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Merryland International 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 26,200 - 46,620
Ages 4 - 18 years
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Introduction

Merryland International School is a coeducational British‑curriculum school based in Musaffah (Plot 13, Musaffah Sector 9, MBZ City), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The school is accredited by the University of Cambridge and delivers Cambridge Early Years, Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge AS & A Level programmes from Foundation Stage through Year 13 (ages 4–18). The school cites English as the medium of instruction; its programmes include Cambridge assessments and progression tests (Checkpoints) and it is described on the school site as a Cambridge‑branded pilot/ambassador school in the Middle East. Arabic is taught as a Cambridge IGCSE foreign language (the school's Cambridge awards list cites top performance in Foreign Language Arabic) and the parent handbook and activities listing reference an Arabic club alongside other academic clubs. The school's news and press items on its site highlight notable facilities and initiatives such as a robotics lab and drone activities, a planetarium, a hydroponics/organic garden, a weather station and a Solar System walk and heritage village.

Plot 13, Musaffah, Sector 9, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Merryland International School has instruction in English.

Location
Location: The Merryland International School campus is in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The address is Plot -13, Musaffah Sector 9, MBZ City, Abu Dhabi, with the postal PB 73340. The Mussaffah area is a well-connected district of Abu Dhabi with nearby residential and industrial zones.

Stages
School levels: The curriculum is Cambridge-accredited and runs from Kindergarten through Grade 12. It is organized into five stages: Cambridge Early Years, Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary, Cambridge IGCSE, and Cambridge Advanced.

Type
School type: The school is coeducational. It is a Cambridge international school and operates as a day program; boarding facilities are not indicated.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Pupil nationality mix: Public data on the number and mix of nationalities or local vs international student ratio is not published.

Additional learning support
Additional learning support: The school emphasizes inclusion and equal opportunities, describing an inclusive and supportive learning environment. No specific SEN facilities are listed on the site.

Country affiliation
Country affiliation: United Arab Emirates.

Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation: No religious affiliation is stated.

School day structure
School day structure: Start and end times are not published on the site; parents should contact the school for timetable.

Bus service
School bus service: The school does not provide its own transport and instead recommends private transportation companies. A listed provider is Ziena School Buses, with contact details for coordination. Bus arrangements, payments, and communications are between parents and the transport provider, and safety rules apply.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school enforces a formal uniform policy to promote conformity and a sense of belonging. Uniforms must be clean and ironed; shirts collars must be buttoned; ties must be tied and shoes polished; girls should have their hair neatly plaited or covered with a head scarf and skirts well below the knee, while boys' hair should be short and neatly groomed with no fancy hairstyles. Uniforms must be purchased from authorised suppliers, specifically Iris International School Supplies LLC in Abu Dhabi; full uniform (formal or sports) is required at school with sports wear permitted only on PE days.

Food Options
The school operates a canteen on site that provides healthy, wholesome, and hygienic meals for students and staff during school hours. A weekly menu is provided to parents to help balance dietary requirements.

House System
The school uses a four-house system. The houses are Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and Ospreys, with equal numbers of boys and girls, and inter-house competitions and a school sports day are organized by the PE department.

Governance and Ownership
The founder of Merryland International School is Mrs. Susheela George. The Chairman is Aaron Grandon, who serves as Chairman and Chief Operations Officer. The founder is associated with the Sherwood Group of Schools, and the school holds accreditation from ADEK as Outstanding, along with Cambridge Brand Ambassador status and ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Fees

Annual tuition at Merryland International School ranges from AED 26,200 to AED 46,620 for 2026/27.

*Application / Re-registration fee*

- Re-registration (returning students): approximately 5% of the annual tuition fee. This re-registration amount is deducted from the Term 1 fee when the re-registration has been paid; the re-registration payment may be retained by the school if the student withdraws from enrolment.

