GEMS Founders School - Masdar City vs Noya British School

	G GEMS Founders School - Masdar City Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	N Noya British School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 26,000 - 34,000	Fees / year AED 28,000 - 43,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 14 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location GEMS Founders School – Masdar City is located in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. It sits within the Masdar City sustainable urban community. The school offers admissions from FS1 to Year 9 for the 2025-26 academic year.	Location Located on Yas Island, Yas North, Abu Dhabi. The campus sits in the Noya Community near The Sustainable City and Yas Acres, providing convenient access for families on Yas Island and the wider Abu Dhabi area. The site is accessible via Yas Island road networks.
Stages	Stages Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2); Primary School (Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2); Secondary School (Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4). The school currently serves students from FS1 to Year 9.	Stages Year Groups currently run from FS1 to Year 9. A phased expansion is planned to extend to Year 13, with Year 7 starting in September 2025 and Year 13 expected by 2026.
School type	School type Co-educational (mixed gender).	School type Day school; part of the Aldar Education network.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix There are 84 nationalities represented in the school community. Emirati students account for around 30% of the student body. About 90% of students speak English as an additional language.	Pupil nationality mix Exact pupil nationality numbers are not published. Aldar Education describes its network as diverse, with educators from over 100 nationalities, suggesting a multinational environment.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support GEMS Founders School provides inclusion for English as an Additional Language (EAL), lower ability learners, and students with special educational needs, as well as provision for more able and gifted and talented students. The Head of Inclusion coordinates assessments and supports individual education plans as needed.	Additional learning support Inclusion is a core part of the school approach. A three-tier support framework is used: Universal, Targeted, and Individualised support; a Documented Learning Plan supports Tier 2 interventions; services may include speech and language programmes, social skills work, and external specialists as needed.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school follows the British National Curriculum (England) and operates in the UAE as a British schools overseas institution.	Country affiliation Curriculum follows the English National Curriculum; the school is part of Aldar Education (no formal national affiliation stated).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is stated.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated.
School day structure	School day structure The school day starts at 7:30am. FS1–FS2 finish at 12:30pm; Years 1–8 finish at 2:40pm. A National Anthem is observed at 7:45am, and the school runs Monday to Friday with weekends on Saturday and Sunday.	School day structure The school day timings are published in the Parent Information Pack; typical hours for the current phase are around 7:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details School Transport is operated by School Transport Services (STS) LLC. The service provides safe pick-up and drop-off with professional staff and a modern fleet of buses; specific routes and availability are arranged through the school's transport contacts.	Bus service details A bus service is offered; details on routes and provider are included in the Parent Information Pack.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Re-enrolment fee - A re-enrolment (registration) fee is charged to secure a place and is non‑refundable but adjustable against the first term fee. The school states this fee is 5% of the next academic year's tuition; the published re‑enrolment amounts for AY2025‑26 are shown in the fee schedule (for example: AED 1,300 for FS1, AED 1,425 for FS2, AED 1,550 for Year 1–3, AED 1,600 for Year 4–6, AED 1,700 for Year 7–9). Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual total for AY2025/2026) - FS1 — Re‑enrolment: AED 1,300. Term 1: AED 9,100. Term 2: AED 7,800. Term 3: AED 7,800. Annual total: AED 26,000. - FS2 — Re‑enrolment: AED 1,425. Term 1: AED 9,975. Term 2: AED 8,550. Term 3: AED 8,550. Annual total: AED 28,500. - Year 1 — Re‑enrolment: AED 1,550. Term 1: AED 10,850. Term 2: AED 9,300. Term 3: AED 9,300. Annual total: AED 31,000. - Year 2 — Re‑enrolment: AED 1,550. Term 1: AED 10,850. Term 2: AED 9,300. Term 3: AED 9,300. Annual total: AED 31,000. - Year 3 — Re‑enrolment: AED 1,550. Term 1: AED 10,850. Term 2: AED 9,300. Term 3: AED 9,300. Annual total: AED 31,000. - Year 4 — Re‑enrolment: AED 1,600. Term 1: AED 11,200. Term 2: AED 9,600. Term 3: AED 9,600. Annual total: AED 32,000. - Year 5 — Re‑enrolment: AED 1,600. Term 1: AED 11,200. Term 2: AED 9,600. Term 3: AED 9,600. Annual total: AED 32,000. - Year 6 — Re‑enrolment: AED 1,600. Term 1: AED 11,200. Term 2: AED 9,600. Term 3: AED 9,600. Annual total: AED 32,000. - Year 7 — Re‑enrolment: AED 1,700. Term 1: AED 