Government and private schools following the ministry curriculum in the UAE will begin a series of national assessments during October 2025, according to the approved academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year.

These assessments cover various educational stages, from grade 1 to grade 11, aiming to evaluate students’ cognitive, linguistic, and skill competencies and identify learning gaps to improve educational outcomes.

According to the ministry calendar, students from grades 4 to 11 in government schools will take the Standardized Proficiency Assessment (SPA), a national test designed based on the learning outcomes of the Ministry of Education curricula. The test measures students’ skills in Arabic, English, and mathematics, providing accurate data to identify learning loss and address weaknesses.

The test schedule varies by school according to their internal agenda and extends until the end of October. Students will also retake the test in May.

Reports generated from the test are used to guide data-driven academic intervention plans, curriculum development, and enhance school support. Student scores are distributed on a unified scale allowing comparison at the individual, class, school, and emirate levels.

These results contribute to building evidence-based remedial programs and educational interventions, with data available through an interactive digital dashboard serving teachers, parents, and educational leaders.

Additionally, Arabic-speaking first-grade students in government and private schools take the Arabic Basic Assessment (ABA) during the first eight weeks of the academic year. This test measures basic reading, writing, and communication skills expected to have been acquired in kindergarten. Some schools have already completed these tests, while others will conduct them during this period.

The assessment relies on three main tools: direct student testing, teacher observation forms, and parent questionnaires.

The assessment is conducted electronically using an adaptive method employing artificial intelligence techniques, enhancing accuracy. Scores are distributed on a unified scale allowing comparison across individuals and schools, with detailed reports supporting teachers, parents, and educational decision-makers.

Mid-Term Break for the First Time

This month also includes the implementation of the mid-term break for students, applied for the first time from October 13 to 19, 2025, according to the approved academic calendar. The administrative and teaching staff break will be scheduled from October 13 to 15, followed by specialized training for administrative and teaching staff from October 16 to 19, enabling professional development and readiness for the next phase of the school year.