Al Basma British School and Belvedere British School are both in Abu Dhabi, about 24 km apart. Both schools follow a British curriculum. Published annual fees are AED 21,890 - 43,240 at Al Basma British School and AED 25,760 - 33,520 at Belvedere British School, which puts Al Basma British School roughly 10% higher. Al Basma British School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Belvedere British School from 4 to 18. Al Basma British School is the larger school, with around 1,511 pupils to Belvedere British School's 780. Typical class sizes are 12 at Al Basma British School and 25 at Belvedere British School.
|
A
Al Basma British School
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
|
B
Belvedere British School
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
|
Fees / year
|
Fees / year AED 21,890 - 43,240 | Fees / year AED 25,760 - 33,520 |
|
Age range
|
Age range 3 - 18 years | Age range 4 - 18 years |
|
Type
|
Type — | Type — |
|
Curriculum
|
Curriculum British Curriculum | Curriculum British Curriculum |
|
Pupils
|
Pupils 1,511 | Pupils 780 |
|
Typical class size
|
Typical class size 12 | Typical class size 25 |
|
Instruction language
|
Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
|
Opened
|
Opened — | Opened — |
|
Bus service
|
Bus service — | Bus service — |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
|
Location
|
Location Al Basma British School is located in the Al Bahia area of Abu Dhabi, behind Deerfields Mall on Al Houri Street. The surrounding district is residential and well-known locally for its proximity to Deerfields Mall, with good road connections to other parts of Abu Dhabi. The school's address is Behind Deerfields Mall, Al Houri Street, Al Bahia, Old Al Bahya, Abu Dhabi. Transport links and local amenities in the area support families moving to the area. | Location Belvedere British School Abu Dhabi is located at Mohammed Bin Zayed City Street 31, behind Al Safeer Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE (P.O. Box 109770). It sits in the Mohammed Bin Zayed City area, a residential part of Abu Dhabi with access to local amenities. The school is reachable by road and is part of the Abu Dhabi education landscape familiar to relocating families. |
|
Stages
|
Stages The school offers Early Years (FS) through to Year 13, organized into Early Years/Primary and secondary pathways. Its curriculum structure follows the English National Curriculum with Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and Key Stage 5 components. This all-through arrangement supports progression from foundation stages to A-Levels. | Stages The school offers education from Foundation Stage 2 (FS2) up to Year 13. This reflects a through-school structure that covers early years through to the end of secondary education. |
|
School type
|
School type Al Basma British School is co-educational and operates as a British international all-through school. It is accredited as a British School Overseas (BSO) and follows the English National Curriculum. Boarding facilities are not indicated as part of the school's offering. | School type The school operates as a co-educational day school; from Year 7 onward, boys and girls are placed in separate classes. This indicates a mixed-gender environment overall with some single-sex settings for specific year groups. |
|
Pupil nationality mix
|
Pupil nationality mix The school represents around 61 nationalities. The most common nationality is Emirati, and local (Emirati) and international students are represented in roughly equal shares, about 50% local to 50% international. | Pupil nationality mix The school serves a diverse community with around 43 nationalities represented and roughly 825 pupils reported in some directories. The exact local-to-international ratio is not publicly broken down in official materials. |
|
Additional learning support
|
Additional learning support The school has a stated learner support approach, including early identification, Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) for students with significant needs, differentiated instruction, and dedicated learning support specialists. Counseling services and access to external resources are provided as part of the support framework, with a focus on accessibility and regular review in collaboration with parents. This is outlined in the Learner Support policy. | Additional learning support Belvedere British School assesses pupils' needs during the admissions process and states that children with special needs are welcome; accommodation is discussed on a case-by-case basis to determine what the school can provide. |
|
Country affiliation
|
Country affiliation The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom educational framework as a British School Overseas (BSO) and follows the English National Curriculum. This affiliation is reflected in its core curriculum and inspection status. | Country affiliation The school is a British international school that follows the English curriculum framework. This British orientation is reflected in its advertised curriculum and study pathways. |
|
Religious affiliation
|
Religious affiliation Islamic Studies are offered for Muslim students to meet UAE Ministry of Education requirements; there is no explicit religious affiliation stated for the school. | Religious affiliation There is no required religious affiliation for entry; the admissions process notes that entry is allowed for pupils regardless of religion. |
