The British International School Abu Dhabi vs The British School Al Khubairat

	T The British International School Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	T The British School Al Khubairat Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 54,204 - 76,952	Fees / year AED 45,560 - 74,560
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,000	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The British International School Abu Dhabi is located on the Abu Dhabi mainland, behind Abu Dhabi University. The postal address is PO Box 60968, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and the physical address is Behind Abu Dhabi University. The school is about 30 minutes from the city centre and 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport.	Location The British School Al Khubairat is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It sits on Airport Road (18th Street), behind car showrooms, a short drive from Abu Dhabi's City Centre. The campus is easily accessible from central Abu Dhabi via major routes and is positioned in the Al Mushrif area.
Stages	Stages Early Years (ages 3-5); Primary (ages 5-11); Secondary (ages 11-16); Senior School (ages 16-18).	Stages The school serves ages 3 to 18, from Foundation Stage/Nursery to Year 13. The Primary section runs from the Early Years through Year 6, the Secondary section covers Years 7 to 11, and the Sixth Form comprises Years 12 and 13.
School type	School type The school is co-educational and internationally focused, serving Nursery through Senior School. It operates as a day school (boarding facilities are DAY).	School type The British School Al Khubairat is a co-educational, not-for-profit British-curriculum day school. It operates as an all-through school with a long-standing emphasis on inclusive, community-based education.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The BIS Abu Dhabi community represents more than 95 nationalities; total student body is around 2,500. The most common nationality is not publicly published, and the school emphasizes a diverse international population with families from over 90 countries.	Pupil nationality mix Pupil nationality mix includes representation from over 50 nationalities; the most common nationality is British, with a local-to-international student ratio typically around 1:8.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and an Additional Educational Needs (AEN) team that creates tailored learning programmes for students who need extra support. Assessment during admissions may identify learning needs, and some ALN support may incur additional costs.	Additional learning support Additional learning support is provided through Inclusion. In Primary, the Inclusion department includes three qualified SEN teachers supported by a team of Inclusion Assistants.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United Kingdom; The school follows the English National Curriculum alongside Cambridge IGCSE, IBDP, and the BTEC programmes.	Country affiliation Country affiliation: United Arab Emirates, with British-curriculum delivery (National Curriculum for England and Wales) adapted for the UAE; the school has historical links to the UK, including patronage by the British Ambassador to the UAE.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is stated.	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation: None stated; the school is presented as a secular, British-curriculum institution in the UAE.
School day structure	School day structure The school day commonly runs from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays. The school office hours are 7:40 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to Thursday, and 7:40 am to 12:30 pm on Fridays; students finish at 3:00 pm Monday to Thursday and at 12:00 pm on Fridays.	School day structure The school week runs Sunday to Friday. An after-school co-curricular programme runs from 2:45 pm to 4:45 pm for Years 3–13. Timings for the regular school day vary by year group, with typical start times around 7:25–7:40 am and end times around 2:20–2:35 pm according to published schedules. There is a lunch break during the day.
