GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi vs The Cambridge High School

	G GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	T The Cambridge High School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 23,060 - 40,340	Fees / year AED 16,960 - 35,760
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Pupils	Pupils 3,675	Pupils 1,787
Typical class size	Typical class size 19	Typical class size 19
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Arabic
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1988
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service No
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is a British overseas school, affiliated with the United Kingdom through its British curriculum.	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation declared by the school.	Religious affiliation —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
House system	House system —	House system —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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) —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
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 —
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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