Abu Dhabi International School vs Noya British School

	A Abu Dhabi International School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	N Noya British School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 26,275 - 50,350	Fees / year AED 28,000 - 43,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 3,500	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1992	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location AIS operates across two campuses in Abu Dhabi: the AD Campus is located on Al Karama Street in the Abu Dhabi City area, and the MBZ Campus is in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. The AD Campus address places it in a central Abu Dhabi neighbourhood, while the MBZ Campus serves families in the northern part of the emirate. The school arranges a two-way bus service with routes that reach multiple areas, including Abu Dhabi City limits, Shamkha, Reem Island, Yas Island, Khalifa City, and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.	Location Located on Yas Island, Yas North, Abu Dhabi. The campus sits in the Noya Community near The Sustainable City and Yas Acres, providing convenient access for families on Yas Island and the wider Abu Dhabi area. The site is accessible via Yas Island road networks.
Stages	Stages AIS offers Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School, with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) available for Grades 11–12. The school operates across two campuses with programs aligned to K-12 education and IB pathways.	Stages Year Groups currently run from FS1 to Year 9. A phased expansion is planned to extend to Year 13, with Year 7 starting in September 2025 and Year 13 expected by 2026.
School type	School type AIS is a private, international, day school that is co-educational. The two campuses are located in Abu Dhabi City and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.	School type Day school; part of the Aldar Education network.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix AIS represents around 60 nationalities across approximately 3,500 students across its two campuses. The school notes a diverse international community, with a proportion of students and staff from many national backgrounds; local-to-international ratios are not published.	Pupil nationality mix Exact pupil nationality numbers are not published. Aldar Education describes its network as diverse, with educators from over 100 nationalities, suggesting a multinational environment.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support AIS provides a comprehensive Student Support Services program, including Counseling, Special Education services, Enrichment for gifted and talented students, Academic support, English Language Learner services, and Social and Emotional Learning programs.	Additional learning support Inclusion is a core part of the school approach. A three-tier support framework is used: Universal, Targeted, and Individualised support; a Documented Learning Plan supports Tier 2 interventions; services may include speech and language programmes, social skills work, and external specialists as needed.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is stated; AIS is licensed by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education (ADEK framework) and operates as a UAE-based international school.	Country affiliation Curriculum follows the English National Curriculum; the school is part of Aldar Education (no formal national affiliation stated).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated. AIS emphasizes diversity and inclusion across a multicultural student body.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated.
School day structure	School day structure Exact start and end times vary by campus and grade level. The Academic Calendar for 2025–2026 is published by AIS, and admissions hours are typically 8:00–15:00 on weekdays, with shorter hours on Fridays.	School day structure The school day timings are published in the Parent Information Pack; typical hours for the current phase are around 7:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details AIS offers a two-way bus service with separate PS, KG and Prep afternoon routes, and separate morning/afternoon routes for Grades 1–12 as needed. Pick-up locations include Abu Dhabi City Limits, Shamkha, Reem Island, Mohammad Bin Zayed City, Shabiya, Khalifa City, Yas Island, and other areas. The annual bus fee is AED 4,950, including a non-refundable AED 500 registration, and registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis.	Bus service details A bus service is offered; details on routes and provider are included in the Parent Information Pack.