Launch of the second phase of the school self-assessment project
In a strategic step aimed at improving the education sector, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, in cooperation and coordination with the Ministry of Education, launched the second phase of the school evaluation project, which includes the actual start of the implementation of self-evaluation for schools for the year 2026. This massive phase targets more than 24,000 schools across the Kingdom, in a serious endeavor to enable educational institutions to measure and improve their performance continuously, based on accurate data and internationally approved indicators to ensure the quality of education.
The development of education in the Kingdom and its connection to Vision 2030
This launch culminates ongoing efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to develop its education system in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes building a knowledge-based society and an innovation-driven economy. Historically, school evaluation in the Kingdom has evolved through several phases, from traditional inspections to comprehensive institutional assessment. The Education and Training Evaluation Commission was established as the independent reference body to ensure the application of the highest quality standards. The transition to self-evaluation represents a qualitative leap, reflecting institutional maturity, whereby the school becomes a key partner in diagnosing its current situation and shaping its future.
Strategic objectives of the school self-assessment program
The implementation of self-assessment in schools based on a set of key strategic objectives, foremost among them being the establishment of a school assessment culture within the educational environment. This approach enhances the awareness of administrative and teaching staff regarding the importance of continuous assessment as an effective tool for improving educational outcomes. The program also contributes directly to identifying strengths within each school to be reinforced, and to monitoring opportunities for improvement and development that can be built upon to raise the overall level of performance.
Furthermore, supporting data-driven decision-making is a key pillar of this national project. It enables educational leaders, both in schools and education departments, to rely on accurate and reliable indicators when formulating policies and taking necessary corrective actions, thus ensuring tangible and sustainable improvements in the quality of education.
Expected impact on the quality of educational outcomes locally and internationally
This project's impact extends beyond the local environment, enhancing the Kingdom's regional and international standing in the education sector. Locally, it contributes to improving schools' readiness for external evaluation processes by enhancing compliance with national standards and striving for institutional excellence. Internationally, improved school performance positively impacts student results in international assessments (such as PISA and TIMSS), thereby raising the Kingdom's ranking in global competitiveness and human capital development indices.
The 'Excellence' digital platform and its role in automating assessment
To ensure the efficient implementation of these processes, school assessments are conducted through the 'Tamayuz' digital platform. This platform provides an integrated technological environment for applying assessment tools according to objective, standardized, and fully automated procedures, thus guaranteeing the accuracy and reliability of the results. The platform features direct and real-time integration with various data sources within the Ministry of Education, most notably the 'Noor' system and the professional licensing system for teachers.
This advanced technological integration enhances the efficiency of data collection and analysis, while also providing detailed performance reports and interactive dashboards for stakeholders and decision-makers. This supports the principle of transparency and facilitates continuous monitoring of performance indicators, creating a sophisticated learning environment capable of meeting future aspirations.
