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GEMS Founders School - Masdar City

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 26,000 - 34,000
Ages 3 - 14 years
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Taught languages Arabic, English
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

GEMS Founders School - Masdar City (GFA) offers the National Curriculum for England for students from FS1 to Year 10. Located in Abu Dhabi’s eco-friendly urban community, the campus integrates environmental responsibility directly into the student experience. A standout feature is the "Sustainnovation" program, which blends sustainability and innovation, teaching students to apply eco-conscious practices through hands-on projects and cross-curricular learning. The school operates with renewable energy sources and incorporates green spaces throughout. Students benefit from dedicated science laboratories, music rooms, and expansive outdoor play areas. Beyond core subjects, GFA provides an extracurricular program featuring robotics, coding, design challenges, and philanthropic activities. Leadership development is actively encouraged through roles like House Captains and the student council. By combining British educational standards with a unique focus on environmental stewardship, the school prepares students to be informed, earth-conscious citizens.

Masdar City, SE45 01, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

GEMS Founders School - Masdar City has instruction in English.

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.

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.

Type
Co-educational (mixed gender).

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.

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.

Country affiliation
The school follows the British National Curriculum (England) and operates in the UAE as a British schools overseas institution.

Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation is stated.

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.

Bus service
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.
Diving Deeper

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).

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.

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.

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at GEMS Founders School - Masdar City ranges from AED 26,000 to AED 34,000 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

GEMS Founders School - Masdar City teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 14.

Curriculum
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.

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.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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.

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.

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.
Parent Experience

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.

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.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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.

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.

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.

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 Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.
School Events
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