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration fees - The tuition schedule lists a non-refundable registration fee of AED 1,500 per student. - The school's Tuition Fee Policy states that the registration fee (and the re‑registration fee) is normally calculated as 5% of the yearly tuition and is deductible from the student's final tuition fees for the academic year; specific refund conditions for registration and re‑registration are set out in the policy. Tuition fees by year group (MBZ Campus — full year, books, total and three term instalments) - S‑NY: Tuition AED 25,000; Books AED 1,275; Total fees AED 26,275; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 11,275, 2nd AED 7,500, 3rd AED 6,000. - KG: Tuition AED 31,800; Books AED 1,835; Total fees AED 33,635; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 14,555, 2nd AED 9,540, 3rd AED 8,040. - Prep: Tuition AED 31,800; Books AED 1,965; Total fees AED 33,765; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 14,685, 2nd AED 9,540, 3rd AED 8,040. - Grade 1: Tuition AED 37,200; Books AED 2,300; Total fees AED 39,500; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 17,180, 2nd AED 11,160, 3rd AED 9,660. - Grade 2: Tuition AED 37,200; Books AED 1,900; Total fees AED 39,100; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 16,780, 2nd AED 11,160, 3rd AED 9,660. - Grade 3: Tuition AED 38,850; Books AED 2,000; Total fees AED 40,850; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 17,540, 2nd AED 11,655, 3rd AED 10,155. - Grade 4: Tuition AED 38,850; Books AED 1,800; Total fees AED 40,650; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 17,340, 2nd AED 11,655, 3rd AED 10,155. - Grade 5: Tuition AED 40,500; Books AED 1,800; Total fees AED 42,300; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 18,000, 2nd AED 12,150, 3rd AED 10,650. - Grade 6: Tuition AED 40,500; Books AED 1,700; Total fees AED 42,200; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 17,900, 2nd AED 12,150, 3rd AED 10,650. - Grade 7: Tuition AED 43,000; Books AED 2,200; Total fees AED 45,200; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 19,400, 2nd AED 12,900, 3rd AED 11,400. - Grade 8: Tuition AED 43,000; Books AED 2,200; Total fees AED 45,200; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 19,400, 2nd AED 12,900, 3rd AED 11,400. - Grade 9: Tuition AED 45,450; Books AED 2,700; Total fees AED 48,150; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 20,880, 2nd AED 13,635, 3rd AED 12,135. - Grade 10: Tuition AED 45,450; Books AED 2,500; Total fees AED 47,950; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 20,680, 2nd AED 13,635, 3rd AED 12,135. - Grade 11: Tuition AED 47,950; Books AED 2,400; Total fees AED 50,350; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 21,580, 2nd AED 14,385, 3rd AED 12,885. - Grade 12: Tuition AED 47,950; Books AED 2,000; Total fees AED 49,950; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 21,180, 2nd AED 14,385, 3rd AED 12,885. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school divides the total annual tuition into three termly instalments. Term 1 covers September–December (4 months), Term 2 covers January–March (3 months) and Term 3 covers April–June (3 months). The standard due dates for the three term invoices are 1 August (Term 1), 1 December (Term 2) and 1 March (Term 3). A full‑year invoice can be issued on request with a due date of 1 August. - Tuition may be paid in three instalments; uniforms and books may only be collected after presentation/clearance of all three instalments. Students will not be enrolled if payments are not made. The school may suspend students, withhold reports or block re‑enrolment for unpaid fees following the stated late‑payment procedures. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. Abu Dhabi International School is a K–12 day school. Other costs and fees - Bus transport and uniform costs are not included in the tuition figures shown and are charged separately. Extra fees apply for special education services where required. - A separate IB Diploma Programme (DP) official examination fee of AED 3,500 is charged in Grade 12 for IBDP students; this fee is subject to adjustment. Refunds and withdrawal terms - Registration fee refund: the policy permits the registration fee to be refundable for new students if written notification is provided at least two weeks prior to the start of the new academic year (deadline stated as 15 August). Re‑registration refunds must be requested on or before 30 June. - Tuition retention on withdrawal: if a student attends up to part of the first week of term and then discontinues without sufficient written notification, the school may retain up to 5% of the annual tuition. If a student attends one to three weeks in a term, the school will retain one full month's tuition; attendance over three to six weeks leads to retention of two months' tuition; attendance beyond six weeks leads to retention of the full term fee. Refunds are otherwise handled according to ADEK rules and the school's published policy. