Admissions are now open for 2025/2026
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Finding the right school for your child is a big decision. Whether you’re new to Abu Dhabi, transitioning from another school, or simply looking for the best fit, we know it can feel overwhelming. At The British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi, we’re here to make that journey as smooth and reassuring as possible. From your very first enquiry to your child’s first day (and beyond), we’ll be with you every step of the way. This article tackles the key concerns families face when transitioning to a new school, offering clear insights into our admissions process to ensure a smooth and informed journey.
Choosing a school is about more than just academics. It’s about finding a place where your child will be happy, supported, and inspired. Think about what’s most important to you - curriculum, class sizes, values, extracurricular activities, or community feel. Ask around, check ADEK school ratings, and most importantly, visit the schools on your shortlist if you can! When you visit BIS Abu Dhabi, seeing our school in action and meeting our dedicated staff will help you connect and start to feel at home.
We know parents have lots of questions, and we’re always happy to answer them. Often, the best insights come from those who’ve been in your shoes. Here’s what families love about BIS Abu Dhabi:
Your child is unique, and their learning journey should be too. Our experienced, highly qualified teachers tailor lessons to each student’s strengths and interests, ensuring they’re challenged, engaged, and confident in their abilities. Our goal or mission? To empower and enrich lives for future success.
Learning goes far beyond the classroom. With over 100 co-curricular activities, your child can explore sports, performing arts, technology, and academics. Exciting trips - from trekking in Switzerland to a service expedition in Tanzania or a theatre experience in London - make learning truly unforgettable. Through our collaborations with MIT, UNICEF, and Juilliard, we spark creativity, innovation, and global thinking.
BIS Abu Dhabi is more than just a school; it’s a community built on collaboration. With families representing more than 90 nationalities, our welcoming environment fosters a sense of belonging. Parents appreciate our warm atmosphere, with coffee mornings, community BBQs, and cultural celebrations bringing us all together. Whether it’s a friendly chat at drop-off or help from our Parent WhatsApp groups, you’ll always have a support system here.
From interactive classrooms and creative tech zones to a brand-new Arts Centre and outdoor Eco Adventure area, every corner of our school is designed to inspire. With modern sports halls, swimming pools, and libraries filled with over 17,000 books, your child will have everything they need to thrive.
Since opening our doors in 2009, children are at the heart of everything we do. From the new facilities we build to the curriculum we offer, we ensure that your child’s development is at the core of every decision. We maintain a low student-teacher ratio, so we can offer personalised learning, and we have an extremely committed senior team and teachers who are dedicated to providing the best education and support for every child.
Our location offers the best of both worlds - expansive grounds and ample parking, combined with easy access from the city and surrounding areas. With a convenient and well-connected setting, getting to BIS Abu Dhabi is hassle-free, ensuring a smooth and stress-free daily commute.
From the moment you reach out, you’ll have a dedicated Admissions Officer - Ellie, Wooree, Kerry, or Stephanie - who will guide you through every step of the admissions process. They’ll take time to understand your child’s needs, answer all your questions, and make sure you feel confident in your decision. It’s our Admissions team who play a huge role in helping you feel comfortable and excited about joining our community. Their support and attention to detail is often what makes parents choose BIS Abu Dhabi, and we are proud of their exceptional work.
We personalise our tours, because we believe every family deserves personal attention. When you visit, we’ll show you around, introduce you to teachers, and tailor the tour to your interests.
We accept applications all year round and typically respond within 24 hours.
Our assessment process flows smoothly and is designed to help every child feel comfortable. We understand the importance of getting to know each child, and because we are in regular touch with students and their families, we can ensure they feel at ease. Our team takes great care in understanding each child’s abilities and needs, creating a reassuring environment that fosters confidence.
Once your place is confirmed, we’ll take care of everything to make your child’s first day seamless.
Starting a new school can be nerve-wracking, but we make sure every child feels welcome. We’ll introduce them to their new teacher who will pair them with a buddy - someone to help them find their way, make friends, and settle in with confidence.
We believe communication should be simple and transparent. Our Parent App keeps you updated on everything from timetables and school events to permission slips. Seesaw in Primary and Firefly in Secondary enhance home-school communication, making it easier for parents to support their child's education. Plus, our weekly newsletters and social media updates ensure you never miss a moment of your child’s school journey. Need to chat with a teacher? Just send an email, speak at pick-up, or catch our leadership team at the school gates.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, we value your input and believe that open communication strengthens our community. We encourage parents to share their thoughts, raise any concerns, and provide feedback through multiple channels. Whether it's through informal chats at the school gates, at our coffee mornings, or through our Annual Parent Survey, we’re always ready to listen. You can also take part in our parent surveys or attend our regular information sessions to engage with us and help shape the future of our school. Your voice truly matters to us.