11,900. Term 2: AED 10,200. Term 3: AED 10,200. Annual total: AED 34,000. - Year 8 — Re‑enrolment: AED 1,700. Term 1: AED 11,900. Term 2: AED 10,200. Term 3: AED 10,200. Annual total: AED 34,000. - Year 9 — Re‑enrolment: AED 1,700. Term 1: AED 11,900. Term 2: AED 10,200. Term 3: AED 10,200. Annual total: AED 34,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition fees are payable in advance of attendance. Invoices can be issued to the fee sponsor on record on request. - The school publishes the standard term/instalment due dates for AY2025‑26 as: 1st term due 11 August 2025 (parents are advised to pay before 5 August to avoid delays), 2nd term due 01 January 2026, and 3rd term due 01 April 2026. Tuition may also be paid in full in advance. - Consequences for non‑payment include withholding examination entry, reports, references or examination results, loss of the student's place, and possible temporary or permanent exclusion. Timely payment is required. Other costs and fees - Uniforms: A full school uniform is required. Uniforms and PE kit information are provided and uniform items are supplied via the designated supplier (Threads). Specific uniform prices are not published in the tuition fee schedule. - School transport: A dedicated school bus service is provided by STS Group; parents register for bus service and transport fees are charged separately and payable online through GEMS systems. Specific bus-route or fee amounts are not listed on the tuition fee schedule. - Canteen / lunches: The school uses Slices catering with a cashless top‑up system. Parents add credit to their child's account (GEMS Connect / Slices payment portal). Food costs are paid via the top‑up system and are not included within the published tuition totals. - Extra‑curricular activities: The school offers extra‑curricular programmes; any associated charges are handled separately (no central ECA pricing is published on the tuition fee schedule). Refund information and student withdrawals - The re‑enrolment (registration) fee is non‑refundable. Tuition fee refunds follow the UAE Ministry of Education policy; refund requests must be submitted in writing to the school admissions office and refunds are paid to the original payee. A 30‑day written notification of withdrawal is required to process student departures and documentation. Fee payment options and channels - The school advertises the FAB GEMS World Credit Card as a method to pay annual tuition in advance (with promotional savings noted for cardholders). This indicates acceptance of card payment arrangements for tuition. - Bus fees and some school service payments are payable online via GEMS Connect / the school's payment portals; Slices lunch top‑ups are handled through the Slices payment portal. Tuition invoices can be issued to the fee sponsor on record.	Fee details Application and registration fees - Registration (initial application) fee: 5% of the annual tuition fee, payable after an offer is accepted and deductible from the student's final tuition fees for that academic year. - Re-registration fee (to secure a place for the following academic year): 5% of the annual tuition fee, payable at re-enrolment and deductible from the student's final tuition fees for that academic year. The re-registration fee is non-transferable to another child. - Timing: the registration fee is payable within 7 days of offer acceptance; schools may collect registration fees up to four months before the academic year begins. For the 2025/2026 cycle the re-registration deadline listed is 1 May 2025. Full-year invoicing and term invoicing deadlines are given in the fee policy. Tuition fees (annual and per-term by year group) - FS1: Annual tuition AED 28,000 (ADEK approved AED 32,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term breakdown — Term 1: AED 11,200; Term 2: AED 8,400; Term 3: AED 8,400. - FS2: Annual tuition AED 28,000 (ADEK approved AED 32,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 11,200; Term 2: AED 8,400; Term 3: AED 8,400. - Year 1: Annual tuition AED 28,000 (ADEK approved AED 32,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 11,200; Term 2: AED 8,400; Term 3: AED 8,400. - Year 2: Annual tuition AED 30,500 (ADEK approved AED 34,500; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 12,200; Term 2: AED 9,150; Term 3: AED 9,150. - Year 3: Annual tuition AED 30,500 (ADEK approved AED 34,500; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 12,200; Term 2: AED 9,150; Term 3: AED 9,150. - Year 4: Annual tuition AED 33,000 (ADEK approved AED 37,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 13,200; Term 2: AED 9,900; Term 3: AED 9,900. - Year 5: Annual tuition AED 33,000 (ADEK approved AED 37,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 13,200; Term 2: AED 9,900; Term 3: AED 9,900. - Year 6: Annual tuition AED 33,000 (ADEK approved AED 37,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 13,200; Term 2: AED 9,900; Term 3: AED 9,900. - Year 7: Annual tuition AED 36,000 (ADEK approved AED 40,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 14,400; Term 2: AED 10,800; Term 3: AED 10,800. - Year 8: Annual tuition AED 36,000 (ADEK approved AED 40,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 14,400; Term 2: AED 10,800; Term 3: AED 10,800. - Year 9: Annual tuition AED 36,000 (ADEK approved AED 40,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 14,400; Term 2: AED 