This service enables private schools to obtain KHDA approval for adding new grade levels or year groups to their existing approved academic structure.

Private Schools

AED 5,000

20 working days
The processing period of 20 working days begins once KHDA has received all required documents.

• Approval from the accrediting body, in accordance with the school’s curriculum.
• Academic plan for the new grade(s)/year group(s), unless previously approved.

• The KHDA Educational Services Permit and the Commercial Licence must be valid at the time of submitting the application for this service.
• Submit an academic plan in case of adding a grade that has not been previously approved.
• Schools rated "Good" or higher:
  • May apply to add one or multiple grades or years for the next academic year
  • Additions must align and be consistent with the school's approved academic plan and curriculum
• Schools rated "Acceptable":
  • May be permitted to add one grade or multiple grades or years within the scope of the approved academic plan.
  • May apply to add one grade or year for the next academic year.
  • Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Schools rated "Weak":
  • Are not permitted to admit Emirati students
  • Cannot add new non-exam related grades or years for the upcoming academic year.
  • May add exam-related grades or years for existing students only (no new enrolments)
• New Schools (not yet evaluated):
  • May add grades or years annually during their first two years of operation.
  • Additions must conform to the approved academic plan.
• The KHDA shall review the submitted amendments and issue its decision regarding the academic plan within a period of no more than ten (10) working days from the date of receiving the amendments.
• The applicant must submit the required amendments to the academic plan to the KHDA within twenty (20) working days from the date of notification. The applicant is allowed to make up to three (3) amendments. If the applicant exceeds the deadline for submitting amendments on any occasion, they may reapply to open the school in a subsequent academic year.

• Apply via the KHDA portal and attach the updated academic plan, if required.
• KHDA reviews the application to ensure it meets the requirements and conditions.
• Arrange for the compliance team to visit and verify adherence to the approved standards.
• The compliance team confirms that the school building meets all requirements.
• Pay the service fees for adding a new grade once all relevant conditions are met.
• KHDA updates the Educational Services Permit to reflect the newly approved grade(s)/year(s).