School performance plaques in Abu Dhabi: What you need to know

Gulf Business

17-06-2025

In a move aimed at increasing transparency and empowering parents, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has launched official School Performance Plaques for every private school across the emirate. These plaques, now prominently displayed at school entrances, present the latest Irtiqa'a inspection rating alongside the school's National Identity Mark.
Designed as a clear, accessible reference for parents, students, and visitors, the initiative reflects ADEK's commitment to raising educational standards while fostering a strong sense of national identity among students,
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'These plaques represent more than just a rating — they reflect a school's commitment to academic excellence and to nurturing a strong sense of national identity in our students,' said Sulaiman Al Ameri, Acting Executive Director of the Private Education and Charter Schools Sector at ADEK. 'By making performance outcomes visible, we're encouraging continuous improvement and giving parents a transparent, at-a-glance understanding of school quality.'
Key indicators on display
Each plaque highlights two main indicators of school quality:
Irtiqa'a Rating
– ADEK's comprehensive inspection framework evaluates school performance across six key areas: student achievement, personal and social development, teaching and assessment, curriculum quality, student care and wellbeing, and leadership effectiveness.
National Identity Mark
– This evaluates how well schools incorporate and promote UAE national culture, values, and citizenship within their educational settings.
In the future, a third metric—the Wellbeing Mark—will also be included to reflect schools' efforts to support the emotional, social, and physical wellbeing of both students and teachers.
The initiative complements ADEK's wider strategy to build a world-class education system in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing informed parental choice and continual school development.
Parents are encouraged to look for the plaques during school visits and to explore more about the
Irtiqa'a
and National Identity frameworks via the ADEK website or its parent-focused app,
Rayah
.
Expansion of nursery options across Abu Dhabi
In a separate announcement, ADEK revealed it has approved 15 new private nurseries across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra—adding 1,250 more seats for early learners. The move broadens the choices available to families seeking quality early education and care.
Choosing the right nursery is a critical decision for parents. To ensure affordability and sustainability, ADEK evaluates nursery fees based on several criteria, including rent, staffing ratios, educational resources, and safety investments. Fees are also reviewed in line with market conditions.
'ADEK is committed to ensuring nursery fees remain transparent, fair, and supportive of high-quality learning environments,' an ADEK representative said.
A strong foundation for early learning
Currently, 225 licensed private nurseries operate in Abu Dhabi, offering a total of 27,791 seats. These nurseries play a crucial role in children's cognitive, social, and emotional development during the early years—laying the groundwork for future academic success and lifelong personal growth.
The list of nurseries can be checked