Best private schools on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi: the complete parent guide (2026)

Compare Outstanding and Very Good ADEK-rated schools, curricula and key info

Al Reem Island has evolved into one of Abu Dhabi’s most desirable communities for families, combining waterfront living with easy access to the city centre.

Modern residential towers, waterfront promenades, parks and growing family amenities have helped transform the island into one of the capital’s most sought-after places to live.

For parents, one of its biggest advantages is the ability to live, work, and educate their children in the same neighbourhood. Al Reem Island is currently home to three private schools, each offering a distinctive educational experience on a modern, purpose-built campus.

Whether you’re moving to Marina Square, Shams Abu Dhabi, Najmat or City of Lights, this guide compares every private school on Al Reem Island, including curricula, ADEK ratings and what makes each one unique.

Private schools on Al Reem Island: curriculum, ages and ADEK rating

*ADEK Irtiqa ratings are correct at the time of writing

Why choose a private school on Al Reem Island?

One of Al Reem Island’s biggest advantages is convenience. Families can access three well-known international schools without leaving the island, reducing commuting times while benefiting from a premium educational offering.

What international curricula are available on Al Reem Island?

Parents living on Al Reem Island can choose:

• British curriculum
• British curriculum with IB pathways
• Modern waterfront campuses
• Outstanding and Very Good ADEK-rated schools
• Easy access from Abu Dhabi city centre
• Strong international school communities

For families seeking a shorter school run without compromising on educational quality, Al Reem Island offers one of Abu Dhabi’s strongest clusters of premium schools.

Private schools on Al Reem Island: schools in detail

Repton Abu Dhabi

Curriculum: British ((I)GCSE, A Levels)
Ages: FS1–Year 13
ADEK rating: Outstanding

Part of the global Cognita group, Repton Abu Dhabi combines more than 450 years of British educational heritage with a modern, innovative approach across its two campuses on Al Reem Island.

Following the latest ADEK inspections, both campuses are now rated Outstanding.

An Apple Distinguished School, Repton is recognised for its strong academic standards, specialist facilities, pastoral care and emphasis on character development, making it one of Abu Dhabi’s leading all-through British schools.

For more information, visit reptonabudhabi.org

GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi

Curriculum: British with IB pathways
Ages: FS1–Year 11 (expanding to Sixth Form from 2026–27)
ADEK rating: Very Good

GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi combines the English National Curriculum with the IB framework, offering the PYP and MYP, and will expand into Sixth Form with the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) from 2026–27, subject to IB authorisation.

Based on a purpose-built campus on Al Reem Island, the school promotes inquiry-led learning, innovation and entrepreneurship, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, independent thinking and preparing students for an international future.

For more information, visit gemsworldacademy-abudhabi.com

Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi (NAS Abu Dhabi)

Curriculum: British
Ages: EYFS–Sixth Form (Year 13 from 2026–27)
ADEK rating: Not yet inspected

Part of the global Nord Anglia Education group, NAS Abu Dhabi delivers the English National Curriculum on a purpose-built campus on Al Reem Island.

Students benefit from Nord Anglia’s exclusive collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School and UNICEF, alongside modern specialist facilities and a strong focus on wellbeing, creativity and personalised learning.

As one of Abu Dhabi’s newest schools, it has not yet received its first ADEK Irtiqa inspection.

For more information, visit nordangliaeducation.com

Image credit NAS Abu Dhabi, GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi, Repton Abu Dhabi, Canva