Private schools in Dubai can increase their fees for the 2016-17 academic year by a minimum of 3.21% and up to a maximum of 6.42%, depending on their ratings following annual school inspections. This increase is based on the new Education Cost Index (ECI), which has risen from 2.92% last year to 3.21%, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced on Sunday. The ECI is calculated annually by the Dubai Statistics Centre, which takes into account the consumer price index and school operation costs, including remuneration, rent and utilities. Based on the new ECI, schools rated ‘outstanding’ in the next inspection results — due in April or May — can increase their fees by 6.42% (double the ECI). Schools rated ‘very good’ can increase their fees by 5.62% (1.75 per cent of the ECI), schools rated ‘good’ can increase their fees by 4.82% (1.5% of the ECI), while schools rated ‘acceptable’ or ‘unacceptable’ can increase their fees by 3.21%. This ECI is only applicable for the 2016-17 academic year. (Gulf News)