Creative British School vs GEMS Winchester School Abu Dhabi

	C Creative British School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	G GEMS Winchester School Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 10,090 - 25,970	Fees / year AED 19,950 - 27,290
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 14 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 240	Pupils 1,513
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	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 Creative British School is located on 33rd Street ME-10 in Abu Dhabi, in the Shabiya-10 (Mussafah) area. The campus sits within Mussafah's commercial district, with road links to surrounding residential communities. It is accessible via Abu Dhabi's main road networks, making it convenient for families living in the western suburbs and nearby areas.	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 a British education from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to A-levels, covering early years, primary, and secondary phases. The curriculum combines Cambridge/UK frameworks with UAE MOE subjects such as Arabic, Islamic studies, and UAE social studies.	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 Creative British School is co-educational. It serves a diverse, international student body and operates as a mixed-gender institution.	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school with no boarding facilities indicated.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix More than 35 nationalities are represented at CBS Abu Dhabi. The largest represented group is Pakistani, with a mix of local Emirati and other international students in attendance. The exact local-to-international ratio is not published.	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 The school emphasises inclusivity and a diverse learning community. Specific SEN/ALN provisions are not publicly listed in the materials available.	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 There is no formal country affiliation; the school follows a British curriculum framework (Cambridge/UK alignment) with UAE MOE subject integration.	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation; the curriculum is the English National Curriculum as delivered by a GEMS Education school.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not have a formal religious affiliation. Islamic studies are included as part of the UAE MOE curriculum requirements.	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 7:15 am to 2:40 pm Monday to Thursday, with Friday hours from 7:15 am to 11:40 am. Start and end times are consistent with standard UAE school timetables.	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 The school's transport is outsourced to Nexus Passenger Transport BY Bus LLC. Nexus provides home-to-school transport to eligible students and operates across available areas in Abu Dhabi. Fees are charged per term, with a detailed schedule published by the service provider.	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 / registration fees - A non‑refundable, non‑transferable registration (new admission) fee equal to 5% of the annual tuition is payable on acceptance of the offer; this amount is adjusted against the first term tuition once the student joins. Re‑enrolment also requires a non‑refundable, non‑transferable re‑enrolment fee equal to 5% of next year's fees, adjustable against the first term. Tuition fees (Academic year 2025–26) — per term and annual - FS2: Term 1 AED 3,400; Term 2 AED 3,400; Term 3 AED 3,290; Annual tuition AED 10,090; Registration fee shown AED 500. - Year 1 – Year 3: Term 1 AED 4,400; Term 2 AED 4,400; Term 3 AED 4,160; Annual tuition AED 12,960; Registration fee shown AED 650. - Year 4 – Year 6: Term 1 AED 5,800; Term 2 AED 5,800; Term 3 AED 5,790; Annual tuition AED 17,390; Registration fee shown AED 900. - Year 7 – Year 9: Term 1 AED 6,800; Term 2 AED 6,800; Term 3 AED 6,660; Annual tuition AED 20,260; Registration fee shown AED 1,050. - Year 10: Term 1 AED 8,700; Term 2 AED 8,700; Term 3 AED 8,570; Annual tuition AED 25,970; Registration fee shown AED 1,300. - Year 11 – Year 13: Term 1 AED 8,700; Term 2 AED 8,700; Term 3 AED 8,490; Annual tuition AED 25,890; Registration fee shown AED 1,300. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition invoices are issued prior to the start of the academic year; tuition is payable in advance at the start of each term. Term payment due dates are on or before 15 August (Term 1), 15 December (Term 2), and 15 March (Term 3). Tuition may be paid in full or by term as invoiced. - Failure to pay fees can result in loss of place, withholding of reports/references/exam results, and temporary or permanent exclusion. Transport fees and terms - Annual school transport fee (all available areas in Abu Dhabi): AED 4,468 total, payable termly as Term 1 AED 1,550; Term 2 AED 1,460; Term 3 AED 1,458. A fee is charged for 10 months of the academic year, divided into three terms. Transport fees must be paid before the beginning of each term. - Transport is fixed and payable termly; one‑way travel is charged at the full fee; transport may be discontinued only at the end of a term and there is no refund for the unexpired portion of the term when withdrawing from transport. Service will not be provided if transport fees are not paid in advance for a given term. Uniform and other compulsory costs - Uniform (full set and jacket) approximate charges by grade group: - FS2–Year 1: Full set AED 315; Jacket AED 60; Total AED 375. - Year 2–Year 5: Full set AED 360; Jacket AED 70; Total AED 430. - Year 6–Year 8: Full set AED 410; Jacket AED 80; Total AED 490. - Year 9–Year 13: Full set AED 450; Jacket AED 80; Total AED 530. - External board/exam fees (representative Cambridge IGCSE / AS‑A level fees listed): IGCSE subject fees commonly AED 850 per subject; AS/A level subject fees commonly AED 950 per subject; some linear subjects shown at AED 1,400. These exam fee amounts are charged in addition to tuition where applicable. Refund and withdrawal policy - The registration fee remains non‑refundable. Tuition fee refunds follow the Ministry of Education/ADEK policy; refund processing begins from the later of the date the completed student withdrawal form is received or the student's last date of attendance. Refunds are issued to the original payee. A 30‑day written notification of withdrawal to the Registrar is required. Boarding fees - Boarding fees: Not applicable. Creative British School does not list boarding or residential provision and instead provides day education with school transport options; therefore no boarding fees are charged. (Statement based on the school's published fee, transport and admissions information.) Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods include online payment via the school's online payment system / mobile application, and cash or credit card (MasterCard / Visa) payments at the school accounts department. All tuition and transport payments are required in AED unless otherwise invoiced.	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 Students wear a school uniform. Uniforms are available from the designated supplier, and the on-site store provides collection during operating hours.	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 The Creative British School is owned and managed by the PACE Group, a UAE-based education group. PACE Group was founded in 1999 by Dr P.A. Ibrahim Haji.	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 Creative British School in Abu Dhabi follows the Cambridge curriculum closely aligned with the UK National Curriculum and enriches it with the UAE Ministry of Education programs in Arabic, Islamic Studies and UAE Social Studies. The school provides education from the Early Years Foundation Stage through Primary and Secondary to A-levels. Key Stage 4 (ages 14–16) centers on the Cambridge IGCSE, with core subjects such as Mathematics, English as a Second Language, and Sciences, plus MOE Arabic and Islamic Studies, and UAE Social Studies in Year 10, with a broad range of optional IGCSE subjects. Key Stage 5 offers Cambridge International AS and A Levels, with subject choice and linear assessment, and includes Arabic Language and Islamic Studies as part of the curriculum. Across all stages, MOE subjects—Social Studies, Islamic Education, and Arabic Language—are integrated in a Whole School Approach to reflect UAE identity and regulatory requirements. The Early Years Foundation Stage emphasizes the seven learning areas with three prime areas (communication and language; physical development; personal, social and emotional development) and uses a play-based, inclusive approach blending UK/Oxford frameworks with UAE context.	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 Creative British School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through an inclusive three‑tier Pyramid of Intervention led by the Head of Inclusion, with an Inclusion Team and Learning Support Unit delivering universal, targeted, and intensive supports and documented Learning Plans (IEPs) for students with additional learning needs; progress is tracked and reported to parents to ensure ongoing SEL progress. The continuum of support explicitly addresses students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioural needs. The school also emphasizes inclusive practices and staff collaboration to foster emotional development within a structured framework. (turn8view0; turn8view0)	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 Inclusion policy defines Additional Learning Needs and provides comprehensive SEN provision via a designated Head of Inclusion, Inclusion Assistants, and an Inclusive Learning Support Unit, supported by a three‑tier Pyramid of Intervention and documented Individualised Education Plans (IEPs). Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions include targeted instruction, intervention plans, progress monitoring, and, for some students, Special Education services and more intensive supports. The policy notes that parents may fund Individual Assistants (shadow teachers) where required, and it outlines collaboration with professionals to develop IEPs and access related services. (turn7view0; turn8view0)	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 Inclusion policy explicitly includes EAL students and envisions recognisable leadership opportunities for them, with language support provided as a Tier 1 universal provision to address language barriers in learning. Language support is described as part of the universal strategies (Tier 1) to ensure accessibility for learners facing language-related challenges. (turn7view0; turn8view0)	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 supported through safeguarding‑oriented practices, including Accessible Support and Counselling available to all students and proactive monitoring of at‑risk pupils as part of safeguarding procedures. The safeguarding framework also describes a Safeguarding Committee and a school‑wide safeguarding awareness strategy to promote safe, caring, and transparent school culture. (turn6view0; turn6view0)	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 Safeguarding is codified in the Student Protection and Safeguarding policy (2024), with a Safeguarding Committee comprising the Principal, Head of Secondary, Head of Primary, and a Social Worker, supported by staff with safeguarding responsibilities; the policy outlines reporting procedures, staff induction/training, and adherence to ADEK requirements, including online safety and well‑being policies. The School Policies page lists the Student Protection and Safeguarding policy along with related policies (Anti‑Bullying, Attendance, Behaviour, etc.), all subject to annual review and alignment with ADEK Wellbeing and Digital policies. (turn5view0; turn6view0; turn4view0)	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 The Creative British School is located on 33rd Street ME-10, Abu Dhabi. The campus is described as a Complete Smart classroom campus and includes a grass turf football ground. The school follows a British curriculum from Early Years Foundation Stage to A-levels. The library is well-stocked and serves as a hub for learning and research, organized into three sections. The overall facilities layout supports both academic study and physical activity on-site.	