List of Accredited British Schools in Abu Dhabi 2024/2025

Are you looking for the best British Schools in Abu Dhabi? If yes, then this informative article is for you. Representing, the largest Western community, a large number of British people (near about 240,000 in 2012) live in Abu Dhabi. British people have been living in UAE since the region was a protectorate and later after 2008 a lot of British nationals immigrated looking for jobs.

The presence of a large populace of British people has given rise to a lot of academically excellent British schools. The first-rated British schools not only cater to British students but also the locals. Listed below are the best British schools in Abu Dhabi.

1. Merryland International School

Merryland International School started its journey in 1978 with 3 teachers and 40 children and today it is recognized by The Ministry of Education, The Abu Dhabi Educational Zone, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.

The school follows its 3-D principle (the brainchild of Mrs. Susheela George, Founder) of Divinity, Dedication, and Discipline towards education so that the knowledge students gather can spark imagination, celebrate diversity, and empower them to be future leaders.

The school is accredited by the University of Cambridge and offers Cambridge Primary, Cambridge IGCSE, and Cambridge AS & A level Courses. MIS was the first school in the UAE that receive ISO 9001: 2015 certification.

MIS is considered one of the best British schools in Abu Dhabi because of its students’ behavior around the school, their dedication towards their studies, personal and social upliftment of the students, parents joining hands with the staff of the school for the overall development of the students and the learning environment of the school which is harmonious and positive.

2. British School Al Khubairat

Founded in 1968, British School Al Khubairat has molded itself with various modern facilities according to its student’s needs. About 1900 students comprise the school which caters to children from the age of 3 to 18. Following the exceptional local heritage, the school provides a first-rate British education, motivating the students to achieve their expectations.

It is a not-for-profit organization and the dedicated teachers of the school nurture the students so that a genuine and natural flair of learning is embedded in their minds. Compared to the standards of education and compatibility with leading independent schools in the UK, BSAK has been awarded ‘Outstanding’ in both BSO (British Schools Overseas) and ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge) inspections.

BSAK also won Best British School and Best Post 16 Education in UAE ‘Top Schools’ Award. Considering the performances and awards received by BSAK, it is definitely one of the best British schools in Abu Dhabi.

3. British International School

British International School follows the English National Curriculum for students from 3 years to 18 years. The school is a part of Nord Anglia Education, which is the world’s leading premium school organization.

About 66 schools around 29 countries are a part of this organization including BIS. Both the organization and the school guide the students in such a manner so that they become ambitious, build a global community, and adopt a learning model which personalized for each student.

They also believe in providing the students with the best teachers so that they can learn from the best and have successful academic results. BIS, Abu Dhabi offers its students spacious, bright, and open classrooms, an indoor, heated swimming pool, a dedicated IB Academy for senior students, high-tech, well-equipped dance and drama studios with 3 contemporary music suites, 3 fully equipped multimedia libraries, science labs, outdoor playing courts, on-site coffee shop among many others.

BIS offers its students the enriched STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths) curriculum which is developed by researchers and scientists from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Apart from being academically and emotionally strong the students with guidance from UNICEF work for the local communities too.

4. Aldar Academies, Al Muna Academy

Aldar Academies, Al Muna Academy provides exceptional quality education both in English National Curriculum and in the MOE (Ministry of Education) subjects. The school has a high rating in consecutive 2 ADEK ratings. The inquiry-based curriculum of the school creates an environment that is welcoming and conducive to learning.

Al Muna Academy specializes in taking special care of each individual child, attending each of them individually with a tender approach so that they feel happy and enthusiastic to learn and challenge themselves. The technology-embedded classrooms encourage students to be innovative and prepare themselves to enter the digital professional world.

They include 3D projectors, green screens, and other advanced gadgets along with the latest computers. The school also has a multi-purpose sports hall, a 25m swimming pool, a netball court, astroturf playing fields, and soft play areas that enhance children’s physical and social development.

A complete clinic is available to take care of students’ health issues. The school is regularly inspected by ADEK had recently has been marked ‘Outstanding’. Other external assessments, accreditation, and evaluations include British Schools Middle East, Equalities Award (UK), Microsoft Showcase School, and Abu Dhabi Music, and Arts Foundation to name a few.

