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Al Basma British School

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 21,890 - 43,240
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1511
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 12
Introduction

Al Basma British School is a co‑educational independent all‑through school in Al Bahyah, Abu Dhabi, that follows the English National Curriculum from Foundation Stage through Key Stage 5, serving pupils aged 3–18. English is the language of instruction; the curriculum includes Arabic language, UAE social studies and Islamic education for Muslim students to meet Ministry requirements, and Modern Foreign Languages such as French. The school offers iGCSE and AS/A‑Level programmes and provides IELTS testing and preparation. Published information highlights state‑of‑the‑art primary and secondary buildings with subject‑dedicated laboratories, a STEM club, sports facilities (including football, netball, basketball and swimming) and a programme of enrichment integrated into the school day plus after‑school activities; teams compete in local school leagues and ADEK cups. The school publishes a British Schools Overseas inspection report and states an ADEK rating on its website.

12 Al Houri St, Al Bahyah, Al Bahyah Old, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Al Basma British School has 1,511 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location
Al Basma British School is located in the Al Bahia area of Abu Dhabi, behind Deerfields Mall on Al Houri Street. The surrounding district is residential and well-known locally for its proximity to Deerfields Mall, with good road connections to other parts of Abu Dhabi. The school's address is Behind Deerfields Mall, Al Houri Street, Al Bahia, Old Al Bahya, Abu Dhabi. Transport links and local amenities in the area support families moving to the area.

Stages
The school offers Early Years (FS) through to Year 13, organized into Early Years/Primary and secondary pathways. Its curriculum structure follows the English National Curriculum with Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and Key Stage 5 components. This all-through arrangement supports progression from foundation stages to A-Levels.

Type
Al Basma British School is co-educational and operates as a British international all-through school. It is accredited as a British School Overseas (BSO) and follows the English National Curriculum. Boarding facilities are not indicated as part of the school's offering.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school represents around 61 nationalities. The most common nationality is Emirati, and local (Emirati) and international students are represented in roughly equal shares, about 50% local to 50% international.

Additional learning support
The school has a stated learner support approach, including early identification, Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) for students with significant needs, differentiated instruction, and dedicated learning support specialists. Counseling services and access to external resources are provided as part of the support framework, with a focus on accessibility and regular review in collaboration with parents. This is outlined in the Learner Support policy.

Country affiliation
The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom educational framework as a British School Overseas (BSO) and follows the English National Curriculum. This affiliation is reflected in its core curriculum and inspection status.

Religious affiliation
Islamic Studies are offered for Muslim students to meet UAE Ministry of Education requirements; there is no explicit religious affiliation stated for the school.

School day structure
The school day typically runs from 7:00 am to 3:15 pm, Monday to Thursday, with Friday finishing at 11:45 am. This schedule is posted in public school information.

Bus service
School bus transport is available for families living within a 60-minute bus journey to the school, with spaces and routes offered subject to availability. New admissions and current students must contact the Transport Coordinator to verify route options. Buses are operated under the ITC SALAMA system and include safety features such as seat belts and designated bus numbers; parents must follow drop-off/pick-up procedures. The school Transport Policy provides the full guidance.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Al Basma British School requires a daily uniform as defined in the School Uniform and Staff Dress Code. Uniform items include a polo shirt with the school logo; girls have options including a logo shirt with a skirt/culottes/pinafore or black trousers, and boys wear a logo polo with shorts or long pants, plus a fleece jacket. Year 7–13 wear lab coats for science, PE uses house-colour T-shirts, and swimming kit is specified; UAE nationals may wear blue, white, or black head coverings.

Food Options
ABBS runs a Healthy Eating and Food Safety Policy. The school provides healthy, nutrient-rich food options in the canteen, aligned with ADEK guidelines; it emphasises allergen management and sustainability. External food deliveries are not permitted during school hours.

House System
The uniform policy mentions PE T-shirts in house colours, indicating a house system. The published materials do not list house names or competitive structures.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Governors. The 2023-2024 board includes KK Ashraf (Chair, Managing Director), Arif Ashraf (Chief Operating Officer), Sharon Davis (Principal), Vikki King (Exam Officer), Guy Schooley (Vice Principal Pastoral & Safeguarding Lead), and Amna Al Mansoori (Parent).
Fees

Annual tuition at Al Basma British School ranges from AED 21,890 to AED 43,240 for 2026/27.

