MoE Replaces Grade 3 and 4 Central Third-Term Exams with School-Based Assessment (United Arab Emirates, June 2026)
The Ministry of Education confirmed that Grade 3 and Grade 4 students would complete final School-Based Assessment instead of centralized end-of-third-term examinations. The assessment window was set for 15 to 19 June 2026.
The Ministry of Education confirmed that Grade 3 and Grade 4 students would complete final School-Based Assessment instead of centralized end-of-third-term examinations. The assessment window was set for 15 to 19 June 2026.
What Changed?
For Grades 3 and 4, the final third-term evaluation shifted to School-Based Assessment in all subjects during the 15-19 June window. This replaced centralized end-of-third-term examinations for those grades for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Old System vs New System
Centralized end-of-third-term examinations were the reference model for Grade 3 and Grade 4 final assessment in the affected cycle.
Grade 3 and Grade 4 students complete final School-Based Assessment in all subjects during the specified June window, moving the final evaluation away from centralized third-term exams for those grades.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Younger students are assessed through school-based final evaluation rather than sitting centralized end-of-term exams, changing the assessment experience and preparation requirements.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents need to follow school instructions for the assessment week and understand that the final evaluation is school-based rather than a centralized exam session.
School / Institution Impact
Schools must organize, administer, document, and moderate school-based final assessments according to Ministry expectations for the affected grades.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Primary teachers have a direct role in administering and documenting final school-based assessments, increasing the importance of consistent internal assessment practice.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-04: announcement reported
- 2026-06-15 to 2026-06-19: School-Based Assessment final evaluation window.
What To Do
- Parents should check school assessment instructions
- attendance expectations
- and any materials required. Schools should ensure consistent assessment administration and proper evidence retention.
What To Watch Next
Watch whether the Ministry keeps this Grade 3 and Grade 4 assessment model in future years or returns to centralized end-of-term examinations.
Global Context
The change is relevant to researchers tracking how national systems adjust assessment pressure for younger learners while maintaining centralized oversight of learning outcomes.
Source Record
Source type: Government media report citing official announcement
Source name: Sharjah24 report citing the UAE Ministry of Education