The Sharjah Private Education Authority announced a significant improvement in the performance of private schools, with an increase of 84% as revealed through the results of the third cycle of the “Itqan” programme for the 2024-2025 academic year. This initiative aims to ensure that private schools adhere to established quality standards while enhancing their educational and administrative effectiveness.

The latest cycle targeted 43 schools rated “Good” in the 2022-2023 cycle, 37 schools classified as “Acceptable” in the 2023-2024 cycle, and six new schools. The first evaluation round took place from November 4 to 28, 2024, assessing 33 schools at a rate of 10 schools per week. The second round ran from January 20 to February 20, 2025, covering an additional 53 schools. The results showed that five schools achieved a “Very Good” rating, 53 received a “Good” rating, and 28 were rated “Acceptable.” Notably, no schools received a “Weak” or “Very Weak” classification.

These findings indicate a qualitative improvement in private school performance in Sharjah compared to 2018. In 2025, the number of schools rated “Good” rose to 79, a significant jump from just 7 schools in 2018. Additionally, 14 schools received a “Very Good” rating in 2025, compared to only one school in 2018. The number of schools rated “Acceptable” decreased from 68 in 2018 to 28 in 2025, underscoring a substantial enhancement in the educational quality across the emirate.

His Excellency Ali Al-Hosani, Director General of the Sharjah Private Education Authority, emphasized the importance of the “Itqan” programme in developing private education in Sharjah. He noted that it not only monitors performance levels but also provides schools with a clear roadmap for improvement in educational and administrative practices. The results reflect the commitment of private schools in the emirate to maintain quality standards and enhance academic achievement and the overall school environment.

Al-Hosani also highlighted the crucial role of engagement among parents, students, and teaching staff in the evaluation process. Surveys distributed across all private schools help reflect the quality of education provided. The analysis of these surveys serves as a vital tool for the authority to identify areas for improvement, contributing to the overall enhancement of the educational system in line with global best practices.

The Sharjah Private Education Authority aims to implement the “Itqan” programme to review and assess the performance quality in private schools, measuring their effectiveness in adhering to quality standards and promoting distinguished educational practices. The programme is designed to support students’ academic, personal, and social development.

To further bolster educational standards, the “Itqan” programme includes several supporting initiatives, such as a school leadership programme focused on enhancing the skills of educational leaders. A total of 25 training sessions were organized, offering 50 training hours and benefiting 1,080 teachers, educational leaders, and specialists.

Additionally, the professional development programme for teachers provides advanced training aimed at improving educational efficiency and teaching practices. In 2022, the authority hosted a professional development week with 40 training sessions and 63 training hours, benefiting 1 600 teachers. This number rose in 2023 with 41 training sessions and 126 training hours for 2 044 teachers. In 2024, the programme emphasized content quality and diversity through 16 training sessions totaling 1 145 training hours, benefiting 1 145 teachers.

Complementing these initiatives is a self-assessment project for schools, allowing them to periodically evaluate their performance and identify strengths and areas for improvement. The Sharjah Private Education Authority reaffirms its commitment to supporting the private education system in the emirate and fostering a culture of excellence and quality in educational and administrative performance through the “Itqan” programme.