Bus service details	Bus service details BIS Abu Dhabi runs a bus service covering the main residential areas of Abu Dhabi. The annual bus fee is 8,000 AED; Autumn Term 3,200 AED; Spring Term 2,400 AED; Summer Term 2,400 AED. One-way journeys are 6,300 AED annually, with term costs of 2,520 AED (Autumn), 1,890 AED (Spring), and 1,890 AED (Summer).	Bus service details The STS Group is the official school bus service provider for BSAK, with a wide Abu Dhabi network of routes (e.g., Reem Island, Khalidiya, Khalifa City A, Yas Island, Al Raha Beach). The annual bus fee is AED 8,000, paid through the school's arrangements, and registration is via the STS portal after confirmation of routes.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Registration / Application Fee - A non-refundable registration fee of 5% of the tuition is required to secure a place for new students. This registration fee is deducted from the tuition fees once the student takes up their place. The registration fee is non-refundable if the student does not take the offered place or attends for less than the first full week. Tuition fees (Academic year 2025–2026) — full annual and term breakdown (currency: AED) - Nursery: Annual AED 54,204. Autumn term (Aug–Dec, 4 months) AED 21,682. Spring term (Jan–Mar, 3 months) AED 16,261. Summer term (Apr–Jul, 3 months) AED 16,261. - FS2 (Reception): Annual AED 56,090. Autumn term AED 22,436. Spring term AED 16,827. Summer term AED 16,827. - Years 1–5: Annual AED 68,259. Autumn term AED 27,304. Spring term AED 20,478. Summer term AED 20,478. - Years 6–11: Annual AED 69,881. Autumn term AED 27,952. Spring term AED 20,964. Summer term AED 20,964. - Years 12–13: Annual AED 76,952. Autumn term AED 30,781. Spring term AED 23,086. Summer term AED 23,086. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are charged evenly and presented on the basis of a ten-month school year. - Invoices may be issued on either an annual or a termly basis according to parental preference; invoices are payable in full by the stated due date. - For mid-term starters or leavers, fees are charged as follows: attendance up to three weeks = one month's tuition; attendance over three weeks up to six weeks = two months' tuition; attendance over six weeks = full term charge. Part of a week counts as a full week; official holidays and absences are included in this calculation. - Consequences of continued non-payment include a series of warning notices, possible suspension in line with ADEK guidelines, and the school's right to withhold examination report cards, transfer certificates and re-registration until outstanding dues are settled. Parents who have difficulty meeting due dates are asked to contact the school to discuss options. Re-enrolment fee and refund conditions - A re-enrolment fee of AED 2,500 is payable at the start of Term 3 to confirm a pupil's place for the following academic year; this amount is fully credited toward Term 1 fees of the next school year. - In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the re-enrolment fee will be refundable if the school receives notice of 30 days or more from day 1 of Term 1 of the new academic year. The registration fee for new joiners remains non-refundable where the student does not take the offered place or attends for less than the first full week. Sibling discount - A sibling discount is available: 7.5% for the fourth child and 10% for the fifth child. Optional transport (bus) fees - Return journey: Annual AED 8,000. Autumn term AED 3,200. Spring term AED 2,400. Summer term AED 2,400. - One-way journey: Annual AED 6,300. Autumn term AED 2,520. Spring term AED 1,890. Summer term AED 1,890. - Bus service registration is managed via the school bus service request form or the transport supplier; transport charges are subject to the same invoicing and payment terms as tuition. Examination fees and other additional charges - IGCSE (Years 10 & 11) and IB Diploma (Years 12 & 13) examination fees are not included in the tuition and are charged separately by the external examination boards; these fees are typically confirmed between September and November each year. - School uniforms are purchased at additional cost from Zaks Uniforms. Additional costs may apply for certain individual learning support services, some co-curricular activities, trips and other optional extras. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable for this school; there are no boarding fees listed in the published fee schedule for the 2025–2026 academic year. Fee payment platforms and common payment methods - Fee payments are processed through the school's digital payment route: payments were taken via the Parent App until 12 June 2025 and, after that date, fee payments run through Zenda for Apple and Android devices. Registration fee payments are taken via a payment link. - Zenda is a widely used school payment platform that supports online payments by debit/credit card and bank transfer for schools that use it; where Zenda is used by a school, parents commonly have the option to pay by card or by bank transfer through the Zenda interface. Summary of principal fee items (currency AED) - Registration fee (new joiners): 5% of tuition (amounts shown by year group; examples: Nursery AED 2,710; Years 1–5 AED 3,412; Years 12–13 AED 3,847). - Annual tuition (examples): Nursery AED 54,204; FS2 AED 56,090; Years 1–5 AED 68,259; Years 6–11 AED 69,881; Years 12–13 AED 76,952. Autumn/Spring/Summer term splits are provided above. - Re-enrolment fee: AED 2,500 (credited to Term 1 next year). - Bus (optional): Return AED 8,000 annual / One-way AED 6,300 annual. (End of fees overview.)	