ABC Private School vs GEMS Winchester School Abu Dhabi

	A ABC Private School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	G GEMS Winchester School Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 18,800 - 27,500	Fees / year AED 19,950 - 27,290
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 14 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,500	Pupils 1,513
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ABC Private School is located in Al Shamkha City, Abu Dhabi, at 1st Street, Sector SH22, Plot 8. The campus is a recently built two-storey complex with gated grounds and on-site facilities. It is easily accessible via the main roads in the Al Shamkha area, a growing residential and educational hub.	Location GEMS Winchester School – Abu Dhabi is located in Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits in a central area and is accessible by main roads, with the Al Falah Street address noted as near Medeor 24×7 Hospital. The school's contact details and location are listed under Madinat Zayed in Abu Dhabi.
Stages	Stages The school offers Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through Secondary education up to Year 11. The Primary School covers KG1 to Year 6, and the Secondary School covers Year 7 to Year 11, with tours and admissions aligned to this structure.	Stages The school offers the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage to Year 9. Foundation Stage 2 is the starting point, progressing through Year 9.
School type	School type The school is co-educational, with facilities such as separate boys' and girls' playgrounds on campus. There is no public information indicating boarding facilities are provided; it operates as a day school.	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school with no boarding facilities indicated.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The school represents a multinational student body with about 2,500 students and 47 nationalities; the gender balance is roughly 51% male and 49% female.	Pupil nationality mix Publicly disclosed data on nationalities is not available. The school describes itself as multicultural and diverse, aligning with GEMS' Global Citizenship emphasis. The UAE context and the school's mission statements indicate a diverse international student body.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support SEN support is available, including Special Education Needs expertise and extra classes in core subjects to assist students who require additional help.	Additional learning support The school provides dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) support led by a SENCo. Support includes one-to-one and small-group sessions, with in-class support available for an additional charge. Staff receive ongoing SEN training, and parents must disclose SEN needs prior to admission; an educational assessment may be requested, and decisions about additional support are made in collaboration with parents.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The curriculum follows the English National Curriculum (England) and uses native English instruction; there is no stated formal country affiliation beyond this England-based curriculum.	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation; the curriculum is the English National Curriculum as delivered by a GEMS Education school.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation indicated; Islamic Studies is offered as part of the curriculum.	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation; Islamic Education is part of the UAE context and the school maintains UAE national identity and facilities such as prayer rooms. The school also has an Islamic Studies focus within its staffing and curriculum structure.
School day structure	School day structure The school day runs from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm for the school overall, with variations by level as published in school materials.	School day structure Gates open at 7:25 am, and the National Anthem is at 7:40 am. The day generally runs until around 3:30–4:30 pm for most year groups, with Fridays typically finishing earlier around 12:00 pm. Detailed daily timings are provided in the school's parent handbook.
Bus service details	Bus service details School transport is provided by School Transport Services (STS). Buses are equipped with GPS, electronic attendance, a sleeping-child check, seatbelts, video surveillance, and a panic button; timings are published by level (e.g., Foundation Stage arrival around 07:25, with primary and secondary departures in the afternoon). Bus fees are charged termly and registration is required; transport is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.	Bus service details The school uses STS Group for its transport, providing a fleet of air-conditioned buses with CCTV, GPS tracking, ADAS cameras, RFID, and a 24/7 Operations Control Centre. Bus routes cover areas inside Abu Dhabi, with trained drivers and safety protocols.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and registration fees - Registration (application) fee: AED 500 (non‑refundable). - Re‑registration (returning students): AED 2,000 charged in the third‑term school fees invoice for existing students; this amount is offset against Term 1 of the following academic year. A 15% sibling discount applies from the third child onward (applied to tuition). Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts) - Pre‑school / FS1: AED 18,800. - KG1 and KG2: AED 18,800. - Grade 1 and Grade 2: AED 20,740. - Grade 3 to Grade 5: AED 20,820. - Grade 6 and Grade 7: AED 22,860. - Grade 8 and Grade 9: AED 25,120. - Grade 10: AED 25,030. - Grade 11 and Grade 12: AED 27,500. (The school publishes its approved annual tuition by grade; the figures above are the published annual tuition amounts.) Per‑term billing (billing schedule and payment terms) - Tuition is payable either as a single annual payment or in three instalments aligned with the school terms (Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3). The school issues invoices for each term; the re‑registration fee for returning students is invoiced in Term 3 and is offset against Term 1 of the following year. The registration fee paid at enrolment is applied toward the first payment. - Typical term calendar: Term 1 (Aug–Dec), Term 2 (Jan–Mar), Term 3 (Apr–Jun). Instalment dates follow the published academic term schedule. Boarding fees - ABC Private School is a day‑school and does not offer boarding or hostel accommodation; there are no boarding fees. Other costs and typical additional fees - School uniform: AED 290–AED 400 depending on year group and specific uniform items. - Transportation (school bus): reported annual bus fees vary by route and reporting source; common reported amounts are AED 3,750 and AED 4,873 per year. Transport is charged separately from tuition. - Examination, books, consumables and activity fees may be charged in addition to tuition; these items are billed as separate mandatory or optional fees where applicable. Specific itemised ancillary charges are published in the school's fee schedule. Refund information - Refunds and cancellations are handled in line with the Abu Dhabi regulator (KHDA/ADEK) fee framework; the registration (application) fee is non‑refundable. Re‑registration and refund specifics follow the regulatory fee framework used by the school. Fee payment options and bank details - Accepted payment methods include cash, cheque, bank transfer/online bank payment and the Skiply payments app. Credit‑card acceptance is not listed among the primary methods published. Bank transfer details (bank name, IBAN/SWIFT) are provided by the school for electronic payments. Parents are required to make payments by the invoiced due dates according to the chosen payment plan. Discounts, deposits and seat reservation - A sibling discount of 15% is applied from the third child onwards and is applied to tuition fees. Places are secured only once the required deposit/initial payment and registration requirements are satisfied. (Notes: the figures above are the school's published fee items and common ancillary charges as reported in the school's approved fee schedule and local school listings.)	Fee details Application / New‑admissions fee - A new‑admissions charge equal to 5% of the annual tuition fee is payable on acceptance of the offer and confirmation of enrolment. This fee is non‑transferable and is generally non‑refundable, but it is adjustable against the first term tuition once the student joins and may be refunded if the parent gives notice of withdrawal before the start of the academic year in accordance with ADEK policy. Tuition fees (Academic year 2025–2026) — amounts in AED - Foundation Stage 2 (FS2) - Annual tuition: AED 19,950. - Term 1 (Sep–Dec): AED 7,980. - Term 2 (Jan–Mar): AED 5,985. - Term 3 (Apr–Jun): AED 5,985. - Year 1 - Annual tuition: AED 22,350. - Term 1: AED 8,940. Term 2: AED 6,705. Term 3: AED 6,705. - Year 2 - Annual tuition: AED 22,350. Term 1: AED 8,940. Term 2: AED 6,705. Term 3: AED 6,705. - Year 3 - Annual tuition: AED 22,350. Term 1: AED 8,940. Term 2: AED 6,705. Term 3: AED 6,705. - Year 4 - Annual tuition: AED 22,350. Term 1: AED 8,940. Term 2: AED 6,705. Term 3: AED 6,705. - Year 5 - Annual tuition: AED 22,350. Term 1: AED 8,940. Term 2: AED 6,705. Term 3: AED 6,705. - Year 6 - Annual tuition: AED 22,350. Term 1: AED 8,940. Term 2: AED 6,705. Term 3: AED 6,705. - Year 7 - Annual tuition: AED 27,290. Term 1: AED 10,916. Term 2: AED 8,187. Term 3: AED 8,187. - Year 8 - Annual tuition: AED 27,290. Term 1: AED 10,916. Term 2: AED 8,187. Term 3: AED 8,187. - Year 9 - Annual tuition: AED 27,290. Term 1: AED 10,916. Term 2: AED 8,187. Term 3: AED 8,187. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is due prior to the start of the academic year and is payable in advance of attendance, at the start of each term. Tuition invoices are issued from the time of admission to allow payment before the term begins. Term periods are Sep–Dec (Term 1), Jan–Mar (Term 2) and Apr–Jun (Term 3). Failure to pay may result in withholding of reports/examination results or loss of the student's place. Boarding fees / boarding provision - GEMS Winchester School Abu Dhabi operates as a day school and does not offer boarding; therefore boarding fees are not applicable. Other costs and typical additional charges - The school identifies additional parent‑pay items such as school transport and uniform as separate cost areas; specific charges for transport, uniform, books or extracurricular activities are handled separately and may apply. Parents should budget for these additional items in addition to tuition. Refund information and withdrawal - The new‑admissions fee (5% of annual tuition) is described as non‑transferable and generally non‑refundable but can be adjusted against the first term fee; it may be refunded if notice of withdrawal is given before the start of the academic year in line with ADEK policy. The registration fee is described as non‑refundable, while paid tuition fee refunds are processed according to Ministry of Education/ADEK bylaws. Refund rules for term payments include: if a student attends two weeks or less, one full month's fees are charged; if attendance is more than two weeks but less than one month, two months' fees are charged; if attendance is more than one month, the entire term/semester fee is charged. Refunds are returned to the original payee and require a written request to the admissions office. Payment methods and payment details - Accepted payment methods include bank wire transfer, cheque, or payment in person at the school. Wire transfer details are provided in AED (account name: GEMS WINCHESTER SCHOOL ABU DHABI; Account No. 019000004294; Mashreq Bank; IBAN AE090330000019000004294; Swift BOMLAEAD) and parents are instructed to include the applicant's name and grade in the transfer memo and to add any bank service charges so the school receives the full amount. Use of the FAB GEMS World Credit Card is promoted for discounts on paying annual tuition in advance. Non‑payment consequences - Non‑payment can result in exclusion from examinations, withholding of reports and references, and potential loss of the student's place or suspension/expulsion. Regulatory approval / fee approval - The published fees are ADEK‑approved for the academic year 2025–2026. The school notes that fees are subject to change under applicable federal/private education bylaws.