|
School day structure
|
School day structure The school day typically runs from 7:00 am to 3:15 pm, Monday to Thursday, with Friday finishing at 11:45 am. This schedule is posted in public school information. | School day structure The school week runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday typically not a school day. Local listings indicate school hours around 07:30–14:30 on regular teaching days. |
|
Bus service details
|
Bus service details School bus transport is available for families living within a 60-minute bus journey to the school, with spaces and routes offered subject to availability. New admissions and current students must contact the Transport Coordinator to verify route options. Buses are operated under the ITC SALAMA system and include safety features such as seat belts and designated bus numbers; parents must follow drop-off/pick-up procedures. The school Transport Policy provides the full guidance. | Bus service details Belvedere British School provides a school bus service with designated routes and points for pick-up and drop-off. The school operates its own transport fleet and publishes route information; routes commonly include areas such as Al Bateen, Khalidiya, and Mussafah. |
| Fees | Fees | |
|
Fee details
|
Fee details Overview of fees (Academic Year 2025–2026) - The fees published for the current academic year are ADEK‑approved and apply to the 2025–2026 school year. Application / Registration fees - There is no separate non‑refundable application fee charged at the time of application. The school does collect a registration or re‑registration fee only when a student is enrolled; that registration/re‑registration fee is deducted from the approved tuition fees and will not exceed 5% of the Council‑approved tuition fee. Registration/re‑registration fees are charged at enrollment, not on application. Tuition and transport — annual and per‑term breakdown by year group (AED) - FS1 (Nursery / Pre‑School, age 3–4) - Annual tuition: AED 21,890. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total if using bus: AED 26,890. - Term breakdown (tuition + optional bus): - Term 1 (payable from 10 Aug 2025): Tuition AED 8,756 + Bus AED 2,000. - Term 2 (payable from 7 Dec 2025): Tuition AED 6,567 + Bus AED 1,500. - Term 3 (payable from 8 Mar 2026): Tuition AED 6,567 + Bus AED 1,500. - FS2 - Annual tuition: AED 24,110. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 29,110. - Term breakdown: - Term 1: Tuition AED 9,644 + Bus AED 2,000. - Term 2: Tuition AED 7,233 + Bus AED 1,500. - Term 3: Tuition AED 7,233 + Bus AED 1,500. - Year 1 - Annual tuition: AED 26,610. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 31,610. - Term breakdown: - Term 1: Tuition AED 10,644 + Bus AED 2,000. - Term 2: Tuition AED 7,983 + Bus AED 1,500. - Term 3: Tuition AED 7,983 + Bus AED 1,500. - Year 2 - Annual tuition: AED 27,840. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 32,840. - Term breakdown: - Term 1: Tuition AED 11,136 + Bus AED 2,000. - Term 2: Tuition AED 8,352 + Bus AED 1,500. - Term 3: Tuition AED 8,352 + Bus AED 1,500. - Year 3 - Annual tuition: AED 31,030. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 36,030. - Term breakdown: - Term 1: Tuition AED 12,412 + Bus AED 2,000. - Term 2: Tuition AED 9,309 + Bus AED 1,500. - Term 3: Tuition AED 9,309 + Bus AED 1,500. - Year 4 - Annual tuition: AED 32,940. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 37,940. - Term breakdown: - Term 1: Tuition AED 13,176 + Bus AED 2,000. - Term 2: Tuition AED 9,882 + Bus AED 1,500. - Term 3: Tuition AED 9,882 + Bus AED 1,500. - Year 5 - Annual tuition: AED 32,940. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 37,940. - Term breakdown: - Term 1: Tuition AED 13,176 + Bus AED 2,000. Term 2 & Term 3 split: Tuition AED 9,882 + Bus AED 1,500 each. - Year 6 - Annual tuition: AED 34,200. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 39,200. - Term breakdown: - Term 1: Tuition AED 13,680 + Bus AED 2,000. Term 2: Tuition AED 10,260 + Bus AED 1,500. Term 3: Tuition AED 10,260 + Bus AED 1,500. - Year 7 - Annual tuition: AED 35,550. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 40,550. Term breakdown: Term 1 Tuition AED 14,220 + Bus AED 2,000; Term 2 Tuition AED 10,665 + Bus AED 1,500; Term 3 Tuition AED 10,665 + Bus AED 1,500. - Year 8 - Annual tuition: AED 35,860. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 40,860. Term breakdown: Term 1 Tuition AED 14,344 + Bus AED 2,000; Term 2 Tuition AED 10,758 + Bus AED 1,500; Term 3 Tuition AED 10,758 + Bus AED 1,500. - Year 9 - Annual tuition: AED 37,070. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 42,070. Term breakdown: Term 1 Tuition AED 14,828 + Bus AED 2,000; Term 2 Tuition AED 11,121 + Bus AED 1,500; Term 3 Tuition AED 11,121 + Bus AED 1,500. - Year 10 - Annual tuition: AED 38,270. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 43,270. Term breakdown: Term 1 Tuition AED 15,308 + Bus AED 2,000; Term 2 Tuition AED 11,481 + Bus AED 1,500; Term 3 Tuition AED 11,481 + Bus AED 1,500. - Year 11 - Annual tuition: AED 40,810. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 45,810. Term breakdown: Term 1 Tuition AED 16,324 + Bus AED 2,000; Term 2 Tuition AED 12,243 + Bus AED 1,500; Term 3 Tuition AED 12,243 + Bus AED 1,500. - Year 12 - Annual tuition: AED 42,020. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 47,020. Term breakdown: Term 1 Tuition AED 16,808 + Bus AED 2,000; Term 2 Tuition AED 12,606 + Bus AED 1,500; Term 3 Tuition AED 12,606 + Bus AED 1,500. - Year 13 - Annual tuition: AED 43,240. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 48,240. Term breakdown: Term 1 Tuition AED 17,296 + Bus AED 2,000; Term 2 Tuition AED 12,972 + Bus AED 1,500; Term 3 Tuition AED 12,972 + Bus AED 1,500. Transport (bus) fees - The optional transportation fee is AED 5,000 per year and is shown as an add‑on to the tuition in the published fee schedule; the ADEK schedule and the school fees page both show the bus fee as AED 5,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are split into at least three equal instalments (three terms) each academic year; the ADEK‑approved term payment windows for 2025–2026 are shown as payable from 10 August 2025 (Term 1), from 7 December 2025 (Term 2), and from 8 March 2026 (Term 3). The School Fee Policy states the first instalment is collected within one month preceding the start of the school year (August for schools that start in September). - The school may retain part of fees in specified cases for students who attend only a small part of a term (examples and the scale used to calculate retained amounts are set out in the fee policy). Textbook and uniform fees that have not been used must be refunded; transportation fees are refunded using the same method as tuition. The School Fee Policy sets out the rules for retention and refund in detail. Boarding fees - Boarding fees are not applicable. The school's published materials and fee schedule describe tuition, transport and related charges for a day school; no boarding provision or boarding charges are listed in the published fee documents. Other costs and optional charges - Uniforms: the school publishes a uniform policy and requires school and PE uniforms; specific prices for uniform items are not published in the uniform policy. Uniform items are treated as other school fees where applicable. - Textbooks and learning materials: these are treated as other fees and may be charged separately; the school's fee policy states optional activities and extra‑curricular charges are outside tuition and may incur additional fees. - Extra‑curricular activities, trips and optional services are invoiced separately and are not included in the tuition figures. These additional charges require parent approval when applicable. Refund information - Refund and retention rules follow the school's fee policy: registration or re‑registration fees may be retained in defined circumstances; if a student attends 1–3 weeks in a term the school may retain the equivalent of one month's tuition (calculated as annual tuition divided by ten), two months' tuition if attendance is over three and up to six weeks, and a full‑term fee if attendance exceeds six weeks. Unused textbook and uniform fees must be refunded; transportation fees are refunded in the same manner as tuition. Fee payment options (published information) - The school's published fee policy and ADEK fee schedule set out invoicing, instalment timing and refund rules but do not list detailed payment channels (for example: specific bank account details, portal or card processors) in the publicly posted policy documents. For payment method details and to arrange payment, the school's admissions and reception contacts are published and can be used to obtain the school's accepted payment channels and bank information. Contact details are published on the school's contact page. Summary points for parents - Tuition amounts for each year group and the termly breakdown (including the optional bus charge of AED 5,000 per year) are ADEK‑approved for Academic Year 2025–2026 and are listed above. - There is no separate application fee charged at application; registration or re‑registration fees may be charged at enrollment and will be deducted from approved tuition and will not exceed 5% of the Council‑approved tuition. - Fees are billed in three instalments and the published payable windows for 2025–2026 are: from 10 Aug 2025 (Term 1), from 7 Dec 2025 (Term 2), and from 8 Mar 2026 (Term 3). - Refunds and retained amounts follow the school's fee policy (rules for partial‑term attendance, and refunds of unused textbook/uniform costs and transport fees). (If you require any additional line‑item detail that is not published in the ADEK fee schedule or the school's fee policy, contact the school's admissions or finance office using the published contact details.) | Fee details Application and registration fees - A non-refundable registration deposit is required to secure a place. For the nursery this registration/deposit is AED 1,200. - For school admissions, a non-refundable deposit/registration payment is also required at offer acceptance; this deposit is deducted against the annual tuition. Exact registration amounts for school-level admissions are handled at offer stage. