A new survey from educational technology platform Peekapak reveals that more than 80 per cent of students in UAE schools report feeling connected, supported and engaged in their school environments.
The research, conducted across 20 UAE schools, examined wellbeing through four domains aligned with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) Student Wellbeing Framework.
Both elementary and secondary students, along with their teachers, participated in the surveys.
UAE school wellbeing survey reveals high student connection levels
The data shows that between 83 per cent and 86 per cent of students responded positively to questions about relationships at school. Areas including atmosphere, communication, supportive relationships and kindness received the strongest responses. Teacher perceptions aligned closely with student reports in these areas.
These relational indicators remained stable from elementary to secondary school levels.
Students reported lower sentiment in areas relating to internal experiences. Between 68 per cent and 78 per cent of students gave positive responses to questions about self-management, meaning and purpose, deep learning, self-regulation and cultivating happiness.
The decline was most evident during the transition from elementary to secondary schooling. Teacher perceptions also showed lower alignment with student responses in these internal dimensions.
“UAE schools are clearly nurturing strong cultures of kindness, belonging, and connection and play a significant role in this. At the same time, the data reminds us that some dimensions of wellbeing are quieter and harder to observe. By prioritizing kindness and healthy lifestyle and creating a space for students to express how they are managing motivation, purpose, and emotional balance is an important part of supporting their growth over time and shaping their future, allowing them to be happier and healthier while also developing the skills and resilience they need that will benefit them long-term,” Dr. Jenna Santyr, Director of Education at Peekapak said in a statement.
New research highlights student wellbeing across 20 UAE schools
The surveys have been adopted by 50 per cent of Abu Dhabi charter schools. Institutions using the platform include Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Aldar Education and Taaleem.
The platform operates in over 90 countries and serves nearly one million students and educators. Peekapak has received the District Administration’s Top EdTech Product Award and backing from Techstars Anjal Z and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund.
The surveys use a Likert scale ranging from “not at all” to “definitely” for students to indicate how statements match their lived experience. Teachers respond to parallel statements using the same scale.
Results represent aggregated responses to survey items aligned with ADEK wellbeing measures. Percentages show the proportion of respondents indicating positive sentiment through “mostly” or “definitely” responses.