10,800; Term 3: AED 10,800. - Year 10: Annual tuition AED 39,000 (ADEK approved AED 43,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 15,600; Term 2: AED 11,700; Term 3: AED 11,700. - Year 11: Annual tuition AED 39,000 (ADEK approved AED 43,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 15,600; Term 2: AED 11,700; Term 3: AED 11,700. - Year 12: Annual tuition AED 43,000 (ADEK approved AED 47,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 17,200; Term 2: AED 12,900; Term 3: AED 12,900. - Year 13: Annual tuition AED 43,000 (ADEK approved AED 47,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 17,200; Term 2: AED 12,900; Term 3: AED 12,900. Billing schedule and payment terms - Academic-year invoicing is divided into three instalments (termly). Term 1 covers September–December (4 months), Term 2 covers January–March (3 months) and Term 3 covers April–June (3 months). Term invoicing is the standard schedule; on request a full-year invoice covering all three terms may be issued. Due dates for term invoices (academic year 2025/2026) are: Term 1 — 1 August 2025; Term 2 — 1 December 2025; Term 3 — 1 March 2026. A full-year invoice, if requested, is due 1 August 2025. - Late/non-payment provisions: the school will issue three consecutive warning notices (each at least one week apart) for late or non-payment. The school is authorized to suspend a student for up to three days (after the three warnings and at most once per term), to withhold report cards or transfer certificates, and to withhold re-enrolment until outstanding fees are settled. Schools shall inform parents at least three months before the end of the academic year if outstanding fees put re-enrolment at risk. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed; there is no boarding fee specified. The school operates as a day school and does not publish boarding charges. Other costs and additional charges - Tuition does not include uniform, food services (catering), transport, examination fees, or extracurricular activities that occur outside normal school hours. These items may incur additional charges. - School uniform: uniforms are supplied through Magrudy's (Forsan Central Mall) with online ordering and a contact telephone number provided for enquiries; uniform items are purchased separately and are not included in tuition. - Transport (school bus): the bus service is offered at a fixed fee per student per academic year; the exact bus fee depends on route and must be confirmed with the admissions or finance team. - Books for curriculum activities are included in tuition; books for extra-curricular activities may incur an additional charge. Examination fees or specific assessment charges are shown as separate where applicable. Refund information and withdrawal charges - Registration fee refund: registration fee is refundable for new students if parents provide written notification at least two weeks prior to the start of the new academic year. - Re-registration refund: the re-registration fee is refundable if parents provide written notification on or before 30 June. Re-registration fees are non-transferable to another child. - Tuition refund/retention on early withdrawal: if a student attends only part of the first week of a term and then discontinues without sufficient written notice, the school may retain up to 5% of the annual tuition fee. If a student attends from one week up to three weeks in a term, the school will retain the value of one full month of tuition. If attendance is over three weeks up to six weeks in a term, the school will retain the value of two full months of tuition. If attendance is over six weeks in a term, the school will retain the full term fee. Fee payment options and practical details - Accepted payment methods: online payment link, bank transfer, cheque, and credit card. Cash payments are not accepted. For returned cheques, parents are liable for bank charges. - Instalment plans: 0% installment plans are offered through participating credit cards from partner banks (examples listed include FAB, ADIB and ENBD) to allow families to spread payments monthly. Specific card and plan availability should be confirmed with the finance office. Notes and exclusions - Founding discount: a founding discount of AED 4,000 is shown and applied in the presented tuition figures. ADEK-approved fees and the discounted tuition are shown in the fee schedule. Tuition and policy details are presented for the academic year as shown in the school's official fee schedule and fee policy documents.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is compulsory: students must wear full and correct uniform in school and while travelling to and from school, including during after‑school activities. Lanyards with student IDs must be worn at all times; shirts should be properly sized, ties must be worn, and black leather shoes are required. PE kit and jewellery rules are specified (no trainers for standard wear; earrings are restricted; hair must be natural and tied back as required).	Uniform requirement Uniforms are compulsory for all students and must be worn during the school day and while traveling to and from school. Uniforms can be purchased at Magrudy's Forsan Central Mall or ordered online from August 1, 2024. The uniform uses grey and navy items with year-group variations and includes house shirts for inter-house activities; PE kit is required for physical education.
