Dubai schools slipping

Some leading private schools in Dubai have lost their ‘outstanding' rankings Discuss this article

Some leading private schools in Dubai have lost their ‘outstanding' rankings because they are not putting enough focus into the teaching of Arabic and Islamic studies, it was reported on Tuesday.

Dubai's school authority, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KDHA, confirmed the move on Monday, the National reported.

According to the paper, three UK schools have lost their top ranking while a fourth is currently being inspected. The paper named the schools as two branches of Jumeirah English Speaking School, Jumeirah College and Kings Dubai, but did not specify which school was still being vetted.

Parent Andrew Turner, whose daughter goes to Dubai College, told the paper: "Parents are sending our kids to learn the British curriculum, not to study the Islamic culture and Arabic. We send them to a British curriculum school to get a British education."

KHDA officials defended the move saying a high number of Emiratis and Arab expatriates attended private schools, so it was important to teach Arabic.

The latest news follows the resignation of the headmaster of Dubai College, Dr Carlo Ferrario, on Sunday over what he called interference from government agencies.