FAQ

1. How long is the period between two consecutive school reviews?
The school will be reviewed once every three years, except for schools with ‘Inadequate’ performance that are visited for one day (Monitoring visit) after 6-12 months from the review.

2. What criteria and procedures do reviewers implement to reach judgments?
The review team follows specific criteria when reaching judgments in accordance with the Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA) Schools Reviews Handbook, published on the website, which can be viewed via the following link: https://www.bqa.gov.bh/en/Pages/Home.aspx

3. Who conducts the review?
A professional and well-trained team, of education professionals, accredited by BQA and international authorities.

4. Is the school review report published? And where can we get it?
Yes, BQA publishes the review reports of all government and private schools on the website, which can be viewed via the following link: www.bqa.gov.bh/en/Reports/SchoolsReports/Pages/report.aspx

5. How does the review process work? What aspects of schoolwork are being evaluated?
All review processes and efforts are focused on the growth and development of students, and various aspects of schoolwork. They are evaluated through clear mechanisms and procedures linked to the School Reviews Handbook, such as observing lessons, scrutinising students' work, analysing results, conducting interviews, and inspecting school facilities and their use.

6. Will any support be provided to the school after the review process in order to bring about the desired change?
After the review process, the school can benefit from the given recommendations, as well as BQA’s comments on the post review action plans that the school submits. In Government schools, support will be provided by the MoE and in private schools this is led by the Board/Owners.

7. How will the review process affect teachers and school staff?
Teachers and school staff will see and meet reviewers during the review, but their normal working day/ practices should not be impacted. We will ask to speak to staff about their experiences in the school at the teachers’ meeting, and in some cases, small groups or 1 to 1 meeting.

8. Does the school review consider the opinions of parents, students, and staff?
Yes, the review process provides the opportunity for teachers, parents, and students to express their opinion before the review through an electronic questionnaire, in addition to a meeting with some representative of staff members, students and their parents during the review visit.

9. Can the school express its opinion after the review is completed?
Yes, the school’s leadership view is surveyed after the review regarding the accuracy of the report and the review process in general.

10. What support is provided to the school in preparation for the review?
BQA provides several channels of support for the schools before the review visit, such as providing a copy of the Schools Reviews Handbook on the website, an electronic training package for principals and teachers and the pre-review discussion session with the school’s leadership during which questions and queries are answered.

11. How can the school leadership be sure that the review process is fair and neutral?
The review team depends on specific criteria within the Schools Review Framework against which the work aspects are judged. Additionally, an impartial team with a high degree of professionalism and training is selected to conduct the review as well as the review process being subject to continuous quality assurance procedures.

12. How do the school reviews consider the individual needs of students, such as students with special educational needs?
The review team follows up and evaluates the school’s leadership role and awareness on this matter, such as following up on diagnosing students with special educational needs, planning to support them, following up on their academic programmes, progress, and communicating with their parents periodically.

13. How does the review team consider the school’s facilities and resources?
The Schools Reviews Handbook focuses on facilities and resources in terms of their availability and the effectiveness of their use, in addition to measuring the impact of the absence of some resources, and the school’s procedures regarding that. The review focuses on the use and impact of resources not the resources themselves.

14. Are there any confidential matters that must be considered during the school review?
Yes, there are many aspects that the review team deals with in complete confidentiality in accordance with BQA’s policies and procedures. This includes school documents, staff data, information related to teachers’ evaluations and their performance in lessons. Documents related to SEND and pupil data are also dealt with in high levels of confidentiality.

15. How does the school review results develop the school’s overall performance?
The school can build on the review recommendations, the main positive features and those that need improvement in its efforts to develop the school, all of which are highlighted in the daily feedback sessions and the review report.

16. Are there any documents to be submitted after completing the review and receiving the report?
The school is expected to submit an action plan after the review visit to BQA based on the recommendations, in which it clarifies the timeframe for implementation and realistic, measurable performance indicators.

1. How will the review process affect my teaching and lesson planning?
The review process does not require any change to the way you plan and implement lessons.

2. What aspects or criteria will the reviewers use to evaluate our school?
The review team relies on the school Reviews Handbook to evaluate the school practices according to specific criteria and indicators.

3. Can teachers state their views or feedback during the Review?
Yes, as the review process provides the opportunity for you to express your opinions before the review process through a teacher questionnaire sent by BQA, as well as a planned meeting with a sample of teachers during the review, and another meeting with a sample of senior teachers.

4. Will there be any changes to the school schedule or routine because of the review?
No, the review process doesn’t require any change in the school schedule.

5. What happens if a school fails to meet the required standards?
If a school receives an ‘Inadequate’ judgment, the school is followed-up with a one-day visit (Monitoring visit) after 6-12 months to measure the extent of progress achieved in addressing the recommendations.

