British International School of Abu Dhabi

• Established year: 2009
• Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Age of students: 3-18 years
• Number of students: 1700 people
• Language of instruction: English, Arabic
• Type: full-time school.

The British International School of ABU DHABI was founded in 2009 by Nord Anglia Education to educate mainly expatriate children living in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The British International School of Abu Dhabi offers a welcoming, family-run community with the highest quality learning opportunities within a global campus.

The British International School of Abu Dhabi is an inclusive school of co-education.

The child studies with students from all over the world on a global campus, studies music and dance in collaboration with the Juilliard School and brings ideas to life through an innovative approach to science at MIT.

All students wear school uniforms, which can be purchased at the Zaks store. The school uniform expected of high school students does not apply to IB students, however there is a requirement that students attend school in relaxed business attire.

1. Foundation School - from 3 to 6 liters.    
2. Primary School – Grades 1 to 6
3. Secondary School – Grades 7 to 11
4. High School – grades 12-13.

In 2021, students at the British International School Abu Dhabi surpassed the international and national averages of GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and IGCSE (International GCSE). 

• 63% of all GCSE and IGCSE scores received were A* or A or 9-7. This is well above the UK average of 28.5%.
• 95% of pupils received five or more A*-C grades or 9-4 points compared to the UK average of 77%.

Graduates of 2021 once again achieved record results in the exams for the IB diploma. The average score of 38 points is significantly higher than the world average of 33 points and allows students to enroll in prestigious university courses.

• 33 points is the average score of the IB diploma.
• 44% of students scored 40 points and above. This is the level of achievement required to enter the elite universities of the world: Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard and Stanford.
• One student scored 45 points out of 45, which puts him among the top 2% of candidates for a bachelor's degree worldwide.

• In 2022, BIS Abu Dhabi hosted Stephen Dunn from the world-renowned Juilliard School of Performing Arts to work with students. Mr. Dunn taught Juilliard Creative Classroom a masterclass on ensemble skills: children learned ways to show ingenuity in music, rehearsed in a group.
• Nord Anglia University is a flagship professional development platform that supports teachers in Abu Dhabi and brings together 8300 other Nord Anglia Education teachers worldwide. It is designed to improve the skills and knowledge of employees, support their contribution to the development of student learning.
• The institution is collaborating with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to introduce a new approach to the study of interdisciplinary STEAM subjects. Through in-school testing, an annual visit to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and specialized education by STEAM teachers, children learn the technological skills of the twenty-first century.
• In early 2021, BISAD received an award from an internationally recognized education research organization for a university preparation program implemented during the campus closure as a result of Covid-19.

School meals are provided by ADNH Compass, the largest group of catering establishments in the world. ADNH Compass supplies hot and cold dishes, offering a healthy and balanced menu that meets ADFCA, ADEK and HAAD standards. ADNH Compass's team of specialists, led by Australian chef Richard Green, combined their knowledge to develop the concept of "Smart Food", which is focused on healthy eating.

In addition, children can bring food from home for a morning snack and lunch. The school does not sell meals with nuts, and also asks parents to exercise caution when providing children with non-halal products.

• Co-curricula help students develop skills that can't always be learned in the classroom.
• A wide range of activities awaken interest in sports, crafts, technology, performing arts or academic activities – students will develop knowledge and skills that can be used and applied in the classroom in the future.
• The school offers students of the 10th grade and older to take part in competitions for the International Prize of the Duke of Edinburgh.
• The CCA programme at BIS Abu Dhabi is managed using the highly regarded CHQ software management system. Before each semester, a new list of activities is published.

• At the British International School abu Dhabi, children grow up confident, caring, developing the skills and attitudes needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.
• The child will receive amazing opportunities from studying at the Global Campus, which brings together a family of 73 schools around the world.
• The British International School Abu Dhabi prides itself on providing each student with an excellent education tailored to individual needs and inspired by global best practices.
• With a safe and secure platform, the virtual school makes available innovative lessons and unique learning opportunities. A child always has access to personalized learning delivered by world-class teachers at their school.

The British International School abu Dhabi is a safe and purpose-built facility where technology is built into the curriculum at every level.

The spacious campus of 25,734 m² includes:

• Spacious, bright and open classrooms
• Indoor heated swimming pool
• IB Special Academy for High School Students
• High-tech, well-equipped dance and drama studios
• 3 modern music halls
• 3 libraries, fully equipped multimedia library
• Large and well-equipped scientific laboratories
• Shaded playgrounds and extensive outdoor areas and playing fields
• On-site coffee shop for high school students and parents.

Own sports academy, which includes:

• Large indoor and air-conditioned multi-purpose hall that can be used for basketball, volleyball, tennis and other sports
• Indoor semi-Olympic pool
• Large gym of 150 m²
• Separate changing rooms, showers, changing rooms and toilets for men and women.

Libraries for high and primary classes, which store more than 15,000 books, are modern premium workstations suitable for quiet reading and self-study. Multimedia packages are available to students that allow students to access e-books and other educational literature.  All students, staff and parents can access the online library portal.

There are separate shaded courtyards where EYFS children spend most of their free time and activities outdoors. This is one of the few schools in Abu Dhabi that has an extensive space for kindergarten students.

Registration fee:

• Nursery – 2515 AED
• Early Years FS2 – 2602 AED
• Years 1–5 – 3047 AED
• Years 6–11 – 3150 AED
• Years 12–13 – 3435 AED.

School Bus:

• Round trip – 8000 AED / year.
• One way – 6300 AED /year.

The school follows the British admission system, according to which the class in which the child is determined depends on how old he is before August 31.

The first stage of enrollment is a virtual introductory meeting, usually lasting about 45 minutes. Parents can access the online meeting via a link sent by e-mail.

After the virtual session, if you want to apply, the school will help you start the process and guide you through it step by step.

Students enroll in some of the best universities in the world:

• University of Oxford
• University of Sydney
• McGill University in Canada
• University of California, Berkeley.

Requirements for groups of different ages:

• Preschoolers - children of this age do not receive a formal education, it will not be possible to assess academic performance. In these cases, preference may be given to children who attended the crèche. Families are invited to school for play sessions to make sure the child is ready for school.
• Primary classes (1-6 years of study) – applicants must submit an academic report that shows the level of academic performance in all subjects, especially in English, mathematics and natural sciences. Children pass entrance tests and a short interview.
• Secondary school (7–9 years) – children submit an academic report that shows the level of academic performance in all subjects; special attention is paid to the English language, mathematics and natural sciences. Entrance tests and a short interview are provided.
• IGCSE – Places are available to students who have reached the appropriate level in all subjects. The main disciplines are: English, Mathematics and Natural Science. A written signed appeal from the teacher is required; information on active participation in school life and responsible learning will be particularly useful.

It is important to note that the school generally does not accept students in grade 11.

• IB Diploma – Students must score at least 5 points out of 4-9 on IGCSE exams, including English and Mathematics. Interviews are conducted where possible for foreign applicants.

The British International School Abu Dhabi has a scholarship programme for high school students. Each year, 12th grade students can apply to participate in the scholarship program: they are available for new and existing students, several awards are awarded at the expense of reducing fees.

To apply, fill out the form and send along with the required documents:

• In the first round, candidates must pass a scholarship test and a GL CAT4 assessment.
• In the second round, a successful candidate will be interviewed by the scholarship commission.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision