Abu Dhabi Authority 'Considering Publishing' Inspection Results

The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), which is the regulator of private schools in the emirate, has mentioned the possibility that it might soon make public inspection reports.  ADEC last week met representatives from 185 private schools to review the 2012-13 academic year.

Hamad Al Dhaheri, the executive director for the council's Private School and Quality Assurance sector, said his department is aiming to enhance communication with private schools on a range of issues including inspection reports.

"Making inspection reports available helps create a comprehensive evaluation system based on international standards and develops evidence-based policies and programmes to serve the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision," Mr Al Dhaheri said.

ADEC currently inspects all private schools in the capital but unlike its counterpart in Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) it does not currently publish the results. Some schools in the capital have however revealed their ratings, but only the ones that have done well in general.

Dubai has seen an uplift in the number of students receiving Good and Outstanding levels of education since it began publication of its reports, with the percentage of students attending schools awarded those top two grades up 19% since 2008,.

Driving improvement has been the link between KHDA rating and the ability of a school to raise its fees, as well as the popularity a Good and Outstanding award bestows upon a school: More pupils, at higher fees equals higher revenues and ultimately profitability.