Al Ekhlass Private School, operating under the MoE (UAE) curriculum, received an Acceptable overall rating in its latest ADEK Irtiqa inspection for the 2024-2025 academic year. This rating has remained consistent since the previous inspection in 2022, reflecting a stable level of performance.
The school has demonstrated notable improvements in student achievement, particularly in Arabic-medium subjects like Arabic as a first language and UAE Social Studies across various cycles. However, challenges persist in English-medium subjects, with some regression observed in Science in Cycle 3, and overall weak results in international assessments such as ACER IBT, PISA, and TIMSS. Teaching quality and assessment practices show varying effectiveness, with strengths in upper grades but limitations in KG and lower cycles.
Strengths include students' personal and social development, with good attitudes, behavior, and understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture. The school also maintains effective systems for health and safety. While leadership has a clear vision and a strengthened team, governance has declined to Weak due to the dissolution of the previous board and the pending appointment of new governors, impacting overall effectiveness.
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Al Ekhlass Private School Overall Rating
Acceptable for 2+ consecutive years
The six Irtiqa inspection standards used by ADEK to evaluate school performance across Abu Dhabi.
Student achievement is rated Acceptable overall, with improvements in Arabic as a first language (Cycle 3) and UAE Social Studies (Cycles 2 & 3). However, attainment and progress in English, Mathematics, and Science vary, with some regression in Science (Cycle 3) and consistently weak results in standardized international assessments. Discrepancies exist between internal assessment data and observed student knowledge and skills in lessons. Arabic as a first languageUAE Social Studiesinternational assessments
Students' personal development, including attitudes, behavior, and relationships, is rated Good across all cycles. Their understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati culture are also Good. However, social responsibility and innovation skills remain Acceptable due to limited opportunities for community engagement and independent project development. Islamic valuesEmirati culturesocial responsibilityinnovation skills
Teaching quality is Acceptable overall, improving to Good in Cycles 1 and 3, but remaining didactic in KG. Questioning varies, with stronger practices in upper grades, but inconsistent challenge and limited development of inquiry and critical thinking in lower cycles. Assessment is Acceptable, not systematically used to inform planning, adjust lessons, or provide targeted support and feedback. teaching qualityassessment practicescritical thinking
Curriculum design and adaptation are rated Acceptable across all phases. The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum that supports UAE heritage and culture. However, curriculum review is not always in-depth, modifications do not fully address all student needs, and innovation and enterprise are not prominent features. broad and balanced curriculumUAE heritage and culturecurriculum adaptation
Protection, care, guidance, and support for students are rated Good. The school maintains effective systems for safeguarding, health, and safety, fostering a respectful and positive environment. However, the identification of students with additional learning needs or those who are gifted and talented is underdeveloped, leading to inconsistencies in support and challenge. safeguardinghealth and safetystudents of determinationgifted and talented
Leadership and management are rated Acceptable, with a strengthened leadership team and a clear vision for improvement. However, self-evaluation is overly descriptive, parent partnership has declined to Acceptable, and governance is Weak due to the absence of an appointed governing body following a management transition. Management, staffing, facilities, and resources are Acceptable, with refurbishment plans underway. leadership teamself-evaluationparent partnershipgovernance
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
There has been sustained improvement in student achievement across all subjects in Cycle 3, supported by students' positive attitude to learning, strong work ethic, and willingness to support others.
The school fosters a culture of respect and responsibility, where students demonstrate positive behavior, build strong relationships with peers and teachers, and collaborate effectively.
Across all phases, students develop a deep understanding and appreciation of Islamic values, UAE heritage, and culture.
School leaders are strongly committed to student health and safety, with ongoing plans to enhance facilities, including updated sports areas and IT infrastructure.
Senior leaders provide a clear vision that reinforces UAE national identity and drives continuous school improvement, despite recent changes in management and governance.
The school's analysis of internal assessment data often indicates higher attainment than observed in lessons or reflected in external assessments. Performance in international assessments (ACER IBT, PISA, TIMSS) generally shows weak results or scores below targets, highlighting a need for alignment with international benchmarks.
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
The leadership team, recently strengthened by new appointments, demonstrates a clear vision for school improvement, reinforcing UAE national identity. However, the approach to self-evaluation is descriptive rather than analytical, and the school faces significant challenges in governance following a management transition, impacting overall leadership effectiveness.
Students' attainment and progress vary across subjects and cycles. While internal data often suggests high achievement, observed classroom performance and international assessment results indicate a need for improvement, particularly in aligning with curriculum standards and international benchmarks. Improvements were noted in Arabic and UAE Social Studies, but Science in Cycle 3 saw regression in progress.
Students demonstrate good personal development, including positive attitudes, behavior, and relationships. They show a strong understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati culture. However, social responsibility and innovation skills are at an acceptable level due to limited opportunities for student-led initiatives and community engagement.
The quality of teaching varies, improving in Cycles 1 and 3 but remaining didactic in KG. Effective questioning, independent inquiry, problem-solving, and critical thinking are not consistently developed, especially in lower cycles. Assessment practices are acceptable but not systematically used to inform planning, differentiate instruction, or provide targeted feedback to meet evolving student needs.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, supporting an appreciation of UAE heritage and culture. However, curriculum review processes are not always in-depth, and modifications do not fully address the diverse needs of all students. Opportunities for innovation and enterprise are present but not prominent features within the curriculum.
The school maintains good health and safety systems, including safeguarding arrangements, and fosters a respectful and positive environment. However, the identification and support for students with additional learning needs, including students of determination, and those who are gifted and talented, are underdeveloped, leading to inconsistencies in the provision of challenge and individualized plans.