Fee details Tuition fees (per annum and per term by year group) - Nursery (FS1 – Core Day): AED 45,560 per year. Autumn term AED 15,188; Spring term AED 15,186; Summer term AED 15,186. - Nursery (FS1 – Extended Day) and Reception (FS2): AED 51,410 per year. Autumn term AED 17,138; Spring term AED 17,136; Summer term AED 17,136. - Year 1 to Year 6: AED 55,520 per year. Autumn term AED 18,508; Spring term AED 18,506; Summer term AED 18,506. - Year 7 to Year 9: AED 71,810 per year. Autumn term AED 23,938; Spring term AED 23,936; Summer term AED 23,936. - Year 10 to Year 11: AED 74,560 per year. Autumn term AED 24,854; Spring term AED 24,853; Summer term AED 24,853. - Year 12 to Year 13: AED 74,560 per year. Autumn term AED 24,854; Spring term AED 24,853; Summer term AED 24,853. - Textbooks and materials are not charged in addition to tuition. External examination entry costs are payable by parents/guardians. Application, registration and re-registration fees - Application fee: AED 250 (including VAT). This fee is charged at time of submission, is non-refundable and non-transferable, and is charged to all new applicants. Subsequent applications are not charged. - Registration fee for new students: up to a maximum of 5% of the annual tuition fee to guarantee a place; payable in advance and offset against the full term fees when the student joins. - Re-registration fee for continuing students: AED 2,000 per child (capped at AED 4,000 per family), payable in advance by May 1 each academic year; this is offset against the Autumn term fees. The school may retain registration or re-registration fees in the circumstances described in the school's policy. Billing schedule and payment terms - Academic year structure: three terms (Autumn, Spring, Summer). Tuition fees are normally payable in three termly instalments. Autumn instalment is due two weeks before the first day of the term; Spring and Summer instalments are due on or before the first day of each term. Monthly instalment plans of up to 10 payments may be arranged if supported by direct debit. An invoice is issued two weeks before the end of the preceding term (or as described in the policy). - Invoices are issued in AED and are tax compliant. Invoices are payable in full by cash, direct debit, or bank transfer to the school's current account. Payment by cheque, credit card, foreign cheque/draft or foreign currency notes is not accepted. Receipts will be issued for all payments. - Bank transfer details for telegraphic transfer (use for AED payments to the school's account): - Bank Name: Standard Chartered Bank - Bank Address: Standard Chartered Bank, P.O Box 241, Abu Dhabi, UAE - Account Name: AL KHUBAIRAT COMMUNITY SCHOOL (THE BRITISH SCHOOL AL KHUBAIRAT) - Account Number: 01-2431685-01 - IBAN: AE240440000001243168501 - SWIFT CODE: SCBLAEADXXX. Refunds, leavers and new joiners policy - If a student is offered admission after the start of a term, fees are calculated pro-rata according to attendance in the term: - 7 weeks and over attendance within the term: full term fees payable (no refund). - 4 to 6 weeks attendance: 20% of annual fees payable (equivalent to 2 months). - 2 to 3 weeks attendance: 10% of annual fees payable (equivalent to 1 month). - Up to 1 week attendance: up to 5% of annual fees payable. - When a parent/guardian withdraws a student permanently, six weeks' written notice is required. Refunds (if applicable) are calculated in the same manner above in accordance with ADEK regulations and the school's fees policy. The value of one month's tuition is calculated by dividing the total annual tuition by 10 months. Fee discounts are not given for multiple children. Late payment and consequences - Any unpaid amount after the invoice due date is considered outstanding. The school applies a schedule of reminders and sanctions for overdue tuition, including reminders at 15 days, then further reminders and possible measures such as short-term suspension (up to 3 days), withholding of reports or transfer documents, and potential withdrawal of a place for the following academic year, in line with ADEK regulations. Payments received are allocated in a defined order (arrears first, then eldest child, etc.). Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed as a service or fee for The British School Al Khubairat; no boarding fees apply. Other charges and optional fees - External examination fees: charged per subject according to the awarding body and include an additional administration fee; these are payable by parents. Sample fee schedules for GCSE, IGCSE, AS and A Levels and BTEC entries are published with the individual exam fees (exam board fees in GBP plus an internal administration charge). - Transportation (school bus) fees: charged in three termly instalments; pro-rata calculations and refunds are applied when joining or leaving the service mid-term. Transportation fees are due two weeks from the date of invoice and bus service may be interrupted for non-payment. - Extracurricular activities: some optional activities (including paid instrumental tuition and certain trips or external activities) carry separate charges and are invoiced, normally in three termly instalments; such fees are due two weeks from the invoice date and may be non-refundable once consent has been given and arrangements made. - Uniforms: school uniform is supplied via the school's uniform shop and/or external provider; parents/guardians are required to purchase uniforms directly from the provider and make payments to that supplier. The school does not process uniform payments. - Board exam administration fees and other administrative charges related to examinations are charged in addition to awarding body fees. These exam-related charges are due two weeks from the date of invoice. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods: cash, direct debit, or bank transfer to the school's AED account. Monthly instalments (up to 10) can be arranged via direct debit. Cheques, credit cards, foreign cheques/drafts and foreign currency notes are not accepted. A receipt will be provided for all payments. Notes on what is charged separately - The most common separate charges are: application fees, registration/re-registration, transportation, examination entry and administration fees, some extracurricular activities (including musical instrument lessons), uniforms (bought from the supplier), and any approved trips or extra services.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is required for BIS Abu Dhabi students. Uniforms are purchased at an additional cost from Zaks Uniforms.	Uniform requirement BSAK uses a smart dress code that all students wear with pride. The School Uniform Shop is conveniently located next to the Primary Dining Hall and provides uniform essentials. Detailed information about the uniform is available in the BSAK Parent Portal under School Information - Uniform.
Food options	Food options Mahlis Café is on the BIS Abu Dhabi campus and described as a parent café. Details about on-site food options for students, including hot meals, dietary provisions, or snack facilities, are not listed in BIS's admissions materials.	Food options Catering is provided by Food Nation as part of BSAK's food services. The Eat Bright program ensures dishes are prepared in-house with no artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners, preservatives, or trans fats. Online ordering and delivery arrangements were planned to support younger pupils with hot lunch boxes as part of the catering upgrade.
House system	House system From nursery to Year 13, students are automatically enrolled into one of four houses: Elm Lions, Oak Eagles, Willow Sharks, and Ash Dragons. Students participate in inter-house competitions and other house activities, and siblings are placed in the same house.	House system BSAK follows a traditional British House system. Primary has four houses: Cormorant, Dhabi, Falcon, and Oryx; pupils are assigned to a House on entry (Year 1) and family members join the same House. Secondary has six houses: Centaur, Chimera, Hydra, Griffin, Pegasus, and Phoenix; students join in Year 7 and remain in their House through Year 13, with House points and a House Cup awarded.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The British International School Abu Dhabi is part of Nord Anglia Education, a global group of premium international schools. It is governed within the Nord Anglia Education network; BIS Abu Dhabi is described as part of the Nord Anglia family.	Governance and ownership The British School Al Khubairat is governed by a Board of Governors and operates as a not-for-profit institution. Profits are reinvested in the school for the benefit of students, and the school is not part of a for-profit group.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The British International School Abu Dhabi delivers a British and international curriculum across Early Years to Senior School, with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for ages 3–5. From ages 5–11 (Primary), pupils follow the English National Curriculum. In Secondary (11–16), students study towards Cambridge IGCSEs as part of the English National Curriculum. In Years 12–13 (Senior School), students progress to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma. The BISAD Diploma is a school-wide program for Years 1–11 with Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards across categories such as Service, Leadership, Academics, and STEAM. All lessons are taught in English, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support available as needed.	Curriculum details The British School Al Khubairat delivers the English National Curriculum, adapted for the UAE, from Foundation Stage through Year 13. In Primary (EYFS–Year 6) the curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage and England's 2014 National Curriculum, blended with UAE context to foster academic growth and cultural understanding. In Secondary (Year 7–11) students follow the GCSE programme with a published GCSE Roadmap and sit GCSEs in Year 11; in Sixth Form (Year 12–13) there is an extensive range of A Level and vocational courses, including six BTEC diplomas, and the school runs a Scholars Programme for musically talented students.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Total enrollment is around 1,800 students, with senior-year classes typically around 22 and not exceeding 25 in the junior years.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results In 2025, A Level and BTEC results show 142 Sixth Form students took 421 qualifications (375 A Levels and 46 BTEC Diplomas) with 50% of grades A-A and 72% A-B.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Graduates go on to leading universities worldwide.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Scholars Programme (musical) for Years 10–13.