The Cambridge High School vs The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi
The Cambridge High School and The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi are both in Abu Dhabi, about 19 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes. The Cambridge High School also offers EYFS, British and BTEC Qualification, and The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi also offers Bespoke and Advanced Placement (AP). Published annual fees are AED 16,960 - 35,760 at The Cambridge High School and AED 28,740 - 46,460 at The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi, which puts The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi roughly 43% higher. Both take pupils from 4 to 18. The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi is the larger school, with around 6,728 pupils to The Cambridge High School's 1,787. Typical class sizes are 19 at The Cambridge High School and 28 at The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi.
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Curriculum
Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils
Pupils
1,787
Pupils
6,728
Typical class size
Typical class size
19
Typical class size
28
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Arabic
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1988
Opened
1978
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
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Location
The International School of Choueifat – Abu Dhabi is located on Yas Island, Yas East, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The campus relocated to Yas Island and opened at the current site in September 2023. The postal address is P.O. Box 7212, Yas East, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The school serves students aged 4 to 18.
Stages
Stages
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Stages
Kindergarten to Grade 12 (ages 4+ to 18+).
School type
School type
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School type
Non-selective, co-educational, college-preparatory, English-medium day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Special academic support is provided, including placement tests to determine class level; if a student is behind, extra lessons or classes may be offered, and summer school or other options may be available at an additional cost.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
United Arab Emirates
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
—
School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
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Fee details
Application / Registration Fees
- A registration or enrolment fee may be charged on acceptance of an offer. The fee must not exceed 5% of the annual tuition and, when charged, is deductible from the tuition payable.
Annual tuition and per-term amounts (by grade)
Notes: amounts are in AED. Per-term figures are shown as an equal three‑instalment split of the published annual tuition (annual ÷ 3). The published annual tuition and the school's approved additional fees are listed below.
- KG 1 — Annual: AED 21,140; Per term (equal split): AED 7,047. - KG 2 — Annual: AED 21,980; Per term (equal split): AED 7,327. - Grade 1 — Annual: AED 23,250; Per term (equal split): AED 7,750. - Grade 2 — Annual: AED 23,670; Per term (equal split): AED 7,890. - Grade 3 — Annual: AED 24,270; Per term (equal split): AED 8,090. - Grade 4 — Annual: AED 25,120; Per term (equal split): AED 8,373. - Grade 5 — Annual: AED 25,960; Per term (equal split): AED 8,653. - Grade 6 — Annual: AED 27,330; Per term (equal split): AED 9,110. - Grade 7 — Annual: AED 29,540; Per term (equal split): AED 9,847. - Grade 8 — Annual: AED 30,790; Per term (equal split): AED 10,263. - Grade 9 — Annual: AED 32,060; Per term (equal split): AED 10,687. - Grade 10 — Annual: AED 33,760; Per term (equal split): AED 11,253. - Grade 11 — Annual: AED 36,390; Per term (equal split): AED 12,130. - Grade 12 — Annual: AED 37,240; Per term (equal split): AED 12,413.
- Fees must be charged in a minimum of three instalments per ADEK policy; the school's approved fee schedule requires collection across at least three instalments. The registration/enrolment fee (when charged) is deductible from the tuition and must not exceed 5% of the annual tuition. The school is prohibited from taking any additional financial guarantee or deposit from guardians to secure enrolment. - Per-term dates and the exact instalment split are determined by the school's published billing timetable; instalment timing may vary between schools in Abu Dhabi. The school's accounting/finance office handles invoicing and receipting for tuition and additional charges.
Boarding fees
- No boarding provision or boarding fees are included in the approved fee schedule for this campus; the schedule lists day‑school tuition and separate charges (books, transport, uniform).
Refund and deposit rules
- The approved fee schedule specifies that registration fees, when charged, are deductible from tuition but must not exceed 5% of annual tuition, and that schools are not permitted to accept financial guarantees or deposits from guardians for enrolment. No general blanket refund timetable is included in the approved fee schedule itself; specific refund conditions (for example on withdrawal or unused term fees) are managed through the school's published finance or enrolment terms and any ADEK-required guarantee form.
Fee payment options and how payments are made
- Payments are payable to the school's accounting/finance department. Commonly accepted methods at SABIS/ISC campuses include bank transfer, cheque, cash and card payments; specific accepted payment channels and bank details are provided by the school's finance office at billing. Examples of payment instructions and accepted methods are handled at the campus level.
Other notes on costs
- Examination fees (external exam charges for IGCSE, A‑Levels, international tests) are commonly charged separately and are not always included in the published tuition; check grade‑specific exam obligations in the senior years. - Co‑curricular activity charges, specialised programme fees, after‑school clubs, meals and any medical or insurance fees may be additional and are typically listed separately on school invoices. These additional optional costs are not included in the annual tuition figures above unless explicitly listed.