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods include online payment link, bank transfer, cheque, cash, credit card and the PayNest mobile application. Returned cheque bank charges will be charged to the parent. Notes - The annual figures above are shown for the MBZ Campus fee schedule for the 2025–26 academic year and include the listed book charge; bus, uniform and other ancillary charges are additional. Instalment amounts and totals are those published in the school's published fee schedule.	Fee details Application and registration fees - Registration (initial application) fee: 5% of the annual tuition fee, payable after an offer is accepted and deductible from the student's final tuition fees for that academic year. - Re-registration fee (to secure a place for the following academic year): 5% of the annual tuition fee, payable at re-enrolment and deductible from the student's final tuition fees for that academic year. The re-registration fee is non-transferable to another child. - Timing: the registration fee is payable within 7 days of offer acceptance; schools may collect registration fees up to four months before the academic year begins. For the 2025/2026 cycle the re-registration deadline listed is 1 May 2025. Full-year invoicing and term invoicing deadlines are given in the fee policy. Tuition fees (annual and per-term by year group) - FS1: Annual tuition AED 28,000 (ADEK approved AED 32,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term breakdown — Term 1: AED 11,200; Term 2: AED 8,400; Term 3: AED 8,400. - FS2: Annual tuition AED 28,000 (ADEK approved AED 32,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 11,200; Term 2: AED 8,400; Term 3: AED 8,400. - Year 1: Annual tuition AED 28,000 (ADEK approved AED 32,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 11,200; Term 2: AED 8,400; Term 3: AED 8,400. - Year 2: Annual tuition AED 30,500 (ADEK approved AED 34,500; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 12,200; Term 2: AED 9,150; Term 3: AED 9,150. - Year 3: Annual tuition AED 30,500 (ADEK approved AED 34,500; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 12,200; Term 2: AED 9,150; Term 3: AED 9,150. - Year 4: Annual tuition AED 33,000 (ADEK approved AED 37,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 13,200; Term 2: AED 9,900; Term 3: AED 9,900. - Year 5: Annual tuition AED 33,000 (ADEK approved AED 37,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 13,200; Term 2: AED 9,900; Term 3: AED 9,900. - Year 6: Annual tuition AED 33,000 (ADEK approved AED 37,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 13,200; Term 2: AED 9,900; Term 3: AED 9,900. - Year 7: Annual tuition AED 36,000 (ADEK approved AED 40,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 14,400; Term 2: AED 10,800; Term 3: AED 10,800. - Year 8: Annual tuition AED 36,000 (ADEK approved AED 40,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 14,400; Term 2: AED 10,800; Term 3: AED 10,800. - Year 9: Annual tuition AED 36,000 (ADEK approved AED 40,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 14,400; Term 2: AED 10,800; Term 3: AED 10,800. - Year 10: Annual tuition AED 39,000 (ADEK approved AED 43,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 15,600; Term 2: AED 11,700; Term 3: AED 11,700. - Year 11: Annual tuition AED 39,000 (ADEK approved AED 43,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 15,600; Term 2: AED 11,700; Term 3: AED 11,700. - Year 12: Annual tuition AED 43,000 (ADEK approved AED 47,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 17,200; Term 2: AED 12,900; Term 3: AED 12,900. - Year 13: Annual tuition AED 43,000 (ADEK approved AED 47,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 17,200; Term 2: AED 12,900; Term 3: AED 12,900. Billing schedule and payment terms - Academic-year invoicing is divided into three instalments (termly). Term 1 covers September–December (4 months), Term 2 covers January–March (3 months) and Term 3 covers April–June (3 months). Term invoicing is the standard schedule; on request a full-year invoice covering all three terms may be issued. Due dates for term invoices (academic year 2025/2026) are: Term 1 — 1 August 2025; Term 2 — 1 December 2025; Term 3 — 1 March 2026. A full-year invoice, if requested, is due 1 August 2025. - Late/non-payment provisions: the school will issue three consecutive warning notices (each at least one week apart) for late or non-payment. The school is authorized to suspend a student for up to three days (after the three warnings and at most once per term), to withhold report cards or transfer certificates, and to withhold re-enrolment until outstanding fees are settled. Schools shall inform parents at least three months before the end of the academic year if outstanding fees put re-enrolment at risk. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed; there is no boarding fee specified. The school operates as a day school and does not publish boarding charges. Other costs and additional charges - Tuition does not include uniform, food services (catering), transport, examination fees, or extracurricular activities that occur outside normal school hours. These items may incur additional charges. - School uniform: uniforms are supplied through Magrudy's (Forsan Central Mall) with online ordering and a contact telephone number provided for enquiries; uniform items are purchased separately and are not included in tuition. - Transport (school bus): the bus service is offered at a fixed fee per student per academic year; the exact bus fee depends on route and must be confirmed with the admissions or finance team. - Books for curriculum activities are included in tuition; books for extra-curricular activities may incur an additional charge. Examination fees or specific assessment charges are shown as separate where applicable. Refund information and withdrawal charges - Registration fee refund: registration fee is refundable for new students if parents provide written notification at least two weeks prior to the start of the new academic year. - Re-registration refund: the re-registration fee is refundable if parents provide written notification on or before 30 June. Re-registration fees are non-transferable to another child. - Tuition refund/retention on early withdrawal: if a student attends only part of the first week of a term and then discontinues without sufficient written notice, the school may retain up to 5% of the annual tuition fee. If a student attends from one week up to three weeks in a term, the school will retain the value of one full month of tuition. If attendance is over three weeks up to six weeks in a term, the school will retain the value of two full months of tuition. If attendance is over six weeks in a term, the school will retain the full term fee. Fee payment options and practical details - Accepted payment methods: online payment link, bank transfer, cheque, and credit card. Cash payments are not accepted. For returned cheques, parents are liable for bank charges. - Instalment plans: 0% installment plans are offered through participating credit cards from partner banks (examples listed include FAB, ADIB and ENBD) to allow families to spread payments monthly. Specific card and plan availability should be confirmed with the finance office. Notes and exclusions - Founding discount: a founding discount of AED 4,000 is shown and applied in the presented tuition figures. ADEK-approved fees and the discounted tuition are shown in the fee schedule. Tuition and policy details are presented for the academic year as shown in the school's official fee schedule and fee policy documents.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements AIS is a private, coeducational K-12 day school with two campuses in MBZ City and Abu Dhabi City, and a planned third campus in Saadiyat. Boarding is not offered, as the institution operates as a day school. AIS provides a two-way bus service for students, with PS/KG and Prep routes separate from Grades 1–12 for afternoon trips, and Grade 1–12 buses that may operate in the morning and/or afternoon depending on demand. The annual bus charge is AED 4,950 (including a non-refundable AED 500 registration fee), and routes cover multiple locations around Abu Dhabi with registration on a first-come, first-served basis.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement AIS requires all students to wear the full AIS uniform. For boys, the dress code specifies AIS uniform trousers and shirt with the AIS jacket, plain white undershirts, plain black or white shoes, and white socks, with hair neatly groomed and facial hair not allowed. For girls, the dress code requires AIS uniform trousers/shirt with the AIS jacket, plain white undershirts, hair tied back, veils permitted in white/blue/grey/black, makeup and nail polish not allowed, and only a single stud per ear. Uniforms (including polo shirts for events) can be ordered online via the parent portal and collected from the school uniform store.	Uniform requirement Uniforms are compulsory for all students and must be worn during the school day and while traveling to and from school. Uniforms can be purchased at Magrudy's Forsan Central Mall or ordered online from August 1, 2024. The uniform uses grey and navy items with year-group variations and includes house shirts for inter-house activities; PE kit is required for physical education.
Food options	Food options AIS maintains a canteen that provides healthy, nutrient-rich meals in line with Abu Dhabi guidelines. Parents are encouraged to pack healthy meals for their child, and items such as nuts are prohibited; external food deliveries are not allowed during school hours. The school emphasizes hydration, with water available on site and students encouraged to bring a water bottle.	Food options The campus provides on-site dining facilities, including a Primary Dining area, a Secondary Dining area, and a Parents Café. The site provides these dining spaces but does not specify menu items or dietary accommodations.
