent-friendly.
What You’ll Find on the New Plaques
Each school’s plaque will display two important performance ratings—developed to reflect both academic and cultural aspects of learning in the UAE:
Irtiqa’a Rating
This score comes from detailed inspections conducted by ADEK. It looks at how students are progressing, the quality of teaching, leadership effectiveness, and overall wellbeing. Schools are given one of four ratings: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, or Acceptable.
National Identity Mark
This measure evaluates how well a school incorporates UAE heritage, culture, and values into its curriculum and environment. It reflects the importance of keeping local identity strong in a globally diverse school system.
These two indicators provide a balanced overview of both academic quality and the cultural grounding offered at each school.
Wellbeing Score to Follow Soon
In the coming phase, a Wellbeing Mark will be added to the plaques. This will focus on how schools support the emotional, physical, and social wellbeing of students and staff.
The inclusion of wellbeing as a rating factor aligns with ADEK’s growing focus on holistic education. It acknowledges that academic achievement and personal development must go hand in hand—something parents increasingly look for in today’s learning environments.
A Practical Guide for Parents Touring Schools
For parents visiting schools, these plaques will be easy to spot and simple to understand. These ratings help spark useful discussions with school staff—whether you’re looking at early years or secondary education.
Rather than browsing multiple websites or comparing promotional material, visitors can now access a trusted snapshot of a school’s performance as soon as they arrive. It’s a practical addition that encourages transparency and makes the decision-making process more informed and less overwhelming.
Rayah, ADEK’s parent app, gives deeper insights into how each school rating is calculated.
Supporting a Diverse Education Landscape
Abu Dhabi is home to over 200 private schools, offering curricula ranging from British and American to Indian, IB, and others. This diversity provides families with plenty of choice, but also makes it more challenging to compare institutions side by side.
That’s where the school performance plaques come in. They’re designed to level the playing field by presenting key information in a standardised format, regardless of curriculum or location. For new residents and long-time Abu Dhabi families alike, it’s a welcome step toward clarity in an otherwise complex system.
Building Trust Between Schools and Families
This initiative also sends a message to schools: accountability and continuous improvement matter. Schools that consistently perform well will now have that recognition displayed proudly. Others will have a clear reference point to guide their development goals.
Parents see their concerns addressed as ADEK improves transparency, accessibility, and ease of navigation in the system.
As the plaques become a regular feature across Abu Dhabi’s education landscape, they’ll likely influence how schools communicate with their communities and how families approach their search for quality education.
The introduction of school performance plaques is not just about ratings. It’s a step toward building a more open and responsive education environment—one where families can feel informed and confident about the choices they make for their children.
As this system rolls out, it will shape the way schools present themselves and how families engage with them—creating a more connected, transparent, and quality-focused education journey for all.
Read More:
- Emirates Signs On as Official Partner for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 – Social Kandura
- Dubai Chocolate FIX Goes Global: “Time To Mango” Debuts in the Maldives – Social Kandura
For more updates on schools, education reforms, and parenting news across the UAE, follow Social Kandura and stay connected to everything that matters to families in the region.