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Foundation Stage uniform is purple-and-white striped. Girls wear a purple-and-white striped short-sleeved dress or skirt with a purple-and-white striped short-sleeved shirt, and navy sweatshirt or cardigan. Boys wear a purple-and-white striped short-sleeved shirt with navy shorts or long trousers, and a navy sweatshirt or cardigan.	Uniform requirement Uniforms are compulsory for all students. A full range of uniform items is available from September 2 from the school's uniform shop, with distribution following the listed process. Threads is the uniform supplier and contact details are provided; a Uniform Guide can be downloaded.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school has a canteen selling healthy snacks and drinks during break times. The canteen emphasizes hygiene and quality control of food, with menus revised frequently.
House system	House system —	House system The school operates a four-house system. Every student and staff member belongs to one of the Houses, each with a unique identity, colour and mascot. The House system includes inter-house competitions and leadership opportunities such as House Captain and prefect roles.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership GEMS Winchester School – Abu Dhabi is part of the GEMS Education group, a global network of private schools. The school is governed and operated under GEMS Education as part of its portfolio of schools.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details ABC Private School in Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi, follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to secondary, with Foundation Stage aligned to the 2014 Development Matters framework. In primary, the curriculum is organised into Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, delivering core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science alongside Arabic (A & B), Islamic Studies (A & B), UAE Social Studies, Moral Education, PE, Computing, Art & Design, Music, Modern Foreign Languages, and Performing Arts. The school emphasizes STEAM and uses English as the language of instruction. For examinations, ABC offers GCSE and iGCSE and provides AS and A Levels through Cambridge and Edexcel boards. The secondary curriculum covers Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), with option subjects including Modern Foreign Languages, Geography, History, Art & Design, Computer Science, and Business Studies.	Curriculum details GEMS Winchester School Abu Dhabi follows the National Curriculum for England. Foundation Stage 2 uses the Early Years Foundation Stage program, and from Year 1 to Year 9 students progress through England's National Curriculum levels. The curriculum includes core subjects English, Mathematics and Science, and subject areas such as Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), with Modern Foreign Languages (French) offered from Year 3. The school is located in Al Danah, Abu Dhabi, and currently provides education from Foundation Stage through Year 9. There is no information indicating GCSE/iGCSE or A-Level provision at this campus.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning ABC Private School supports social and emotional development through its Foundation Stage, where Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSDE) and the development of positive relationships are emphasized as part of the EYFS curriculum.	Social & emotional learning The school places emotional wellbeing and positive mental health as a core aspect of its inclusion framework. It emphasises growth in emotional wellbeing and positive mental health as part of WSA's core values and approach to student development. It uses a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to identify needs early and provide escalating levels of social, emotional, and academic support. The School Head of Inclusion coordinates educational, behavioural, social, and emotional provision for students, supported by the Inclusion Teacher and Inclusion Assistants, with collaboration from teachers and external agencies. A formal identification, referral, and tracking system supports ALN/SEN identification and informs SEL planning and progress monitoring.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision.	Special educational needs (SEN) ADEK Categories of Need are integrated into the Inclusion Policy to classify Additional Learning Needs (ALN)/SEN. Identification, referral, and tracking systems identify ALN at an early stage with specialist assessment guiding provision. The school appoints a School Head of Inclusion and an Inclusion Teacher (with Inclusion Assistants) to coordinate educational, behavioural, social and emotional support, including developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) where appropriate. The majority of students with ALN attend mainstream provision with accommodations; referrals to more specialized provision may be considered when necessary. The school maintains a register of students with ALN and their IEPs/PEEPs to monitor progress and inform provision.