Overview of fees (Academic Year 2025–2026)

- The fees published for the current academic year are ADEK‑approved and apply to the 2025–2026 school year.

Application / Registration fees

- There is no separate non‑refundable application fee charged at the time of application. The school does collect a registration or re‑registration fee only when a student is enrolled; that registration/re‑registration fee is deducted from the approved tuition fees and will not exceed 5% of the Council‑approved tuition fee. Registration/re‑registration fees are charged at enrollment, not on application.

Tuition and transport — annual and per‑term breakdown by year group (AED)

- FS1 (Nursery / Pre‑School, age 3–4)
- Annual tuition: AED 21,890. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total if using bus: AED 26,890.
- Term breakdown (tuition + optional bus):
- Term 1 (payable from 10 Aug 2025): Tuition AED 8,756 + Bus AED 2,000.
- Term 2 (payable from 7 Dec 2025): Tuition AED 6,567 + Bus AED 1,500.
- Term 3 (payable from 8 Mar 2026): Tuition AED 6,567 + Bus AED 1,500.

- FS2
- Annual tuition: AED 24,110. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 29,110.
- Term breakdown:
- Term 1: Tuition AED 9,644 + Bus AED 2,000.
- Term 2: Tuition AED 7,233 + Bus AED 1,500.
- Term 3: Tuition AED 7,233 + Bus AED 1,500.

- Year 1
- Annual tuition: AED 26,610. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 31,610.
- Term breakdown:
- Term 1: Tuition AED 10,644 + Bus AED 2,000.
- Term 2: Tuition AED 7,983 + Bus AED 1,500.
- Term 3: Tuition AED 7,983 + Bus AED 1,500.

- Year 2
- Annual tuition: AED 27,840. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 32,840.
- Term breakdown:
- Term 1: Tuition AED 11,136 + Bus AED 2,000.
- Term 2: Tuition AED 8,352 + Bus AED 1,500.
- Term 3: Tuition AED 8,352 + Bus AED 1,500.

- Year 3
- Annual tuition: AED 31,030. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 36,030.
- Term breakdown:
- Term 1: Tuition AED 12,412 + Bus AED 2,000.
- Term 2: Tuition AED 9,309 + Bus AED 1,500.
- Term 3: Tuition AED 9,309 + Bus AED 1,500.

- Year 4
- Annual tuition: AED 32,940. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 37,940.
- Term breakdown:
- Term 1: Tuition AED 13,176 + Bus AED 2,000.
- Term 2: Tuition AED 9,882 + Bus AED 1,500.
- Term 3: Tuition AED 9,882 + Bus AED 1,500.

- Year 5
- Annual tuition: AED 32,940. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 37,940.
- Term breakdown:
- Term 1: Tuition AED 13,176 + Bus AED 2,000. Term 2 & Term 3 split: Tuition AED 9,882 + Bus AED 1,500 each.

- Year 6
- Annual tuition: AED 34,200. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 39,200.
- Term breakdown:
- Term 1: Tuition AED 13,680 + Bus AED 2,000. Term 2: Tuition AED 10,260 + Bus AED 1,500. Term 3: Tuition AED 10,260 + Bus AED 1,500.

- Year 7
- Annual tuition: AED 35,550. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 40,550. Term breakdown: Term 1 Tuition AED 14,220 + Bus AED 2,000; Term 2 Tuition AED 10,665 + Bus AED 1,500; Term 3 Tuition AED 10,665 + Bus AED 1,500.

- Year 8
- Annual tuition: AED 35,860. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 40,860. Term breakdown: Term 1 Tuition AED 14,344 + Bus AED 2,000; Term 2 Tuition AED 10,758 + Bus AED 1,500; Term 3 Tuition AED 10,758 + Bus AED 1,500.

