Discover Abu Dhabi’s private schools rated Outstanding by ADEK, with info on curricula, fees, facilities and campuses
ADEK has announced that 13 private schools in Abu Dhabi earned the top rating of Outstanding, the highest benchmark for student achievement, teaching quality, curriculum provision, leadership, and wellbeing.
For families relocating to the UAE or reviewing their options, this list offers an invaluable starting point. But what makes these schools stand out — and how do they compare in terms of curriculum, campus, fees, and location?
In this guide, we take a closer look at each of the 13 Outstanding schools: their unique strengths, academic pathways, location, facilities, tuition fees, and what sets them apart within Abu Dhabi’s diverse education landscape.
ADEK inspections 2024–25
Abu Dhabi’s private schools are inspected on a two-year cycle, with around half of the 200+ schools reviewed each year.
According to the latest ADEK results, 220 private schools operate across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, offering 14 different curricula.
ADEK inspection highlights 2024–25:
- 13 schools rated Outstanding
- 51 schools rated Very Good
- 93 schools rated Good
- 42 schools rated Acceptable
- 5 schools rated Weak
You might also like: ADEK reveals Abu Dhabi’s 13 Outstanding schools after latest inspections
Who are ADEK’s Outstanding schools?
This year’s Outstanding schools represent a varied mix of British, American, Canadian and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula.
American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS)
Curriculum & phases: U.S. curriculum from KG1 to Grade 12 (ages 4 to 18), with the IB Diploma available in Grades 11 to 12.
Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi — on a brand-new, purpose-built campus which opened in 2024.
Facilities/highlights: Established in 1972, ACS is a non-profit school with over 1,300 students from more than 80 countries. It has a modern campus featuring strong arts, athletics and university-preparation facilities.
Tuition fees: (2025–26): AED 56,526 (KG1) to AED 99,060 (Grades 9 to 12).
Bateen World Academy (Aldar Education)
Curriculum & phases: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) from FS1 to Year 6, English National Curriculum Years 7 to 9, (I)GCSE Years 10 to 11, IB Diploma Years 12 to 13. MoE subjects in Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies are also taught.
Location: Al Manhal, Abu Dhabi.
Facilities/highlights: The school includes specialist science and innovation labs, performing arts studios, and dedicated IB study areas. It places a strong focus on leadership, wellbeing, and global citizenship.
Tuition fees: (2025–26): AED 54,000 (FS1) to AED 75,310 (Years 12 to 13).
Brighton College Al Ain
Curriculum & phases: British National Curriculum FS1 to Year 13 (ages 3 to 18), (I)GCSE, A Level, BTEC.
Location: Zakher, Gafat Al Nayyar, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi.
Facilities/highlights: The only school in Al Ain rated Outstanding by both ADEK and British Schools Overseas (BSO). Set on a 28-acre campus, it features extensive facilities for academics, sports, and the performing arts. The College maintains close links with Brighton College UK, promoting a global perspective.
Tuition fees (2025–26): From AED 55,090 (FS1) to AED 90,630 (Year 13).
The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi – Nord Anglia)
Curriculum & phases: British National Curriculum, Nursery to Year 11; (I)GCSE, IB Diploma and BTEC Years 12 to 13 (ages 3 to 18).
Location: Behind Abu Dhabi University, Khalifa City (Airport Road), Abu Dhabi.
Facilities/highlights: A purpose-built campus featuring specialist facilities for science, sport, and the arts. Students benefit from global collaborations through Nord Anglia’s partnerships with The Juilliard School, UNICEF, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), supporting both academic and creative development.
Tuition fees (2025–26): From AED 54,204 (Nursery) to AED 76,952 (Years 12 to 13).
The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK)
Curriculum & phases: British National Curriculum, Nursery/FS1 to Year 13 (ages 3 to 18), (I)GCSE, A Level, BTEC.
Location: Al Mushrif, central Abu Dhabi, near Umm Al Emarat Park.
Facilities/highlights: Established in 1968, BSAK is one of Abu Dhabi’s most established British curriculum schools, known for its strong pastoral care, community ethos, and consistently Outstanding ADEK rating. A non-profit school, the campus features modern academic, sports, and performing arts facilities, and offers a wide range of co-curricular and leadership programmes.
Tuition fees (2025–26): From AED 51,410 (FS1) to AED 74,560 (Year 13).
You might also like: Top reasons to choose Abu Dhabi for your child’s education
Canadian International School Abu Dhabi (CIS)
Curriculum & phases: Alberta Curriculum KG to Grade 12 (ages 4 to 18), aligned with UAE MoE.
Location: Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi.
