Innovation, inclusivity, and imagination meet at Yasmina British Academy — where future leaders are made daily
PARTNER CONTENT: Yasmina British Academy is a visionary school where innovation, community, and character shape confident, future-ready global learners every day.
Perched on the edge of Abu Dhabi city, Yasmina British Academy (YBA) is a thriving hub of innovation, diversity, and worldclass education.
Now in its 17th year, YBA proudly educates over 3,400 students representing 88 nationalities, offering a prestigious British curriculum infused with a dynamic, global perspective.
Step onto the stunning university-style campus and you’ll find state-of-the-art facilities, inspiring learning spaces, and a vibrant community where leadership, creativity, and compassion are not just encouraged; they’re cultivated.
YBA believes in more than academic excellence. It’s commitment to holistic development ensures that every student is empowered to grow into a confident, curious, and globally minded leader.
Explore YBA’s exceptional ‘The Learning Village’
Walking through the YBA campus feels more like exploring a mini university than a traditional school; and that’s very much by design.
“The Learning Village is more than just a name,” Head of School Holly Gibbs explains. “It’s how we’ve designed the entire school to promote 21stcentury skills like collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and independent learning.”
Opened in phases over the past two and a half years, the campus includes unique breakout spaces, stage areas, and flexible classrooms that evolve with the student journey, from the Early Years Learning Village for the youngest learners through to a dedicated Post-16 Centre for sixth formers.
Innovation from the ground up
Technology is integrated seamlessly across all stages of education.
The school incorporates a one-to-one iPad scheme, specialist labs, coding spaces, and screencasting in classrooms.
“Students from Nursery onwards receive specialist coding lessons and technology is a focus across the wider curriculum. But it’s not just about tech for tech’s sake; it’s about enhancing learning, empowering students, and encouraging creativity.”
The Innovation Hub is a centrepiece, housing everything from design technology suites to computer science labs and food technology kitchens. Students from Year 5 to Year 13 are immersed in these specialist learning spaces to spark interest early and nurture practical skills.
How the school effortlessly keeps it personal
Despite its immense scale, YBA maintains a strong sense of community throughout, and as Holly explains there’s a huge family and community feel to the entire campus.
“Every student belongs to a house, and our classes have unique identities, names like the Falcons or the Ladybirds. It gives the children a real sense of belonging,” Holly shares.
This sense of community extends to the school’s leadership model. Every student is given the opportunity to lead, from peer mentoring between year groups to supporting school events.
“Even our youngest students in Foundation Stage Two can take on leadership roles with Foundation Stage One. It’s about building responsibility, trust, and confidence,” she adds.
“It’s embedded in everything we do; every subject, every lesson,” says Holly. “Our students can articulate what they’re learning, why it matters, and how they’re progressing.”
Beyond academics
YBA prides itself on offering a holistic education and its sporting provisions are exceptional, boasting three swimming pools, indoor and outdoor courts, a fully equipped gym, cricket nets, and a dance studio.
“Our students train before school and at weekends. It’s about commitment, teamwork, and building character; all values we push across the curriculum,” Holly says.
The arts play a central role at the school, and the newly unveiled auditorium, boasting a seating capacity of over 600, is set to serve as the stage for some spectacular productions.
Academically, students also have the opportunity to pursue both GCSE and A-level Drama, Art and Music, further enriching their artistic journey.
Learn more about parent engagement at the school
Parent engagement is a cornerstone of the culture at YBA, and the parent group is incredibly active.
They support and organise huge events like the recent annual community carnival which welcomed over 4,000 people in February.
The school also fosters student-led community initiatives, from beach cleanups to sustainability projects in partnership with local organisations.
“Our students are not just passive participants,” says Holly. “They plan, lead, and reflect on their contributions. Ultimately, it’s about creating a space where students feel safe to try, to fail, to grow, and to thrive,” says Holly. “That’s what we’re most proud of.”
Find out more about how the results equate to securing university places
YBA’s Sixth Form students consistently secure places at some of the world’s most prestigious universities; from the highly respected Russell Group institutions in the UK to elite Ivy League schools in the US, as well as top universities across Europe, Canada, and Asia.
This remarkable track record reflects both academic excellence and the school’s tailored university guidance and support.
However, what truly sets YBA apart is its belief that success isn’t defined solely by destination, but by the personal journey each student takes to get there.
As Holly emphasises: ‘It’s the progress of every learner that matters most; whether that means gaining a place at a world-renowned university or pursuing a path uniquely suited to their strengths and aspirations.”
YBA works closely with each student to help them discover their passions, make informed decisions, and take confident steps toward a fulfilling future; whatever shape that may take.
How the school focuses on high performance learning
YBA’s ‘Outstanding’ rating from ADEK and its recognition as a High Performance Learning (HPL) World Class School are not just achievements; they reflect the school’s deep-rooted values and vision.
These awards hold immense importance to YBA, as they validate the hard work, dedication, and passion of the entire school community.
Being named an HPL World Class School reinforces YBA’s belief that all students have the potential to achieve academic excellence through the right mindset and opportunities. Such recognitions also serve as a powerful motivator, driving the school to maintain its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
They instil pride in students, staff, and parents, and highlight YBA’s position as a leader in education within the region and beyond.
YBA has now also been recognised as a HPL training school with its exceptional teachers guiding other schools on how to implement strategy to improve outcomes for students across the emirate.
For further information, visit Yasmina British Academy or to arrange a tour, please contact admissions@yasminabritishacademy.ae
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