- Year 9
- Annual tuition: AED 37,070. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 42,070. Term breakdown: Term 1 Tuition AED 14,828 + Bus AED 2,000; Term 2 Tuition AED 11,121 + Bus AED 1,500; Term 3 Tuition AED 11,121 + Bus AED 1,500.

- Year 10
- Annual tuition: AED 38,270. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 43,270. Term breakdown: Term 1 Tuition AED 15,308 + Bus AED 2,000; Term 2 Tuition AED 11,481 + Bus AED 1,500; Term 3 Tuition AED 11,481 + Bus AED 1,500.

- Year 11
- Annual tuition: AED 40,810. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 45,810. Term breakdown: Term 1 Tuition AED 16,324 + Bus AED 2,000; Term 2 Tuition AED 12,243 + Bus AED 1,500; Term 3 Tuition AED 12,243 + Bus AED 1,500.

- Year 12
- Annual tuition: AED 42,020. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 47,020. Term breakdown: Term 1 Tuition AED 16,808 + Bus AED 2,000; Term 2 Tuition AED 12,606 + Bus AED 1,500; Term 3 Tuition AED 12,606 + Bus AED 1,500.

- Year 13
- Annual tuition: AED 43,240. Bus (optional): AED 5,000. Total with bus: AED 48,240. Term breakdown: Term 1 Tuition AED 17,296 + Bus AED 2,000; Term 2 Tuition AED 12,972 + Bus AED 1,500; Term 3 Tuition AED 12,972 + Bus AED 1,500.

Transport (bus) fees

- The optional transportation fee is AED 5,000 per year and is shown as an add‑on to the tuition in the published fee schedule; the ADEK schedule and the school fees page both show the bus fee as AED 5,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Fees are split into at least three equal instalments (three terms) each academic year; the ADEK‑approved term payment windows for 2025–2026 are shown as payable from 10 August 2025 (Term 1), from 7 December 2025 (Term 2), and from 8 March 2026 (Term 3). The School Fee Policy states the first instalment is collected within one month preceding the start of the school year (August for schools that start in September).

- The school may retain part of fees in specified cases for students who attend only a small part of a term (examples and the scale used to calculate retained amounts are set out in the fee policy). Textbook and uniform fees that have not been used must be refunded; transportation fees are refunded using the same method as tuition. The School Fee Policy sets out the rules for retention and refund in detail.

Boarding fees

- Boarding fees are not applicable. The school's published materials and fee schedule describe tuition, transport and related charges for a day school; no boarding provision or boarding charges are listed in the published fee documents.

Other costs and optional charges

- Uniforms: the school publishes a uniform policy and requires school and PE uniforms; specific prices for uniform items are not published in the uniform policy. Uniform items are treated as other school fees where applicable.

- Textbooks and learning materials: these are treated as other fees and may be charged separately; the school's fee policy states optional activities and extra‑curricular charges are outside tuition and may incur additional fees.

- Extra‑curricular activities, trips and optional services are invoiced separately and are not included in the tuition figures. These additional charges require parent approval when applicable.

Refund information

- Refund and retention rules follow the school's fee policy: registration or re‑registration fees may be retained in defined circumstances; if a student attends 1–3 weeks in a term the school may retain the equivalent of one month's tuition (calculated as annual tuition divided by ten), two months' tuition if attendance is over three and up to six weeks, and a full‑term fee if attendance exceeds six weeks. Unused textbook and uniform fees must be refunded; transportation fees are refunded in the same manner as tuition.

Fee payment options (published information)

- The school's published fee policy and ADEK fee schedule set out invoicing, instalment timing and refund rules but do not list detailed payment channels (for example: specific bank account details, portal or card processors) in the publicly posted policy documents. For payment method details and to arrange payment, the school's admissions and reception contacts are published and can be used to obtain the school's accepted payment channels and bank information. Contact details are published on the school's contact page.

Summary points for parents

- Tuition amounts for each year group and the termly breakdown (including the optional bus charge of AED 5,000 per year) are ADEK‑approved for Academic Year 2025–2026 and are listed above.
- There is no separate application fee charged at application; registration or re‑registration fees may be charged at enrollment and will be deducted from approved tuition and will not exceed 5% of the Council‑approved tuition.
- Fees are billed in three instalments and the published payable windows for 2025–2026 are: from 10 Aug 2025 (Term 1), from 7 Dec 2025 (Term 2), and from 8 Mar 2026 (Term 3).
- Refunds and retained amounts follow the school's fee policy (rules for partial‑term attendance, and refunds of unused textbook/uniform costs and transport fees).

