Yasmina British Academy is preparing students not just to succeed, but to shape the future
PARTNER CONTENT: Academic excellence matters but so does confidence, character, wellbeing and future readiness.
At Yasmina British Academy, the answer lies in balance. “Our approach is about knowing every child as an individual,” says Holly Gibbs, Head of School.
“We maintain ambitious academic standards, but we are equally committed to ensuring students feel confident, supported and inspired every day.”
Yasmina’s pastoral system is intentionally personal. The school uses EPOCH wellbeing data to track patterns, inform interventions and strengthen pastoral provision.
This data-led approach has allowed the team to proactively support examination groups, offering early preparation and study-skills workshops to reduce anxiety. Recognition is equally embedded.
Through Epraise, more than 250,000 house points have been awarded celebrating students who go above and beyond.
Head of School and School Principal Awards further recognise achievement across academics, sport, the arts and personal development.
“Rigour does not mean pressure,” Gibbs explains. “It means purposeful challenge, delivered within a supportive and responsive environment.”
Pathways to personalised success
Academically, Yasmina offers breadth and depth. Alongside an extensive GCSE and A Level curriculum, students access a rich co-curricular programme including World Scholar’s Cup, Model United Nations, TEDx, LEGO League, bands, choirs and major productions such as Shrek and Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.
Every student is encouraged to audition. Three annual productions, including dedicated Year 1–3 performances ensure opportunity across all age groups.
“Our commitment to individualisation is strategic,” says Gibbs. “We want every student to experience moments of achievement and fulfilment.” This philosophy has translated into tangible success.
From one Emirati graduate earning a full scholarship to Istituto Marangoni after national recognition for her art, to students publishing advanced scientific research in the Falcon Journal of Emerging Scholars, achievement extends well beyond the classroom.
In technology and engineering, consecutive National Finalist placements in FIRST LEGO League and Formula Ethara, alongside winning the High Performance Learning Future Innovators Competition for developing an AI-powered maths app, demonstrate the school’s strength in nurturing creativity, critical thinking and applied problem-solving.
These successes are not isolated moments, but the outcome of a culture that blends academic ambition with innovation and opportunity.
From ideas to impact as a daily practice
Central to Yasmina’s identity is its state-of-the-art Innovation Hub. Housing science laboratories, art studios, computing suites, textiles, product design and food technology facilities, it embeds 3D printing, robotics, laser cutting and industry-level design software into daily learning.
“Curiosity and exploration are fundamental,” says Gibbs. “Students are not simply prepared for the future, they are empowered to shape it.”
From app development and chocolate product design to sustainability solution challenges and the newly launched Louvre Curriculum developed in collaboration with Louvre Abu Dhabi, conceptual, project-based learning drives engagement.
A bespoke through-school computing curriculum builds from robotics and Python coding in Primary to GCSE and A Level Computer Science, with BTEC IT launching in 2026/27.
Technology is not passive. Through the school’s BYOD and Apple strategies, students design, prototype, code, analyse and create, building entrepreneurial mindsets from an early age.
Leadership, agency and global opportunity
With over 300 student leadership roles – including Eco Warriors, Digital Leaders, Wellbeing Leaders and Student Ambassadors – agency is woven into school culture.
Students recently introduced a vegetable garden supporting a “Farm to Fork” strategy, with produce used in cookery lessons.
Beginning in Foundation Stage, leadership develops sequentially under the values of High Performance Learning (HPL), for which Yasmina is recognised as a World Class School.
Hosting the World Schools Summit further exemplified Yasmina’s global outlook. Students delivered AI workshops, performed in ceremonies and engaged in the organisational logistics of an international education event with the presence of 10 education ministers and 1,200 international delegates.
“The growth in confidence was extraordinary,” Secondary Principal, Jennie Kellet, reflects. “Our students were performing and leading on an international stage.”
Balancing excellence and wellbeing
Balancing academic ambition with innovation and wellbeing is a challenge many families consider carefully. “We understand that wellbeing underpins academic success,” says Sarah Lane, Primary Principal.
“We want children to be happy, driven and resilient from an early age and through the school thereafter.”
That balance has been recognised through Outstanding ratings from ADEK and BSO, ALPS Platinum for GCSE progress, Pearson Learner Awards and nominations for MENA Excellence Awards in Inclusion, AI, STEM and Early Years.
At Yasmina British Academy, excellence is not one-dimensional. It is academic and artistic, innovative and grounded, ambitious yet personal. In the end, it is education with purpose, centred firmly on the child.
For more on the Yasmina British Academy approach visit yasminabritishacademy.ae
Follow Yalla for all the latest news