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) support.	English as an additional language EAL support is embedded within the inclusion framework, with multilingual learners identified and coordinated by the School Head of Inclusion. The policy highlights inclusive admission and provision for multilingual learners as part of its approach to inclusive education. Multilingual learners are supported through differentiated teaching and appropriate accommodations within mainstream classrooms, coordinated by the Inclusion team. A separate named EAL program is not described; instead, EAL-related needs are addressed under the inclusion and multilingual learners provision. The school emphasises collaboration among staff to support multilingual learners as part of MTSS and overall inclusive provision.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is integrated into the Foundation Stage through the focus on Personal, Social and Emotional Development, self-regulation, and building relationships.	Mental wellbeing Emotional wellbeing and positive mental health are explicitly named as core aspects of student development under WSA's values. The School Head of Inclusion coordinates social and emotional provision for students, with support from Inclusion staff and collaboration with external professionals as needed. MTSS provides a framework for identifying and addressing social-emotional needs and monitoring progress. The Anti-Bullying Policy supports SEL through staff training, student workshops, and resilience-building activities, contributing to mental wellbeing. Safeguarding and child-protection policies ensure a safe environment that supports students' mental wellbeing by preventing maltreatment and providing protective measures.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection policies.	Safeguarding ADEK's School Student Protection Policy requires safeguarding measures to prevent maltreatment and to identify and support students at risk, with all staff and volunteers designated as reporters of suspected maltreatment. Roles and responsibilities for safeguarding span the Principal, safeguarding leads, staff, and parents, with clear procedures for responding to safeguarding concerns. The GEMS Student Protection Policy adds detailed safeguarding provisions, including reporting, whistleblowing, and mandatory staff training, plus case management and ongoing safeguarding oversight. The policy covers handling disclosures, online safety, bullying, and safeguarding-related governance and records, including adherence to UAE safeguarding guidance. A zero-tolerance stance on maltreatment is stated, with ongoing safeguarding training and compliance across staff to protect students and families involved in safeguarding concerns.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview ABC Private School operates from a recently built two-storey campus that is enclosed and secure. The school has modern, technology-enhanced classrooms with interactive whiteboards, projectors, and computers in every room. It features fully equipped Physics, Chemistry, and Biology laboratories, as well as dedicated spaces for Music and Art, plus Computer Laboratories and a Robotics Laboratory. Separate shaded playgrounds serve boys and girls, and the campus includes an air-conditioned sports hall, a swimming pool, and an astro-turf football pitch. On-site health facilities include two nurse clinics, and students have access to three canteens and two libraries, with an e-library system in place.	Facilities overview The school campus comprises a spacious ground plus two buildings housing the primary and secondary sections. Classrooms are equipped with overhead projectors, and some rooms feature Promethean interactive whiteboards or large LCD touch screens, with Wi‑Fi available throughout the campus. The indoor facilities include a large, air-conditioned multi-purpose sports hall, an auditorium for assemblies and events, and dedicated spaces for science, computer studies, and the library. The arts spaces include music rooms and Art & Craft rooms to support creative development, while outdoor spaces include sports fields and a large shaded quad. The Foundation Stage has two outside covered play areas, and on-site facilities include a canteen, a school store, a uniform shop, and a medical clinic to support daily school life, safety and convenience.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has an air-conditioned sports hall, a swimming pool, and an astro-turf football pitch.	Sports facilities The school features a spacious, air-conditioned indoor multi-purpose sports hall suitable for indoor sports and activities. There is a small outdoor sport field to support outdoor games, and a large shaded quad area for outdoor learning and recreation. Foundation Stage has two outside covered play areas that provide safe spaces for physical activity year-round. The sports facilities integrate with the PE curriculum and support a range of extra-curricular activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Fully equipped Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories; Computer Laboratories; a Robotics Laboratory; two libraries and an e-library system; interactive whiteboards, projectors, and computers in every classroom.	Academic facilities Academic facilities include well-equipped science laboratories to support practical experiments. The school provides a computer laboratory with internet access and multimedia facilities, with additional laptops and iPads available for student use. Classrooms are equipped with overhead projectors, and many rooms have Promethean interactive whiteboards or large LCD touch screens, with Wi‑Fi available throughout the campus. The library is well-stocked with books and periodicals to support reading and research. ICT is a key component of the curriculum up to Year 9, and technology resources are integrated across lessons.