GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi vs GEMS Winchester School Abu Dhabi

	G GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	G GEMS Winchester School Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 23,060 - 40,340	Fees / year AED 19,950 - 27,290
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 14 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 3,675	Pupils 1,513
Typical class size	Typical class size 19	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 The GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi is located at Bawabat Al Sharq, Baniyas City, Abu Dhabi. It sits near Mohammed Bin Zayed City and the Khalifa City B and C areas, with easy access to major roads and nearby amenities. The campus is set in a residential/commercial neighbourhood in southern Abu Dhabi.	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 curriculum runs from Foundation Stage through to Year 13 (ages approximately 3 to 18). Foundation Stage 1 covers ages 3–5, followed by Primary (ages 6–14) and Secondary (Year 9–13) as the school progresses through Key Stages 1–4 and into post-16 options.	Stages The school offers the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage to Year 9. Foundation Stage 2 is the starting point, progressing through Year 9.
School type	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school. It is part of the GEMS Cambridge International Schools network and follows the British curriculum.	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school with no boarding facilities indicated.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The school represents over 90 nationalities, with the largest groups being Indian, Emirati, and Pakistani. Total enrollment is in the mid-3,000s. Approximately 60% of students are international, and about 40% are local/Arab.	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 maintains an inclusive learning environment and emphasizes SEN support as part of its core provision. In 2025, the institution was noted to support a substantial number of Students of Determination.	Additional learning support The school provides dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) support led by a SENCo. Support includes one-to-one and small-group sessions, with in-class support available for an additional charge. Staff receive ongoing SEN training, and parents must disclose SEN needs prior to admission; an educational assessment may be requested, and decisions about additional support are made in collaboration with parents.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is a British overseas school, affiliated with the United Kingdom through its British curriculum.	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation; the curriculum is the English National Curriculum as delivered by a GEMS Education school.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation declared by the school.	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 School timings are approximately 7:30 am to 3:15 pm Monday–Thursday, and 7:30 am to 1:00 pm on Fridays.	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 Transport is outsourced to School Transport Services LLC (BBT). The service provides home-to-school transport for eligible students with an annual fee of AED 5,000 and termly payments; there are designated pickup points and the service operates for 10 months of the academic year.	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 / Admission Fees - New admissions: a non-transferable fee equal to 5% of the Annual tuition fee is payable on acceptance of the Offer Letter and confirmation of enrolment. This fee is adjustable against the first term tuition once the student joins. The 5% acceptance fee is refundable only if written notice of withdrawal is given before the start of the academic year, in line with ADEK policy. Re-enrolment / Registration Fees - Re-enrolment: to secure a place for the next academic year parents are required to pay a re‑enrollment fee equal to 5% of the next year's tuition. This fee is non-refundable but will be adjusted against the first term fees. The school also states the registration fee remains non‑refundable. Tuition fees (Academic year 2025–2026) — full detail (Annual and per-term breakdown in AED) - FS 1 / Pre‑KG: Annual AED 23,060 — Term 1 AED 9,224; Term 2 AED 6,918; Term 3 AED 6,918. - FS 2 / KG1: Annual AED 23,730 — Term 1 AED 9,492; Term 2 AED 7,119; Term 3 AED 7,119. - Year 1 / KG2: Annual AED 28,430 — Term 1 AED 11,372; Term 2 AED 8,529; Term 3 AED 8,529. - Year 2 / Grade 1: Annual AED 28,430 — Term 1 AED 11,372; Term 2 AED 8,529; Term 3 AED 8,529. - Year 3 / Grade 2: Annual AED 30,950 — Term 1 AED 12,380; Term 2 AED 9,285; Term 3 AED 9,285. - Year 4 / Grade 3: Annual AED 30,950 — Term 1 AED 12,380; Term 2 AED 9,285; Term 3 AED 9,285. - Year 5 / Grade 4: Annual AED 33,240 — Term 1 AED 13,296; Term 2 AED 9,972; Term 3 AED 9,972. - Year 6 / Grade 5: Annual AED 33,240 — Term 1 AED 13,296; Term 2 AED 9,972; Term 3 AED 9,972. - Year 7 / Grade 6: Annual AED 35,640 — Term 1 AED 14,256; Term 2 AED 10,692; Term 3 AED 10,692. - Year 8 / Grade 7: Annual AED 35,640 — Term 1 AED 14,256; Term 2 AED 10,692; Term 3 AED 10,692. - Year 9 / Grade 8: Annual AED 37,940 — Term 1 AED 15,176; Term 2 AED 11,382; Term 3 AED 11,382. - Year 10 / Grade 9: Annual AED 37,940 — Term 1 AED 15,176; Term 2 AED 11,382; Term 3 AED 11,382. - Year 11 / Grade 10: Annual AED 39,200 — Term 1 AED 15,680; Term 2 AED 11,760; Term 3 AED 11,760. - Year 12 / Grade 11: Annual AED 40,340 — Term 1 AED 16,136; Term 2 AED 12,102; Term 3 AED 12,102. - Year 13 / Grade 12: Annual AED 40,340 — Term 1 AED 16,136; Term 2 AED 12,102; Term 3 AED 12,102. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition invoices are issued to the fee sponsor on record two months prior to the start of the academic year. Tuition fees are payable in advance of attendance and are due at the start of each term. Tuition payments can be paid in full or by term. Term deadlines are: on or before the 10th working day of August for Term 1, the 10th working day of December for Term 2, and the 10th working day of April for Term 3. Failure to pay may result in withholding of reports, suspension, or blocking re‑enrollment. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable: the school operates as a day school (no boarding provision). The school's published profile and school listings describe it as a co‑educational day school and give a day‑fee range consistent with the published annual tuition figures. Other costs and fees - School transport: Bright Bus Transport (BBT) provides the home‑to‑school service. Transport fees (All areas in Abu Dhabi): Annual AED 5,000 — Term 1 AED 2,000; Term 2 AED 1,500; Term 3 AED 1,500. Transport fees are charged for 10 months and must be paid before the start of the term; discontinuation can be made only at the end of a term; there is no refund for unexpired portions of a term and a AED 100 service charge applies for mid‑term discontinuation except at academic year end. Payment methods for transport include online payment via the provider, cash/credit card (Master/Visa) at the BBT counter in the school, cheque in favour of Bright Bus Transport, or standing order (auto debit) via the BBT counter. - Uniform: official school uniform is supplied through the school's supplier (Threads). A uniform guide and supplier information are provided and uniforms are purchased from the supplier; pricing for uniform items is handled by the supplier. - External examination fees: external exam entries (IGCSE/GCSE, AS, A Level, etc.) are charged separately from tuition. Examination fees vary by board, subject and unit; the school's 2025–2026 Exam Fees Booklet shows typical unit/subject charges (examples include many units at AED 300–350 and some subjects or practical/non‑exam assessments with higher charges up to around AED 800). Late and very late entry dates incur additional charges as set by the examination boards. Examination entry fees are invoiced and paid separately (payment at the fees counter is referenced). - Additional possible costs: charges may apply for school trips, optional extra‑curricular activities, consumables, specialist materials, replacement ID cards or lost property handling and other incidental items; these are not included in the published tuition and will be invoiced or charged as required. Examination entry fees and transport fees are explicitly listed as separate charges in school materials. Refunds and withdrawal policy (fees) - The registration fee is non‑refundable. Paid tuition fee refunds follow the Ministry/ADEK policy and are processed only after a written refund request is submitted to the school admissions office; refunds are issued to the original payee. The 5% new‑admission acceptance fee is refundable only if a parent gives notice of withdrawal before the beginning of the academic year (per ADEK policy). A written 30‑day notification is required for student withdrawals to allow processing of documentation. Non‑payment consequences include withholding of reports and blocking re‑enrollment. Fee payment options (what is explicitly offered) - FAB GEMS co‑branded / GEMS World credit card: the school publicises the FAB GEMS World / co‑branded credit card option to pay annual tuition in advance with possible discounts and benefits, and promotional payment plans (terms and conditions apply). - General tuition payment timing: tuition may be paid in full (advance) or at the start of each term as per the billing schedule. The school's admissions/fees pages reference online payment channels and school fee counters for related payments. Exam entry payments are made at the school fees counter per the Exam Fees Booklet. Transport payments are accepted online via the transport provider, by cash/credit card at the BBT counter in school, by cheque payable to Bright Bus Transport, or by standing order through the transport provider. Key documents and policies referenced (for the 2025–2026 year) - School tuition fee schedule and ADEK fee approval (2025–2026). - Exam Fees Booklet — External examination charges and entry deadlines (Academic Year 2025–2026). - Transport fee schedule and payment options (Bright Bus Transport). If you need these figures presented in another currency or formatted differently for your database, I have provided the full AED amounts and payment details above.	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 The uniform is simple, smart and distinctive. Students are expected to wear their uniforms with pride. Uniforms are available from the school supplier, who attends to fabric quality, colour, individual measurements and prescribed style.	