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term instalments) - Foundation Stage 2 / KG1: Annual tuition AED 25,100. Optional school transport AED 5,000 (total with transport AED 30,100). Term instalments (due August / December / March): Term 1 AED 13,370; Term 2 AED 8,370; Term 3 AED 8,370. - Year 1 / KG2: Annual tuition AED 25,850. Optional transport AED 5,000 (total with transport AED 30,850). Term instalments: Term 1 AED 13,620; Term 2 AED 8,620; Term 3 AED 8,620. - Year 2 / Grade 1: Annual tuition AED 25,850. Optional transport AED 5,000 (total with transport AED 30,850). Term instalments: Term 1 AED 13,620; Term 2 AED 8,620; Term 3 AED 8,620. - Year 3 / Grade 2: Annual tuition AED 27,230. Optional transport AED 5,000 (total with transport AED 32,230). Term instalments: Term 1 AED 14,080; Term 2 AED 9,080; Term 3 AED 9,075. - Year 4 / Grade 3: Annual tuition AED 27,310. Optional transport AED 5,000 (total with transport AED 32,310). Term instalments: Term 1 AED 14,105; Term 2 AED 9,105; Term 3 AED 9,105. - Year 5 / Grade 4: Annual tuition AED 28,380. Optional transport AED 5,000 (total with transport AED 33,380). Term instalments: Term 1 AED 14,460; Term 2 AED 9,460; Term 3 AED 9,460. - Year 6 / Grade 5: Annual tuition AED 28,380. Optional transport AED 5,000 (total with transport AED 33,380). Term instalments: Term 1 AED 14,460; Term 2 AED 9,460; Term 3 AED 9,460. - Year 7 / Grade 6: Annual tuition AED 28,910. Optional transport AED 5,000 (total with transport AED 33,910). Term instalments: Term 1 AED 14,640; Term 2 AED 9,640; Term 3 AED 9,640. - Year 8 / Grade 7: Annual tuition AED 28,910. Optional transport AED 5,000 (total with transport AED 33,910). Term instalments: Term 1 AED 14,640; Term 2 AED 9,640; Term 3 AED 9,640. - Year 9 / Grade 8: Annual tuition AED 29,970. Optional transport AED 5,000 (total with transport AED 34,970). Term instalments: Term 1 AED 14,990; Term 2 AED 9,990; Term 3 AED 9,990. - Year 10 / Grade 9: Annual tuition AED 29,970. Optional transport AED 5,000 (total with transport AED 34,970). Term instalments: Term 1 AED 14,990; Term 2 AED 9,990; Term 3 AED 9,990. - Year 11 / Grade 10: Annual tuition AED 29,890. Optional transport AED 5,000 (total with transport AED 34,890). Term instalments: Term 1 AED 14,965; Term 2 AED 9,965; Term 3 AED 9,965. - Year 12 / Grade 11: Annual tuition AED 30,420. Optional transport AED 5,000 (total with transport AED 35,420). Term instalments: Term 1 AED 15,140; Term 2 AED 10,140; Term 3 AED 10,140. - Year 13 / Grade 12: Annual tuition AED 32,660. Optional transport AED 5,000 (total with transport AED 37,660). Term instalments: Term 1 AED 15,890; Term 2 AED 10,890; Term 3 AED 10,890. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing operates on a three-instalment schedule with payments due in August (first instalment), December (second instalment) and March (third instalment). Parents may pay the full year in advance or provide three post-dated cheques in line with the instalment due dates. - Accepted payment methods include cash, credit/debit card, current-dated cheques and bank transfer; the school operates cash/card/cheque payment counters during school hours. Post-dated cheques are commonly accepted for instalment plans. Boarding fees - Belvedere British School operates as a day school and does not offer boarding facilities. Boarding is not applicable. Other costs and optional services - School transport is optional and charged at AED 5,000 per year (one standard annual transport fee is shown in the fee schedule). Transport is billed in the same instalment structure if selected. - Uniforms, school supplies, and optional extracurricular activities or co-curricular clubs are charged separately and must be purchased or paid for in addition to tuition. Parents should budget for uniform purchase and incidental costs such as school trips and activity fees. - External examination fees (for IGCSE / A‑Level subjects) and other external assessment charges are commonly invoiced separately by schools and may apply in senior years. Parents should expect separate charges for external examination entries. Refund information - Registration deposits (including the nursery deposit) are non-refundable where indicated at the time of offer acceptance. Refunds and any other fee adjustments are handled under the school's published refund and fee policy and are managed by the school finance office. Parents should refer to the school's finance office at offer/acceptance for the specific refund terms that apply to their payment. Fee payment options and administrative notes - Payments can be made in person using cash or card at the school finance office, by cheque (including post-dated cheques for instalments) or by bank transfer. When paying by bank transfer, include the student's name and grade as a payment reference and provide proof of transfer to the finance office. - Parents are expected to meet instalment due dates to avoid penalties; the school reserves the right to withhold reports or decline services where fees are overdue in accordance with its fee policy. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
|
Boarding arrangements
|
Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
|
Uniform requirement
|
Uniform requirement Al Basma British School requires a daily uniform as defined in the School Uniform and Staff Dress Code. Uniform items include a polo shirt with the school logo; girls have options including a logo shirt with a skirt/culottes/pinafore or black trousers, and boys wear a logo polo with shorts or long pants, plus a fleece jacket. Year 7–13 wear lab coats for science, PE uses house-colour T-shirts, and swimming kit is specified; UAE nationals may wear blue, white, or black head coverings. | Uniform requirement The school has a uniform. KS5 students dress in business attire and wear their BBS Senior Jackets; Belvedere-branded clothing is not required. |
|
Food options
|
