A far cry from the wildlife haven of the late 18th century, this oil-rich island is now home to a growing tourist and financial industry, bringing a wide cultural mix in terms of ethnicities and religions. This, in turn, has brought international schools hurrying to jump onto the sandy bandwagon in Abu Dhabi.
Education in Abu Dhabi
Bingo! In 1958, the black gold was discovered and it was all change for the sleepy, ex-pearling town. Abu Dhabi became a magnet for the oil industry (the emirate owns 95 per cent of UAE oil production), is home to the Supreme Petroleum Council and is still the driving force of the UAE economy. All of which brings executives flocking here from all over the world.
Abu Dhabi has grown into a shiny new city, expanding outwards (and upwards) at a formidable pace. The constant new developments entice families with brand-new housing, seaside living and access to international schools. And with the population made up of around 90 per cent expats, it should come as no surprise that these international schools cover such a wide variety of educational systems.
Choosing a school in Abu Dhabi
A few stalwarts have been here since the third quarter of the 20th century but the majority of international schools are relative newcomers. That said, some are offshoots of famous British educational heavyweights while others are run by very reputable businesses in the field.
All the schools take children from nursery to 18, although few families stay that long – Abu Dhabi is seldom a lifetime choice. That means the key consideration for parents is finding a school that will most easily enable their offspring to transition when they exit for home or another country. Therefore, it’s probably best to consider the options from a curriculum point of view.
Good news is that all schools are government inspected and rated every two years by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). To find out the latest ratings and reports for individual schools go to www.tamm.abudhabi and type in Irtiqaa Rating: Higher to Lower under the tab ‘Sort By’. These reports are lengthy and thorough but bear in mind they are always looking at the school from an Arab angle, notably to ensure that Arab language and culture is sufficiently promoted. Also be aware that while ADEK and accreditation reports are certainly useful in coming to a decision (and helpfully, they include the results of very comprehensive parent surveys), nothing beats talking to parents or ex-parents yourself.
Best schools in Abu Dhabi
The following schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Abu Dhabi International School (AIS)
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP/ IGCSE/ A Level/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 4,000 (2,600 in MBZ City) students
Founded in 1992, teaching an American curriculum, from Kindergarten to Grade 9, on two campuses (the second opened in 2016). The original Abu Dhabi City campus offers the IGCSE curriculum and the newer site teaches American and International Baccalaureate Diploma programmes. Nearly 80 per cent of the students are international, coming from around 70 nationalities, and five per cent of the places are reserved for special needs students with learning difficulties.
American Community School (ACS)
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,200 students
Plans to build a new Saadiyat Island campus to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the school's foundation in 1972. Instruction is in English with Arabic, French and Spanish taught as foreign languages. Around 60 per cent of students hold US passports.
American International School (AISA)
PYP/ American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed (elementary), gender segregated (secondary); day; independent; privately owned; 1,750 students
One of the group of nine international schools, owned by ESOL Education. Founded in 1995, originally aimed at Americans but now the whole school has a more mixed student demographic.
Amity International School
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE; ages 3-16; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,200 students
Despite being part of an Indian organisation, the school follows an adapted British curriculum. Opened in 2015, with the first cohort starting IGCSEs in 2019. Emirati students are the largest group, UK passport holders next and a small number of US citizens.
Belvedere British School
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ GCSE/ A Level; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 815 students
Linked to a prep school in Liverpool in the UK, the Abu Dhabi version opened in 2012. They provide a British education and a traditional approach, including wearing uniform.
Brighton College Abu Dhabi
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ GCSE/ A Level; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; privately owned; 1,800 students
Owned in partnership by Brighton College International Schools and Bloom Holdings (part of National Holding of Abu Dhabi). Opened in 2011 on a brand-new campus and divided into a Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior School. Now an HMC (Headmasters and Headmistresses' Conference) School. Recent graduates continued their education at UK universities, including Oxford, Edinburgh and Bristol.