*Tuition fees by year group (ADEK-approved academic year 2025–2026)*

- The following amounts are shown in AED for returning students (each grade lists: Re-registration fee / Term 1 (cash) / Term 2 / Term 3 / Total annual fee):
- KG1: Re-registration AED 0; Term 1 AED 10,700; Term 2 AED 7,800; Term 3 AED 7,700; Total AED 26,200.
- KG2: Re-registration AED 1,200; Term 1 AED 10,400; Term 2 AED 7,800; Term 3 AED 7,620; Total AED 27,020.
- Grade 1: Re-registration AED 1,400; Term 1 AED 11,600; Term 2 AED 9,000; Term 3 AED 8,640; Total AED 30,640.
- Grade 2: Re-registration AED 1,400; Term 1 AED 11,600; Term 2 AED 9,000; Term 3 AED 8,640; Total AED 30,640.
- Grade 3: Re-registration AED 1,400; Term 1 AED 12,300; Term 2 AED 9,000; Term 3 AED 8,680; Total AED 31,380.
- Grade 4: Re-registration AED 1,400; Term 1 AED 12,400; Term 2 AED 9,000; Term 3 AED 8,680; Total AED 31,480.
- Grade 5: Re-registration AED 1,500; Term 1 AED 13,050; Term 2 AED 9,800; Term 3 AED 9,270; Total AED 33,620.
- Grade 6: Re-registration AED 1,500; Term 1 AED 13,050; Term 2 AED 9,800; Term 3 AED 9,270; Total AED 33,620.
- Grade 7: Re-registration AED 1,700; Term 1 AED 14,750; Term 2 AED 11,000; Term 3 AED 10,130; Total AED 37,580.
- Grade 8: Re-registration AED 1,700; Term 1 AED 14,750; Term 2 AED 11,000; Term 3 AED 10,130; Total AED 37,580.
- Grade 9: Re-registration AED 1,800; Term 1 AED 15,300; Term 2 AED 11,800; Term 3 AED 10,510; Total AED 39,410.
- Grade 10: Re-registration AED 1,800; Term 1 AED 15,700; Term 2 AED 11,800; Term 3 AED 10,680; Total AED 39,980.
- Grade 11: Re-registration AED 2,000; Term 1 AED 18,200; Term 2 AED 13,300; Term 3 AED 11,710; Total AED 45,210.
- Grade 12: Re-registration AED 2,000; Term 1 AED 18,900; Term 2 AED 13,300; Term 3 AED 12,420; Total AED 46,620.

- For new admissions, Term 1 amounts are higher in some grades. The ADEK-approved new-admission term amounts (Term 1 / Term 2 / Term 3 / Total) include: KG1 Term 1 AED 10,700 (Total AED 26,200); KG2 Term 1 AED 11,600 (Total AED 27,020); Grade 1 Term 1 AED 13,000 (Total AED 30,640); Grade 2 Term 1 AED 13,000 (Total AED 30,640); Grade 3 Term 1 AED 13,700 (Total AED 31,380); Grade 4 Term 1 AED 13,800 (Total AED 31,480); Grade 5 Term 1 AED 14,550 (Total AED 33,620); Grade 6 Term 1 AED 14,550 (Total AED 33,620); Grade 7 Term 1 AED 16,450 (Total AED 37,580); Grade 8 Term 1 AED 16,450 (Total AED 37,580); Grade 9 Term 1 AED 17,100 (Total AED 39,410); Grade 10 Term 1 AED 17,500 (Total AED 39,980); Grade 11 Term 1 AED 20,200 (Total AED 45,210); Grade 12 Term 1 AED 20,900 (Total AED 46,620).

*MOE textbooks / MOE books fee*

- MOE books fees must be added to the Term 1 payment. The MOE books fee varies by grade and by the nationality/religion category indicated by the Ministry of Education classification. Sample MOE books fees listed: Grade 1: AED 280 / 230 / 150 / 100 (different amounts by category); Grade 2: AED 260 / 210 / 150 / 100; Grade 3: AED 270 / 230 / 150 / 100; Grade 4: AED 270 / 220 / 150 / 100; Grade 5: AED 270 / 230 / 150 / 100; Grade 6: AED 260 / 210 / 150 / 100; Grade 7: AED 310 / 260 / 170 / 120; Grade 8: AED 310 / 270 / 170 / 120; Grade 9: AED 280 / 230 / 170 / 120; Grade 10: AED 190 / 150 / 170 / 120; Grade 11: AED 220 / 170 / 100 / 60; Grade 12: AED 260 / 210 / 100 / 60. MOE books fees for KG1 and KG2 are not listed in the MOE books table. MOE books fees are specified to be added to Term 1.