Food options ABBS runs a Healthy Eating and Food Safety Policy. The school provides healthy, nutrient-rich food options in the canteen, aligned with ADEK guidelines; it emphasises allergen management and sustainability. External food deliveries are not permitted during school hours. | Food options The school has a canteen with a defined canteen menu. |
|
House system
|
House system The uniform policy mentions PE T-shirts in house colours, indicating a house system. The published materials do not list house names or competitive structures. | House system — |
|
Governance and ownership
|
Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Governors. The 2023-2024 board includes KK Ashraf (Chair, Managing Director), Arif Ashraf (Chief Operating Officer), Sharon Davis (Principal), Vikki King (Exam Officer), Guy Schooley (Vice Principal Pastoral & Safeguarding Lead), and Amna Al Mansoori (Parent). | Governance and ownership — |
| Academics | Academics | |
|
Curriculum details
|
Curriculum details The school teaches the English National Curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Year 13. The EYFS covers birth to 5 years and focuses on development in areas including communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding of the world, expressive arts and Arabic. The curriculum follows the English National Curriculum and uses enquiry-based learning with an emphasis on creative problem solving. Students study IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11 and AS and A Level examinations in Years 12 and 13. A broad range of KS3, iGCSE and A Level subjects is offered, including Arabic as part of the curriculum. The school emphasises developing well-rounded bilingual students and a global, British educational tradition. | Curriculum details Belvedere British School Abu Dhabi delivers a British-style curriculum from the Early Years through Sixth Form, with the Early Years following the British EYFS Framework. EYFS follows the EYFS Framework with seven areas of learning and development and focuses on Communication and Language, Physical Development, and Personal, Social and Emotional Development. Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2) follows the National Curriculum with core areas such as Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, Maths and Science, and Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6) extends these foundations with English, Maths and additional subjects. Key Stage 3 includes compulsory National Curriculum subjects: English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, French, Arabic, Design and Technology, Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, ICT and Social Studies. Key Stage 4 (GCSE) covers core subjects—Maths, English Language, English Literature and Citizenship—with at least one Modern Foreign Language, and Careers Education is integrated into PSHE. The Sixth Form offers A Levels (AS levels decoupled from A Levels) in English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry, with Careers Education and PSHE support. |
|
Student teacher ratio
|
Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
|
Exam results
|
Exam results External examination results for 2025 show strong performance across GCSE, iGCSE, AS and A Level. 72 students sat 527 GCSE exams; 15% of grades were 8 or 9; 100% pass rate in Geography and Sociology; over 90% pass rate in English Literature, English Language, History and Combined Science. For Years 12 and 13, 64 students sat 424 exam entries with a 94% pass rate across all A2 subjects and 88% across all AS subjects. There are multiple high achievers, including students achieving top grades; graduates proceeded to undergraduate degrees at prestigious universities in fields such as medicine, computer science and engineering. | Exam results — |
|
Higher education progression
|
Higher education progression Graduates progress to undergraduate degrees at top universities in fields such as medicine, computer science and engineering. | 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 — | Social & emotional learning Pastoral and social-emotional learning (SEL) at Belvedere British School Abu Dhabi is provided through a pastoral framework led by Form Tutors, the Assistant Heads of Upper School, and the Head of Upper School, in collaboration with the Inclusion Team and the School Counsellor when necessary. |
|
Special educational needs (SEN)
|
Special educational needs (SEN) — | Special educational needs (SEN) The school conducts entry assessments of individual needs and provides inclusion support via an Inclusion Team and School Counsellor; it is not described as a specialist SEN institution. |
|
English as an additional language
|
English as an additional language — | English as an additional language EAL support is addressed through English language assessment at entry and booster sessions in English, when available. |
|
Mental wellbeing
|
Mental wellbeing — | Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported by the School Counsellor and the Inclusion Team as part of the pastoral framework. |
|
Safeguarding
|
Safeguarding — | Safeguarding A Safety Policy exists for Belvedere British School Abu Dhabi, indicating safeguarding policies are in place. |
|
Safeguarding policy
|
Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
|
Facilities overview
|