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers clubs such as Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Karate and Jiu Jitsu, as well as a Book Club.	Extra curricular facilities Music rooms and an Art & Craft room provide dedicated spaces for creative development and performances. The auditorium hosts assemblies and events, offering a performance space for student productions and presentations. The library supports clubs and group study as part of extracurricular learning. Outdoor spaces, including sports fields and the large shaded quad, accommodate a range of outdoor clubs and activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History ABC Private School began on the Abu Dhabi Island campus and relocated to a brand-new facility in Al Shamkha in September 2015, marking a major milestone in its development. The move reflected a commitment to growth and to serving a growing student population in a purpose-built campus. The school serves around 2,500 students from 47 nationalities with about 180 teachers and maintains a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. The school blends British educational traditions with UAE culture and heritage within an inclusive, values-driven approach.	History GEMS Winchester School - Abu Dhabi opened in 2013 and delivers the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage to Year 9. It was modelled on the Winchester Schools in Dubai, with a structure and ethos designed to create opportunities for academic achievement alongside character development. Dr. Karon Buck has served as Principal/CEO since Academic Year 2017-18. The school has undergone ADEK inspections with a Very Good overall rating in 2018-2019, 2021-2022, and 2024-2025, reflecting sustained leadership and performance. The GEMS Alumni Network connects graduates across the global GEMS community, illustrating the school's broader ties to the education network.
Community	Community ABC Private School has a multinational student body, currently representing 47 nationalities. It maintains an active events calendar, including UAE National Day celebrations, STEM exhibitions, and sports weeks. Family engagement is supported through parent forums and social events, reinforcing a sense of belonging. The community emphasizes inclusion and diversity as core values.	Community The Abu Dhabi campus opened in 2013 and offers the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage to Year 9, modeled on the Winchester Schools in Dubai. The school emphasizes a secure, caring, personalised learning environment and maintains regular communication with parents to support each child's development. It provides a wide range of extra‑curricular activities and field trips; past trips include Emirates Park Zoo, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World. The school's ADEK inspections note strong partnerships with parents and the community, and the GEMS Alumni network reinforces connections across the wider school community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association ABC Private School maintains a formal Parents Council comprising current parents and alumni. The Council serves as a representative body between parents and school management and liaises with the leadership to address issues and contribute knowledge and expertise on various aspects of the school's operations. The school holds three Parents-Teacher meetings each year, typically scheduled before term exams, to review progress and discuss concerns. The Council also supports volunteer initiatives and helps coordinate parent involvement in events and initiatives. The Council advocates for parental input on policy, communications, and school practices to ensure ongoing and transparent dialogue with administrators.	Parent teacher association Parent engagement at GEMS Winchester School - Abu Dhabi is organized through the Parent Partnership program. Close communication is at the core, with consultation evenings and written reports, and an open‑door policy allowing guardians to speak with staff. The program is underpinned by research emphasizing that parental engagement improves student achievement, including guidance for parents to talk, share, and encourage learning. The partnership aligns with UAE national priorities and supports students' learning as part of the school's broader community engagement. ADEK inspections rate the school's partnerships with parents as Very Good.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual GEMS Winchester School – Abu Dhabi opened in 2013 and offers the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage to Year 9. ADEK rated the school ‘Very Good' in its pedagogical review.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative The school provides a broad range of extra-curricular activities to support creative development, including music, art and craft, and performance opportunities as part of its holistic education.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language The school emphasizes understanding UAE culture and heritage as part of its learning framework and supports Arabic as a language of study within its ADEK outcomes.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies A wide range of activities supports independent thinking, collaboration, and social interaction through structured pastoral and co-curricular programs.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service A focus on character development, leadership, and values creation through a personalised learning environment is integrated with parent communication and community engagement.