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

Application: AED 5,000
Knowledge and Innovation: AED 20
Total: AED 5,020

20 working days

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

1. The KHDA Educational Services Permit and the license must be valid at the time of submitting the application for this service.
2. Submit an academic plan in case of adding a grade that has not been previously approved.
3. The KHDA shall review the submitted amendments and issue its decision regarding the academic plan within a period of no more than 10 working days from the date of receiving the amendments.
4. The applicant must submit the required amendments to the academic plan to the KHDA within 20 working days from the date of notification. The applicant is allowed to make amendments up to two times only. If the applicant misses the deadline for submitting amendments, they must submit a new application.

Schools rated "Good" or higher:

1. May apply to add one or multiple grade levels/year groups for the next academic year.
2. Additions must align and be consistent with the school's approved academic plan and curriculum.

Schools rated "Acceptable":

1. May apply to add one grade level/year group for the next academic year.
2. May be permitted to add multiple grade level/year groups within the scope of the approved academic plan; requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Schools rated "Weak":

1. Are not permitted to admit Emirati students.
2. Cannot add new non-exam related grade levels/year groups for the upcoming academic year.
3. May add exam-related grade levels/year groups for existing students only (no new enrolments).

New Schools (not yet evaluated):

1. May add grade levels/year groups on an annual basis, in line with the academic plan approved by KHDA for their first two years of operation.

• Step 1: Apply via the KHDA e-services portal and attach the updated academic plan, if required.
• Step 2: KHDA reviews the application to ensure it meets the requirements and conditions.
• Step 3: Arrange for the compliance team to visit and verify adherence to the approved standards.
• Step 4: The compliance team confirms that the school building meets all requirements.
• Step 5: Pay the service fees for adding a new grade once all relevant conditions are met.
• Step 6: KHDA updates the Educational Services Permit to reflect the newly approved grade(s)/year(s).