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning BIS Abu Dhabi integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) within a holistic wellbeing and pastoral care framework. Student voice drives wellbeing initiatives through the Student Heads Together team, which leads wellbeing projects across the school. Mental Health First Aiders are in place for every year group, and older students are trained as Mental Health Warriors under guidance from Mental Health England resources. The Personal, Social and Moral Education (PSME) programme is embedded across the curriculum to develop relationships, resilience, and responsible citizenship. Wellbeing is central to school life, with mindfulness, age-appropriate physical education, and safeguarding awareness woven into daily routines.	Social & emotional learning Social and emotional learning is central to The British School Al Khubairat's approach to wellbeing. The school uses a Wellbeing Wheel to frame relationships, health, celebration, resilience and engagement. In Primary, Emotional Health and Wellbeing is a core focus to keep children happy, settled and ready to learn. A dedicated Primary Wellbeing Team and a Secondary Wellbeing Team support student welfare across the school. Counselling is available to all students and a licensed Nursing Clinic works with pastoral leads to provide holistic care.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Inclusive Education forms the foundation of BIS Abu Dhabi's approach to Special Educational Needs (SEN). For students with Additional Educational Needs (AEN), a personalised ILP (Individual Learning Plan) is created in collaboration with the student and parents to tailor learning and build trusting staff–student relationships. The curriculum is adapted to meet diverse needs using varied teaching strategies to suit different learning styles. The school describes itself as inclusive rather than presenting itself as a separate specialist SEN institution. Public materials do not enumerate a fixed list of conditions; the emphasis is on individualized support within an inclusive setting.	Special educational needs (SEN) The British School Al Khubairat is described as a mainstream British curriculum school for English-speaking children in Abu Dhabi. Public materials do not specify the types of Special Educational Needs (SEN) the school can support, nor whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution; an Inclusion Policy is publicly listed among the school policies. The school offers an Experienced Counselling service available to all students. The Nursing Clinic operates with qualified nurses and works with pastoral leads to provide holistic care. In the absence of explicit SEN details, the school does not publicly describe itself as a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language All BIS Abu Dhabi lessons are taught in English, and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) team provides extra language support for students who need it. As part of the admissions process, an assessment and language screening determines the level of EAL support required. The EAL provision is described as ongoing support from a dedicated team integrated with classroom teaching. The school states that language support helps students access the curriculum in English. Further specifics about EAL programmes beyond these statements are not published in public materials.	English as an additional language The British School Al Khubairat is described as a school for English-speaking children in Abu Dhabi, indicating that English is the language of instruction. Public materials do not specify a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. There are no publicly listed EAL staff or targeted EAL interventions on the accessible pages. If EAL support exists, it is not publicly disclosed in the available materials. EAL provisions are not publicly documented.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is central to BIS Abu Dhabi's pastoral approach. The wellbeing and safeguarding practices emphasize mental health and resilience support, with mindfulness and physical education woven into daily routines. There are Mental Health First Aiders for every year group, and older students are being trained as Mental Health Warriors through a Peer Assisted Learners programme. Student voice informs wellbeing practice through initiatives such as the Heads Together team and student-led wellbeing projects. More than 92% of students feel their wellbeing is taken seriously, and nearly all report feeling safe with trusted adults to turn to. The school is part of Nord Anglia's network of wellbeing initiatives and global collaborations that support holistic student welfare.	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is a core priority at BSAK and the school has reviewed its wellbeing provision to strengthen support for students. The Wellbeing Wheel frames relationships, health, celebration, resilience and engagement. In Primary, Emotional Health and Wellbeing is a central focus to help children thrive and be ready to learn. A Primary Wellbeing Team and a Secondary Wellbeing Team support student welfare across the school. Counselling is available to all students, and the Nursing Clinic collaborates with pastoral leads to provide holistic care.