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 Grass turf football ground is listed as the on-site sports facility. No additional on-site sports facilities are listed on the CBS site.	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 The school library is well-stocked and serves as a hub for quiet reading and self-study, with three sections. The campus is situated in Shabia-10 and described as a Complete Smart classroom campus with a grass turf football ground. The school follows a British curriculum from Early Years Foundation Stage to A-levels.	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 Specialty clubs include cooking, hand embroidery, acting, and the study of the Qur'an, offering practical life skills. World Scholar Cup is an after-school activity and is highlighted as an extracurricular engagement. Students are allocated to clubs in the order their form is received.	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 Creative British School, Abu Dhabi opened in September 2014. It is part of the PACE Group, which was founded in 1999 by Dr P.A. Ibrahim Haji. CBS is proudly managed by the PACE Group and offers a British education aligned with the Cambridge framework and the UK National Curriculum. The Mussafah campus on Shabia 10 includes facilities such as a science laboratory, a library, computer suites, and outdoor spaces. The school places emphasis on UAE identity and cultural heritage within its learning programs.	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 The wider community at Creative British School is central to its mission, with a focus on strong partnerships among parents, staff, students and external collaborators. Parent workshops and training are offered, including Hayakom Arabic sessions and reading initiatives such as I read with my child. FS2 parent seminars and the Parents Association are active in involving families and supporting social contributions to local, national and international communities. The CBS community also participates in UAE National Day celebrations and Pace Group initiatives such as Guinness World Records.	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 The Parents Association at Creative British School plays a vital role in building a strong sense of community and collaboration among students, parents, and staff. Membership is open to all parents, and the association supports meaningful social contributions to local, national, and international communities. By joining, parents help strengthen school partnerships, participate in learning related initiatives, and stay informed about school projects. The association emphasizes active parent involvement in day-to-day school life and in coordinating with other schools and organizations. The program includes parent workshops such as Hayakom Arabic sessions and FS2 parent seminars as well as the I read with my child initiative. Contact Ms Jiji to join at [email protected].	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 The school provides a comprehensive British education from the Early Years Foundation Stage to A-levels. The curriculum is built on the Cambridge and Oxford curricula, guiding student learning across all stages. The school was established in 2014 and is proudly managed by the PACE Group.	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 The Cambridge curriculum is followed, closely aligned with the UK National Curriculum. The MOE programs for Arabic language, Islamic studies, and UAE social studies are integrated into the curriculum. The Arabic language is a vital component of national identity, with emphasis on proficiency in Standard Arabic and the study of Classical Arabic (Fus'ha) across subjects. Social Studies, Islamic Education, and Arabic Language are delivered through a Whole School Approach within the MOE framework.	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 Admission Process includes the following steps: 1. Application Submission: The first step is to submit an online application for admission. After successfully completing the application, the applicant will receive an SMS with a reference number. 2. Age Requirement: The minimum age requirement for the academic year 2026-27 is FS2/KG1 4 years (01/01/2022 - 31/12/2022); Yr1/KG2 5 years (01/01/2021 - 31/12/2021); Yr2/GR1 6 years (01/01/2020 - 31/12/2020). Kindly note that exceptions cannot be made to accepting any student whose age is not within the new range including those coming from abroad. 3. Entrance Test/Interview: Depending on the availability of seats, applicants will be contacted for either an entrance test or an interview. After the entrance test or interview, the Admission Committee will evaluate the applicant's suitability for admission. 4. Letter of Acceptance: If the Admission Committee decides to grant admission, a formal letter of acceptance will be sent via email. 5. Documents Submission: Once admission is granted, the next step is to fill out the admission form and submit all required documents. 6. Registration Fees: To secure the admission and book a seat, the applicant is required to pay the registration fees; 5% of annual fees is payable for the registration which is non-refundable/non-transferable and will be adjusted from first term tuition fees.	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.
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