British International School
Adapted EYFS/ adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A Level; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,800 students
Founded in 2009 and now owned by the Nord Anglia Education group, currently running around 70 international schools worldwide. The majority of students are British or Emirati with a smaller Indian contingent and the remainder from other nationalities (a slightly higher ratio of boys to girls).
British School Al Khubairat (BSAK)
EYFS/ adapted National Curriculum for England/ GCSE/ A Level; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,900 students
Originally opened as a primary school in 1968, it has expanded, in age terms, both upwards and downwards since then. Offering an all-through British education from nursery to graduation. Posting exceptional exam results for a non-selective school, with students gaining places at leading global universities. In 2017, the first school in Abu Dhabi to be awarded the full accreditation of the British Council's International School Award (ISA).
Canadian International School
Alberta State Curriculum/ Alberta High School Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 900 students
Teaching a rigorous Canadian curriculum to English-speaking students from all over the world, since 2007. The largest contingent is Canadian (over 20 per cent), followed by Emirati, Canadian and British (roughly 5 per cent). There is a strong Parent Council which coordinates social events.
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
EYFS/ adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A Level/ EPQ; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,200 students
A partnership between Cranleigh School in the UK and the master developer; Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) UAE. Opened in 2014, on Saadiyat Island, now being joined there by other schools. British students account for 27 per cent, followed by Emiratis (18%) and Americans (13%). Great buildings, small classes and impressive results from the first small cohort to have taken A-Level exams.
Gems American Academy (GAA)
PYP/ adapted American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 2,050 students
On a brand-new campus in Khalifa City A since 2011, the only US curriculum school in Abu Dhabi operated by Dubai-based GEMS education. Students mainly hold Emirati, American, Korean or Canadian passports with the majority of teachers either American, Canadian or British. Average International Baccalaureate Diploma average results are just under the UAE figure but above the global one of 30. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Gems Cambridge International School
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A Level/ BTEC; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 3,500 students
Founded in 2013, this is another relatively youthful Abu Dhabi school and is still 'bottom heavy' with a high proportion (around 2,000 students) in the Primary School. Emiratis account for 30 per cent of the student body, followed by Pakistanis, Egyptians and Indians so there is a smaller percentage of native English speakers than in some of its competitors.
Gems World Academy
PYP; ages 4-11; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 550 students
A small elementary school, by Abu Dhabi standards, but more international in terms of the number of different nationalities than other schools run by GEMS education Abu Dhabi who took over this school in 2011. Graduates have automatic entry to GEMS American Academy to continue their education. A higher proportion of SEN and ELL staff than in some other schools.
Lycée Francais Louis Massignon
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac; ages 3-18; co-ed; independent; private non-profit; 1,750 students
Founded in 1972 and on its present site since 1982, authorised by the French Embassy in the UAE and inspected by Abu Dhabi Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Also, part of the French school network, Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE), now with over 500 global schools in nearly 140 countries. Classes (almost entirely in French) for students from over 40 nationalities.
Lycée Francais Théodore Monod
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,100 students
The younger of the two lycées in Abu Dhabi, opened in 2003 and operated by the Association Franco-Libanaise pour l'Éducation et la Culture (AFLEC). Approaching one third of the students are French nationals, with a small number of Emiratis and the remainder (over 60 per cent) from a wide range of nationalities. The school accepts students right up from the 'Toute Petite Section' (under three) to high school level.
Raha International School (RIS)
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 2,000 students
Founded in 2006 and the first school in Abu Dhabi authorised to offer the IB programme (taught in English). Approximately 15 per cent of the students are Emiratis, with the remainder from over 80 different nationalities. Now with an architecturally, exciting second campus in Khalifa City.
Repton School (RSAD)
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A Level; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,300 students
A British partnership school, opened in 2013 on Al Reem Island on two campuses. Capacity for up to 2,300 students with Rose Campus catering for Early Years to year 2 while the larger Fry Campus runs from year 3 to year 13. The school's stated aim is to become the 'premier technology school in the UAE', so watch this space. Around 20 per cent of the students are Emiratis among the 60+ nationalities attending the school.