Latest ADEK Abu Dhabi school inspections 2025–26 confirm a new Outstanding school and sustained top performance
The first inspection results from Abu Dhabi’s 2025–26 school review cycle are now emerging, and they point to continued strength at the very top of the emirate’s education sector.
According to the latest ADEK Irtiqa’a inspection reports released via the TAMM platform, Repton Abu Dhabi has been newly awarded an Outstanding rating, joining the highest tier of schools in the capital.
At the same time, The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi) has successfully retained its Outstanding status, reinforcing its position as one of the emirate’s consistently top-performing schools.
A new Outstanding school: Repton Abu Dhabi
Located on Reem Island, Repton Abu Dhabi – a British curriculum school for pupils aged 3 to 18 – has achieved Outstanding following its latest ADEK inspection.
Inspectors highlighted:
- Outstanding outcomes in English, mathematics and science
- Strong student achievement against international benchmarks
- Highly developed learning skills, including critical thinking and collaboration
- A safe, inclusive environment with strong pastoral care
- Effective leadership and a clear focus on continuous improvement
The report also recognised the school’s strong academic results, with high attainment at both GCSE and A-Level, alongside students progressing to leading universities globally.
“Achieving an Outstanding ADEK rating is a significant moment for our school and a source of great pride for our whole community,” said Mr Stephen Davis, Interim Principal, Repton Abu Dhabi.
“It shows our shared commitment to high standards, continuous improvement, and a truly holistic approach to education.”
You might also like: The Complete Guide to the 100 Best Schools in the UAE
BIS Abu Dhabi retains Outstanding
BIS Abu Dhabi has once again been rated Outstanding in the latest inspection cycle, maintaining the highest classification first achieved in 2021.
ADEK inspectors praised:
- Consistently high academic outcomes across all phases
- Outstanding teaching, curriculum and assessment
- Strong student wellbeing and inclusion
- Highly effective leadership and governance
The result reflects sustained performance over time which is a key differentiator in ADEK’s inspection framework.
“We are incredibly proud to have once again been recognised as an Outstanding school by ADEK,” said Alan Cocker, Principal, BIS Abu Dhabi.
“This achievement belongs to our entire community – our exceptional staff, whose dedication and professionalism inspire students every day; our students, who bring curiosity, ambition, and character to their learning; and our parents, whose trust and partnership are invaluable to our success.”
Inspections ongoing across Abu Dhabi
ADEK inspections operate on a two-year cycle, with reports released in phases rather than all at once.
This means:
- The 2025–26 inspection cycle is still in progress
- Only a portion of schools have been inspected so far
- Of those inspected, one new school – Repton Abu Dhabi – has been rated Outstanding, while others, including Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Muna British Academy, Merryland International School, Yasmina British Academy and now BIS Abu Dhabi, have retained their rating
As further reports are released, the full picture of Abu Dhabi’s top-performing schools will continue to evolve.
What is ADEK’s Irtiqa’a inspection?
ADEK’s Irtiqa’a programme is Abu Dhabi’s official school inspection framework, carried out every two years. Schools are rated from Outstanding to Very Weak across key areas including student achievement, teaching quality, curriculum, wellbeing and leadership.
“Good” is the minimum standard expected with schools below this level, subject to improvement measures.
What this means for parents
For families, the early signs are encouraging. Abu Dhabi’s top schools are not only maintaining high standards but, in some cases, continuing to improve, giving parents stronger options.
The addition of a new Outstanding school, alongside others retaining their rating, highlights a confident and competitive top tier across British and international schools.
For parents navigating school choices, ADEK inspection results remain among the most useful and reliable tools, offering a clear, consistent benchmark.
Follow Yalla for the latest UAE education updates