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is a core focus at BIS Abu Dhabi, with student safety and wellbeing practices highlighted as central to school life. The safeguarding programme includes assemblies on online safety and ongoing professional development for staff led by Heads of Ethos and supported by teachers. Feedback from students and parents drives changes to safeguarding practices, spaces, and routines to create a more connected and safe environment. The safeguarding and wellbeing efforts are framed as part of a whole-school culture, with dedicated safeguarding awareness activities and partnerships within the Nord Anglia network.	Safeguarding The governance page states that safeguarding and child protection are core responsibilities and that the school has a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. The action to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm is described as everyone's responsibility. The Board has a designated Safeguarding Governor. The Policies section lists Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy among the school documents. The school is subject to external inspections, including UK inspection reports and ADEK.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The BIS Abu Dhabi campus is designed for ages 3–18, with purpose-built spaces to support daily learning. The Arts Centre features a 524-seat auditorium, high-tech dance and drama studios, three music suites, and three practice spaces. The sports facilities include an air-conditioned sports hall, indoor swimming pools, a gym, and expansive grass playing fields, with multi-sensory outdoor spaces and an Eco-Edventure area. Academic facilities comprise three libraries stocked with around 15,000 books, a Creative Technology Zone with a Computer Science suite and Design & Technology workspace, a Primary STEAM room, and modern science laboratories enhanced by EdTech. Students benefit from iPads, 3D printers, and robotics equipment, as well as access to Global Campus for cross-campus collaboration; in 2025 BIS Abu Dhabi announced a USD 1.4 million investment to upgrade facilities, including a new Primary Library and upgraded science labs.	Facilities overview The British School Al Khubairat operates on a single campus in Abu Dhabi for students aged 3 to 18. It is the most established British Curriculum School in Abu Dhabi. The school provides extensive facilities to support teaching and learning as well as a broad co-curricular programme. Learning is organised into Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form on site. The school emphasises a wide range of events and activities throughout the year to support student development.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Sport is central to the curriculum, with PE and games supporting a broad co-curricular programme. The school competes in ADISSA and DASSA and participates in international competitions. Football is the most popular sport with over 200 students representing in ADISSA leagues. Rugby, netball, swimming, strength and conditioning, cricket and golf are also offered, with dedicated cohorts and regular fixtures. The BSAK Tri-series Rugby is hosted in November.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Primary curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum for England 2014, adapted to the UAE. The Primary curriculum blends British and UAE curriculum subjects to provide a well-rounded education. Secondary emphasises independent thinking and leadership opportunities, with a wide range of co-curricular activities. The Sixth Form offers A Levels and BTEC pathways, including 24 A Level subjects and 5 BTEC pathways. The school includes an Inclusion Department to support students with additional needs.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The School offers an extensive range of co-curricular activities across Primary and Secondary. There is a wide range of academic, recreational, instrumental, sporting and performing arts activities to choose from each term. In Secondary, activities also include the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Model United Nations (MUN), an impressive range of academic societies and many Trips & Visits. Music, Drama and Art are part of the co-curricular program. Trips & Visits are also a feature of the co-curricular offer.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The British International School Abu Dhabi opened its doors in 2009. Nord Anglia Education officially opened BIS Abu Dhabi on November 2, 2009, after admissions began in September 2009, and the campus sits behind Abu Dhabi University in Khalifa City. The school is owned by Nord Anglia Education Limited. The class of 2013 was the first to follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). In 2025 BIS Abu Dhabi reported an average IBDP score of 34.1 and celebrated a 100% pass rate for its first cohort of the BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma.	History The British School Al Khubairat was founded in 1968 on land donated by the late President of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In 1971, Amiri Decree No. 5 established the school as a legal entity, with governance vested in a Board of Governors that includes appointments by the British Ambassador to the UAE. The school operates as a not-for-profit, embassy-style British school serving the Abu Dhabi community. In 1980 the school moved to purpose-built facilities on Airport Road in Al Mushrif, initially providing primary education. From the late 1990s the school expanded to include a secondary program; the Jubilee Building (years 3–6) opened in 2002, Ruby Building opened in 2012, and a Science and Innovation Centre began construction in 2022 and opened in 2023.