*Billing schedule and payment terms*

- Available payment plans: one full academic year payment (due before the first day of classes) or three-term payments (each due before the first day of the respective term).
- Standard term payment procedure: Term 1 payment is to be made at registration together with two post-dated cheques for Term 2 and Term 3. Post-dated cheques are to be dated 01 December (Term 2) and 01 March (Term 3). All cheques are to be made payable to "Merryland International School." For returned/bounced/dishonoured cheques, an AED 500 bounce charge applies.

*Boarding fees*

- No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed in the school fee schedule; boarding is not applicable.

*Other costs and fees*

- Cambridge examination (external board) fees apply where relevant (Cambridge Checkpoint, IGCSE, AS and A Level, etc.); parents are responsible for these external examination fees.
- Uniforms are sold through the school's supplier, IRIS; uniform purchase is a separate cost handled by that supplier (contact details provided by the school).
- School-recommended transport is available (private transport provider details provided); transport is an additional charge and must be arranged/separately paid through the transport provider.

*Refund information*

- The re-registration fee (approximately 5% of tuition) will be deducted from the school fees for continuing students; the re-registration fee may be retained by the school if the student withdraws from enrolment. This is the stated refund/retention position for the re-registration payment.

*Fee payment options and bank details*

- Accepted payment modes: cash, post-dated cheques (PDCs) for term instalments, and wire transfer. Wire-transfer charges are the responsibility of the sender. A deposit slip copy or transfer receipt must be handed into the finance office or emailed to finance@merryland.org along with the student's name and class details.
- Bank details for wire transfer (as provided for fee payments):
- A/C Name: Merryland International School LLC
- Account No.: 11438113920001
- Bank: Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
- IBAN: AE570030011438113920001
- SWIFT/BIC: ADCBAEAA
- Parents are instructed to include student name and grade or eSiS number on the transfer and send proof of payment to the finance office.

*Official approval and documentation*

- The fee schedule is shown as ADEK-approved for the 2025–2026 academic year and an ADEK approval document is available for download.
Academics

Merryland International School teaches British Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
Merryland International School Abu Dhabi follows the Cambridge International Curriculum as its core framework, with Cambridge Early Years for Kindergarten and Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary, Cambridge IGCSE, and Cambridge AS & A Level courses from Grade 1 through Grade 12. The curriculum is designed to develop creative thinking, inquiry and problem‑solving skills and to prepare students for the next stage of education. The school is Cambridge-accredited and describes itself as a Cambridge pilot school in the Middle East. The program is organised into five stages: Cambridge Early Years, Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary, Cambridge IGCSE, and Cambridge Advanced. Cambridge progression tests are administered at the end of each stage, and Cambridge Checkpoint examinations provide benchmarks in literacy, numeracy and science at the end of Year 6 and Year 8.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school emphasizes social and emotional development as part of its Cambridge curriculum, aiming for learners to develop physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Wellbeing initiatives are integrated into the school culture and prioritize mental, emotional, and physical health. A School Counselor is available to support student wellbeing, and there is a School Clinic with a nurse on site to assist health and wellbeing. The curriculum statement also notes a commitment to nurturing students' social and emotional development as part of their education.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEN provision or whether it is a specialist SEN institution. Public materials describe inclusive education and a diverse student body within the United Arab Emirates. A School Counselor and a School Clinic exist to support student welfare and provide channels for addressing concerns (counselor@merryland.org; nurse@merryland.org). The Cambridge accreditation and inclusive mission indicate an approach to supporting diverse learners, but specific SEN services are not detailed in available public materials.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English language support is provided through an English Language Development Lab designed to develop fluency, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary. The Cambridge curriculum and inclusive approach support EAL learners within an English-medium framework. On-site support for learners includes a School Counselor and a School Clinic to address wellbeing as needed.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing initiatives are integrated into the school culture, prioritizing students' mental, emotional, and physical health. The Cambridge curriculum emphasizes developing learners physically, mentally and socially, reflecting a focus on mental well-being as part of the overall education. A School Counselor supports students' mental wellbeing, and a School Clinic is available on campus. Online safety guidelines also address safeguarding to protect students' wellbeing.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is addressed through ICT and Online Safety Guidelines that emphasize safeguards to keep children safe. The school provides a School Clinic and a School Counselor to support safeguarding and welfare. The Parent Handbook lists contact details for the Clinic and Counselor, and includes channels such as the Disciplinary Committee for reporting concerns, alongside general queries and attendance/administration contacts. Absence notifications and other policies are also documented for safeguarding and student welfare.
Parent Experience