House system	House system —	House system A house system exists, indicated by the inclusion of House Shirts in the uniform. The site does not provide details on house names or the specific activities or competitions associated with the houses.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership AIS is a private, MOE-licensed day school operating from two campuses (AD City and MBZ City) with a planned third campus in Saadiyat. Governance is provided by a formal structure that includes a Board of Trustees, a Parent Committee, a Student Council, and school leadership, reflecting a multi-body governance model within the AIS family.	Governance and ownership Noya British School is part of the Aldar Schools network and described as being in the Aldar family, indicating ownership by Aldar Education.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details AIS offers a tri-path curriculum: the American Program with AP, the British Program with IGCSE and AS/A Levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), with the DP available at the MBZ campus for Grades 11–12 and the British/American tracks running through Grades 9–12 (IGCSE in Grade 10; AS/A Levels in Grades 11–12; AP in Grades 11–12). Kindergarten (ages 3–5) uses a play-based, inquiry-driven approach with the sMiles phonics program to support early English and Arabic literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. Elementary School (Grades 1–5) emphasizes CCSS and NGSS-aligned learning, with core English, Math, Science plus Arabic/French language development, ICT, and STEM. Middle School (Grades 6–8) expands to English, Science, Math, Social Studies, Moral Education, Performing and Visual Arts, PE, Arabic/French, ICT, and Islamic Studies, with counseling services. High School (Grades 9–12) provides American, British, or IB pathways: AP courses in the American track, IGCSE in Grade 10 followed by AS/A Levels in Grades 11–12 for the British track, and the IB Diploma Programme for eligible students.	Curriculum details Noya British School delivers the English National Curriculum across the Foundation Stage and primary years, with a phased expansion into secondary covering Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2), the curriculum follows the UK EYFS framework and incorporates a Reggio Emilia-inspired, emergent-plan approach. The Primary Years (Key Stage 1 and 2, Years 1–6) include core subjects such as English, Arabic (specialist), Maths, Science, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, plus foundation subjects like Geography, History, Art, Design and Technology, Computing, and a strong emphasis on Creative and Performing Arts and Specialist Physical Education. Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) offers English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Humanities (History, Geography), Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish or Arabic), Physical Education, Music, Art and Drama, with Design and Technology and ICT, all taught within the High Performance Learning (HPL) framework. Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) prepares students for IGCSE examinations, continuing the HPL approach and incorporating leadership, careers guidance and holistic development.
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 AIS supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through dedicated programs designed to develop self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making. The AIS Inclusion Services page explicitly lists Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs as a core component of student support. The AIS Student Support Services Department provides services designed to support students academically, socially, and emotionally, including counseling services. Counseling services are provided by counselors or psychologists to support students who may be struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, or other personal issues. SEL initiatives are integrated within the school's inclusive framework to promote well-being and positive relationships among students.	Social & emotional learning The school follows a positive education approach with wellbeing at the heart of its ethos, and a School Counsellor supports students' emotional development across year groups.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) AIS offers Special Education services to students with disabilities to ensure appropriate accommodations and support. The program includes speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling. The school uses inclusive approaches such as full mainstreaming, adaptive classes, partial mainstreaming, and progressive mainstreaming to place students in learning environments that meet their needs. The AIS Inclusion Program has been recognized by ADEK as an outstanding program and best practice. The curriculum is described as increasingly individualized for SEN and Gifted & Talented (G&T) students.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school indicates it supports SEND and EAL, with staff bios noting experience in supporting these groups, but the specific SEN categories and whether there is a dedicated SEN department are not listed.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language AIS provides English Language Learner (ELL) services as part of its ESL Services to support students learning English as a second language. The ESL program is designed to provide individualized instruction and support to help students improve their English language skills. AIS notes that many students come from non-English speaking backgrounds and may need additional support to master English. ESL specialists work with students to ensure progress toward required curricular expectations. ESL/ELL services are integrated within the AIS Inclusion Services framework.	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language support is indicated by staff bios describing experience with EAL pupils.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Counselling Services at AIS emphasizes that mental health involves more than the absence of illness and includes the development of self-esteem, confidence, empathy, positive peer relationships, coping skills, and adaptability. Mental health activities are designed to promote positive well-being because it is crucial to learning and achievement. The counselors are fully certified to provide confidential individual and group sessions, as well as counseling-related programs. The mission is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters holistic development and well-being. Counseling aims to support students in achieving both academic and personal success.