Community	Community The BIS Abu Dhabi family comprises families representing more than 90 nationalities. The school community includes welcome coffee mornings, parent workshops, themed social events, and cultural celebrations to help families connect. The BIS Abu Dhabi Community Group coordinates a year‑round events program, including National, International and House Days. Through the Global Campus learning platform, BIS Abu Dhabi students collaborate with peers in over 30 countries, expanding opportunities for global challenges and cultural exchanges.	Community Friends of BSAK is a group of parents and guardians of current and former students; Their role is to help build and maintain the School community, especially among parents, through involvement in key school events and activities. Membership is free and automatic for those who have registered children at the School. They have four objectives that shape their activities: enable parents to integrate with the School; enable parents to promote the Whole School in the wider community; organise events and activities to enable parents to meet one another; raise funds for the benefit of the School and its students. An unofficial fifth objective is to have fun while doing the other four. The Old Al Khubairat Society (OAKS) alumni network connects graduates with the School and current students, supporting networking, reunions and mentoring.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The BIS Abu Dhabi Community Group functions as the school's parent involvement body, coordinating activities and giving families a formal channel to participate in school life. The group organises events such as Coffee Mornings, Walking Club, Pinktober activities, and regular Parent Out & Abouts. In 2025 BIS Abu Dhabi earned two Parent Partnership Awards in recognition of collaborative parent partnerships, and the ADEK Best Parent Engagement Award for 2024/25. These awards reflect the school's emphasis on listening to families, fostering collaboration, and ensuring parent voices help shape school life.	Parent teacher association Friends of BSAK is the Parents and Guardians association for The British School Al Khubairat, formed to help build and maintain the School community through involvement in key school events and activities. Membership is free and automatic for families with registered children. It has four objectives that shape its activities: enable parents to integrate with the School; enable parents to promote the Whole School in the wider community; organise events and activities to enable parents to meet one another; and raise funds for the benefit of the School and its students. There is an unofficial fifth objective – to have fun while doing the other four. The Old Al Khubairat Society (OAKS) alumni network connects graduates with the School and current students, supporting networking, reunions and mentoring.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school follows the English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), and the BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma. The learning approach is built on six core educational pillars with personalised learning to nurture growth. The STEAM program with MIT and collaborations with UNICEF and The Juilliard School connect classroom learning to real‑world contexts. In 2025, the IBDP average score was 34.1 points, and GCSE results show 52% of students achieving grades 7–9.	Academic & intellectual The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) is a 3 to 18 co-educational British Curriculum school located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The school is the most established British Curriculum School in Abu Dhabi, with a track record of 50 years of academic excellence. The school teaches in English and operates as a non-profit, fee-charging institution for English-speaking children.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Juilliard School collaboration provides high‑quality performing arts education. Facilities include state‑of‑the‑art dance studios, music suites, and an auditorium for performances. The Creative Technology Zone supports arts‑integrated learning across STEAM. Students perform and study with world‑class instrumentalists as part of the program.	Arts & creative Co-curricular life includes a broad range of academic, recreational, instrumental, sporting, and performing arts activities across Primary and Secondary. In Secondary, these activities include the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Model United Nations, academic societies, and Trips & Visits.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The BIS Abu Dhabi community represents families from over 90 nationalities. Arabic is taught as part of the core curriculum, with French, Spanish, and German available as additional languages in IGCSE. Muslim students study Islamic studies as part of the IGCSE program. All lessons are taught in English.	Cultural & language The school runs a variety of language- and culture-related activities through its co-curricular program and wider community events.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies There are close to 200 co‑curricular activities. Activities include building model Formula 1 cars on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track, Harry Potter, British Sign Language, Lego robotics, and basketball clubs. The activities engage diverse interests and encourage teamwork.	Social & hobbies A wide array of after-school clubs and ensembles supports social development, teamwork, and personal interests across age groups.
