A guide to the best international schools in Abu Dhabi

students from bsak abu dhabi school running through the school field

Some of the best educational facilities in the emirate.

When it comes to our children’s education, there is no room for compromise in terms of quality, pastoral care, extra-curricular activities and future.

Parents only want the best for their little ones and fortunately, world-class international schools in Abu Dhabi are in abundance.

Promising the finest educational and future opportunities, parents are spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting the first step of their child’s educational career.

Here is a guide to international schools in Abu Dhabi.

 

CRANLEIGH ABU DHABI

 

An award-winning international school in Abu Dhabi, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi educates children from nursery to sixth form. Based on Saadiyat Island, the school opened in 2014 and provides a curriculum that combines academia, extra-curricular activities and pastoral care for every student. From culture come strength is the school’s motto and all students are placed in a House where they compete for points through a vibrant programme of internal competitions on sports, the arts and academia. Events range in size and significance from Inter-House Spelling Bees, quizzes and baking to Sports Day, talent competitions and Music events. Being a member of a House provides pupils with an opportunity to develop leadership as well as interpersonal skills.

For more information visit cranleigh.ae

 

THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ABU DHABI

 

The British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi is an ‘outstanding’ rated international school, offering a blend of English and international curricula, including the English National Curriculum through to the Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE in Year 11. In Years 12 and 13, students can pursue the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), the BTEC Diploma, or a combined pathway option. At BIS Abu Dhabi, families join an inclusive and diverse community where their child can thrive and experience life-changing opportunities that promote creativity, critical thinking, social responsibility and cultural awareness. As part of Nord Anglia Education, students benefit from collaborations with institutions like The Juilliard School, and MIT, along with transformative trips and activities. This holistic approach ensures academic and personal growth, leading to superb exam results and access to top universities worldwide.

For more information visit bisabudhabi.com

 

THE BRITISH SCHOOL AL KHUBAIRAT

 

Founded in 1968, The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) is one of the most established schools in the UAE. The school has close links to the British Royal Family with various members visiting throughout its history including current monarch Queen Elizabeth II. Offering students the British curriculum from nursery to sixth form, this academically non-selective international school in Abu Dhabi was awarded Best British School in UAE in 2019 and was the first school outside the UK to be bestowed the Carnegie Silver Award for Mental Health. Future plans for the school will see the opening of a new science campus which will put BSAK at the forefront of science education in Abu Dhabi.

For more information visit britishschool.sch.ae

 

NORD ANGLIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ABU DHABI

 

Discover endless possibilities for your child at Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi. Now open on Al Reem Island, its purpose-built campus is already inspiring students with world-class teaching, outstanding facilities, and extraordinary learning experiences. The school is a forward-thinking, unique learning space where children are empowered, inspired and challenged to create their future.

For further information, visit nordangliaeducation.com

 

BRIGHTON COLLEGE ABU DHABI

 

Boasting state-of-the-art facilities close to Khalifa Park, this international school in Abu Dhabi offers students a stimulating learning environment where they are challenged to reach their potential by an academic staff of close to 150. In 2021, Brighton College Abu Dhabi was named in The Spear’s 2021 Schools Index top five schools in the UAE.

For more information visit brightoncollege.ae

 

BRIGHTON COLLEGE AL AIN

 

One of the finest educational facilities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi is based in the Garden City of Al Ain. The education aims to inspire lifelong learning in a welcoming and safe environment. Brighton College Al Ain was also rated as outstanding by the Department of Education and Knowledge.

For more information visit brightoncollegealain.ae

 

AL MAMOURA ACADEMY

 

Focusing on cross-curricular learning, Al Mamoura Academy’s educational approach is based on three pillars; Collaboration, Leadership and Creativity. Knowing that students need more than just excellent qualifications to succeed in life, this international school in Abu Dhabi promotes skills that are crucial outside of the academic arena.

For more information visit almaouraacademy.sch.ae

 

AL BATEEN ACADEMY

 

Providing the attractive option for parents to choose curriculum, Al Bateen Academy offers students a chance to study the English National Curriculum or the French International Baccalaureate.

For more information visit albateenacademy.sch.ae

AL MUNA ACADEMY

 

Rated outstanding by the Department of Education and Knowledge, this school based in the heart of Abu Dhabi enjoys a student population of more than 50 nationalities. Specifically educating primary school students, your child will receive priority placement in any of the Aldar secondary academies.

