PwC | Middle East

School quality improvement and regulation

We understand the challenges facing education systems in the Middle East and we recognise the clear characteristics of some of the world’s most successful systems.

Some of the challenges in the Middle East

Quality gaps between private and public schools
Learning gaps between private and public schools, such as English language provision and access to Higher Education.
Nationals studying abroad and range of curricula
There is a clear need and drive to give nationals better skills and improved outcomes wherever they choose to study.
Lack of school places
Supply is not keeping pace with the increasing demand for quality; predominantly private education from locals and expats alike.
Reaching assessment targets
Stretching PISA/TIMSS and other assessment goals are in place, with insufficient focus on whole pupil development.
Quality of Arabic language and civic/national education
Balancing the emphasis on Arabic language and Islamic values with international curricula and quality is leading to new models of delivery.
Local teachers
Attracting and retaining high quality local teachers, particularly male teachers, that local students can relate to, and meeting growth and quality targets has proven difficult.

A number of characteristics have been identified from successful global education systems

High quality leadership and management
- Professionalised management and highly qualified leaders
- Independence for schools and leaders
Outstanding teachers
- Attractive salaries and benefits
- Appropriate teacher training and development plans
- Supportive, collaborative, organized and safe environment
- A focus on the quality of Education courses at universities
- Rigorous standards for entrance into the teaching field
- Alternative routes into teaching as a profession
Clear regulations
- Challenging but fair curricular standards
- Clear expectations for teachers in terms of outcomes and processes
- Open and clear policy development
Clear and fair evaluation
- Clear and consistent expectations for evaluation of students, teachers and management
- Linkage between evaluation and improvement policies, and fee increases