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported by a School Counsellor who provides a safe, confidential space to support students' emotional development.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding AIS has a Student Protection Policy that prioritizes safeguarding by protecting students from maltreatment and ensuring their safety. The policy defines roles such as the Child Protection Coordinator and mandates that all staff and volunteers are mandated reporters of suspected maltreatment. The policy enforces a zero-tolerance approach toward maltreatment and requires reporting to authorities as applicable. Concerns must be reported to the CPC and, where required, to the ADEK Child Protection Unit (CPU) within 24 hours. The policy aligns with UAE laws including Wadeema and related child protection regulations.	Safeguarding Safeguarding is central, with a dedicated safeguarding team and policies aligned with international best practices, including online safety.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The AIS operates two contemporary campuses in MBZ City and Abu Dhabi City, with a third campus planned for Saadiyat. AIS has approximately 3,500 students across its two locations. The campus features a well-stocked library, a spacious theatre, vibrant play zones, a sparkling science laboratory, and fully equipped sports grounds. AIS provides dedicated spaces on campus for co-curricular activities.	Facilities overview The campus offers extensive facilities across academic, sports and leisure spaces. It includes indoor and outdoor play areas, a primary and secondary library, and a range of specialist teaching spaces. The school features dedicated science, ICT, art and performing arts facilities, plus dining and common areas for students and families. Outdoor facilities include a full-sized football pitch and shaded courts, complemented by rooftop courts and multiple sports halls. There are spaces for reading, collaboration and social interaction, including a Parents Café and a covered outdoor atrium.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities AIS offers a range of sports teams that include basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field. Varsity level teams compete against other schools in the region. The teams have won championships over the years. The campus includes fully equipped sports grounds to support physical education and training.	Sports facilities The sports facilities include an indoor primary sports hall and an indoor multipurpose sports hall with a stage and retractable auditorium seating for basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton. There are shaded multipurpose courts and rooftop multipurpose courts for additional sports, including basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton. A full-sized artificial football pitch supports outdoor football training and matches. A shaded outdoor primary swimming pool provides aquatic activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The AIS campuses feature a well-stocked library and a spacious theatre. There is a sparkling science laboratory on campus. There are vibrant play zones and other dedicated spaces on campus to support the broader curriculum. Two contemporary campuses host the full academic program, with a third campus planned for Saadiyat.	Academic facilities FS Reading Room, Primary Library and Secondary Library support reading and research. Primary Science Laboratory and eight Secondary Science Laboratories provide science facilities. Primary ICT/Mac Suite and Primary Digital Technology Laboratory, plus Secondary ICT/Mac Suite and Secondary Digital Technology Laboratory, support technology-enabled learning. Two Secondary Art Rooms support art education.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities AIS offers a broad suite of co- and extra-curricular activities with dedicated spaces on campus. Sports and varsity teams include basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field, with regional competitions and championships. Theatrical productions provide opportunities for acting, set design, and stage management, with public performances and regional recognition. Visual arts, science and engineering clubs, robotics, sustainability initiatives, and life skills programs broaden student learning. A community service program engages students in local volunteering.	Extra curricular facilities Extra-Curricular Activities are delivered exclusively in partnership with Infinite Sports. Wrap-around care is available from 6.30am until 5.30pm. ECAs run Monday to Thursday, with competitive sports coaching and development squads available. The ECA program includes Football, Rugby, Swimming, Ballet, Gymnastics, Music, Robotics, Drama, Scrapbook, Arts & Crafts and Dance. Holiday camps are offered for extended learning. The ECA program is refreshed each term.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History AIS was founded in 1982 by Mrs. Jihan Nasr as a private, fully licensed coeducational K-12 school operating in a villa. In 1992 AIS opened its Abu Dhabi Campus, and a formal Parent Committee was established to involve parents in governance. By the 1990s the school had grown to over 300 students and expanded to two villas. In 2005, under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, AIS received praise for academic excellence while integrating sustainability and inclusion. AIS later opened the MBZ Campus in 2015, and today the school serves students and staff from more than 70 nationalities across two campuses, with a third campus planned on Al Saadiyat.	History Aldar Education officially launched Noya British School on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on December 6, 2023. It was established as the flagship greenfield school within the Aldar Schools segment to deliver the English National Curriculum in a purpose-built campus. The inaugural cohort was planned to begin in September 2024, initially welcoming students from FS1 to Year 6, with growth to Year 13 in subsequent years. The campus is located on North Yas Island near The Sustainable City and Yas Acres, and features facilities such as science and technology laboratories and two swimming pools. The development aligns with Aldar Education's broader portfolio and regulatory oversight, including ADEK guidelines and ongoing expansion plans.