For more information visit almunaacademy.sch.ae

 

AL YASMINA ACADEMY

 

Following the English National Curriculum until Year 9 before studying offering a choice to students to study under British and international qualifications, this international school in Abu Dhabi has one of the best reputations for producing superb academic results. Set in the heart of Khalifa City, the academy will see a new campus for primary school pupils open in September 2022.

For more information visit alyasminaacademy.sch.ae

 

WEST YAS ACADEMY

 

A New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accredited international school in Abu Dhabi, West Yas Academy prides itself on state-of-art facilities that offer technology, engineering, culinary arts classrooms, sport and performing arts. Based on Yas Island, students can select from more than 60 extra-curricular activities.

For more information visit westyasacademy.sch.ae

 

AMITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ABU DHABI

 

Helping your child achieve their academic potential as well as developing them into an independent, confident and global citizen is the AMITY International School Abu Dhabi. Teaching a wide range of subjects and co-curricular activities, the school places emphasis on ensuring a culturally diverse and caring environment that fosters a global outlook amongst students.

For more information visit amityabudhabi.com

 

ASPEN HEIGHTS BRITISH SCHOOL

 

British School Overseas accredited international school in Abu Dhabi, Aspen Heights British School teaches Arabic to native and non-native speakers. Following the British Curriculum, students will undertake GCSEs and A-Levels as they approach their final years in school.

For more information visit ahbs.ae

 

RAHA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

 

An IB World School, this international school in Abu Dhabi enjoys two campuses in the city; Khalifa City and Al Raha. One of the bigger educational institutions in the emirate, there are more than 2,800 students at the school, comprising more than 80 nationalities.

For more information visit ris.ae

 

REPTON SCHOOL ABU DHABI

 

Opening its doors to students on Reem Island in September 2013, this Abu Dhabi international school’s heritage dates back to 1557. Studying the English National Curriculum, students benefit from individualised end-of-year targets in all subjects and areas, enabling them to improve at their own pace.

For more information visit reptonabudhabi.org

ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (AIS)  

 

Abu Dhabi International School (AIS) was founded with the goal of providing a high-quality education that prepares students for global opportunities. Over the years, AIS has expanded its programs and facilities to cater to a diverse student body. The school has established itself as a premier institution in Abu Dhabi, recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development.

 

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL in ABU DHABI

 

Educating students based on American standards and an international curriculum, the American International School in Abu Dhabi offers education from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Gender segregated, this international school in Abu Dhabi was the first school to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the UAE and later became the first school in the emirate to offer the IB Primary Years Programme.

For more information visit aisa.sch.ae

 

AJYAL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

 

Based in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Ajyal International School marries first-class international education with the values, tradition, culture and history of the UAE. Dedicated to ensuring a happy and positive lifestyle amongst its student population, this international school in Abu Dhabi promotes a culture of tolerance, inclusion and fraternity.

For more information visit ajyal.sch.ae

 

LYCÉE FRANÇAIS THÉODORE MONOD

 

Founded in 2006, this French-speaking international school in Abu Dhabi serves the small French community in the city. Originally intended as only a primary school, the school caters to students who are studying for the baccalaureate since 2020.

For more information visit ltmonod.aflec-fr.org

  

GEMS CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

 

If you are looking for a school that provides your child’s educational journey from the first step to the last, GEMS Cambridge International School – Abu Dhabi educates children from the age of three to 18 years old. Located in Al Mafraq, the school follows the British curriculum and aims to develop every student academically, socially and personally.

For more information visit GEMS Cambridge

 

GEMS WINCHESTER SCHOOL ABU DHABI 

 

Based in Al Danah in the heart of the city, this forward-thinking international school in Abu Dhabi teaches children the British curriculum from the foundation stage to Year 9. The school combines a highly personalised approach to education with traditional values and innovative ideas.

For more information visit GEMS Winchester

 

INTERNATIONAL INDIAN SCHOOL ABU DHABI

 

Based in Baniyas West, this international school in Abu Dhabi aims to redefine education through innovation. Offering a supportive environment, students will strive for academic excellence and personal development through integrated studies and hands-on participation.

For more information visit IIS Abu Dhabi

 

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF CHOUEIFAT – ABU DHABI 

 

Educating young minds since November 1978, The International School of Choueifat in Abu Dhabi caters for more than 3,600 students from the age of three to 18.

For more information visit ISC Abu Dhabi

 

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Image credit The British International School Al Khubairat

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