Al Rabeeh Academy, Abu Dhabi
ADEK Inspection Report & Ratings
Last updated
Executive Summary
Al Rabeeh Academy has achieved an overall ADEK Irtiqa rating of Very Good for the 2024-2025 academic year, marking an improvement from its previous 'Good' rating in 2022. This reflects a strong commitment from leadership at all levels to enhance student outcomes and personal development.
The school demonstrates significant strengths in its British curriculum, with notable improvements in English-medium subjects, mathematics, and science across various phases. Students consistently achieve above expected levels, supported by effective teaching and assessment practices.
Key areas such as students' personal and social development, teaching and assessment, and curriculum design have all been rated Very Good. Furthermore, the school's provision for health and safety, including child protection, is deemed Outstanding, highlighting a secure and supportive learning environment.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Al Rabeeh Academy Overall Rating
Very Good
ADEK Performance Standards
The six Irtiqa inspection standards used by ADEK to evaluate school performance across Abu Dhabi.
Students consistently achieve above expected levels across most subjects and phases, with notable improvements in English, Mathematics, and Science. Attainment and progress in Arabic-medium subjects remain strong, though specific areas for development in writing and higher-order thinking are identified. English-medium subjectsMathematicsScienceArabic-medium subjects
Students demonstrate positive learning attitudes, respectful relationships, and a strong understanding of Islamic values, Emirati, and world cultures. Attendance has improved, and students actively participate in community projects, showing environmental awareness. positive learning attitudesIslamic valuesEmirati and world culturescommunity projects
The quality of teaching has improved across all phases, with teachers effectively using common planning templates and proactive support strategies. Systematic and rigorous assessment procedures are in place, though some inconsistencies exist in catering to gifted and talented students and applying feedback policies. effective learningassessment proceduresdifferentiated support
Curriculum design, implementation, and adaptation are Very Good across all phases, ensuring a broad and balanced education. The school regularly reviews and adapts the curriculum based on student performance data, integrating meaningful cross-curricular links to foster engagement and progression. curriculum design and implementationcurriculum adaptationcross-curricular links
The school provides an Outstanding level of health and safety, with highly effective systems and comprehensive protocols, including transport arrangements. Care and support for students, including those with additional learning needs, are Very Good, though provision for gifted and talented students requires further development. Health and safetychild protectionCare and supportstudents of determination
All aspects of leadership and management have improved to Very Good, driven by a clear strategic direction and determination to improve student outcomes. Leaders ensure proper financing and resources, support staff professional development, and foster strong partnerships with parents and the community. strategic directionprofessional developmentpartnerships with parents
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
High Student Achievement
Students consistently achieve above expected levels across all subjects and phases, demonstrating strong academic performance.
Positive Student Development
Students exhibit positive learning attitudes, respectful relationships, and a deep understanding of Islamic values and global cultures.
Robust Assessment Procedures
The school has implemented comprehensive and reliable internal assessment procedures to track and support student progress.
Outstanding Safeguarding
A safe, caring, and secure learning environment is provided for all students and staff, with health and safety rated Outstanding.
Strong Strategic Leadership
Senior leadership provides a clear strategic direction, effectively driving improvement across the majority of school areas.
Academic Performance Breakdown
The report indicates some discrepancies between the narrative summary of improvements and the specific ratings provided in the PS1 table for certain subjects and phases. The ratings above prioritize the explicit values from the PS1 table, while 'improved' status is based on the narrative.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
Leadership at Al Rabeeh Academy is characterized by a clear strategic direction and a strong determination to improve student outcomes. Leaders ensure effective financial management, provide robust professional development for staff, and cultivate strong, engaging partnerships with parents and the wider community.
Inspection Findings
Students' Achievement
Students generally attain levels above curriculum standards in Islamic Education, Arabic, English, Mathematics, and Science across phases. Internal data indicates consistent improvement in attainment and progress in many subjects, with students demonstrating better than expected progress relative to their starting points.
Personal & Social Development
Students' personal development, understanding of Islamic values, and social responsibility are consistently Very Good. They exhibit good behavior, respect for staff and visitors, and active participation in community and environmental initiatives. Attendance has also shown improvement.
Teaching & Assessment
Teaching for effective learning and assessment practices are rated Very Good across all phases. Teachers utilize common planning templates and effective questioning. While assessment procedures are systematic, there are some inconsistencies in challenging gifted students and applying marking and feedback policies.
Curriculum Design & Adaptation
Curriculum design, implementation, and adaptation are Very Good, providing a broad and balanced education. The school regularly reviews and adapts the curriculum based on performance data, integrating meaningful cross-curricular links to support student progression and engagement.
Protection, Care & Support
Health and safety, including child protection, is Outstanding due to highly effective systems and comprehensive protocols. Care and support for students, including those of determination, are Very Good, with accurate identification and comprehensive support, though provision for gifted and talented students needs further development.
Areas for Development
- •Raise students' attainment and progress to a consistently Very Good or better level in all core subjects by ensuring appropriate challenge for the most able, developing writing skills in both English and Arabic-medium subjects, and providing more opportunities for students to use technology for independent research.
- •Further improve the quality of teaching and learning by providing an extended range of engaging learning activities, enhancing the use of effective questioning techniques, consistently applying the marking and feedback policy, integrating cross-curricular links, developing independent learning skills, and embedding critical thinking, innovation, and creativity into the curriculum.
- •Enhance student performance in international assessments to consistently meet or exceed benchmarks by addressing underperformance in PISA (reading, mathematical, scientific literacy), improving TIMSS scores in Year 9 science through mastery approach and problem-solving, and elevating PIRLS scores through reading comprehension and analytical skills.
- •Further strengthen leadership by continuing to develop the skills of middle leaders, enhancing the identification and challenge for gifted and talented students, and aligning governor visits more closely with school priorities for targeted monitoring.