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The British International School Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 54,204 - 76,952
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2000
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Typical class size 22
Introduction

The British International School Abu Dhabi is a co-educational international day school in Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, serving children aged 3–18 (Early Years 3–5, Primary 5–11, Secondary 11–16 and Senior School 16–18). It delivers a British-based pathway (Early Years Foundation Stage and the English National Curriculum) through to Cambridge IGCSEs, and offers post-16 routes including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the BTEC International Level 3; school records and file data also list the IB Primary and Middle Years Programmes as part of its international provision. All lessons are taught in English and the school teaches additional languages including Arabic, French, Spanish and German; Muslim students follow an Islamic Studies programme based on the UAE Ministry curriculum. Facilities published on the school site include dance and music suites, science labs, a Creative Technology Zone, auditorium, indoor swimming pools, air-conditioned sports halls, extensive outdoor playing fields, libraries of over 15,000 books and an Eco Edventure, and the school highlights collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, UNICEF and IMG Academy alongside a large co‑curricular and expedition programme.

Zayed City, MZ39, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

The British International School Abu Dhabi has 2,000 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

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.

Stages
Early Years (ages 3-5); Primary (ages 5-11); Secondary (ages 11-16); Senior School (ages 16-18).

Type
The school is co-educational and internationally focused, serving Nursery through Senior School. It operates as a day school (boarding facilities are DAY).

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.

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.

Country affiliation
United Kingdom; The school follows the English National Curriculum alongside Cambridge IGCSE, IBDP, and the BTEC programmes.

Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation is stated.

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.

Bus service
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).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is required for BIS Abu Dhabi students. Uniforms are purchased at an additional cost from Zaks Uniforms.

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.

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.

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at The British International School Abu Dhabi ranges from AED 54,204 to AED 76,952 for 2026/27.

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.)
Academics

The British International School Abu Dhabi teaches British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.

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.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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.

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.

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.
Parent Experience

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.

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.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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.
Extra-Curricular Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Languages

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.
Reputation

Awards
Parent partnership and community awards noted under Nord Anglia Education.

Accreditations
The school is judged Outstanding by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) as an English National Curriculum school.
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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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