Community	Community AIS has an international community with students and staff from around 60 nationalities across its two campuses in MBZ City and Abu Dhabi City. The AIS family emphasizes ongoing engagement with parents and the wider community through a formal Parent Committee and a Student Council, guiding decisions and representing parents at events and external evaluations. The school hosts a range of community and cultural events, including Emirati Women's Day workshops, the Annual University Fair, and the Student Council Presidential Debate, as well as activities such as UAE Civil Aviation Day and visits from authorities. These programs reflect a commitment to inclusion, service, and civic learning within the school community.	Community Noya British School emphasizes inclusion and parental engagement as core elements of its community. The Parental Engagement program uses the Dojo digital portfolio, and it holds regular parent workshops and three formal parents' evenings, supported by an open-door policy for ongoing conversations with teachers. The school hosts community events such as Family Fun Day and Open Days, providing opportunities to meet leadership and learn about enrolment. Sustainability and community partnerships are a core part of the school's identity, with collaborations through The Alliance for Sustainable Schools and alignment with local agencies to promote environmental initiatives.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent Committee is an official body established to involve AIS parents in school governance, with origins dating back to the early years of the school when the first classroom session in 1982 encouraged parent engagement. The Committee comprises a core body of permanent members and a volunteer roster, and parents can participate as Volunteers or Members, with roles including attending meetings, supervising events, and supporting school initiatives. The Committee represents all parents at official school events, external evaluation visits, and other required meetings, providing regular communication and feedback to the administration. Parents can apply to join the Committee through the AIS portal, and the group coordinates outings, events, and curriculum-related activities such as Career Days and chaperoned trips. The Policy for the Parent Committee formalizes its governance, responsibilities, and relationship with the school.	Parent teacher association Noya British School does not publish a separate PTA; instead it runs a Parental Engagement program that serves as the PTA-like channel for family involvement. The program uses the Dojo digital portfolio to give parents direct access to their child's learning progress. There are three formal parents' evenings each year, and an open-door policy invites regular conversations with teachers. Termly class assemblies are scheduled to share student work and classroom life with families. The program includes parent workshops, information sessions, and opportunities to engage with leadership during on-site events such as Family Fun Day. Open Days and enrolment events provide additional occasions for families to meet staff, students, and the leadership team.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers science and engineering programs with science and engineering clubs to foster student inquiry. The robotics program teaches programming, problem-solving, and teamwork and participates in regional and national competitions. Students engage in hands-on projects and experiments through science and engineering activities.	Academic & intellectual The Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) programme is delivered in partnership with Infinite Sports. Robotics is offered as part of ECA to support STEM learning and hands-on problem solving. The programme includes creative arts, performing arts and innovation-focused activities to foster critical thinking and creativity. ECAs run Monday to Thursday, and Infinite Sports also runs holiday camps; wrap-around care is available from 6:30am to 5:30pm.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Theatrical productions provide opportunities to act, design sets, and manage stages; productions are well-known for their high quality and have won regional and national awards. The visual arts program covers drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture, and students showcase their work in exhibitions and shows throughout the year. Dedicated spaces at the campus support these activities.	Arts & creative The ECA includes Music, Drama, Ballet, Arts & Crafts and Dance. These activities provide opportunities for performing and visual arts beyond the core curriculum. The programme supports creative expression and collaboration among students through after-school sessions. ECAs run Monday to Thursday, with holiday camps available.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies AIS runs sports and varsity teams, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field, with teams competing regionally. The school hosts theatrical productions and a visual arts program as part of the co- and extra-curriculars, offering opportunities to perform, create, and exhibit. The programs emphasize creativity, community involvement, and skill development.	Social & hobbies Scrapbook and Arts & Crafts provide outlets for personal hobbies and creative expression after school. Dance and Music clubs support teamwork, communication and social interaction beyond class time. The ECA schedule runs Monday to Thursday, with holiday camps available and wrap-around care from 6:30am to 5:30pm.
Community & service	Community & service The Act & Impact Community Service Program engages students in local and global service projects that foster compassion, responsibility, integrity, and courage. Local service projects address issues in students' daily lives, while global projects involve partnerships with international organizations. Students log their service in the AIS Act & Impact Log and may be considered for the AIS Citizenship Award.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Student Council represents the student body and links between students and school leaders, teaching older students to participate in healthy debate. The Act & Impact Program also fosters leadership through service and student-driven initiatives.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports teams include basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field. Life skills programs include cooking classes, financial literacy workshops, and first aid training. Dedicated spaces at the campus support co- and extra-curricular activities.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport-based ECAs include Football, Rugby and Swimming, along with other physical activities that promote fitness and teamwork. The ECA programme emphasises wellbeing through physical activity, confidence-building and balanced development. ECAs run Monday to Thursday, and wrap-around care is available from 6:30am to 5:30pm, with holiday camps offered.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Two modern languages are studied as part of AIS's IBDP. The IBDP is available at the MBZ campus for Grades 11 and 12. Arabic is taught under the UAE Ministry Curriculum for Arabic subjects.	Language provision English is taught as a core subject using the Ready Steady Write programme to develop reading, writing, speaking and listening. The Arabic curriculum is specialist and follows UAE Ministry of Education National Standards; specialist teachers lead lessons up to five times per week, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, listening and syntax for native and non-native Arabic speakers.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards 87-94 includes Outstanding Inclusion Program; 100% University Placements across UK, USA, and other locations.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Band A ADEK rating; ADEK acknowledges high performance and governance.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Step 1: Admission for the 2025-2026 academic year is currently open for MBZ Campus only. The MBZ Campus offers the American curriculum from pre-school to Grade 12, with Grades 11 and 12 offering the High School Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP), or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). 2. Step 2: Applications are processed on a first-come-first-serve basis, with priority admissions given to children of AIS faculty members, siblings of current AIS students, former AIS students, and other eligible applicants. If there are no vacancies in the grade level, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list, and the school will contact the parents or guardians if a seat becomes available. 3. Step 3: New applicants to AIS: admission is open for pre-school to Grade 11; Grade 12 admissions are not accepted. Applicants must meet the age requirements for the grade to be applied to (e.g., Pre-school 3 years, Kindergarten 4 years, Prep 5 years, Grade 1 6 years) by September 1 of the admission year. Exceptions are not made for age when stated and admissions criteria will be considered. 4. Step 4: Attend a meeting with the School Registrar. For UAE-based applicants, meetings are held Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM, and Fridays, 8:00 AM–11:30 AM. Applicants outside the UAE should email admissions to schedule an online meeting. 5. Step 5: After the meeting, applicants attend a placement test or interview, scheduled by the Admissions Office. UAE-based applicants will receive an email with the date and time and should arrive on time; applicants outside the UAE will receive a link for the online test/interview. Enrollment follows acceptance: a Letter of Acceptance is issued, and enrollment must be completed within one week. A non-refundable AED 1,500 registration fee is payable at enrollment; bus service enrollment can be arranged at enrollment, and additional enrollment documents (e.g., Emirates IDs, transfer documents) may be required.	Admissions 1. Enrollment window and scope. Enrollment is currently open from FS1 to Year 10, reflecting the grades for which applications are being accepted now. For academic year 2025-2026, admissions are open from Nursery (FS1) to Year 8, with a natural growth commencing September 2026 to Year 13. The school operates under the English National Curriculum. 2. Enquiry submission and tour scheduling. Submit your enquiry online; a Parent Relations Executive will respond within 2 working days to assist you. 3. Application submission. Submit your completed application; the Admissions Team will be in touch within 2 working days and will guide you through the next steps. They will inform you of any documents required and next steps for assessment. 4. Offer after assessment. Within 2 working days of a successful assessment, you will receive an offer of a place at the school. If you are offered a place, you can accept the offer and begin the enrollment process. 5. Enrollment. After you accept the offer and pay the registration fee, you will be enrolled and will receive further communications about fees and start dates. 6. Payment options. The school offers 0% payment plans through partner banks to spread the cost of tuition.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist If a grade has no vacancies, applicants are placed on a waiting list. The Admissions Office contacts guardians if a seat becomes available.	Waitlist —
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