Your child’s happiness and well-being are our top priorities. We have a dedicated support system, from mental health first aiders and daily mood check-ins to experienced school counselors and a strong Personal, Social, and Moral Education curriculum. We also provide exceptional support for students with additional needs, ensuring every child gets the care and attention they deserve.
Great schools are built on great teachers, and at BIS Abu Dhabi, we attract and retain the very best. As part of Nord Anglia Education, our teachers have access to world-class training through the Nord Anglia University platform. They collaborate with educators worldwide, gain new qualifications, and take part in cutting-edge research projects to keep improving. This means your child gets the highest-quality education, delivered by passionate, inspiring teachers who love what they do.
Choosing a school is about more than academics - it’s about finding a place where your child will flourish. At BIS Abu Dhabi, we’re not just a school; we’re like a family. From your first enquiry to your child’s first day, we’re here to support you.
Ready to start your journey with us? Get in touch today - we’d love to show you around and welcome you into our community.
Here’s some of our recent parent testimonials on the BIS Abu Dhabi Experience:
“Moving from Korea to UAE last year brought many challenges, especially finding a suitable educational environment for our young children. We chose BIS Abu Dhabi, and it has exceeded our expectations. The faculty's dedication to holistic education and cultural inclusivity has made our children's transition seamless and joyful. We are grateful for the school's commitment to creating a nurturing and engaging educational atmosphere for all its students.“ - David
"Two years ago, we made the decision to move our children to BISAD, and it has been one of the best choices we’ve ever made. From day one, the staff and teachers have been incredibly welcoming, making the transition smooth for our kids. The quality of education is exceptional, with dedicated teachers who truly care about each student’s success. We've seen significant academic progress and, more importantly, newfound confidence in our children. The school fosters a well-rounded experience with excellent extracurricular activities, strong values, and a nurturing environment that encourages both personal and academic growth. Communication between the school and parents is outstanding, ensuring we always feel informed and involved. The leadership team is proactive, approachable, and continuously works to enhance the student experience. Overall, we couldn’t be happier with our decision to join the BISAD community. If you're looking for a school that prioritizes academic excellence, character development, and a supportive environment, we highly recommend it!" – Anissa
"I am pleased with the education and environment provided by the British International School for my daughters. The teachers are professional and genuinely care about each student's individual development. The curriculum is rigorous, yet engaging, ensuring that my children are not only academically challenged but also nurtured in a way that helps them grow socially and emotionally. The facilities are great and renovated each year. The school also provides workshops, coffee mornings, and outdoor events for parents, which help us stay connected and involved in our children's educational journey. It’s truly a place where students thrive, and I am grateful for the wonderful experiences my daughters are having here. I highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a well-rounded, supportive educational experience." – Tatyana
You might have seen the trend going around - “If I could tell my younger self one thing…” - a moment to reflect, to offer advice we wish we’d heard earlier, or to remind ourselves of what truly matters.
As students prepare to cross some of the biggest milestones in school life, it feels like the perfect time to pause and join in that conversation. But it’s not just our students who are preparing — so are we, as parents. These milestones don’t just belong to them. We’re living every part of it too: the anticipation, the pride, the nerves, and the quiet hopes. Sometimes, it’s the hardest thing in the world — to watch them take these big steps, to stay strong when they wobble, to let go just a little more. It’s a milestone for us as much as it is for them — and we’re walking it together.
Last term was brilliant for our BIS Abu Dhabi World Scholars!
Our 2025 season kicked off during the Winter Break, with 15 students competing in the Dubai Winter Global Round. In addition to taking part in the academic challenges of writing, debate and quizzing, students also enjoyed a fun-filled scavenger hunt at Global Village. We were thrilled that 12 of our scholars qualified for the Tournament of Champions at Yale University in November 2025 — an incredible achievement that we are all immensely proud of!
The season continued with our first Regional Round of the year, held in Dubai. We were delighted to see 21 students qualify for the next round. Two of our participants, Khlood in Year 7 and Anahita in Year 9, have written a personal report of the events:
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