UAE Public School Reforms 2026: 6 Major Changes Every Parent Must Know

A significant reform of the UAE public education system will be launched in 2026–2027. The reforms, which are part of the National Education Charter launched by Ministry of Education Sarah Al Amiri, pay more attention to practical learning, student health and wellbeing and accountability and better cooperation between schools and families.

The changes have a major impact on parents from homework to screen time to exams to evaluating their kids’ progress and more. Six greater reforms that every family should be aware of before the new school year begins.

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1. No Homework for KG1 to Grade 2

The most notable shift is that there is no longer any homework for the students of the KG1 to Grade 2 levels. Aim of policy is to ensure that children (under 5) have more time to rest, play and interact with the family and ensure children’s early learning remains a focus within the classroom environment.

Parents can also help promote literacy and learning at home like Reading, speaking and engaging in developmentally appropriate activities can help little ones to become readers without adding afternoons of school work.

2. More Physical Learning in Grade 6

The UAE is also adjusting the use of digital technology, including classroom technology, in classrooms. Subjects such as Arabic, English, Mathematics and Science will now be taught via a return to the physical textbook and notebook, as well as a paper-based approach to learning, for Grade 6 students.

The move will be designed to anchor basic reading and writing skills and to promote a more balanced approach to e-learning and traditional instruction.

3. Project-Based Learning and New Exams

Grade 7 students will be provided with more opportunities to engage in Project Based Learning and Assessment (PBLA), in core content areas. The method aims to get students to show understanding, not simply memorise, by applying to real life situations.

In Grades 9–12, the assessment will be based on a 50-50 model, meaning that there will be both centralized assessments and continuous school-based assessments. This enhances the importance of classroom performance in overall assessment by students.

4. Every School Will Be Evaluated

Not only are government schools included but within the system all the schools are subject to comprehensive performance assessments and within it private schools that are licensed by the ministry will operate. The following will be parts of assessments: teaching quality, leadership and operational performance.

The goal is to set clearer benchmarks and see where there is room for improvement within the system of education.

5. Support Based on School Performance

Allocation of resources and interventions will be affected by school evaluations as well. If a school is rated as in need of improvement, the school can receive specially designed development programmes, specialist teacher training and operational assistance in accordance with the specific needs of the school.

This data-based approach is meant to drive support to the schools based on their needs, not a “one size fits all” support.

6. Parents Become Active Education Partners

The National Education Charter gives more responsibilities to the family to support the development of the child’s. Parents are encouraged to encourage reading at home; to keep track of technology time, and collaborate with teachers to track progress.

Students will also receive Charter Passports to support students‘ monitoring of progress and to emphasize the importance of the role of families with their students in supporting student education.

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