(If you require any additional line‑item detail that is not published in the ADEK fee schedule or the school's fee policy, contact the school's admissions or finance office using the published contact details.)
Academics

Al Basma British School teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school teaches the English National Curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Year 13. The EYFS covers birth to 5 years and focuses on development in areas including communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding of the world, expressive arts and Arabic. The curriculum follows the English National Curriculum and uses enquiry-based learning with an emphasis on creative problem solving. Students study IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11 and AS and A Level examinations in Years 12 and 13. A broad range of KS3, iGCSE and A Level subjects is offered, including Arabic as part of the curriculum. The school emphasises developing well-rounded bilingual students and a global, British educational tradition.

Exam Results
External examination results for 2025 show strong performance across GCSE, iGCSE, AS and A Level. 72 students sat 527 GCSE exams; 15% of grades were 8 or 9; 100% pass rate in Geography and Sociology; over 90% pass rate in English Literature, English Language, History and Combined Science. For Years 12 and 13, 64 students sat 424 exam entries with a 94% pass rate across all A2 subjects and 88% across all AS subjects. There are multiple high achievers, including students achieving top grades; graduates proceeded to undergraduate degrees at prestigious universities in fields such as medicine, computer science and engineering.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates progress to undergraduate degrees at top universities in fields such as medicine, computer science and engineering.
Parent Experience

History
Al Basma British School traces its origins to 1980, when it opened as Giggles English School in Abu Dhabi. It was relaunched in 2014 as Al Basma British School on a modern, purpose-built campus. The campus was developed in phases: Phase 1 (the primary and secondary blocks) was completed about nine years ago, and Phase 2 (the primary block) was completed about four years ago. The school offers a British education pathway from Early Years through A-Levels on a contemporary campus that has expanded over time.

Community
The school is located in the Al Bahia area of Abu Dhabi, behind Deerfields Mall, and describes itself as a British school at the heart of its community in Bahia. It operates a broad enrichment program with clubs in sports, arts, languages, and STEM, and participates in inter-school competitions as part of the ADISSA league. Students undertake a range of field trips, including Saadiyat Beach, Escape Rooms, Ski Dubai, and trips to Warner Bros. and Legoland in Dubai, as part of experiential learning. A focus on UAE identity and local culture is integrated into the curriculum and school activities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school maintains a Parent Teacher Team (PTT) that works closely with staff to support the school's vision. PTT activities emphasize regular communication and joint initiatives to support students both at school and at home. The school emphasizes partnerships between parents, teachers, and the wider community. An alumni network has been formed to provide mentorship, internships, and career advice to current students. A culture of parent involvement and community partnerships is a core feature of the school's approach.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Al Basma British School follows the English National Curriculum. The school has state-of-the-art facilities across Primary and Secondary buildings with subject-dedicated labs. The curriculum covers Early Years Foundation Stage through Year 13, including IGCSEs in Year 11 and AS/A Levels thereafter. The learning approach emphasises enquiry and creative problem solving across subjects. The campus supports a broad range of academic and practical learning through well-equipped spaces.

Sports Facilities
The school provides sports facilities and a sports development program. It offers sports clubs and teams including football, netball, basketball, and swimming, with competitive participation in ADISSA leagues and ADEK Cups.