Facilities/highlights: Accredited by the Alberta Ministry of Education (Tier 4), CIS is home to around 900 students from over 70 nationalities. The school promotes bilingual development in English and Arabic, with strong STEM and university-preparation pathways for students aiming to study in Canada or North America.
Tuition fees (2025–26): From AED 39,010 (KG1) to AED 51,820 (Grades 10 to 12).
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
Curriculum & phases: British National Curriculum, FS1 to Year 13 (ages 3 to 18), (I)GCSE, A Level, BTEC. Part of the Cranleigh family of schools, founded in the UK.
Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi – in the heart of the cultural district near the top museums like the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Facilities/highlights: Opened in 2014, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi now educates more than 2,000 students. The school offers nearly 600 co-curricular activities across academics, arts, and sports, emphasising creativity, leadership, and global citizenship. In 2024, a new Cranleigh Pre-Prep campus opened in Saadiyat Lagoons for younger learners. Rated Outstanding by ADEK since 2017.
Tuition fees (2025–26): From AED 71,500 (FS1) to AED 105,980 (Year 13).
Repton School Abu Dhabi (Cognita)
Curriculum & phases: British National Curriculum, FS1 to Year 13 (ages 3 to 18), (I)GCSE, A Level, BTEC. Part of the UK-based Repton School family, which includes Repton Dubai and Repton Al Barsha.
Location: Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi.
Facilities/highlights: The school operates two purpose-built campuses – the Rose Campus for Early Years and the Fry Campus for Junior and Senior students. Facilities include specialist classrooms for Arabic, science, music, art, and technology, as well as dedicated sports and swimming facilities.
Tuition fees (2025–26): From AED 62,601 (FS1) to AED 80,960 (Year 13).
Merryland International School (MIS)
Curriculum & phases: Combines the Cambridge International Curriculum and the British National Curriculum, alongside UAE MoE subjects; KG to Grade 12. Accredited by the University of Cambridge: Cambridge Early Years, Primary, IGCSE, A Levels.
Location: Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi.
Facilities/highlights: Established in 1978, Merryland is one of Abu Dhabi’s long-standing British-curriculum schools. It offers a broad programme of activities and enrichment, focusing on both academic progress and character development. The school is known for offering a strong UK curriculum at affordable fees.
Tuition fees (2025–26): From AED 26,200 (KG1) to AED 46,620 (Grade 12).
Muna British Academy (Aldar Education)
Curriculum & phases: British National Curriculum, FS1 to Year 7 (ages 3 to 11), expanding to Year 13 in the coming years.
Location: Saadiyat Lagoons community, Abu Dhabi — the school recently relocated from its original city campus to a new purpose-built site.
Facilities/highlights: The modern campus features science and technology labs, performing arts studios, a swimming pool, and outdoor sports pitches. The relocation supports Aldar Education’s plan to evolve Muna into a fully all-through British school, extending its established primary ethos into the senior years.
Tuition fees (2025–26): From AED 50,936 (FS1) to AED 66,546 (Years 10 to 13).
The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys
Curriculum & phases: American curriculum (Massachusetts) plus UAE MoE subjects; Pre-K to Grade 12 (co-ed to Grade 3, boys only from Grade 4).
Location: Al Khalidiya/Al Bateen area, Abu Dhabi.
Facilities/highlights: The academy offers excellent facilities and a curriculum that combines academic rigour with cultural and moral education. Programmes such as UAE National Studies and My Identity are embedded to strengthen national heritage and values. The student community is predominantly Emirati, with some representation from other nationalities.
Tuition fees (2025–26): From AED 45,000 (Pre-K) to AED 78,050 (Grades 10 to 12).
The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls
Curriculum & phases: American curriculum (Massachusetts) plus UAE MoE subjects; Pre-K to Grade 12 (co-ed to Grade 3, girls only from Grade 4).
Location: Mubarak Bin Mohammed Street, Al Rowdah, Abu Dhabi.
Facilities/highlights: Established in 2000, the academy combines an American-style education with a strong emphasis on Emirati culture, heritage, and Islamic values. Around 95% of students are Emirati, and the school promotes bilingual proficiency and international readiness within a culturally grounded framework.
Tuition fees (2025–26): From AED 33,910 (Pre-K) to AED 78,160 (Grades 10 to 12).
Yasmina British Academy (Aldar Education)
Curriculum & phases: British National Curriculum FS1 to Year 13 (ages 3-18), IGCSE, A Level, BTEC.
Location: Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi
Facilities/highlights: Purpose-built campus designed to support high academic standards and creative learning. Facilities include specialist science labs, STEAM and design technology studios, performing arts spaces, media and recording studios, and extensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
Tuition fees (2025–26): From AED 49,740 (Nursery/FS1) to AED 67,270 (Years 10 to 13).
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