6. How can teachers contribute to improving the school based on the review findings?
Teachers contribute to improving the school performance by reflecting on the review report and using its findings to promote the positive practices and spread them, as well as areas for improvement, such as those related to the aspect of Teaching, Learning and Assessment.

7. Will there be additional training or support for teachers after the review process?
The training process is a continuous process, and it is the responsibility of, senior and middle leadership to provide professional development programmes for teachers according to their training needs that may be based on the review report. Teachers may also benefit from the electronic self-training on the framework and review procedures, which is provided by BQA on its official website.

8. How will the reviews consider the individual needs of students such as students with special educational needs?
The review team monitors the role that teachers play, such as diagnosing students with special educational needs, providing them with personal and academic support, monitoring their progress and communicating regularly with their parents.

9. Will the views and feedback from teachers be considered?
Yes, teachers' opinions are considered according to the review processes.

10. Can teachers participate in the review process? And how can they prepare for this?
Yes, teachers can participate in the review procedures by attending the planned meeting and filling out the questionnaire before the review. As for preparing for the review, teachers are only required to carry out their regular daily tasks, such as delivering lessons and actively participating in school life.

11. How can teachers be sure that the review process is fair and neutral?
The review team depends on specific criteria within the School Reviews Framework against which the work aspects are judged. In addition, an impartial team is selected with a high degree of professionalism and training to conduct the review. The review process is subject to continuous quality assurance procedures.

12. Do teachers have the opportunity to provide feedback on the review or any suggestions for improvement?
After the review, the school leadership receives a survey on the Review process from BQA, and therefore it is possible for teachers to participate in completing it.

13. How will the faculty be informed of the results of the review? Are they given opportunities for discussion and feedback?
The senior leadership has the right to share the daily feedback with teachers, and similarly it is recommended to share the content of the report upon receipt, especially the recommendations related to Teaching, Learning and Assessment in order to focus on important areas that contribute to the development of school performance.

14. What role do middle leadership and teachers play in developing educational plans based on the outcomes of the review process?
The review process encourages a hands-on approach among Middle leadership and teachers to develop their departmental plans as they make use of the observations provided to the school leadership during the daily feedback, particularly those related to the ‘Teaching, Learning and Assessment’ aspect. This, consequently, impacts teachers' development of daily lesson planning.

15. Will the review consider extra-curricular activities and students’ support services?
Yes, the review team follows-up on extracurricular activities and support services provided to students by analysing documents, attending the programmes offered and conducting interviews with those concerned.

16. Can teachers view the review report?
Yes, teachers can view the review report through BQA’s website via the following link: https://www.bqa.gov.bh/en/reports/schoolsreports/pages/report.aspx

17. How can teachers support students to ensure they have a positive experience during the review process?
Teachers have an important role in preparing students for the review process, such as comforting them, clarifying the role of the review team, and motivating them to interact positively with the reviewers.

1. What is the purpose of schools' reviews?
The schools’ reviews aim to evaluate educational practices in schools and identify strengths and areas of improvement, to improve the quality of schools’ performance in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

2. How often do you review schools?
Every school will be reviewed at least once every 3 years. Schools with an ‘Inadequate’ judgement will also have a one-day monitoring visit, around 6 to 12 months after the review, to check on progress and improvements.

3. What do you evaluate during the review?
During the review, the review team evaluates all school practices, such as the quality of teaching, the curriculum, leadership and importantly how the students are treated and supported.

4. Who conducts the school reviews?
Qualified reviewers from the Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA), who were all educators previously.

5. Can parents view the latest school review report?
Yes, this can be done through BQA’s website: www.bqa.gov.bh.

6. How does the review process work? What is the process of evaluating a school?
The review team visit to the school usually takes three days. It includes observing lessons and activities, analysing documentation and written work, and conducting interviews. We also talk to parents, teachers, students, and stakeholders to form a consensus view of the school.

7. What happens if a school fails to meet the expected standards?
The school will be judged ‘Inadequate’; thus, given a set of recommendations to improve. This will be followed up with a monitoring visit around 6 – 12 months after this review.

8. How can a school improve its performance following a review?
By using the given recommendations to develop an action plan and implement it successfully.

9. How are the views and feedback of parents and students considered during reviews?
The review team consider the students and parents views during the review through a face-to-face meeting with some parents and through studying the parental responses to the online questionnaire, sent out in advance.

10. Can I, as a parent, be present during the review?
Yes, parents can be present during the review upon request and according to the review procedure.