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership development is embedded through High Performance Learning (HPL) practices and a structured approach to student development across key stages.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus includes a medical clinic, a secure campus environment, and facilities such as a canteen and transport to support student well-being and daily routines.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The school follows The National Curriculum for England and is located in Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi. Foundation Stage 2 uses the Early Years Foundation Stage program. In Year 1 to Year 9, students progress through the National Curriculum for England levels, and the school currently goes up to Year 9. The school opened in 2013 and is modeled on the Winchester Schools in Dubai. ADEK rated the school as Very Good. Contact: +971 (02) 403 5499; email [email protected]
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquire and Enroll Online. The Registrar is available to answer individual admissions queries. Enroll online by completing the online application form. An online application does not guarantee a place. 2. Documents Required. Provide a copy of your child's passport plus residency visa or UAE entry stamp, and Emirates ID for the child and both parents. Include 4 recent passport photographs and copies of the last two school reports for Year 1 and above. Include the transfer certificate and any details of special educational needs or related reports, and one copy of the birth certificate (attested where required). A non-refundable AED 500 registration fee is required. 3. Assessments and Interviews. ABC evaluates the whole child during assessments. Stay & Play assessments for FS2/KG1 to Year 1/KG2 are based on observation of the child at play and conversation to assess development. For Years 2/Grade 1 to Year 6/Grade 5, assessments involve basic mathematics and writing, with a paper assessment as appropriate. For Secondary, students are baselined with a paper assessment, typically taking about 30 minutes, and may include an interview with the Inclusion and Pastoral Heads if required. 4. Age Placement. Age placement follows Abu Dhabi regulatory guidelines to determine the correct year group for each child. The school uses the placement test results to confirm the proposed year group. Age placement is considered alongside the child's development and readiness. 5. Transfer Certificate and Attestation. Every student must provide a Transfer Certificate from the last school, as required by UAE MOE law to register with ADEK. The Transfer Certificate should include the child's full name, date of enrolment, date of birth, leaving grade, school stamp and principal's signature, and curriculum used. For transfers from outside the EU or GCC, the original Transfer Certificate should be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UAE Embassy. 6. Overseas Families and Visas. For families coming from overseas, UAE residency visas and Emirates IDs are not required at the time of application but must be submitted to ABC when available. 7. Admission Decision and Inclusion. Admission is not guaranteed; regular communication with the Registrar is advised to check the status. ABC is committed to inclusion and supports emotional, social, and academic needs, in line with the Inclusion Policy.	Admissions 1. Online Registration. To begin the application process, submit your enquiry through the Enrol Online page. You will receive an opportunity number to keep for your records. An acknowledgement email containing next steps will be sent to the email address you provided. AY 2026-2027 admissions are open with revised age criteria. 2. Documentation. After receiving the acknowledgement email, complete your profile and upload the required documents: Emirates ID & visa of sponsor (both sides); Parent (sponsor) passport; Applicant's photo; Applicant's Emirates ID & visa (both sides); Applicant's passport; Applicant's Immunization Card; Applicant's Recent School Report / Nursery Report; Transfer Certificate (if applicable) with required attestations from MOE/MOFA/UAE Embassy for overseas transfers; Applicant Birth Certificate. The documents must be uploaded in PDF format. In overseas transfer cases, the Transfer Certificate should be attested by: Official School stamp and Principal's signature; Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country from which migrating; UAE Embassy in the country from which migrating; Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi. 3. Assessment. Documents will be reviewed and invited for assessments based on the availability of seats. You will be notified via email regarding assessment. 4. Enrollment. Seats will be offered once available; Admission Department will contact you (email/phone) if a seat becomes available. You will receive an offer letter via email. An online enquiry/registration does not automatically guarantee your child a seat. The school reserves the right to reject applications if the documents are not complete. Screening and assessments may be used to determine the right placement for an applicant. After registration and submission of required paperwork, students entering Years 3 to Year 9 may be asked to complete a placement test (CAT 4). Students entering Foundation Stage 2, Y01 and Y02 will meet in groups with a member of the educational team. The screening and assessment decisions are determined by the admission committee and may result in a seat offer, waitlist, or denial.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waitlist. If a seat is not immediately available, applicants may be placed on a waitlist. Offers are made based on seat availability and can include waitlist status. The admission committee may contact families by email or phone as seats become available.
	View full profile →	View full profile →