Name of Program: School quality evaluations

Client: Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge (RAKDOK)

Duration of Current Contract: 2026

Identifying common strengths and development needs and enabling targeted policy and support interventions.

The Challenge
Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge (RAKDOK) sought the delivery of school quality evaluations designed to provide rigorous, evidence-based evaluations that promote continuous improvement across the Emirate’s 32 diverse private schools.

An assured solution

Etio’s delivery of school quality evaluations is designed to meet RAKDOK’s priorities of quality, reliability, transparency, capacity building and system-level insight. 

Quality and Reliability of Reviews 
At the core of our approach lies a commitment to valid, consistent and improvement-oriented evaluations. Each school undergoes a structured three-day review process combining lesson observations, document scrutiny and structured stakeholder engagement, including focus groups with students, parents, staff and governors. 

All judgements are derived using the UAE framework, supported by triangulated evidence and moderated daily to ensure reliability and comparability across curricula and school phases. 

Etio’s evaluation model emphasises developmental feedback for schools, aligning accountability with capacity building. Through joint lesson observations and reflective dialogue with school leaders, reviews also serve as a professional learning experience. 

Value and Efficiency through Technology 
Our purpose-built digital platform supports the entire review lifecycle from scheduling and evidence capture to report generation and quality assurance. Our platform ensures traceability, confidentiality and transparency, with controlled access for RAKDOK’s QA team. 

Expertise and Capacity 
Led by one of Etio’s most seasoned school-evaluation specialist, our high-calibre, bilingual team of Principal and Lead Reviewers, is supported by a pool of UAE-based and international reviewers experienced in all major curricula, phases and specialisms. 

Systematic Quality Assurance 
A multi-layered QA process, spanning pre-review, on-site, and post-review phases, ensures that every evaluation meets RAKDOK’s expectations for rigour and reliability. 

Focus on Improvement and Stakeholder Voice 
Etio’s evaluation philosophy is rooted in partnership and improvement. By embedding structured stakeholder focus groups and interviews, our process ensures that every school’s evaluation reflects the authentic perspectives of its community. 

The resulting evidence base allows RAKDOK to identify common strengths and development needs across the sector, enabling targeted policy and support interventions.