Dubai’s private schools can increase their fees by a minimum of 2.92 per cent to a maximum of 5.84 per cent for the  academic year 2015/16, depending on their ratings following annual school inspections, according to a report.

This increase is based on the new Education Cost Index (ECI), which has risen from 1.74 per cent to 2.92 per cent, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced, said the Gulf News report.

The ECI is calculated annually by the Dubai Statistic Centre which takes into account the consumer price index and school operation costs including remuneration, rent and utilities, it said.

Based on the new ECI, schools rated ‘outstanding’ in the next inspection results — due on April or May — can increase their fees by 5.84 per cent, while schools rated ‘good’ can increase their fees by 4.38 per cent and those rated acceptable or unacceptable can increase their fees by 2.92 per cent.

“The fees framework balances the needs of schools and parents. We are witnessing steady growth within the education sector, leading to increased stability. The ECI is directly linked to inflation and an increased cost in living,” Mohammad Darwish, chief of Regulations and Permits Commission at KHDA, was quoted saying.

The KHDA said the framework will motivate schools to improve the quality of education, while at the same time protecting the interests of both parents and investors, the report added.