A tailored onboarding experience designed to help new students and families feel supported
PARTNER CONTENT: For the team at BIS Abu Dhabi, it’s far more than forms, assessments and waiting lists.
Welcoming new students is about relationships, reassurance and helping families feel they belong from the very first conversation.
“We want every family to feel genuinely seen, understood and supported as they transition into the school community,” explains Ellie Zindilis, Head of Admissions. “For us, it’s about creating the time and space for families to explore whether BIS Abu Dhabi is truly the right fit for their child and their family.”
Personal connections from the very beginning
That personalised approach begins immediately: each enquiry is managed by a dedicated Admissions Officer from the first family interaction to the moment of joining the school.
Tours are largely one-to-one and tailored around the interests and needs of each child.
“If a child loves performing arts, we will show them those spaces and connect them with the right people,” says Ellie. “If they love sports, Lego or science, we’ll build the tour around that. We want children to genuinely see themselves here.”
For international families unable to visit in person, the school has developed virtual discovery meetings, video calls and interactive campus experiences to help parents and children feel connected long before they arrive in Abu Dhabi.
“We know many families are making huge life decisions from overseas,” says Karen Strickland, Director of Marketing and Admissions. “Making those emotional connections as early as possible is extremely important.”
Building community before day one
That sense of care continues well beyond enrolment. New families are welcomed into WhatsApp groups, connected with other parents and introduced to a growing Parent Ambassador programme designed to help children settle socially as well as academically.
“It’s about helping families instantly feel part of the community,” says Ellie. “Moving countries or even Emirates, can feel daunting, especially when you don’t know anyone. Having someone who can open those doors to other peer groups and social avenues makes a huge difference.”
Community life at BIS Abu Dhabi is clearly a major part of the school’s culture. Parents regularly gather in the school café, walking groups meet weekly and BIS Abu Dhabi family community clubs range from crochet to Arabic lessons.
“When families come for tours, they often see parents already sitting together in the café or heading off for walks,” says Karen. “They can picture their life here. They can see themselves becoming part of something.”
Supporting smooth transitions
The school also recognises that joining mid-year can feel especially challenging for children.
To ease transitions, new students are paired with buddies and student ambassadors, with secondary students also receiving a ‘New School Passport’ containing timetables, maps and key contacts.
“We have been supporting families through transitions for a very long time,” Ellie says reassuringly. “The systems are there because we know how important those first few weeks are.”
Importantly, the school’s commitment to personalisation extends to inclusion and wellbeing. BIS Abu Dhabi’s Inclusion team works closely with Admissions to ensure every child’s needs are carefully understood and supported.
“Every child is completely different,” says Ellie. “We have very honest conversations with families because ultimately everybody wants what is best for the child.”
An inclusive philosophy
That philosophy also shapes the school’s wider ethos. Rather than scholarships, BIS Abu Dhabi focuses on creating opportunities for every student to participate, whether through sports, performing arts or co-curricular activities.
“We believe every child deserves the same opportunities,” Ellie explains. “That inclusive approach is really important to us.”
The school’s popular ‘Get Ready for Big School’ programme reflects this holistic thinking too.
Open to all families with children aged two to four years old, the sessions are a community offering, so not only for those who have applied to BIS Abu Dhabi for Early Years.
A combination of meaningful play, parent workshops and opportunities for families to connect with educators, and one another, helps prepare both children and parents for a confident start to school life.
“It’s about creating comfort and familiarity before children even start,” says Karen. “By the time they arrive, they already feel known.”
A welcome that goes beyond admissions
For families considering a move to Abu Dhabi, or simply searching for a school community where their child will feel known, supported and inspired, The British International School Abu Dhabi offers an admissions experience built on trust, care and genuine connection.
From the very first enquiry through to a child’s first day in class, the focus remains firmly on helping every family feel confident, welcomed and part of the community. As Ellie puts it:
“It’s not just about enrolling children. It’s about helping families feel supported and truly part of the school from day one.”
To learn more, families are encouraged to book a personalised tour or virtual discovery meeting and experience the BIS Abu Dhabi community for themselves.
For further information, visit bisabudhabi.com
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