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 There is a School Canteen on site where healthy snacks and drinks are sold during break times. Hygiene and quality control of food are prioritized.	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 school is owned and operated by GEMS Education and forms part of the GEMS Cambridge International Schools network.	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 The school follows the National Curriculum for England and serves Foundation Stage 1 through Year 13. It is a British curriculum delivered in Abu Dhabi and is part of GEMS Cambridge International Schools. The curriculum is designed to support academic and personal development and is guided by GEMS' four core values: curiosity, integrity, innovation and resilience. It prepares students for the IGCSE in the secondary phase. The Secondary School covers Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 (Year 9 to Year 13), leading to GCSE and A-Level examinations. The school holds accreditations with Cambridge and Edexcel.	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 Academic results are strong, with outcomes above the UK national average. 16% of A-Level students achieved an A, and 78% achieved an A-B at A-Level. 30% of GCSE students achieved an A, and 77% achieved an A-B at GCSE. In the last four years, students have been accepted to 1,050 universities across 53 countries, including 66 of the world's top 100 universities.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression In the last four years, GEMS students have been accepted by 1,050 universities in 53 countries, including 66 of the world's top 100 universities.	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 SEL is supported through an inclusive approach coordinated by Senior and Middle Leaders with the Student Support Team across the school, using a graduated response to learning. The provision includes Inclusion Assistants, Learning Support Assistants, in-house therapy services, SEN Teachers and Nurture Groups, Counsellors, Social Workers, and Intervention Groups, supported by the Student Support Centre. Individual learning needs are discussed in provision meetings with families and staff, with Individual Learning Plans (IEPs) used to tailor support where needed. The school emphasizes a healthy, safe and happy environment and provides guidance to help learners manage their behaviour and emotions so they can participate fully in learning. Learners are encouraged to have a voice in planning and decision-making, with ongoing collaboration with parents and an open-door policy for staff and families.	Social & emotional learning The school places emotional wellbeing and positive mental health as a core aspect of its inclusion framework. It emphasises growth in emotional wellbeing and positive mental health as part of WSA's core values and approach to student development. It uses a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to identify needs early and provide escalating levels of social, emotional, and academic support. The School Head of Inclusion coordinates educational, behavioural, social, and emotional provision for students, supported by the Inclusion Teacher and Inclusion Assistants, with collaboration from teachers and external agencies. A formal identification, referral, and tracking system supports ALN/SEN identification and informs SEL planning and progress monitoring.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school operates as an inclusive institution with a Graduated Response to learning to meet the needs of learners with SEN. The kinds of SEN supported include English as an Additional Language (EAL), Lower Ability, Students of Determination, More Able, and Gifted and Talented. A range of interventions and therapies is available through the Inclusion Team, Learning Support Assistants, SEN Teachers and Nurture Groups, Counsellors and Social Workers, and Intervention Groups. The school provides physical accessibility measures, risk assessments, Personal Care Plans and Personal Evacuation Plans where required, and uses adaptive and modified curricula with alternative pathways such as Functional Skills and the Unit Award Scheme. Provision meetings with families create bespoke provision and Individual Learning Plans to ensure equality of opportunity within mainstream classes. The school is not a specialist SEN institution; it maintains an inclusive mainstream approach.	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 EAL is listed as a category within the school's Inclusion Provision, indicating explicit support for EAL learners within the inclusive framework. EAL support is delivered as part of the school's inclusive provision, with staff and interventions integrated into the Student Support Team's planning. The policy does not describe a separate stand-alone EAL department; instead, EAL is addressed alongside other inclusion provisions through the broader support system.	