11. How does BQA ensure that the evaluation process is fair and neutral?
The review team’s work is based on specified criteria and principles from the Schools Reviews Framework, team members are carefully selected and well-trained.
12. How can schools appeal against the overall evaluation judgement?
The school has the right to appeal against the review process as described in the Schools Reviews Framework.

13. How do school reviews impact the quality of teaching and learning?
The review results provide feedback on the overall school performance, especially in teaching and learning. It highlights what is working well and where things could be improved further.

14. Do review reports consider the individual needs of students, (such as those with special educational needs)?
Yes, progress for all children, including those with special education needs is assessed.

15. What role do school reviews play in school improvement planning?
Yes, they are regularly amended based on the latest thinking and circumstances. (For example: issuing an exceptional framework for the period of Covid-19 pandemic)

16. Are the review criteria and process regularly reviewed and updated?
Yes, they are regularly amended based on the latest updates. (For example: issuing an exceptional framework for the period of Covid19 pandemic)

17. How can I, as a parent, provide feedback about my child's school to the reviewers?
By filling out a parent questionnaire sent out by BQA via an electronic link before the review, or by participating in the parents’ meeting that takes place during the review.

18. How transparent is the review process, and are there any confidentiality concerns?
The school is informed of all review procedures one week before the visit’s date, and the information is treated with complete confidentiality, with the team taking great care to preserve the privacy of the information they receive.

19. Will the review affect the school’s daily routine or class schedule?
No, quite the contrary, reviewers are trained to evaluate without interfering with the school's day-to-day operations, including lessons.

1. What is a school review and why do we have them?
A team of reviewers visits the school for three days to evaluate how well the school is meeting your needs and providing a good education.

2. Are there any opportunities for students to be involved in the review process?
Yes, students can express their opinions by filling out a questionnaire before the review starts, and through participating in meetings during the review. You can also talk to reviewers when they visit your class and ask about your work.

3. Will the reviewers consider the views of all students, including those with special needs or learning difficulties?
Yes, the review team is interested in the views of all students, and this is an important part of evaluating the school.

4. Can students see the review report, and where can we find it?
Yes, through the Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA) website via the following link: www.bqa.gov.bh/en/Reports/SchoolsReports/Pages/report.aspx

5. Will the school review change my daily routine?
No, the review process does not require any change in the school day, reviewers are well trained to evaluate under any circumstances without interfering with the school’s daily routines, including classes.

6. Will there be any extra tests or quizzes because of the review?
No, BQA does not require any form of assessment, but rather focuses on the teaching and learning in general.

7. Are reviewers allowed to speak with the students, and if so, what kind of questions will they ask us?
Yes, the review team will talk to you as students and listen to your opinions. The questions are usually about your learning, what you have enjoyed and how you feel about school.

8. Will the reviewers be looking at class and extracurricular activities?
The review team observes all school activities and programmes in and outside classes, such as attending lessons, the morning assembly, recesses, and any other programmes during the review.

9. How might the review improve the school environment for students?
Through the observations and recommendations provided by the review team about the school environment.

10. What happens if our school does not do well in the review?
If a school receives an ‘Inadequate’ judgment, the school will be followed up by BQA and will be visited for one day (Monitoring visit) around 6-12 months later to identify the progress made.

11. Will the review affect our school's reputation or the value of our qualifications?
The higher the evaluation outcome, the greater the school’s reputation locally. It will not affect your qualifications.

12. Do reviews look at students’ support services?
Yes, the review team looks at the support and services provided to students by looking at documents, attending programmes, and talking to those involved.

13. Will we have a say in any changes that the school might make following the review?
Yes, as students, you are the most important people in the entire education system, and your opinion matters! It is the responsibility of the school to seek your opinions on this matter and BQA is pleased to hear your views.

14. How can we as students contribute to ensuring our school meets the identified criteria?
By showing commitment towards school, interacting positively with the reviewers you meet, with openness and transparency, and cooperating with the review team and the school to make the review a success.

15. Will the school make changes based on the review? If so, how soon might we see these changes?
The school is expected to work straight away on any improvements. You can notice the changes shortly after a review and gradually over time.

16. How do reviews ensure that the school is a safe and inclusive venue for everyone?
The safety of the school environment, like the resources and facilities that meet the needs of all students, are among the most important things looked at during the review.

17. Will the reviewers observe our classes, and do we need to prepare anything special for their visits?
Yes, the review team will spend most of the time attending lessons to evaluate teaching and learning, and students are only required to do what they are used to do in their regular school days.

18. How will the review results affect the teachers and staff at our school?
The review aims to evaluate the school and provide recommendations to help it improve and develop. Therefore, the impact of the review on teachers and school staff will be limited to developing their approaches and ways of working to make it an even better place to learn.

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