Facilities overview Al Basma British School follows the English National Curriculum. The school has state-of-the-art facilities across Primary and Secondary buildings with subject-dedicated labs. The curriculum covers Early Years Foundation Stage through Year 13, including IGCSEs in Year 11 and AS/A Levels thereafter. The learning approach emphasises enquiry and creative problem solving across subjects. The campus supports a broad range of academic and practical learning through well-equipped spaces. | Facilities overview The Belvedere British School Abu Dhabi is located at Mohammed Bin Zayed City Street 31, behind Al Safeer Mall. The campus includes a canteen for student meals. The school provides a transport service with a fleet of buses and defined routes. Contact details for admissions and inquiries are published. |
|
Sports facilities
|
Sports facilities The school provides sports facilities and a sports development program. It offers sports clubs and teams including football, netball, basketball, and swimming, with competitive participation in ADISSA leagues and ADEK Cups. | Sports facilities — |
|
Academic facilities
|
Academic facilities Al Basma implements the English National Curriculum from Early Years Foundation Stage through to Key Stage 5, with EYFS standards for younger children and pathways to IGCSEs and AS/A Levels. The IGCSE journey concludes in Year 11, followed by AS and A Level examinations. The curriculum emphasises enquiry and creative problem solving through authentic tasks, supported by subject-dedicated labs across the Primary and Secondary buildings. | Academic facilities The school follows the English National Curriculum across Primary and Secondary education, culminating in GCSE and A Levels in the Sixth Form. The language of instruction is English. Key Stage 3 comprises Year 7 and Year 8 with compulsory subjects including English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, French, Arabic, Design and Technology, Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, ICT and Social Studies. Key Stage 4 covers GCSE studies with core subjects such as Maths, English Language, English Literature, Citizenship and at least one Modern Foreign Language, with other subjects taught in form classes. The Sixth Form offers A Levels, with AS Levels decoupled from A Levels, and subjects such as English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry. |
|
Extra curricular facilities
|
Extra curricular facilities Enrichment within the school day supports KS1–3 learning, with additional after-school enrichment opportunities. Term 1s offer free ECAs on Tuesdays (secondary) and Thursdays (primary); paid ECAs are offered by ISM SPORTS. The STEM Club is a highlight, and there are various sports clubs and teams (including football, netball, basketball, and swimming) with participation in ADISSA leagues and ADEK Cups. The enrichment program also includes termly trips and visitors to broaden student experiences. | Extra curricular facilities Belvedere British School recognises the importance of extracurricular activities as part of a broad and balanced curriculum. The school emphasizes pastoral care alongside opportunities for students to participate in a range of activities beyond the classroom. Extracurricular provision supports personal development, teamwork and leadership skills. The school's ethos includes preparing students to contribute to society and to become motivated, well-rounded adults. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
|
History
|
History Al Basma British School traces its origins to 1980, when it opened as Giggles English School in Abu Dhabi. It was relaunched in 2014 as Al Basma British School on a modern, purpose-built campus. The campus was developed in phases: Phase 1 (the primary and secondary blocks) was completed about nine years ago, and Phase 2 (the primary block) was completed about four years ago. The school offers a British education pathway from Early Years through A-Levels on a contemporary campus that has expanded over time. | History Belvedere British School Abu Dhabi is part of the Belvedere family, drawing on the UK school's long heritage from The Belvedere School in Liverpool, founded in 1880. The Abu Dhabi campus appears to have been established in 2012 and is located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. The school uses the motto Ad Vitum Paramus – Preparation for Life and incorporates global, local and community topics into its curriculum. It maintains a British-inspired ethos and aims to prepare students for life in the UAE and internationally, with emphasis on tolerance, respect and responsibility. |
|
Community
|
Community The school is located in the Al Bahia area of Abu Dhabi, behind Deerfields Mall, and describes itself as a British school at the heart of its community in Bahia. It operates a broad enrichment program with clubs in sports, arts, languages, and STEM, and participates in inter-school competitions as part of the ADISSA league. Students undertake a range of field trips, including Saadiyat Beach, Escape Rooms, Ski Dubai, and trips to Warner Bros. and Legoland in Dubai, as part of experiential learning. A focus on UAE identity and local culture is integrated into the curriculum and school activities. | Community Belvedere British School Abu Dhabi presents a welcoming and supportive community. The principal's welcome describes a friendly, collaborative environment built on trust and a shared purpose among students, staff and families. The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach, linking learning to local and global communities so students relate to one another and their wider world. Public communications, including newsletters, indicate an active, connected school community with regular term communications. |