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 addressed within the inclusive provision, emphasizing a healthy, safe and happy environment with guidance and support for students. Counselling, in-school therapy services and access to social workers are available to support student wellbeing. Staff are equipped to help learners manage their behaviour and emotions to participate in learning, with appropriate adaptations where needed. Provision meetings and family partnerships support wellbeing and give learners a path to have a voice in planning. The safeguarding policy also commits to accessible, non-judgmental counseling and wellbeing support for all students.	Mental wellbeing Emotional wellbeing and positive mental health are explicitly named as core aspects of student development under WSA's values. The School Head of Inclusion coordinates social and emotional provision for students, with support from Inclusion staff and collaboration with external professionals as needed. MTSS provides a framework for identifying and addressing social-emotional needs and monitoring progress. The Anti-Bullying Policy supports SEL through staff training, student workshops, and resilience-building activities, contributing to mental wellbeing. Safeguarding and child-protection policies ensure a safe environment that supports students' mental wellbeing by preventing maltreatment and providing protective measures.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school follows the ADEK Safeguarding Policy, effective from AY 2024/25 with compliance from February 1, 2026. A Safeguarding Lead or Safeguarding Committee oversees the school's safeguarding strategy and ensures staff and volunteers are informed and trained. The policy requires annual monitoring and review of safeguarding practices and ensures adherence to the ADEK Student Protection Policy. Safeguarding awareness strategies focus on a safe and caring environment, zero tolerance for maltreatment, monitoring at-risk students, and clear reporting and response procedures. Safeguarding is integrated into the curriculum to develop self-esteem, risk awareness, consent, and online safety, while staff are trained to respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns. Counselling and support services are accessible, free of judgment, and available to all students.	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 campus includes a canteen and a school bus service. There are shaded courts for outdoor activities and a gym for physical education. Culinary classes and music classes have dedicated facilities. Outdoor courts, a swimming pool, murals and a green screen studio are also on site. Computer labs, a library, a playground and a drama theatre support learning and creative work.	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 Shaded courts and outdoor courts support a range of sports. A gym provides fitness training and conditioning. The swimming pool supports aquatic activity.	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 Computer labs support ICT learning and research. The library provides space for independent study and research and supports reading across the curriculum. Culinary classes and music classes offer practical facilities for subject work, and a drama theatre provides a venue for performing arts.	Academic facilities Academic facilities include well-equipped science laboratories to support practical experiments. The school provides a computer laboratory with internet access and multimedia facilities, with additional laptops and iPads available for student use. Classrooms are equipped with overhead projectors, and many rooms have Promethean interactive whiteboards or large LCD touch screens, with Wi‑Fi available throughout the campus. The library is well-stocked with books and periodicals to support reading and research. ICT is a key component of the curriculum up to Year 9, and technology resources are integrated across lessons.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers a broad extra-curricular program. Regular sports include swimming, cricket, football, rugby and athletics. The After-School Programme includes photography, chess, drama, arts, environmental clubs and debates. All students participate in inter-school sports and academic competitions.	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 GCIS Abu Dhabi opened in 2013 as GEMS Cambridge International School – Abu Dhabi at the Baniyas City BAS project, initially admitting Foundation Stage 1 to Year 8. The school is owned and operated by GEMS Education in partnership with the Baniyas Investment and Development Company (BIDC). The GEMS Cambridge Schools carry a three-decade legacy in the region, and GCIS Abu Dhabi represents that tradition within the GEMS Cambridge family. The curriculum is aligned with the British National Curriculum, with Foundation Stage through Year 13 and qualifications including GCSE, IGCSE, and A Level / International A Level. The campus is located in Baniyas City, Abu Dhabi.	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 school runs a broad range of extracurricular activities and a robust after-school programme, including clubs in photography, chess, drama, arts, environmental clubs, and debates. CIAMUN is a student-led GEMS Cambridge International Model United Nations that focuses on public speaking, negotiation and leadership. Students participate in inter-school competitions and sports, with regular involvement in cricket, football, netball and swimming, and have undertaken international trips such as Harvard MUN and NASA-related programs. The school recognises student achievement through annual roll-of-honour lists and awards across creativity, innovation, academics and sports.	