Community & service	Community & service The school collaborates with UNICEF and participates in Nord Anglia's global Student Summit, focusing on UN SDGs. The BISAD Diploma promotes honesty, kindness and social responsibility, with Personal, Social and Moral Education embedded across the curriculum. Students support local causes, including Ramadan initiatives, beach clean‑ups, and outreach expeditions to Tanzania.	Community & service Trips & Visits provide opportunities for community and global learning, with locally based UAE trips and overseas experiences.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Students have opportunities to develop leadership and professional skills through debates, presentations and Student Council activities. The school supports teacher professional development through the Nord Anglia University platform and partnerships with Evidence Based Education and the UK National College, including ongoing action research and training. A needs‑based professional learning fund supports pathways such as IB training, coaching qualifications, and Mental Health First Aid.	Leadership & professional The school offers leadership and professional development through its co-curricular framework, including student-led ensembles, societies, and event leadership roles.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus features advanced facilities, including dance studios, music suites, science labs, a state‑of‑the‑art auditorium, air‑conditioned sports halls, indoor swimming pools and expansive outdoor fields. Personal, Social and Moral Education is embedded across the curriculum to support wellbeing. A broad range of sports and outdoor activities promotes physical health, resilience, and wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral care is provided by an extensive staff network to support students' emotional and physical wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on community and belonging.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches in English. All teachers are native English speakers. All students follow the English National Curriculum, including Cambridge IGCSEs, before progressing to either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Years 12 and 13.	Language provision Arabic, French and Spanish are core languages. Additional languages include Italian, Greek, Russian, Mandarin, German, Welsh and Dutch, with examinations offered for these languages. The Modern Foreign Languages Department reports strong GCSE and A Level results.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Arabic language immersion is emphasised; the school aims for all students to exit with an Arabic GCSE as part of its Arabic language immersion focus.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Parent partnership and community awards noted under Nord Anglia Education.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The school is judged Outstanding by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) as an English National Curriculum school.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Assessment and language review: Every applicant sits an assessment as part of admissions. Assessments and interviews vary by age and may include class observations, English speaking, writing, and cognitive ability tests. The assessment ensures BIS Abu Dhabi can meet individual learning needs and offer the right blend of challenge and support. English language fluency is important because all lessons are taught in English, and the EAL team provides targeted support. 2. Language of instruction and development: All lessons are taught in English. The EAL team provides support for students who need extra language help. The Modern Foreign Languages program starts in Primary with French from Year 2, and from Year 5 German or Spanish can be added. In Secondary, Year 7 begins with at least one foreign language, with options to continue through IGCSE and into the IB Diploma Programme; in the IB, a Group 2 language is required, pursued at Ab Initio or continuing from IGCSE, reaching the appropriate proficiency levels.	Admissions —
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →