There's a new school rating system in Abu Dhabi and it will be publicly displayed
In a move that's all about transparency and empowering families, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has rolled out a brand-new School Performance Plaque system.
From now on, every private school in the capital will display its performance rating right at the entrance – no digging through websites required.
So, what exactly are these plaques showing off? Each one features two major indicators of school quality: the Irtiqa'a rating, which is based on ADEK's in-depth inspection framework and the National Identity Mark, a score that reflects how well the school promotes UAE culture, values and citizenship.
The Irtiqa'a inspection covers everything from student achievement and wellbeing to teaching quality and leadership. The National Identity Mark, on the other hand, gives insight into how deeply a school integrates Emirati heritage and values into everyday learning.
And that's not all – a third rating, the Wellbeing Mark, is on the way. This future addition will highlight schools' efforts in supporting the emotional, social and physical wellbeing of both students and teachers.
Whether you're touring potential schools or simply curious about how your child's current school stacks up, these plaques are designed to offer an instant snapshot of school quality at a glance.
Want to dive deeper? ADEK's Rayah app and website offer full access to inspection frameworks and guides to help you understand exactly what each score means.
So next time you're visiting a school in Abu Dhabi, look out for the plaque by the door – it could tell you more than any brochure ever could.
Sulaiman Al Ameri, Acting Private Education and Charter Schools Sector Executive Director at ADEK said: '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.
'By making performance outcomes visible, we're encouraging continuous improvement and giving parents a transparent, at-a-glance understanding of school quality.'
adek.gov.ae
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