Food options	Food options Food is provided by Slices, the school food provider. A cashless system is used; students use a Slices Card to purchase meals, with credit topped up by parents through the GEMS Connect application. Slices offers fresh, wholesome and nutritious meals, and there is a Slices Parent Café for parents and visitors.	Food options The campus provides on-site dining facilities, including a Primary Dining area, a Secondary Dining area, and a Parents Café. The site provides these dining spaces but does not specify menu items or dietary accommodations.
House system	House system The school operates a house system with House Captains as part of Student Leadership. The PE kit includes a house t‑shirt, indicating house identity in activities and competitions.	House system A house system exists, indicated by the inclusion of House Shirts in the uniform. The site does not provide details on house names or the specific activities or competitions associated with the houses.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of the GEMS Education group, operating under the GEMS Founders brand. Governance and ownership are linked to GEMS Education, with the Founders network described as part of the broader GEMS group.	Governance and ownership Noya British School is part of the Aldar Schools network and described as being in the Aldar family, indicating ownership by Aldar Education.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details GEMS Founders School – Masdar City follows the British National Curriculum (National Curriculum for England) from Foundation Stage through Secondary (FS1 to Year 9), with English as the language of instruction. Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2) emphasizes play-based learning to develop early numeracy, literacy, motor skills and self-esteem. Primary covers Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, building foundational knowledge across subjects in an engaging, inquiry-led environment. Secondary (Year 7–Year 9) delivers core subjects—English, Mathematics, Science—plus Arabic (for Arabic speakers and non-Arabic speakers), UAE Social Studies, Moral Education, and Islamic Studies for Muslim students, together with specialist subjects such as Computing, History and Geography, French, PSHE, Physical Education, Art and Music, under a Design Thinking approach. The curriculum is designed to align with GCSE standards to prepare learners for Key Stage 4, with progression guidance and options discussed as they approach secondary transition.	Curriculum details Noya British School delivers the English National Curriculum across the Foundation Stage and primary years, with a phased expansion into secondary covering Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2), the curriculum follows the UK EYFS framework and incorporates a Reggio Emilia-inspired, emergent-plan approach. The Primary Years (Key Stage 1 and 2, Years 1–6) include core subjects such as English, Arabic (specialist), Maths, Science, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, plus foundation subjects like Geography, History, Art, Design and Technology, Computing, and a strong emphasis on Creative and Performing Arts and Specialist Physical Education. Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) offers English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Humanities (History, Geography), Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish or Arabic), Physical Education, Music, Art and Drama, with Design and Technology and ICT, all taught within the High Performance Learning (HPL) framework. Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) prepares students for IGCSE examinations, continuing the HPL approach and incorporating leadership, careers guidance and holistic development.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning GEMS Founders School Masdar City is committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of its pupils and staff, with a supportive and caring ethos. The school aims to create a positive atmosphere and a sense of belonging so students feel valued and supported by staff and peers. It recognises the importance of safety in the digital world for emotional wellbeing and teaches students to recognise and manage emotions and resolve conflicts. The Be healthy, Stay safe, Enjoy and achieve, Make a positive contribution, and Achieve economic and mental health well-being framework guides its wellbeing aims. Counsellors are available to all students, staff and parents to help with mental health concerns or crises. The wellbeing provision is described in the GFA Wellbeing policy 2024-25.	Social & emotional learning The school follows a positive education approach with wellbeing at the heart of its ethos, and a School Counsellor supports students' emotional development across year groups.