UAE government schools to replace exams with practical assessments for some pupils

New education model for pupils in grades 6 to 8 unveiled as authorities set out back-to-school action plan

The UAE will replace some exams with project-based assessments for Cycle 2 pupils at public schools. The National

UAE government schools will replace some exams for pupils aged 11 to 13 with project-based assessments in the new academic year, in support of a major drive to bolster public education standards.

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, said the move to replace the second term central test for Cycle 2 pupils – covering grades 6 to 8 – aims to encourage children to put theoretical knowledge into practice.

The new assessment model was unveiled as the Ministry of Education set out its back-to-school action plan on Tuesday.

Hundreds of thousands of public and private school pupils will return to classrooms on Monday, August 26 following the summer break.

School expansion plan

The ministry announced 12 additional government schools will open in the new school year, while another 13 will welcome back pupils after being closed for comprehensive maintenance.

Mohammed Al Qasim, undersecretary at the ministry, said further upgrade work has been carried out at 311 public schools in the Emirates, and checks carried out on thousands of school buses.

“In collaboration with service providers, the ministry conducted thorough maintenance for all school buses ensuring their adherence to the highest safety standards, with over 5,000 school buses made available this year,” read a statement issued by the UAE Government Media Office.

“Furthermore, school transportation routes were optimised to ensure a smooth and comfortable daily commute for students.”

The ministry said it had embarked on its largest field survey to date to develop a strategic framework for pupil wellbeing.

The authority announced it was establishing a programme of school-based and extra-curricular activities designed to improve pupils' cognitive, cultural and social skills.

Long-term vision

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, is working to upgrade public education. Antonie Robertson / The National

Ms Al Amiri was appointed to her current role as Minister for Education in a UAE Cabinet reshuffle in July amid plans to restructure the sector.

She had served in her previous role as Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology from 2022.

In an interview with The National in May, she spoke of her ambition to ensure government institutions would one day be the “school of choice” for Emiratis and residents.

When asked whether she hoped public schools could eventually be on par with private schools, she said: “Absolutely, this is the goal.

“When I started [her previous role] two years ago, the first request from His Highness the President was to ensure that the public school system is competitive and becomes the school of choice for Emiratis and residents across the UAE,” said Ms Al Amiri at the time.

“Strengthening our foundations means understanding and addressing underlying issues, not just surface-level fixes. We have a clear vision for transforming education in the UAE.”

Public schools are primarily for UAE citizens but they also accept some children of residents. Government education is free for Emirati pupils, but those from other countries pay fees, but at a lower cost to those typically found at private schools.