FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

We teach the very best in British and international curricula. This includes the English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSEs, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and BTEC Diploma. These pathways set the standard for global education and give our students access to the world’s leading universities.

• Early Years (ages 3-5): Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Primary (ages 5-11): English National Curriculum.
• Secondary (ages 11-16): Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (IGCSEs) of the English National Curriculum.
• Senior School: (ages 16-18): International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and BTEC International Extended Level 3 Diploma.  

Of course. Our students get superb academic results. In 2024, 91% of our IGCSE students achieved grades 9-4. Our 2024 IBDP cohort exceeded the global average, too, with a score of 34, which continues to be above the IB world average.

While academic excellence is an absolute priority, we know there’s more to a well-rounded education. Our exceptional teachers will nurture your child’s growth, supporting them to do what they love, excel in new areas, and be ambitious. We want your child to leave us with the personal and academic skills they need to succeed, and become a culturally aware, socially responsible global citizen.

At every stage in their education, your child will learn in small class sizes that give them an exceptional personalised learning experience.

• Our early years children (ages 3-5) learn in a maximum class size of 20. They’re supported by their class teacher and two assistants.
• At primary level (ages 5-11), our students study in an average class of 24. They’re supported by one teacher and one assistant.
• Our secondary students (ages 11-18) learn in a variety of class sizes, which depend on the subject being taught. Typically, however, the average class is between 15 and 20 students.

Yes, your child’s wellbeing is our top priority. We know that children who feel safe, supported, and included thrive – both personally and academically.

All our students follow our Personal, Social and Moral Education curriculum. Supported by our highly qualified pastoral team, they learn about healthy lifestyles and develop the tools they need to look after their physical and emotional wellbeing. We also have a comprehensive safeguarding programme in place.

Set over more than 25,000 square metres, our purpose-built campus combines state-of-the-art sports, science and performing arts facilities with colourful outdoor spaces and classrooms containing the latest education technology.

Our facilities include:

• An Arts Centre with 524-seat Auditorium, high-tech dance and drama studios, three modern music suites and practice spaces.
• Indoor swimming pools, a gym, sports hall, and grass playing fields.
• Primary and secondary libraries stocked with more than 15,000 books.
• A Creative Technology Zone that houses our Computer Science suite, Design and Technology workspace, and science labs packed with technology.
• A dedicated early years area with an adventure playground, shaded courtyards, multi-sensory outdoor spaces and an Eco-Edventure area.

Your admissions journey starts with our warm and welcoming team, who will guide you through the process.

• Get in touch with us today using our online enquiry form. We'll answer any questions, discuss your situation, and confirm whether we have places available.
• The best way to get a feel for our inclusive school community is to take a tour of our campus. If you’re not in Abu Dhabi, you can meet us online.
• We accept applications all year round, and we promise to get back to you within 24 hours (excluding weekends and national holidays) of receiving your online form.
• Every child who joins us takes a short assessment, which vary by age. This may include testing your child’s English language fluency, writing, and cognitive skills.
• Once you’ve completed the first four steps – and if our school is the right match – we’ll offer you a place. We’ll send you an offer of enrolment to sign, too.

At BIS Abu Dhabi, we welcome all nationalities and abilities. We’re extremely proud of the diversity of our school community. Right now, students, parents, and teachers from more than 90 countries call our school home.

Yes, your child will sit an assessment as part of our admissions process. This ensures we can meet their learning needs and offer the right blend of challenge and support. Our assessments and interviews vary depending on the age of the child, but may include class observations and English speaking, writing, and cognitive ability tests.

All our lessons are taught in English, which is why it’s so important that your child is sufficiently fluent. Our expert English as an Additional Language (EAL) team will help students who need extra support.