By JobXDubai Team | November 22, 2025
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has released its first set of inspection results for the 2024–25 academic cycle. In a departure from previous years, this release focuses exclusively on four specific schools.
Following the regulator’s decision to pause full inspections for established schools to allow for internal development, only institutions that opened in 2022 underwent the rigorous full inspection process this year. This makes these four reports the only fresh, detailed ratings parents will see for the current cycle.
Here is how Dubai’s newest educational additions performed.
Why Only Four Schools?
The KHDA has temporarily paused its standard annual inspection schedule for most private schools in Dubai. This initiative is designed to give schools breathing room to focus on self-evaluation and innovation without the immediate pressure of a full external review.
However, new schools require a baseline. Therefore, the four schools that opened their doors in 2022 were subject to a complete review of their curriculum, teaching standards, and student well-being.
School Performance Breakdown
The results were a mix of “Good” and “Acceptable” ratings. No new school achieved “Very Good” or “Outstanding” on their first try, which is common for institutions still establishing their operations.
1. Citizens School Dubai
- Rating: Good
- Curriculum: UK
- Location: Al Satwa
- Fees: From Dh45,000 (FS1) to Dh80,000 (Year 9)
The Verdict: Citizens School has made a strong entry with a “Good” rating. The inspectors praised its innovative, future-focused curriculum and the “Citizens Future Framework,” which emphasizes entrepreneurship and problem-solving. The school environment was highlighted as caring and respectful.
Areas to Improve: The report noted a need to strengthen literacy support for students with limited English and to better integrate Arabic provision into the school’s core vision.
2. Bloom World Academy
- Rating: Good
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Location: Al Barsha South
- Fees: From Dh53,000 (KG1) to Dh85,000 (Year 12)
The Verdict: Another strong start, Bloom World Academy secured a “Good” rating. The school was commended for its flexible school day and personalized learning pathways. Students showed good progress in core subjects like English, Math, and Science.
Areas to Improve: Governance needs strengthening to better monitor student progress and inclusion. The school was also advised to align its self-evaluation processes more closely with UAE inspection requirements.
3. Durham School Dubai
- Rating: Acceptable
- Curriculum: UK
- Location: Dubai Investments Park (DIP)
- Fees: From Dh55,269 (FS1) to Dh95,000 (Year 11)
The Verdict: Bringing a prestigious UK heritage to Dubai, Durham School received an “Acceptable” rating. While teaching in the primary phase was strong and students displayed positive behavior, the school has work to do in consistency.
Areas to Improve: The inspectors highlighted a need for a more systematic approach to well-being and greater consistency in teaching and assessment across all phases. Inclusion planning also requires more capacity.
4. Dubai Schools Nad Al Sheba
- Rating: Acceptable
- Curriculum: American
- Location: Nad Al Sheba
- Fees: From Dh30,603 (KG1) to Dh45,853 (Grade 8)
The Verdict: As part of the government-backed “Dubai Schools” initiative, this campus offers the most affordable fees among the newly rated group. It achieved an “Acceptable” rating, with praise for its strong focus on Emirati culture and teaching in Kindergarten.
Areas to Improve: To raise attainment, the school needs to eliminate inconsistencies in teaching, challenge students more effectively, and strengthen reading development in both English and Arabic.
What This Means for Parents
For parents currently evaluating schools, these reports offer vital transparency. While “Acceptable” is the minimum expected standard for Dubai schools, most parents paying premium fees typically look for “Good” or higher.
If you are looking for established excellence, you might want to explore the city’s top-tier institutions. Check our guide on Dubai’s 23 Outstanding Schools: Complete Fee Guide 2025.
For a broader look at the education landscape, including upcoming openings, read about Dubai Plans 100 New Private Schools by 2033.
Key Takeaway
The 2024-25 KHDA inspections were limited but revealing. Citizens School and Bloom World Academy have established themselves as strong contenders with “Good” ratings, while Durham School and Dubai Schools Nad Al Sheba have clear roadmaps for improvement starting from “Acceptable.”
Further Reading:
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