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) GEMS Founders School Masdar City provides a broad and balanced curriculum with planning that starts from the National Curriculum to meet the needs of individuals and groups of learners. The school identifies and supports learners with additional learning needs (ALN), including English as an Additional Language Learners (EAL), Lower Ability, learners with ‘special needs', More Able, and Gifted and Talented. Admission is not conditional on gender, race, disability or SEN, provided the school can meet the needs of the child. Any student with ALN identified after admission is coordinated by the Head of Inclusion, with assessments and screenings guiding amendments to programmes. The school requires sharing of full details of any SEN, IEPs and related reports to ensure appropriate assessment and resourcing, and it maintains an effective transition process for those without a formal diagnosis. The Inclusion Policy English 2025-26 and related policies outline a rights-based, graduated approach to ALN, with appointed Head of Inclusion and dedicated coordinators for multilingual learners and for gifted/talented provision.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school indicates it supports SEND and EAL, with staff bios noting experience in supporting these groups, but the specific SEN categories and whether there is a dedicated SEN department are not listed.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language EAL learners are explicitly identified as a group within the Inclusion policy. The school identifies and supports EAL learners through screening and referrals coordinated by the Head of Inclusion. EAL is listed alongside other ALN groups such as Gifted and Talented and More Able in the inclusive education approach. There is allowance for language exemptions to provide additional learning time for subjects of interest or ability when beneficial. The policy also designates separate staff to coordinate multilingual learners and to coordinate provision for gifted and/or talented learners. These arrangements are documented in the Inclusion Policy English 2025-26 and related governance.	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language support is indicated by staff bios describing experience with EAL pupils.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing GEMS Founders School Masdar City is committed to emotional health and wellbeing for pupils and staff, with an emphasis on a healthy, safe and happy environment. The approach promotes a sense of belonging where every student feels valued and supported by staff and peers. It includes teaching students to recognise and manage emotions and to resolve conflicts to support emotional wellbeing. Promoting a healthy lifestyle—physical activity, sleep, healthy eating, and time management—is integral to mental wellbeing. Counsellors are available to all students, staff and parents to assist with mental health concerns or crises. A Wellbeing Policy for 2024-25 is published and implemented.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported by a School Counsellor who provides a safe, confidential space to support students' emotional development.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding at GEMS Founders School Masdar City prioritises safety and wellbeing, with identification and access control requiring all visitors to sign in and wear an identification badge. Visitors must conduct themselves in accordance with child protection, confidentiality and rights policies. Child protection policies align with Abu Dhabi regulations to ensure safeguarding of all students. A designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and deputy leads are available to respond to concerns, and concerns can be reported via an online form. The school provides safeguarding resources including the ADEK and GEMS safeguarding policy documents. Safeguarding is described as everyone's responsibility.	Safeguarding Safeguarding is central, with a dedicated safeguarding team and policies aligned with international best practices, including online safety.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview GEMS Founders School – Masdar City occupies a purpose-built campus designed to support a British curriculum. The facilities cover academic spaces, creative spaces, and student services in a single site. Key academic spaces include laboratories, computer labs, food tech labs, and makerspaces, with libraries serving Early Years, Primary, and Senior students and a Sixth Form/Study Hall. A dedicated music and drama area and art rooms support creativity, alongside a SEN department with tailored spaces. The campus also offers extensive sports and outdoor facilities, including two football fields, a primary/senior sports complex, and outdoor learning areas.	