Led by the vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik who affirmed in his Royal speech on January 11, 2020 that “Education will be on the top of our national priorities", Oman has taken a significant step towards enhancing its education system with the official launch of the National School Evaluation System.
Led by the Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education (OAAAQA), this initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and aims to improve the quality of teaching and learning in all schools. In its first week, six schools were successfully reviewed, setting a positive precedent for the national rollout. Each week, six additional schools will undergo external evaluation, with the first phase targeting a total of 100 schools. This structured schedule reflects a deliberate and systematic approach to embedding quality assurance in education.
The evaluation System was developed through extensive consultation and careful design. It draws on international best practices, national benchmarks and lessons from previous initiatives, while also reflecting Oman’s own educational context. OAAAQA worked closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure that the framework is both globally competitive and locally relevant.
Strategically, the system seeks to improve student outcomes, enhance school leadership and ensure that schools are well equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century. By aligning with Oman Vision 2040, it also supports the country’s long-term socio-economic goals.
At the heart of the system is the School Evaluation Framework, which provides the structure for all reviews. The framework focuses on five key domains: academic achievement, personal development, teaching and assessment, school climate and learning environment; and leadership, management and governance.
Each external review assesses how well schools are performing in these interconnected areas, creating a holistic picture of their strengths and areas for improvement. The framework ensures that schools are not only judged on exam results but also on how they nurture student growth, provide effective teaching, create safe and supportive learning environments and demonstrate strong, accountable leadership.
The evaluation process is carried out by trained educators who form accredited review teams. These professionals have undergone rigorous preparation to ensure consistency, fairness and credibility in their judgments. During the school visits, reviewers will observe classroom practices, analyse data and meet with school leaders, teachers, parents and students. Their findings will be synthesised into evidence-based reports, providing schools with clear, constructive feedback and practical recommendations for improvement.
Transparency, Governance and Accountability
OAAAQA has emphasised that the credibility of the system lies in its fairness and openness. The results of school evaluations will be shared not only with schools and the Ministry of Education but also with the wider public. This approach ensures that parents and communities remain informed and engaged in the national dialogue on education quality.
Importantly, the evaluations are not one-off inspections. The outcomes are designed to guide school-level improvement plans, making the process a continuous cycle of planning, implementation and follow-up.
Public Engagement
The OAAAQA ensures the National School Evaluation System is transparent and inclusive. This approach aims to build trust and confidence in the education system, ensuring the community and parents are actively involved in shaping the future of Oman's schools.
With six schools already reviewed and a plan to evaluate six more each week, OAAAQA is confident that the system will soon provide valuable insights to guide future educational reforms. By the time 100 schools have been evaluated, both policymakers and educators will have a clearer understanding of the system’s strengths and areas needing further investment.
The launch of the National School Evaluation System marks more than the beginning of a new project. It signals a cultural shift towards continuous improvement in education. By linking evaluations to actionable plans, the system ensures that outcomes translate into meaningful change.
With determination and collaboration, Oman’s schools are moving step by step towards the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040, building a brighter future for students and positioning the Sultanate of Oman among leading education systems worldwide.
Dr Thuraya al Hosni
The author is Director-General of Centre for School Education Quality Assurance
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