5. Repton School

Building upon a rich, deep, and successful history spanning over 450 years of educational heritage at Repton Derbyshire, UK, Repton Abu Dhabi was established in 2013 and offers the same modern, dynamic education to the students.

RS, Abu Dhabi believes in blending the pursuit of excellence with a broad mind, blending being successful persons individually with working with a team, and blending in the investment of self-discovery with awareness of others. ‘The best for every child’ has been the belief of RS and in the year 2018, ADEK awarded the school ‘Best Practice’ for tracking the progress of the students.

Being the very first ‘Apple Distinguished School’ in the Middle East RS students from the age of 3 are provided with iPads and technology is integrated throughout the curriculum. Innovations through the STEAM curriculum stand by side with the tech-savvy atmosphere of the school.

The pastoral care of the school is also rated by ADEK as ‘Outstanding’ Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Heads of Inclusion, Counsellor, Nurses, Heads of Year, Heads of Key Stage, and other Senior Leaders, all work together to make sure that each child’s needs are understood. So many positive points definitely make Repton School one of the best British schools in Abu Dhabi.

6. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi School

Cranleigh UK School started its journey to provide first-rate all-round education to the local Surrey community in the UK in 1865 and in 2014 Cranleigh Abu Dhabi School started its journey encircling the same purpose for the Saadiyat Island community. The school has more than 1300 students and is Award’s 2019 International School of the Year added a feather to its cap.

Developing a child’s social and emotional mind is considered equal to his or her academic credentials as pastoral care makes a child happy secure and safe during his or her growth as an individual human being. CADS follows the Cranleigh Code which includes respect, collaboration, responsibility, adaptability, kindness, and empathy.

The rigorous academic curriculum combines with the co-curricular activities of the students so they become independent thinkers and inspired learners to discover what is good for them to be satisfied to be global citizens.

The various co-curricular activities involve recreational and competitive sports programs, music programs including individual instrumental lessons, choirs, ensembles and concerts, educational exertions, whole school events, house events and competitions, and lots more.

The school has its strengths in nurturing students’ personal development and learning skills, the teachers being fully aware of their students’ strengths and weaknesses, respecting Islamic values and appreciating UAE’s culture and heritage, and cherishing a child’s education at the foundation stage.

7. GEMS Cambridge International School

To provide an outstanding world-class education for all the students is the motto of GEMS Cambridge International School. GCIS has a clear vision, led by expert teachers who believe that education should aim to develop all individuals unspecific of their cultural and social growth along with their academic advancement.

The chosen teachers who excel in their own fields of subjects carefully nurture each individual student so that these little learners one day understand their fields of interest and become successful in life. Located near Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Khalifa Cities B, and C.

The GEMS Cambridge International School provides its students with a 25m swimming pool, cricket nets, playing fields, a multi-purpose hall, and a separate, well-equipped, grassed playing area for students from foundation to 2 years. Libraries, art studios, design, technology, and media suits are available for students who wish to explore their minds.

The well-equipped medical center under the supervision of 2 HAAD (Health Authority Abu Dhabi) qualified nurses takes care of any health issues of the school. GEMS has been internationally accredited and affiliated with CIE, CIS, BSME, EDEXCEL, and MICROSOFT.

8. Abu Dhabi International School

Founded in 1992, Abu Dhabi International School is a private, co-ed school having a license from MOE, UAE. Between near about 4,000 students, the school reserves a 5% quota for special children who suffer from learning difficulties.

AIS is among the best British schools in Abu Dhabi that accepts all children, supports and provides them with their needs, and guides them to be individual global citizens. The 3-way relationship between the school, the parents and the community builds the core structure of education for the school where students go beyond classrooms, experience life-long learning, and innovate a creative mindset amongst them to be tomorrow’s decision-makers.

The extra-curricular activities of AIS concentrate on constructing various clubs where students play active roles in expressing their creative minds. Numerous clubs like the ballet club, gymnastics club, taekwondo, fitness, Kung Fu, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai club encourage physical fitness work with self-assessment clubs like Little Chef, Little Stars, Little Champions, Little Bee, the art Factory towards the interests and talents of the students. The educational programs and professional practice of the school match an ever-evolving global worldview.

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