Facilities overview The campus offers extensive facilities across academic, sports and leisure spaces. It includes indoor and outdoor play areas, a primary and secondary library, and a range of specialist teaching spaces. The school features dedicated science, ICT, art and performing arts facilities, plus dining and common areas for students and families. Outdoor facilities include a full-sized football pitch and shaded courts, complemented by rooftop courts and multiple sports halls. There are spaces for reading, collaboration and social interaction, including a Parents Café and a covered outdoor atrium.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Sports facilities include a primary sports hall and a senior sports hall/MPH for indoor activities. The campus has two football fields and four MUGA courts for basketball, netball, and volleyball, enabling a range of team sports. Outdoor learning spaces and FS/Primary outdoor play areas provide additional space for physical education and recreation.	Sports facilities The sports facilities include an indoor primary sports hall and an indoor multipurpose sports hall with a stage and retractable auditorium seating for basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton. There are shaded multipurpose courts and rooftop multipurpose courts for additional sports, including basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton. A full-sized artificial football pitch supports outdoor football training and matches. A shaded outdoor primary swimming pool provides aquatic activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic facilities include dedicated laboratories for science, computer labs, and food tech labs, plus makerspaces to foster hands-on projects. Three libraries serve Early Years, Primary, and Senior students, supporting reading and research across the age range, with a separate Sixth Form/Study Hall for independent study. Art rooms and a music and drama space support creative and performing arts as part of the curriculum. A SEN department provides tailored spaces and resources to support inclusive learning.	Academic facilities FS Reading Room, Primary Library and Secondary Library support reading and research. Primary Science Laboratory and eight Secondary Science Laboratories provide science facilities. Primary ICT/Mac Suite and Primary Digital Technology Laboratory, plus Secondary ICT/Mac Suite and Secondary Digital Technology Laboratory, support technology-enabled learning. Two Secondary Art Rooms support art education.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Creative facilities support extracurricular programs, including music and drama spaces and art rooms where students can engage in performances and visual arts outside class time. Makerspaces and outdoor learning environments offer opportunities for hands-on projects beyond the standard curriculum.	Extra curricular facilities Extra-Curricular Activities are delivered exclusively in partnership with Infinite Sports. Wrap-around care is available from 6.30am until 5.30pm. ECAs run Monday to Thursday, with competitive sports coaching and development squads available. The ECA program includes Football, Rugby, Swimming, Ballet, Gymnastics, Music, Robotics, Drama, Scrapbook, Arts & Crafts and Dance. Holiday camps are offered for extended learning. The ECA program is refreshed each term.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History GEMS Founders School – Masdar City opened in September 2024 in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, as the first Founders school in the emirate. The campus is a net-zero energy design with extensive solar panels and sustainable features, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. GEMS Education owns and operates the school, which extends the Founders brand that includes Dubai (2016), Al Mizhar (2018), and Dubai South (2024). Initially, the school offered the National Curriculum for England for FS1 to Year 8, with Year 9 admissions opened for the 2025-26 academic year. The opening and development of GFA were announced in 2023 as part of GEMS Education's expansion of the Founders network into Abu Dhabi.	History Aldar Education officially launched Noya British School on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on December 6, 2023. It was established as the flagship greenfield school within the Aldar Schools segment to deliver the English National Curriculum in a purpose-built campus. The inaugural cohort was planned to begin in September 2024, initially welcoming students from FS1 to Year 6, with growth to Year 13 in subsequent years. The campus is located on North Yas Island near The Sustainable City and Yas Acres, and features facilities such as science and technology laboratories and two swimming pools. The development aligns with Aldar Education's broader portfolio and regulatory oversight, including ADEK guidelines and ongoing expansion plans.
