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Alan Cocker, Principal of The British International School Abu Dhabi
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Our students flourish in an environment where curiosity is encouraged, personal growth is nurtured, and academic outcomes are celebrated.
Alan Cocker
Principal, The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi)
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exceptional teaching, outstanding learning

Judged 'outstanding' as a British curriculum school by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, our academic programme will prepare your child for whatever they choose to do in life.

As a leading international nursery and primary school in Abu Dhabi, we will start your child on the pathway to success at an early age. Our students follow the best in British and international curricula, including the English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and BTEC Extended Diploma. Our international secondary school in Abu Dhabi offers personalised learning experiences to nurture students’ growth while unique opportunities – including collaborations with MIT, UNICEF, and The Juilliard School – cultivate creativity and critical thinking.

With an average IBDP points score of 33.4 in 2024, our students’ exam results are among the highest in the world. This takes them to the best universities, including Oxford, McGill, and Berkeley.

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IGCSE lesson at the International BIS Abu Dhabi
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PERSONALISED LEARNING THAT NURTURES GROWTH

At The British International School Abu Dhabi, our globally respected curriculum – created by world-leading education experts – reimagines learning through our six core educational pillars.
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Exceptional learning experiences
Life-changing expeditions, more than 100 co-curricular activities, and exclusive collaborations with UNICEF, The Juilliard School and MIT – your child will discover a world of exhilarating opportunities at our school.
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Exceptional learning experiences

Whatever your child loves to do, there’s an exceptional experience waiting for them at BIS Abu Dhabi. They’ll be supported by fully qualified staff who will help them flourish.

Nothing beats the thrill of a new adventure. Your child will kayak, climb, and trek at a purpose-built residential camp in Dibba and snorkel, swim, and scuba dive in Dhow. They’ll go on once-in-a-lifetime expeditions to Tanzania and Switzerland, and influence social change at UN headquarters in New York.

Our STEAM programme with MIT opens students’ eyes to the possibilities of science, technology, engineering, arts and maths, encouraging teamwork, resilience and communication. Our collaboration with The Juilliard School, the world-renowned performing arts conservatory, offers the highest quality artistic education, setting our students up for the international stage.

An ever-changing line-up of more than 100 co-curricular activities engage, challenge, and excite our students. From building model Formula 1 cars on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track to Harry Potter, British Sign Language, Lego robotics, and basketball clubs, there really is an activity for everyone.

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World's best teachers
Gifted, passionate, trailblazing: BIS Abu Dhabi's exceptional teachers deliver outstanding learning experiences every single day, both in and beyond the classroom.
The British International School Abu Dhabi | BISAD - Feature Cards Pattern
World's best teachers

Outstanding teachers shape lives, which is why we only recruit the very best. All our teachers are native English speakers who have a wealth of experience in British and international schools. They hold UK qualified status or equivalent, and many have a Master’s degree.

We invest in our teachers’ development through training that puts them at the forefront of global education trends. Our BIS Abu Dhabi's Improvement Cycle (BICycle) programme brings colleagues together to share ideas and drive innovation. And on the award-winning Nord Anglia University platform, our teachers study for further qualifications and access cutting-edge resources from MIT, UNICEF and The Juilliard School.

Our teachers love working here, which is down to our warm, inclusive school community that embraces individuality and celebrates uniqueness. On average, our teachers stay with us for almost five years – many for much longer. This means they really get to know our students and understand how they learn best.

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Academic excellence
Our renowned British and international curriculum pathways deliver exceptional personalised learning experiences for every student – and produce outstanding results.
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Academic excellence

At BIS Abu Dhabi, your child will get superb academic results. In 2022/23, 88% of our IGCSE students got 4 to 9 grades – +18% the UK average. Our 2023 average IBDP points score of 33 outperforming the global average of 30. The highest score achieved was an impressive 43 out of a perfect 45.

Your child will also become a well-rounded, culturally aware global citizen. Our exceptional teachers will nurture their personal growth, supporting your child to do what they love, excel in new areas, and be ambitious.

All our students follow the English National Curriculum, including IGCSEs, before studying for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and BTEC Extended Diploma in Years 12 and 13. These qualifications set the standard for international education and provide pathways to higher education across the globe. Our students’ success takes them to universities including Oxford, Sydney, McGill, and Berkeley.

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Our social purpose
Through life-changing experiences and opportunities, our students become socially responsible global citizens who make a genuine difference to the world we live in.
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Our social purpose

While they’re with us, your child will learn about the challenges facing our planet – and take action to address them. One of the ways they’ll do this is through our exclusive collaboration with UNICEF. Your child will explore global issues – including climate change and the UN Rights of the Child – through debates and international trips, where they’ll share their ideas on the world stage.

