A Major Shift in School Assessment
The UAE Ministry of Education’s recent decision to cancel second-term exams for the 2025–2026 academic year signals a landmark change in the way students are evaluated. This policy affects all grades in public and private schools following the Ministry’s curriculum, marking a decisive move away from the rigid tradition of mid-year examinations. By removing second-term exams, the Ministry is addressing long-standing concerns about the pressure these assessments placed on students, teachers, and even parents. Instead of relying on one-off, high-stakes tests, the focus is shifting toward more consistent evaluation methods that provide a clearer picture of a student’s progress.
This reform is not simply about easing stress but about rethinking education as a whole. Authorities recognize that examinations often encourage rote memorization and short-term study habits rather than deep learning. Canceling the exams provides teachers with more instructional time during the school year, which can be used to foster interactive lessons, collaborative projects, and innovative teaching practices. It also reflects a growing global consensus that standardized testing, while useful in some contexts, should not dominate educational evaluation. By moving in this direction, the UAE is positioning itself as a leader in progressive education reform in the region.
Continuous Assessment to Replace Exams
Replacing second-term exams with continuous assessment is at the heart of this initiative. Under the new system, students will be assessed through a combination of classroom participation, group projects, individual assignments, oral presentations, and other practical tasks. This approach is designed to measure how well students can apply their knowledge in real-life situations rather than testing how much information they can memorize in a limited time. By incorporating multiple forms of assessment, the Ministry ensures that each child’s strengths and weaknesses are more accurately identified.
Continuous assessment also empowers teachers to provide timely feedback, helping students improve steadily rather than being judged on a single exam paper. Parents, too, will gain better insight into their child’s performance across the term, creating opportunities for more supportive interventions at home. Schools will need to implement clear rubrics and standardized guidelines to maintain fairness and transparency, ensuring that grades are not influenced by bias or inconsistency. While this transition requires careful training for teachers and a cultural shift in how success is measured, it has the potential to build stronger critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This system aligns with modern education practices worldwide, where formative assessments are recognized as more beneficial to long-term learning outcomes.
Supporting Student Well-Being
One of the central motivations behind this reform is the well-being of students. In recent years, educators and psychologists have raised concerns about the negative impact of high-stakes exams on children’s mental health. Anxiety, stress, and even burnout have become increasingly common among students who feel pressured to perform in a competitive academic environment. By eliminating the second-term exams, the Ministry is sending a strong message: student health is as important as academic achievement.
The continuous assessment model reduces exam-related stress by spreading evaluation across multiple tasks throughout the year. This gives students more opportunities to demonstrate their abilities, thereby reducing the fear of failure associated with a single test. Moreover, when students are evaluated through projects, collaboration, and creative assignments, they feel more engaged and motivated. This can foster a healthier relationship with learning, where education becomes less about chasing grades and more about gaining knowledge and skills. Parents have also expressed relief, as they no longer need to see their children overwhelmed by exam preparations. In the long run, this shift supports not only academic growth but also emotional resilience, confidence, and a more balanced lifestyle for students across the UAE.
Aligned with Education Transformation Goals
This reform is not an isolated change but part of the UAE’s larger educational transformation agenda. The Ministry has long emphasized its vision of preparing students for a rapidly changing world shaped by technology, innovation, and globalization. Traditional exam systems, which often emphasize memorization, do not fully equip students with the adaptability and creativity required in the 21st century. By adopting continuous assessments, the UAE is aligning itself with international best practices in education. Countries like Finland, Canada, and Singapore have already embraced such systems with proven success in enhancing student performance and well-being.
Furthermore, this initiative is closely tied to the UAE’s national strategy, which envisions education as a driver of innovation and sustainable development. Through project-based learning and continuous evaluation, students will develop vital skills such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking—qualities that are essential for both higher education and future careers. This change also demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to fostering lifelong learning, ensuring that students are not just test-takers but problem-solvers and innovators. By setting this precedent, the UAE continues to position itself as a hub for forward-thinking education policies in the Arab world and beyond.
Reactions from Parents and Educators
The announcement has sparked diverse reactions among parents and educators. Many parents have welcomed the change, expressing relief that their children will no longer face the immense stress of second-term exams. They see continuous assessment as a more humane and realistic way of measuring learning, one that values consistent effort over last-minute preparation. Parents also believe this shift will give them a clearer understanding of their child’s progress throughout the year, allowing for early interventions if needed.
Educators, however, have voiced both support and caution. While many teachers appreciate the opportunity to use innovative teaching strategies, they also highlight the challenges of ensuring fairness in continuous assessment. Without clear guidelines, grading could become inconsistent across schools, potentially leading to disputes among parents and administrators. Teachers will need professional development and support to implement the new system effectively. Some have also raised concerns about workload, as continuous assessment requires more detailed record-keeping and feedback than traditional exams. The Ministry has assured stakeholders that comprehensive frameworks and training programs will be rolled out, ensuring consistency and fairness across schools. Overall, while the transition may be challenging, most stakeholders agree that the potential benefits outweigh the difficulties.
A Step Toward Holistic Education
By canceling second-term exams, the UAE is reinforcing its long-term vision of holistic education. This model emphasizes not only academic performance but also the development of character, creativity, and resilience. Continuous assessment methods—through projects, presentations, and teamwork—mirror the real-world environments students will encounter in universities and workplaces. Instead of focusing solely on individual performance under exam pressure, students will learn to collaborate, manage time, and apply their knowledge practically.
Holistic education also encourages the nurturing of skills beyond the textbook. Whether it is communication, leadership, or emotional intelligence, these abilities are increasingly recognized as critical to success in the modern world. By prioritizing them alongside academics, the UAE is ensuring that its graduates are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable and well-rounded. This approach supports the country’s ambition of building a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation. Ultimately, this reform represents more than the cancellation of an exam; it is a step toward reimagining education as a comprehensive journey. It highlights the Ministry’s commitment to equipping future generations with the mindset, skills, and values they need to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.
