British International School Abu Dhabi
Overview
The British International School Abu Dhabi (BISAD), located in Zayed City, is a prestigious educational institution that offers a broad curriculum based on the UK as well as the IB curriculum for students ages 3 to 18 years old.
The school follows the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum till year 11. Meanwhile, students in Years 12 and 13 can either opt for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or BTEC Extended Diploma. It also provides special opportunities, like partnerships with MIT, UNICEF and The Juilliard School, to encourage creativity and critical thinking.
In a Nutshell
- Location: Zayed City
- School fees: AED 52,816 - AED 74,980
- Curriculum: British, IB and BTEC
- Co-ed or segregate: Co-ed
- ADEK rating: Outstanding
- Years offered: FS1 - Year 13
Residential Communities near British International School
British International School in Abu Dhabi is located in Zayed City.
The community offers both apartments and villas as residential options and provides easy access to quality amenities and recreational facilities.
Communities near British International School are as follows:
Parents interested in relocating close to the school can check out the following options:
Campus of British International School
The British International School has campuses in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi campus includes a modern auditorium and a music room.. In the Creative Technology Zone, along with science labs and libraries, students can explore new ideas using the latest educational technology.
|
Auditorium |
High-Tech Dance Studio |
Drama Studio |
|
Swimming Pools |
Gyms |
Sports Hall |
|
Libraries |
Computer Science Suites |
Shaded Courtyards |
Location of British International School
British International School is located behind Abu Dhabi University, Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Why British International School?
The following reasons make British International School a considerable option for parents:
- A diverse educational programme based on the British, IB and BTEC curricula
- Rated outstanding by ADEK
- Modern-facilities supporting curriculum
- A well-developed extracurricular and sports programme
School Details
Years Offered at British International School
The British International School caters to the educational needs of students aged 3 to 18 years.
| Stage | Year |
|---|---|
| Foundation Stage (FS) | FS1 - FS2 |
| Primary Stage | Year 1 - Year 6 |
| Secondary Stage | Year 7 - Year 11 |
| Senior School | Year 12 - Year 13 |
The British International School Curriculum
In the foundation stage, the school follows the British EYFS curriculum, which includes seven key areas of learning:
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Students in the Primary stage follow the National Curriculum for England. The primary curriculum comprises two stages, Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2), which develop students’ skills and knowledge in core subjects like math, science and English, as well as across the broader curriculum.
At secondary school, the school continues to follow the UK Curriculum, which culminates in their IGCSE examinations at the age of 16.
Students clearing their IGCSE examinations have the option to either opt for the IB or BTEC curricula.
Read the British International School Abu Dhabi curriculum for more information.
ADEK Rating
Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing the education system in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafrah. It inspects the performance of schools every two years and rates them based on a six-point scale shown below:
British International School Abu Dhabi ADEK rating is outstanding for the current academic year. For more details, read the ADEK inspection report for The British International School.
Academic Calendar of British International School
The academic calendar for British International School Abu Dhabi commences in the last week of August and concludes in late June. Here is the breakdown of important term dates:
| Start of First Term | 26 August |
| Autumn Half Term | 14 October - 18 October |
| Winter Holiday | 16 December - 05 January |
| Start of Second Term | 06 January |
| Spring Half Term | 10 February - 12 February |
| Spring Break | 24 March - 06 April |
| Start of Third Term | 07 April |
| End of Third Term | 27 June |
Furthermore, the school remains closed for different national and religious holidays, most of which are subject to moon sightings. Contact the school for further information.
ADMISSION AND FEES
How to Apply to the British International School
The admissions process at British International School is simple. The school offers daily tours with flexible scheduling options to accommodate parents' needs. Those who intend to apply to the school must fill out an enrolment form.
Open Enrollment: The school accepts applications throughout the year and there is no specific deadline.
Waiting List: If the school is full, there may be a waiting list.
Eligibility and Placement
The following age-grade guidelines are followed by the school:
| Years | Minimum Entry Age | Maximum Entry Age | Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Years Nursery/Foundation Stage S1 |
Minimum Entry Age 3 years |
Maximum Entry Age – |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* – |
|
Years Foundation Stage 2 |
Minimum Entry Age 4 years |
Maximum Entry Age – |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* – |
|
Years Year 1 |
Minimum Entry Age 5 years |
Maximum Entry Age – |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* – |
|
Years Year 2 |
Minimum Entry Age 6 years |
Maximum Entry Age – |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* – |
|
Years Year 3 |
Minimum Entry Age 7 years |
Maximum Entry Age 7 years and 11 months |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 6 |
|
Years Year 4 |
Minimum Entry Age 8 years |
Maximum Entry Age 8 years and 11 months |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 7 |
|
Years Year 5 |
Minimum Entry Age 9 years |
Maximum Entry Age 9 years and 11 months |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 8 |
|
Years Year 6 |
Minimum Entry Age 10 years |
Maximum Entry Age 10 years and 11 months |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 9 |
|
Years Year 7 |
Minimum Entry Age 11 years |
Maximum Entry Age 11 years and 11 months |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 10 |
|
Years Year 8 |
Minimum Entry Age 12 years |
Maximum Entry Age 12 years and 11 months |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 11 |
|
Years Year 9 |
Minimum Entry Age 13 years |
Maximum Entry Age 13 years and 11 months |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 12 |
|
Years Year 10 |
Minimum Entry Age 14 years |
Maximum Entry Age 14 years and 11 months |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 13 |
|
Years Year 11 |
Minimum Entry Age 15 years |
Maximum Entry Age 15 years and 11 months |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 14 |
|
Years Year 12 |
Minimum Entry Age 16 years |
Maximum Entry Age 16 years and 11 months |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 15 |
|
Years Year 13 |
Minimum Entry Age 17 years |
Maximum Entry Age 17 years and 11 months |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 16 |
This is based on the age of the students on 31st August (for schools beginning in September). Source: ADEK
* This is to cater to students transferring from systems that admit students of a younger age)
- Year Group Placement: Children are typically placed in year groups based on their age. However, assessments may be used to determine if a child is ready to move up or down a year level.