If you require these amounts presented in another currency or arranged in a different instalment example (for instance a 40% / 30% / 30% split), those per‑term figures can be calculated from the annual amounts shown above.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
Uniform is compulsory. Boys wear a plain white shirt (long or short sleeves) with light grey trousers or a plain white polo with light grey trousers; girls wear a plain white blouse with a light grey skirt (below the knee) or grey trousers. SABIS jumpers and cardigans may be worn, but non-SABIS T-shirts must not be worn under them; the PE kit is included. Boys should have a short classical haircut, and girls may not wear makeup or coloured streaks in their hair.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The school is part of the SABIS network.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
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Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
The SABIS Student Life Organization is a student-led body that empowers students to participate in daily school life. It offers academic, social, and emotional benefits for students. Students take on active roles that promote responsibility for their emotional, social, and moral development as individuals and as members of the school community. The program supports leadership, collaboration, and engagement through clubs and activities across the school.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
—
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
The school is an English-medium day school, with instruction delivered in English.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the SABIS Student Life Organization and through clubs and break-time activities that promote social interaction and emotional development. Break-time activities and clubs provide opportunities for students to engage, socialize, and build resilience.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
The school has a Child Protection Policy.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
The campus spans 27,000 square meters in Abu Dhabi. It is a private, English-medium day school fully accredited by the government and international accreditation agencies. Classrooms are spacious and equipped with Interactive Smart Boards. Main facilities include two science labs, four computer labs, a library, music and art rooms, and an auditorium with sound and lighting for presentations. The SABIS Integrated Testing and Learning Hall provides a computerized testing and learning environment. KG facilities include dedicated classrooms, a large playground, an indoor pool, a KG car track, and on-site nurses in modern clinics; there is a bright cafeteria.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
Two swimming pools are on the campus. Outdoor courts are available for a range of sports. A large multipurpose air-conditioned sports hall is on-site. A gymnasium and a ballet room are provided for physical education and performing arts. A full-size soccer field is surrounded by a running track.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
There are two science labs and four computer labs. A library supports study and research, and an auditorium provides space for presentations. All main classrooms are equipped with Interactive Smart Boards. The SABIS Integrated Testing and Learning Hall is a computerized testing and learning center for exams and revision. KG facilities include engaging classrooms, a large playground, an indoor swimming pool, and a special KG car track.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
The SABIS Student Life Organization is at the heart of school life, empowering students to be actively involved and make a difference in their school and community. During School Activities provide opportunities within the school day. After School Activities extend learning beyond class time. Weekend Activities offer additional programs. Regional and International Experiences are available to students.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
The International School of Choueifat – Abu Dhabi is a non-selective, co-educational, college-preparatory, English-medium day school for students aged 4+ to 18+. It is a member of the SABIS network with students representing 58 nationalities. ISC-Abu Dhabi opened in November 1978 in a temporary site and moved to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, in September 2023. Current enrollment is 1600+ students representing 58 nationalities. The campus is located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Community
Community
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Community
The SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) is the heart of the school and a pillar of the SABIS Educational System. SLO works hand in hand with staff to support student life. The school hosts a range of student events such as International Day, Talent Show, and Science Fair, as shown in its media gallery. The student body is diverse, with 58 nationalities represented.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
The SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) at ISC-Abu Dhabi works hand in hand with the staff. SLO raises academic standards and promotes high social and moral values. It develops communication and management skills and involves students in organizing sports and aesthetic activities.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
Arts activities include music concerts and drama/choir performances. Ballet showcases and folk dances are featured in school events. Talent shows and other artistic performances are documented in the media gallery. Students participate in stage productions and music programs.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
The school hosts events celebrating cultures and languages, including International Day and Cultural Day. Students participate in cultural activities such as folk dances and National Day celebrations. The media gallery shows International Day and Cultural Day.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
Students participate in a wide range of clubs and recreational activities, including STEAM clubs, chess tournaments, spelling bees, and trivia games. The SABIS Global STEAM competition involves student teams competing across Choueifat schools. The media gallery features music concerts, talent shows, drama events, and other artistic activities that enrich student life.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
Students engage in environmental and community-service initiatives, including can collection campaigns for recycling. They participate in Go Green campaigns and tree-planting events. The school highlights these activities in the media gallery.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Members of the SLO are appointed by the administration for their competence rather than elected by students. The SLO seeks to raise academic standards, promote social and moral values, develop personality, and cultivate communication and management skills. It also involves students in organizing sports and aesthetic activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
The school supports student wellness through sport and physical activity, including sports days and athletic events. It participates in the SABIS Global Sports Tournament and the ADEK Cup as part of its sports program. The media gallery shows football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, and other sports activities.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
The school uses English as the language of instruction. French is taught as a language (French Language and Culture) and is part of the curriculum. Arabic is taught as a language; Arabic is compulsory for all students from Grades 1 to 9; in Grades 10 to 12, Arabic is compulsory for Arab students and optional for non-Arab students. The SABIS curriculum includes English Language and Composition and French Language and Culture as exam subjects.