Community	Community The school hosts a diverse international community with 84 nationalities represented; about 30% Emirati and 90% of students speak English as an additional language. Inclusion and sustainability are central to the community, with inclusion embedded in decision-making and teaching and a focus on environmental stewardship across the curriculum. The school supports student leadership opportunities and encourages leadership across year groups. There is an active GEMS Alumni Network that connects current students with graduates from the GEMS family.	Community Noya British School emphasizes inclusion and parental engagement as core elements of its community. The Parental Engagement program uses the Dojo digital portfolio, and it holds regular parent workshops and three formal parents' evenings, supported by an open-door policy for ongoing conversations with teachers. The school hosts community events such as Family Fun Day and Open Days, providing opportunities to meet leadership and learn about enrolment. Sustainability and community partnerships are a core part of the school's identity, with collaborations through The Alliance for Sustainable Schools and alignment with local agencies to promote environmental initiatives.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Parental involvement is positioned as essential at GEMS Founders School – Masdar City, with parents viewed as essential partners in their children's education. The school provides resources for parents, including an academic calendar, weekly newsletters, and GFA Parent Handbooks. A channel labeled Parents Voice exists to collect parent input as part of the school's partnership model. Public pages publish safeguarding policies, transport arrangements, uniforms, and other policies to help families navigate school life. The school hosts family-facing events such as Open Days and campus tours to engage current and prospective families.	Parent teacher association Noya British School does not publish a separate PTA; instead it runs a Parental Engagement program that serves as the PTA-like channel for family involvement. The program uses the Dojo digital portfolio to give parents direct access to their child's learning progress. There are three formal parents' evenings each year, and an open-door policy invites regular conversations with teachers. Termly class assemblies are scheduled to share student work and classroom life with families. The program includes parent workshops, information sessions, and opportunities to engage with leadership during on-site events such as Family Fun Day. Open Days and enrolment events provide additional occasions for families to meet staff, students, and the leadership team.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers a British Curriculum taught in an international context, with the UAE Ministry of Education syllabus incorporated into the structure. The Foundation Stage follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS). The Primary curriculum follows the National Curriculum for England and uses a cross-curricular, skills-based approach. The Secondary School follows the National Curriculum for England, with a Design Thinking approach to learning and preparation for Key Stage 4.	Academic & intellectual The Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) programme is delivered in partnership with Infinite Sports. Robotics is offered as part of ECA to support STEM learning and hands-on problem solving. The programme includes creative arts, performing arts and innovation-focused activities to foster critical thinking and creativity. ECAs run Monday to Thursday, and Infinite Sports also runs holiday camps; wrap-around care is available from 6:30am to 5:30pm.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art and Music are part of the curriculum, with Art and Music listed as Foundation Subjects in Primary and as Specialist Subjects in Secondary. The school also offers enrichment through Extra-curricular Activities that extend learning beyond the classroom.	Arts & creative The ECA includes Music, Drama, Ballet, Arts & Crafts and Dance. These activities provide opportunities for performing and visual arts beyond the core curriculum. The programme supports creative expression and collaboration among students through after-school sessions. ECAs run Monday to Thursday, with holiday camps available.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English is a core subject in Primary and Secondary. Arabic is offered as Arabic (for Arabic Speakers) and Arabic (for non-Arabic Speakers). Islamic Studies is provided for Muslim students, and French is offered as a Specialist Subject in Secondary. UAE Social Studies is also included in the curriculum.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Wellbeing and personal development are integrated across the curriculum. In Primary and Secondary, students have opportunities for leadership roles and external projects. PSHE and other wellbeing-related provisions are part of the program, supporting social and emotional development.	Social & hobbies Scrapbook and Arts & Crafts provide outlets for personal hobbies and creative expression after school. Dance and Music clubs support teamwork, communication and social interaction beyond class time. The ECA schedule runs Monday to Thursday, with holiday camps available and wrap-around care from 6:30am to 5:30pm.