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 school uses a Parent Partnership framework to involve parents. Close communication is central, with an open-door policy, consultation evenings and written progress reports. The program promotes parental engagement through the ‘3-a-day' guidance (talk, share, encourage). It is grounded in research on parental involvement and cites work by Hattie and Desforges to support the value of parent engagement. The site does not publish a separately named PTA or parent-teacher association; engagement is structured through the Parent Partnership framework. Guardians can arrange one-to-one conversations with staff as needed.	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 teaches a British curriculum and serves Foundation Stage 1 through Year 13. It prepares students for the IGCSE. The school holds Cambridge and Edexcel accreditations. GCSE results include 32.3% A-A, 61% A-B and 79% A-C; AS results include 10 students achieving straight A grades, and 50% of A Level results are A-B.	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 Music classes are available and there is a drama theatre on site. There are brand new art studios and libraries to support artistic expression. Creativity is recognised through awards such as the CIA Roll of Honour and Creativity and Innovation Awards. The After-School Programme includes Photography, Chess, Drama and Arts.	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 CIAMUN is part of the curriculum. MOE Arabic/Islamic studies are offered with a 100% pass rate. International trips include a NASA Trip, Harvard MUN and Oxford and Cambridge Universities Innovation Trips. CIAMUN and related international programmes support cultural engagement and global awareness.	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 The After-School Programme includes Photography, Chess, Drama and Arts. Regular sports include Swimming, Cricket, Football, Rugby and Athletics. All students are expected to represent the school in inter-school sports or academic competitions. Clubs and activities support social interaction and 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 Philanthropic awards include Red Crescent fundraising, Dubai Cares recognition, Operation Smile fundraising and Ramadan acts of kindness. International community service trips include Cambodia Community Service Expedition, Switzerland Ski Trip and Seattle Space Camp. Over 1000 Acts of Kindness during Ramadan are recorded. Ramadan fundraising and service activities are part of student life.	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 CIAMUN and the GEMS Leadership Student Conference provide leadership development opportunities. Harvard MUN, NASA Trip and Oxford and Cambridge University Innovation Trips expand leadership experiences. A range of competitions and awards reflect student leadership and engagement.	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 The campus includes a 25m swimming pool, a beginner pool, cricket nets and playing fields. The facilities include a gym, shaded courts and a canteen. The music classes, drama theatre and other arts facilities support well-being through creative activities. Outdoor spaces and sports programs promote healthy, active lifestyles.	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 school uses English as the language of instruction. Arabic is taught as a core subject in Primary (KS1) and is compulsory in Secondary. A second language is offered in Secondary as an optional subject, with French available as an option. The school maintains multilingualism policy documents in English and Arabic to guide language provision and support.	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 Step 1: To begin the application, complete the online application through the Enrol Online Page. Admission for the 2026-27 academic year is open. Before accessing the online form, read the registration guidelines. The online registration starts when you submit the form. Step 2: After submitting the online application, you receive an Enquiry number and a link to upload required documents. Upload pdf copies of the child's passport, one recent passport photo, and the Emirates ID if available. Documents must be uploaded in pdf format. Incomplete or incorrect applications, or changing the birth year, will not be processed, and the student will not be invited for an assessment. Step 3: After completing Steps 1-2, you will be notified of the next steps via email or phone; ensure to provide a valid email address and telephone number. All new students must provide documentation of previous schooling and report cards; documents must be in English. A Transfer Certificate or School Leaving Certificate is required for Years 1 and above, and attestation and stamping requirements vary by location as per ADEK. ADEK policy governs age placement; age determines grade placement, with mappings such as 3-4 years for Pre-KG/FS1 up to 17-18 years for Year 13/G12.	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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