Irtiqa’a is the dedicated inspectorate body of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), committed to driving continuous improvement in the quality of education for students across all schools in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (including Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra region).
Through rigorous, high-quality evaluations, Irtiqa’a provides comprehensive insights into the performance and outcomes of every school. These evaluations are designed to identify strengths and areas for development, ensuring that all schools meet the highest standards of educational excellence.
Irtiqa’a conducts inspections for private, public, and charter schools in alignment with the federal UAE Inspection Framework 2015/2016. These inspections are carried out every two years to assess the overall effectiveness of each school. The evaluation is guided by six key performance standards, organized around two main focus areas: Outcomes and Provision.
Standards focused on Outcomes
- Students’ Achievement: Evaluating the academic attainment, progress, and learning skills of students.
- Students’ Personal and Social Development, and Innovation Skills: Assessing students' growth in personal, social, and innovative capacities.
Standards focused on Provision
- Teaching and Assessment: Reviewing the quality of teaching and assessment practices.
- Curriculum: Evaluating the design, implementation, modification, and effectiveness of the curriculum.
- Protection, Care, Guidance, and Support of Students: Ensuring students' protection, safety, and access to support systems.
- Leadership and Management: Assessing the effectiveness of school leadership and management practices, as well as the impact of their work.
Schools are rated on a six-point performance scale: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak, and Very Weak. Good is the expected level for every school in the UAE, while Acceptable represents the minimum performance level.
A key focus of Irtiqa’a is to promote continuous improvement planning across all schools. By providing detailed feedback and actionable recommendations, Irtiqa’a empowers schools to develop and implement strategic plans that address areas for growth while building on their strengths. It encourages schools to engage in ongoing self-evaluation, promoting a proactive approach to meeting the evolving needs of their students and striving to achieve the highest shared expectations set within the framework.
In addition to the performance standards of the framework, Irtiqa’a evaluates schools on aspects aligned with the UAE's National Agenda priorities and the UAE’s vision for education. This includes reporting on the quality of reading provision across schools, as well as the support provided to students in developing the necessary skills to succeed in international assessments such as TIMSS, PISA, and PIRLS. These skills are critical in preparing students to compete on a global level, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Irtiqa’a inspections also promote accountability across all stakeholders, including school governors, leaders, teachers, and parents. By encouraging a culture of transparency and collaboration, Irtiqa’a ensures that everyone involved in the education process is working together to support student success and school improvement. Together, we are shaping the future of education, ensuring that every student in Abu Dhabi has access to a high-quality learning experience that prepares them for success in school, work, and life.
Irtiqa'a School Performance reports are shared with schools and can also be viewed by parents and the community via the TAMM website.
For more information on Irtiqa’a School Inspection Ratings and to view the latest Irtiqa’a School Performance Reports, click here (link will open TAMM's website).