Through the BISAD Diploma, we encourage our students to show honesty, kindness and respect, and help others. Our Personal, Social and Moral Education programme is embedded in every child’s curriculum, too. Your child will also team up with friends to clean beaches, join our outreach expedition to Tanzania, and support local good causes.

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Advanced learning environments
Our outstanding sports facilities, creative spaces, and technology-filled classrooms, labs and libraries play host to the most extraordinary experiences.
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Advanced learning environments

Our campus boasts some of the finest school facilities in Abu Dhabi. State-of-the-art dance studios, music suites, and science labs support our world-leading performing arts and STEAM programmes. Our air-conditioned sports hall, indoor swimming pool, and expansive outdoor playing fields enable athletes to train, compete, and stay active. Moreover, our ultra-modern media suites and libraries, stocked with over 15,000 books, provide students with an environment to read, research, and study with friends.

Your child will shine on the stage of our state-of-the-art Auditorium and learn from world-class instrumentalists in our music suites. In our Creative Technology Zone, science labs, and libraries, your child will experience the excitement of new discoveries, enhanced by the latest EdTech.

We embrace innovation. Our school is involved in a Nord Anglia pilot programme that utilises cutting-edge technology to monitor, support, and enhance students' learning. Furthermore, lessons come to life daily with the integration of the latest educational technology, including iPads, VR headsets, and 3D printers used across the curriculum.

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The Nord Anglia Education family
Our school is a vibrant, supportive place to be, where both you and your child will thrive.
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The Nord Anglia Education family

Everyone’s welcome at our school. Our diverse community is home to children, families, and teachers from more than 90 countries, creating a vibrant international environment that celebrates difference – and where everyone flourishes.

This includes you, our parents, who are an essential part of our school. From welcome coffee mornings to workshops and themed get-togethers, you’ll quickly settle into our family-orientated community. Our BIS Abu Dhabi Community Group also organises fun-filled events throughout the year, including National, International and House Days, which bring everyone together.

Being part of the Nord Anglia family means there are no borders to your child’s education. Through the Global Campus learning platform, our students take on challenges and learn in exciting ways alongside friends in 32 countries across the world.

Student in an BIS Abu Dhabi art IBDP lesson

JOIN OUR INCLUSIVE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

We’re delighted you’re considering The British International School Abu Dhabi for your child’s education. Your journey starts with our warm and welcoming admissions team, who will guide you through our application process.
  • Get in touch with us today – we’ll explain what you need to do and answer any questions.
  • Come and visit our international school in Abu Dhabi or sign up for a virtual tour.
  • Send us your application form and supporting documents. Your child will then be asked to do a short assessment.
  • All being well, our admissions team will confirm your child’s place, and send you an offer of enrolment.
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THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FROM BIS ABU DHABI

OUR NEWS

News image Message from the Head of Secondary - Message from the Head of Secondary Blog | Posts From Our People
Message from the Head of Secondary
On the way into school this morning, I had an inspiring conversation with my daughter about traditions. She shared that the Year 13 students have been eagerly discussing ways to leave their legacy in their final year, and they’ve decided on a wonderful new tradition: the Senior School Camp. This event will give them a chance to camp overnight on the school grounds, connecting as a year group with fire pits, music, food, and memories of their time at BIS Abu Dhabi. This conversation made me reflect on why traditions matter so deeply to us all.
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News image Message from the Head of Primary - Message from the Head of Primary Blog | Posts From Our People
Message from the Head of Primary
I’ve been really looking forward to attending my first UAE Flag Day and have used it as an opportunity to learn about the flag itself.  It’s been very interesting to do so, as a ‘newbie’ and it has really helped my understanding of the pride that Emiratis have in their country and its national emblems.  I’ve discovered that the flag was designed in 1971 by Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, a 19-year-old at the time, as part of a nationwide design contest and it was adopted by the country on 2nd December 1971.  The choice of colours is deeply important, and their symbolic meanings make a wonderful parallel with the work of the school and the values we seek to promote across the community:
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News image Message from the Principal - Message from the Principal Blog | Posts From Our People
Message from the Principal
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the true spirit of community in action here at BIS Abu Dhabi. Despite the challenges we all face, including personal hardships that may touch many of us, it is heartening to see how our shared care for one another and our collective hope for a brighter future bring us together.
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LEARNING TO THRIVE

Your child will get an outstanding education at The British International School Abu Dhabi. Our exceptional teachers will nurture their personal and academic growth, ensuring they thrive.

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