|
Parent teacher association
|
Parent teacher association The school maintains a Parent Teacher Team (PTT) that works closely with staff to support the school's vision. PTT activities emphasize regular communication and joint initiatives to support students both at school and at home. The school emphasizes partnerships between parents, teachers, and the wider community. An alumni network has been formed to provide mentorship, internships, and career advice to current students. A culture of parent involvement and community partnerships is a core feature of the school's approach. | Parent teacher association — |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
|
Academic & intellectual
|
Academic & intellectual Enrichment within the school day is provided for Key Stage 1–3 to complement the academic curriculum. After-school enrichment opportunities include free ECAs on Tuesdays for secondary and Thursdays for primary, with paid ECAs offered by ISM Sports. The STEM Club supports students' exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands‑on projects. There are academic societies and educational trips and visitors that deepen understanding and critical thinking. | Academic & intellectual The school is in Abu Dhabi and serves students from FS2 to Year 13. The admission page indicates entry is for FS2–Year 13 and describes an assessment-based process to determine fit for the program. The school requires entrants to communicate in English at a level appropriate for their age and will assess English ability at entry. The admission process includes an Assessment Day, an interview, review of previous school reports, and a Transfer Letter, followed by an offer based on how the school can meet the child's needs. The school provides booster sessions in English if needed. Term periods shown on the site include Term 1, Term 2, and Term 3 for 2025–26. |
|
Arts & creative
|
Arts & creative Enrichment includes arts and cultural activities and visitors. The program supports creative expression through arts and culture experiences. Termly trips and visitors complement the arts and culture offerings. Students can engage in creative pursuits alongside other subjects. | Arts & creative The school emphasizes a curriculum that includes global, local and community topics as part of its approach to learning. The ethos centers on preparing students to contribute to society and to participate confidently in the world. |
|
Cultural & language
|
Cultural & language Enrichment broadens cultural understanding through educational trips and cultural activities. Trips expose students to different cultures, contexts, and experiences. Examples of trips include science centers, wildlife experiences, and adventure activities. Visitors and cultural experiences complement classroom learning. | Cultural & language The school requires English-language proficiency for entry and assesses English ability as part of the admissions process, reflecting English as the language of instruction within the program. |
|
Social & hobbies
|
Social & hobbies Social clubs and after-school activities are offered as part of enrichment. Sports clubs and teams, including football, netball, basketball, and swimming, develop physical abilities and teamwork. Students participate in ADISSA leagues and ADEK Cups. Enrichment includes termly trips and visitors that support personal interests and social development. | Social & hobbies From Year 7 onward, boys and girls are taught in separate classes, and this separation extends to many extra-curricular activities. |
|
Community & service
|
Community & service Enrichment includes community service and volunteering opportunities. Students engage in social responsibility initiatives as part of enrichment. The program encourages involvement in community-facing activities. | Community & service The curriculum integrates global, local and community topics to broaden students' thinking and preparation for life in society. |
|
Leadership & professional
|
Leadership & professional — | Leadership & professional The admissions process is organized and formal, requiring registration of interest, an assessment day, interview, and review of prior reports, with offers made after consideration of how the school can meet the child's needs. |
|
Lifestyle & wellbeing
|
Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports development is a focus of enrichment, with a wide range of sports and competitive opportunities. Clubs compete in ADISSA leagues and ADEK Cups, promoting fitness and teamwork. The enrichment program supports physical activity, well-being, and healthy lifestyles. It also provides opportunities for outdoor activities and personal development through sport. | Lifestyle & wellbeing There is an emphasis on preparing students to participate in society with confidence, guided by the school's motto Ad Vitum Paramus—Preparation for Life. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
|
Language provision
|