Community & service	Community & service The school holds accreditations including The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS), The Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS) and British School Overseas (BSO), reflecting its focus on sustainability, wellbeing and international standards.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The curriculum uses a Design Thinking approach in learning, and there are leadership opportunities and access to guidance from school counsellors and subject leads for progression planning, including GCSE pathways. Information evenings and one-to-one guidance support students as they prepare for options ahead.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is a central focus, with a supportive ethos that values mental and emotional health. The curriculum includes Physical Education and other activities designed to promote physical health and overall wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport-based ECAs include Football, Rugby and Swimming, along with other physical activities that promote fitness and teamwork. The ECA programme emphasises wellbeing through physical activity, confidence-building and balanced development. ECAs run Monday to Thursday, and wrap-around care is available from 6:30am to 5:30pm, with holiday camps offered.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision English is taught as a core subject using the Ready Steady Write programme to develop reading, writing, speaking and listening. The Arabic curriculum is specialist and follows UAE Ministry of Education National Standards; specialist teachers lead lessons up to five times per week, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, listening and syntax for native and non-native Arabic speakers.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1 – Online Application: Complete the Online Student Enquiry & Registration. After submitting the form, you receive an acknowledgement with an online reference number and guidance on the following steps. This starts your child's admissions journey. Step 2 – Assessment: Your child will be invited by the School Registrar for an assessment or an interview via email notification or phone. Results are notified by email or by phone. Observations are used for Foundation Stage 1 and 2 (FS1 and FS2); written assessments for Year 1 and Year 2; and CAT4 with written assessments for Year 3 to Year 8. Step 3 – Enrolment: The Registrar sends offer letters to successful applicants, subject to seat availability. Families review the offer details and proceed to the next step in the process. The offer indicates a potential place at GEMS Founders School – Masdar City, pending completion of the subsequent steps. Step 4 – Registration Deposit: The deposit is payable after the student has been offered a place and parents have accepted the offer. The registration deposit is 5% of the total tuition fees and is non-refundable. The deposit is deductible from the total tuition fees for the academic year. Once the above process is completed the student is enrolled. Parents will be notified via email the schedule of tuition fee payment, by the Finance department. Step 5 – Required Documents: The minimum documents include passport copies for the child and both parents, residency visa pages, and a copy of the child's birth certificate (in English or Arabic). Recent passport photographs and the child's immunization/vaccination card, plus Emirates ID copies for the child and both parents, are required. Original Emirates IDs are required if the child is accepted. Copies of the child's last two school reports are required for Year 1-2; last two years' reports and CAT4 for Year 3+; nursery reports for FS1/FS2 if available; and a transfer certificate or leaving certificate. Step 6 – Transfer Certificate Guidelines: The transfer certificate must be on official school letterhead and include the full name, date of birth, enrollment date and the year group when the child first started at the current school, present class, year promoted to, school curriculum, and the principal's signature and stamp. If transferring from a GCC country or another UAE emirate, the transfer certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Education. Countries outside the UAE (including but not limited to the USA, Australia, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, and New Zealand) require attestation from Educational Authorities, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the UAE Embassy. Within Abu Dhabi, transfer is online through eSIS once a seat is confirmed. Step 7 – For Existing Students: Re-Registration Deposit: Re-registration deposits apply when existing students re-enrol for the following academic year. The re-registration deposit is 5% of the total tuition fees and is non-refundable, and it is deductible from the total tuition fees. The Finance department provides the schedule of tuition payments by email. Step 8 – For Existing Students: Transfer Certificates and Overseas Applications: Students in Year 1 and above must submit a Transfer Certificate/School Leaving Certificate; this is a mandatory requirement by ADEK for eligibility to enter a classroom. The Transfer Certificate should state the student's name, age, the year the student was promoted to by the end of the previous academic year, the current year, and the curriculum, and it must be stamped by the school and signed by the Principal/Vice Principal. The Transfer Certificate may be in Arabic or English and must be attested as required by the origin country; for Abu Dhabi, attestation rules apply and eSIS will transfer the file online once a seat is confirmed.	Admissions 1. Enrollment window and scope. Enrollment is currently open from FS1 to Year 10, reflecting the grades for which applications are being accepted now. For academic year 2025-2026, admissions are open from Nursery (FS1) to Year 8, with a natural growth commencing September 2026 to Year 13. The school operates under the English National Curriculum. 2. Enquiry submission and tour scheduling. Submit your enquiry online; a Parent Relations Executive will respond within 2 working days to assist you. 3. Application submission. Submit your completed application; the Admissions Team will be in touch within 2 working days and will guide you through the next steps. They will inform you of any documents required and next steps for assessment. 4. Offer after assessment. Within 2 working days of a successful assessment, you will receive an offer of a place at the school. If you are offered a place, you can accept the offer and begin the enrollment process. 5. Enrollment. After you accept the offer and pay the registration fee, you will be enrolled and will receive further communications about fees and start dates. 6. Payment options. The school offers 0% payment plans through partner banks to spread the cost of tuition.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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