Sharjah's 2025-2026 school year: Changes that parents should know about

Gulf Business

4 days ago

Image credit: Getty Images
With the 2025–2026 academic year on the horizon, the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) is taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth and successful return to classrooms for students in private schools across the emirate. From safety protocols and teacher training to academic policy enhancements and student wellness programs, the Authority has launched a full-scale readiness plan as part of its annual 'Back to School' campaign.
The campaign reflects a broader vision to shape future-ready students equipped with skills that contribute meaningfully to society. Central to this vision is the idea that education must not only be safe and structured, but also inspiring, inclusive, and forward-thinking,
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'Education is the foundation of society,' said Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of SPEA. 'Everything we do is aimed at empowering students and teachers, making schools places that drive positive change.'
In line with this mission, SPEA has expanded its operational and academic frameworks to promote quality learning environments across the emirate. This includes regular evaluations, policy upgrades, and cross-sector collaborations to ensure that every student has access to a world-class education.
Ali Al Hosani, Director-General of SPEA, emphasized that the Authority is continuously evolving, thanks to strong support from Sharjah's leadership. 'We strive to turn challenges into opportunities for growth by focusing on our people, improving schools, and promoting a culture of excellence,' he said. 'These principles are essential for building sustainable, future-focused education systems.'
Student safety front and centre
As the school gates prepare to open, student safety remains a top priority. SPEA teams will conduct thorough readiness assessments at private schools across Sharjah in the week leading up to the new term. These inspections will evaluate everything from building infrastructure to classroom safety, ensuring that all schools meet regulatory standards.
In addition, SPEA is coordinating with key government partners to safeguard students' commutes. In partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority, the Authority will inspect school buses to confirm adherence to safety standards and transportation regulations. A separate collaboration with the Sharjah Police will manage traffic around schools, creating safer environments during morning and afternoon drop-offs.
A major pillar of SPEA's safety framework is the 'Your Children Are Safe' initiative, launched in February 2020. The digital platform monitors the transportation of students across private schools in real time. It ensures compliance with safety rules, enables fast emergency communication, and strengthens parent confidence by providing greater transparency into daily school travel operations.
'We want parents to feel that their children are in safe hands from the moment they leave home until they return,' said Al Hosani. 'Technology allows us to deliver on that promise.'
Boosting quality through innovation and partnerships
Beyond safety, SPEA is introducing a host of policies and programs to raise the bar for academic quality and student well-being. Updated operational guidelines have been issued to private schools, accompanied by training sessions and professional development workshops for educators and administrative staff. These sessions focus on improving instructional practices, supporting diverse learning needs, and maintaining positive school cultures.
One of the core goals this year is to deliver a well-rounded educational experience. This involves developing policies that prioritize extracurricular activities, health, and wellness. SPEA is working closely with external organizations in the fields of health, sports, and civic engagement to launch new initiatives that promote holistic student development.
'Our aim is to make schools the heart of the community,' said Dr Al Hashimi. 'By integrating academic learning with extracurricular enrichment, we help students build the life skills they need to thrive.'
The Authority also continues to support the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence, now in its 31st edition. The award honors outstanding contributions to the education sector and promotes best practices in teaching, school leadership, and innovation. This year, SPEA has launched a new digital platform to streamline participation and increase accessibility. Updated support materials and a series of promotional events are also planned to drive greater involvement from educators and schools across the emirate.
Preparations are also underway for Sharjah's participation in the PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) assessment—a global benchmark that evaluates the reading skills of fourth-grade students. SPEA is working with schools to prepare students for this high-stakes assessment, aiming to showcase the emirate's academic strengths on the international stage.
Arabic language in the spotlight
A standout initiative for the upcoming school year is the revitalized focus on Arabic language education. Through its 'With Arabic We Rise' campaign, SPEA is actively promoting Arabic language proficiency as a cornerstone of national identity and future readiness.
The program includes a wide array of actions: regular school visits to assess Arabic language instruction, targeted training sessions for Arabic teachers, and monthly forums to exchange effective classroom strategies. It also introduces new resources, such as the 'Teach Arabic' series and an interactive digital library filled with engaging content.
To further champion the Arabic language, SPEA is organizing an international forum for Arabic teachers. This event, scheduled to coincide with Teacher's Day, will serve as a platform to share global best practices and reaffirm Arabic's vital role in modern education.
'Language is more than communication, it's culture, identity, and connection,' said Al Hosani. 'Through this program, we are preserving the past while preparing students for the future.'
Looking ahead
All of these efforts align with SPEA's 2025–2028 strategic vision, which emphasizes quality education, sustainability, community collaboration, and the strengthening of Arabic language instruction. By fostering dynamic learning environments and forging strong partnerships, SPEA is positioning Sharjah as a regional leader in educational innovation.
As students across the emirate prepare to head back to class, the message is clear: the future of education in Sharjah is safe, smart, and full of promise.