The UAE Ministry of Education has announced six major changes for the 2026-27 academic year, including the removal of homework for younger pupils, tighter controls on the use of electronic devices in schools and an expansion of project-based assessments.Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, announced the measures during a media briefing on preparations and developments for the new academic year.She said the changes are aimed at improving students' educational experience and the quality of learning outcomes, with a greater focus on developing core skills, achieving a better balance in the use of technology, improving the assessment system and strengthening cooperation between schools and families.Here are the six key changes announced for the new academic year:1. No homework from kindergarten to Grade 2Homework will be scrapped for pupils from kindergarten through Grade 2.According to Al Amiri, the move takes into account the developmental needs of children during the early years and is intended to improve the quality of learning during the school day, while providing a better balance between learning and life outside school.2. Electronic device use in schools to be regulatedThe Ministry will introduce greater regulation of the use of electronic devices inside schools, following observations about the impact their use can have on some of students' fundamental skills, particularly reading and writing.Technology will continue to be used as a tool to support education, but within guidelines designed to ensure students benefit from it without compromising the development of essential skills.3. More project-based assessmentsThe Ministry will expand the use of project-based assessments, allowing schools to measure how well students can apply what they have learnt in practical situations.The approach is intended to strengthen students' thinking, application and problem-solving skills, rather than relying solely on traditional examinations to measure their performance.4. All government schools to be evaluatedOne hundred per cent of government schools will undergo comprehensive evaluations during the new academic year.The assessments will provide a detailed picture of each school's performance and identify areas of strength as well as opportunities for improvement.5. Schools to receive support based on evaluation resultsThe results of school evaluations will be used to determine the type and level of support required by individual schools.Development programmes, initiatives and interventions will then be directed according to each school's specific needs, with the aim of improving performance and educational outcomes.6. Greater cooperation between families and schoolsAl Amiri also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between families and schools throughout a student's educational journey.She said developing students' skills and improving their performance is a shared responsibility, particularly when it comes to reading and writing, maintaining a balanced use of electronic devices and monitoring students' academic development.Al Amiri said the changes form part of an integrated vision aimed at developing students who are better prepared for the future, creating a comprehensive educational environment, developing education professionals capable of leading the future of the sector and achieving sustainable institutional excellence.