History
Merryland International School in Abu Dhabi traces its origins to founder Mrs. Susheela George, an educationist whose long career shaped the school's approach and leadership. The first school opened in April 1978 as Merryland Kindergarten with seven children, and it grew rapidly as a center for primary education. Over time, Sherwood Academy (CBSE) and an O‑level division were added, and in 2009–2010 the school relocated from villa campuses to a new Mussafah site completed in 2010 after ADEK tightened regulations on residential schools. From September 2012, AS and A Levels were introduced to continue an international curriculum, and the institution expanded further under Mrs. George's leadership. The school has earned formal recognition, with ADEK naming it an outstanding school and Cambridge branding it as its pilot school for outstanding performance in the Middle East; today the MIS community serves thousands of pupils and a large staff body.

Community
The MIS Abu Dhabi community is diverse, with pupils from sixty nations. The school supports a broad program of clubs, competitions, and performances, including the MACE Club (Chemists) and the Kings cricket team, as well as annual arts and photography competitions. The MIS calendar features notable community and cultural activities such as the Zayed Sustainability Prize recognitions, Make‑A‑Wish fundraising, UAE National Day events, and various student projects and exhibitions. Investiture ceremonies and active student councils illustrate student leadership and campus life, with ongoing updates about clubs and competitions through the MIS portal.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
A formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is not described on the site. Parent involvement is organized through the The Parent Handbook (COMPASS) and a Parent Contract, with updates and resources available via the PARENT-PORTAL and circulars section. The Parent Handbook was updated for the 2025–26 year and provides the official parent contract and signatures process, underscoring required parent–school agreements. The PARENT-PORTAL lists parent-facing updates such as Investiture ceremonies, public speaking and club activities (e.g., MACE Club, Cookery Club), and student‑led initiatives like the Make‑A‑Wish bake sale managed by the Merryland Student Council. Circulars and the Parents section indicate ongoing communication channels for parental involvement. In practice, MIS emphasizes parent engagement through these formal channels rather than a separately named PTA, while still hosting and supporting activities like Investiture, student councils, and club registrations that involve families.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus features a playground and a library. The facilities include a Robotic Development Center, an Abacus-based enrichment program, online tracking across sciences, a Scientific Enquiry Quest Learning program, an English Language Development Programme, and a three-dimensional curriculum viewing system. A Planetarium and a Play-Filled Learning Center of Fairyland are part of the facilities. The campus is described as world-class with laboratories for Biology, Physics, ICT and Chemistry. The school is Cambridge-accredited and offers Cambridge Early Years through Cambridge Advanced (KG–Grade 12). The school is a Cambridge Brand Ambassador and maintains ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Sports Facilities
The school uses a house system and conducts an annual Sports Day. The PE department organizes inter-school competitions in football, badminton, table tennis and swimming across the houses.

Academic Facilities
The school is accredited by the University of Cambridge and offers Cambridge Early Years, Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge AS & A Level courses. It follows the Cambridge progression tests and Checkpoint examinations to align with IGCSE expectations. It maintains laboratories for science subjects and has ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The English Department supports a vibrant literary culture with a club called Meriteratti. MIS Flicker Studios runs annual animation and videography competitions, and the school hosts student council opportunities and alumni events. The school highlights outstanding Cambridge learner achievements and Cambridge-related awards.
Reputation

Awards
The school has received multiple Cambridge-related awards, including 25 Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards (June 2025) and 25 Cambridge International Awards (2025). It also won the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2025 in the Global Schools category and has been recognized as outstanding by ADEK.

Accreditations
The school is accredited by the University of Cambridge and offers Cambridge Early Years Curriculum for KG, Cambridge Primary, Cambridge IGCSE, and Cambridge AS & A Level courses. It is described as a Cambridge ambassador in the Middle East.
Admissions

Admissions
Admissions for 2021-22 are open now. An application form is available here. Please contact 02-5519626 for clarifications.
School Events
The school has not added events
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