Academic Facilities
Al Basma implements the English National Curriculum from Early Years Foundation Stage through to Key Stage 5, with EYFS standards for younger children and pathways to IGCSEs and AS/A Levels. The IGCSE journey concludes in Year 11, followed by AS and A Level examinations. The curriculum emphasises enquiry and creative problem solving through authentic tasks, supported by subject-dedicated labs across the Primary and Secondary buildings.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Enrichment within the school day supports KS1–3 learning, with additional after-school enrichment opportunities. Term 1s offer free ECAs on Tuesdays (secondary) and Thursdays (primary); paid ECAs are offered by ISM SPORTS. The STEM Club is a highlight, and there are various sports clubs and teams (including football, netball, basketball, and swimming) with participation in ADISSA leagues and ADEK Cups. The enrichment program also includes termly trips and visitors to broaden student experiences.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Enrichment within the school day is provided for Key Stage 1–3 to complement the academic curriculum. After-school enrichment opportunities include free ECAs on Tuesdays for secondary and Thursdays for primary, with paid ECAs offered by ISM Sports. The STEM Club supports students' exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands‑on projects. There are academic societies and educational trips and visitors that deepen understanding and critical thinking.

Arts & Creative
Enrichment includes arts and cultural activities and visitors. The program supports creative expression through arts and culture experiences. Termly trips and visitors complement the arts and culture offerings. Students can engage in creative pursuits alongside other subjects.

Cultural & Language
Enrichment broadens cultural understanding through educational trips and cultural activities. Trips expose students to different cultures, contexts, and experiences. Examples of trips include science centers, wildlife experiences, and adventure activities. Visitors and cultural experiences complement classroom learning.

Social & Hobbies
Social clubs and after-school activities are offered as part of enrichment. Sports clubs and teams, including football, netball, basketball, and swimming, develop physical abilities and teamwork. Students participate in ADISSA leagues and ADEK Cups. Enrichment includes termly trips and visitors that support personal interests and social development.

Community & Service
Enrichment includes community service and volunteering opportunities. Students engage in social responsibility initiatives as part of enrichment. The program encourages involvement in community-facing activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports development is a focus of enrichment, with a wide range of sports and competitive opportunities. Clubs compete in ADISSA leagues and ADEK Cups, promoting fitness and teamwork. The enrichment program supports physical activity, well-being, and healthy lifestyles. It also provides opportunities for outdoor activities and personal development through sport.
Languages

Language Provision
English is taught under the English National Curriculum. French is taught as a modern foreign language from Year 4 by a specialist teacher. Arabic is taught across all phases under the MOE Arabic curriculum (Year 2 to Year 13), including reading, speaking, listening, writing and grammar; Islamic and Social Studies are delivered within the MOE framework. English reading is supported with Bug Club and EdShed as additional resources.
Reputation

Accreditations
ADEK rating: Very Good with Outstanding Features.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Determine eligibility and prepare documents. Age criteria for this year's admissions are: FS1 (Nursery) minimum 3 years as on 31 August; FS2 (KG1) minimum 4 years; Year 1 (KG2) minimum 5 years; Year 2 (Grade 1) minimum 6 years; Year 3 and above admission depends on completion of the previous year. For transfers from another country, provide an official End of Year mark list signed and stamped by the issuing school Principal, and a Transfer Certificate with the issuing country stamp, UAE Embassy stamp and MOFAIC stamps; these documents must be in English, or translated. Transfers from GCC countries must be in English or translated and require the Principal's signature and the issuing school stamp; transfers from Northern Europe, Britain, Australia, Canada and North America must be in English or translated and only require the Principal's signature. If a Transfer Certificate is not available, submit a sequence of study attested as required.

2. Complete online application. All mandatory fields marked with * should be completed. Provide accurate contact details for two adults (preferably mother and father, but at least one parent or legal guardian). Upload the required documents in electronic format: Nursery applicants provide the Student's Emirates ID or passport page, Birth Certificate, and the Parent's Emirates ID or passport page; Year 3 to Year 13 applicants provide the Student's Emirates ID or passport page, Birth Certificate, Parent's Emirates ID or passport page, and the most recent report card from the current school.

3. Admissions review and email communication. After submission, the Admissions Department reviews the application and contacts you via email with further information. Ensure the email address provided is correct; all correspondence is by email, and you should add @albasmaschool.ae to your safe sender's list to ensure delivery. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive correspondence.

4. Academic year 2026–2027 registration timeline. The registration link for AY 2026–2027 becomes available on 26 January 2026 and should be used only for AY 2026–2027; do not register for AY 2025–2026 using that link. The school will contact you if additional information is required.
School Events
The school has not added events
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