Language provision English is taught under the English National Curriculum. French is taught as a modern foreign language from Year 4 by a specialist teacher. Arabic is taught across all phases under the MOE Arabic curriculum (Year 2 to Year 13), including reading, speaking, listening, writing and grammar; Islamic and Social Studies are delivered within the MOE framework. English reading is supported with Bug Club and EdShed as additional resources. | Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction and emphasizes English literacy across the curriculum, including in the Early Years. Arabic and Islamic are taught as explicit subjects within the curriculum. The admissions process assesses English proficiency on entry, with booster English language sessions offered where needed. In Key Stage 4, GCSE studies include at least one Modern Foreign Language. |
|
Bilingual teaching
|
Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching — |
|
Immersion programs
|
Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
|
Awards
|
Awards — | Awards — |
|
Accreditations
|
Accreditations ADEK rating: Very Good with Outstanding Features. | Accreditations — |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
|
Admissions
|
Admissions 1. Determine eligibility and prepare documents. Age criteria for this year's admissions are: FS1 (Nursery) minimum 3 years as on 31 August; FS2 (KG1) minimum 4 years; Year 1 (KG2) minimum 5 years; Year 2 (Grade 1) minimum 6 years; Year 3 and above admission depends on completion of the previous year. For transfers from another country, provide an official End of Year mark list signed and stamped by the issuing school Principal, and a Transfer Certificate with the issuing country stamp, UAE Embassy stamp and MOFAIC stamps; these documents must be in English, or translated. Transfers from GCC countries must be in English or translated and require the Principal's signature and the issuing school stamp; transfers from Northern Europe, Britain, Australia, Canada and North America must be in English or translated and only require the Principal's signature. If a Transfer Certificate is not available, submit a sequence of study attested as required. 2. Complete online application. All mandatory fields marked with * should be completed. Provide accurate contact details for two adults (preferably mother and father, but at least one parent or legal guardian). Upload the required documents in electronic format: Nursery applicants provide the Student's Emirates ID or passport page, Birth Certificate, and the Parent's Emirates ID or passport page; Year 3 to Year 13 applicants provide the Student's Emirates ID or passport page, Birth Certificate, Parent's Emirates ID or passport page, and the most recent report card from the current school. 3. Admissions review and email communication. After submission, the Admissions Department reviews the application and contacts you via email with further information. Ensure the email address provided is correct; all correspondence is by email, and you should add @albasmaschool.ae to your safe sender's list to ensure delivery. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive correspondence. 4. Academic year 2026–2027 registration timeline. The registration link for AY 2026–2027 becomes available on 26 January 2026 and should be used only for AY 2026–2027; do not register for AY 2025–2026 using that link. The school will contact you if additional information is required. | Admissions Registration of Interest Form can be completed at any time prior to entry. The school accepts children of all nationalities and requires that on entry each child can communicate in English at a level appropriate for their age. The school's motto is Ad Vitum Paramus-Preparation for Life. Summer English language booster sessions may be advised if needed. After Registration of Interest is received, you will be contacted to book a suitable time to view the School. You may bring your child to the viewings, and there is no formal assessment at this stage. Entry to Belvedere British School proceeds in stages, including a formal assessment, an interview, review of previous school reports, and a Transfer Letter. The school reserves the right to refuse admission if it cannot meet a child's educational needs. On Assessment Day, the child sits an English spelling test, an English writing test, and a numeracy test to establish an academic profile. From Year 7 onwards, boys and girls are taught in separate classes. Offers of places are based on the gathered information and a discussion with parents about how the school can meet the child's needs. An offer includes a start date, and the family is required to complete an Acceptance Form and agree to the school's Terms and Conditions. After confirmation, families receive necessary consent forms, uniform lists, and class information, and have the opportunity to meet the child's Class Teacher to discuss the transition. Documentation required for the application includes scanned copies of the child's birth certificate, the child's passport, the parent/guardian's passport, and the latest school report. Original documents to be provided include the child's birth certificate, child's passport, Emirates ID (scanned into the eSiS system), residency visa for child and parent, the previous school transfer letter, a tenancy agreement or recent electricity bill, and four passport-sized photographs. Translations into English or Arabic are required if documents are not in those languages. |
|
Scholarships
|
Scholarships — | Scholarships — |
|
Waitlist
|
Waitlist — | Waitlist — |
| View full profile → | View full profile → | |
Comparing more schools, or want notes and ratings of your own? Build your own compare board.
