Facilities managers help schools achieve top marks in the UAE

by Parris Ullrich, Regional Operations Director MENA & APAC

In the UAE, scores from educational bodies like KHDA and ADEK are a big deal for schools. Reviewed annually, they assess all elements of a school’s effectiveness, from academic performance to how well a school is doing in terms of safety, student well-being, and the overall school environment.

For schools, high KDHA or ADEK scores build a reputation for excellence, attract students, and establish trust with parents. For this reason, a comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure schools can achieve and maintain top scores, year after year.

Facilities management providers have a major role to play in shaping and delivering this approach. Far more than simply providing effective maintenance, FM providers can help to create inviting, safe and effective learning environments that support exceptional learning outcomes.

FM: going beyond maintenance

At Macro, we’ve worked with schools in the UAE to attain Very Good and Outstanding scores, including in Repton Schools in Dubai, Al Barsha and Abu Dhabi. We’ve seen firsthand how having the right FM partner makes a real difference for schools’ ratings.

Fundamentally, the environment in which students learn has a huge impact on their success. Clean, safe, and well-maintained facilities create a positive atmosphere where students and staff feel good and perform well.

A strong FM team ensures that everything from daily maintenance to safety checks are handled efficiently. The team also plays a key role in helping teachers and other staff to prepare their classrooms with the required setup for students, as well as outdoor activities required as per academic requirements. In our schools, we also support special in-school events, like UAE National Day, annual sports day, Eid, summer camps, movie nights, Christmas and other festivities.

Focusing on safety and well-being

Safety and well-being are critical parts of both KHDA and ADEK evaluations. A good FM company will put safety first, with regular risk assessments and solid emergency plans. Whether it’s fire safety drills or ensuring air quality is up to standard, every detail counts. By focusing on these areas, schools not only improve their scores but also give parents peace of mind that their children are learning in a safe environment.

At Macro, we also offer safeguarding training to all team members and help to build a culture of child protection. Together with our schools, we work to provide assurance that safety standards are never compromised and are always in line with regulations, safeguarding and child protection, and school policies.

Creating a better learning environment

Facilities management is also about enhancing the quality of the learning environment. This means having clean and bright classrooms, well-kept sports facilities, and effective waste management.

An FM team that understands the needs of a school will ensure that classrooms are well-lit and ventilated, playgrounds are safe, and technology is integrated smoothly into the daily routine. At Macro, we do all this and more – recently, we assisted a school’s environmental and green team on their setup requirement for a school beehive and organic farming area.

Driving sustainability

Sustainability is becoming more important, and KHDA and ADEK scores reflect this. Schools are expected to manage their resources responsibly and adopt sustainable practices. An FM partner who can bring in innovative, sustainable solutions—like the removal of single use plastics, energy-efficient systems or waste reduction programs—can help schools meet these expectations.

At Macro we have successfully reduced HVAC energy costs, conducted ASHRAE energy audits, and proposed a solar panel system and EV vehicle charging system as sustainability initiatives for schools.

Partnering for success

Educational authority scores are key to a school’s success. While great teaching is essential, a lot depends on the quality of the school environment.

Choosing an FM partner like Macro is a strategic move that can help schools improve their scores. By focusing on safety, creating a great learning environment, and embracing sustainability, FM can make a significant impact. It can help create spaces where students can thrive, teachers can inspire, and the whole school community can excel.

For more on Macro's work in educational facilities, visit: https://www.macro-group.com/sectors/education