- Language Proficiency: While English is the primary language of instruction, non-native English speakers may need to undergo additional language assessments to ensure they can meet the academic demands.
Admissions Procedure
- Application: Interested families should submit an online application form.
- Assessment: The school may require children to complete academic assessments to evaluate their skills and determine the most suitable year group.
- Interview: Parents and children may be invited for an interview to discuss the child's educational needs and goals.
- Offer: If the child is accepted, the school will provide an offer letter outlining the terms of admission.
- Enrollment: Upon acceptance, families will need to complete the enrollment process, which includes depositing admission charges and providing necessary documentation.
For the most accurate and updated information, refer to the British International School admission process.
Fee Structure at British International School
The British International School Abu Dhabi fees are as follows
Registration stage
After finishing the application process, parents must confirm their offer by paying a non-refundable registration fee of 5% of annual tuition fee within the deadline.
Tuition Fee
The tuition fee charged by the school is as follows
| Year Group | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Nursery | 52,816 AED |
| FS2 | 54,653 AED |
| Years 1 - 5 | 66,510 AED |
| Years 6 - 11 | 68,090 AED |
| Years 12 - 13 | 74,980 AED |
Sibling Discount
The school offers a 7.5% and 10% discount on the annual tuition fee for the fourth and fifth child, respectively.
For further details, view the fee structure of British International School Abu Dhabi.
Facilities
Lunch Options at British International School
The luck facilities at British International School Abu Dhabi is managed by ADNH Catering, which is one of the largest catering services in Abu Dhabi. Students have access to various healthy and nutritious food and beverage options. Contact the school for more information.
Transportation at British International School
British International School runs a safe and efficient bus service that covers the main residential areas of Abu Dhabi. The costs of their service are detailed below.
| Trip | Transport Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Return Journey | 8000 |
| One-Way Journey | 6,300 |
Sports Facilities
BIS Abu Dhabi has various high-end sports facilities for students, including indoor swimming pools, a gym, sports hall and grass playing fields. Students have the option to pursue their passions at the school's 100 co-curricular clubs, supported by their outstanding teachers, specialist coaches and pastoral team.
Here's a concise summary of the sports programme at BIS Abu Dhabi:
Sports Programme Summary
Partnership with ADISSA:
Students compete in weekly local fixtures and end-of-season tournaments.
A wide range of sports is offered each term, enhancing motor skills, coordination and teamwork.
BSME Games:
Participation in prestigious competitions against other Middle Eastern schools in athletics, football, netball, volleyball (U15, U13) and basketball (U11).
For more information, see the physical education page on the school's website.
Extra-curricular Activities at British International School
BIS Abu Dhabi offers over 100 co-curricular clubs to nurture every child’s talents and passions.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Activity Categories | Sports, arts, music, drama, science, technology, engineering |
| Duke of Edinburgh's Award | The Award enhances the BISAD Diploma program with a holistic educational approach. |
| External Paid CCA Programme | Offered from 4 pm to 6 pm with a variety of additional paid CCAs |
| Age Group Variation | Clubs and activities vary by age group and change each term |
| Inclusivity | Activities are designed to meet the needs and abilities of all student |
For the most accurate and updated information, refer to the British International School co-curricular activities page.
Medical Facilities
The school takes their students' health as their main priority. The following are the main health policies and facilities in BIS Abu Dhabi.
Required Forms
- Before starting at BIS Abu Dhabi, parents have to submit the following:
- Annual Medical Trip Clearance Form.
- Vaccination records (in English).
- Health Screening Consent Form.
- Consent for Medications and Emergency Treatment.
- Individual Care Plan for chronic conditions.
The School Clinic provides:
- First aid and emergency care for sick or injured students.
- Health assessments to detect early signs of issues affecting learning.
- Monitoring of growth and development.
- Nursing care tailored to student needs.
- Health education and vaccination programs in collaboration with SEHA.
Read BIS Abu Dhabi health policies for more information.
Contact
Mode of Communication between Teachers and Parents
The Westminster School holds multiple parent-teacher meetings throughout the year, allowing teachers and parents to discuss students' progress. The school also communicates through the official website, social media profiles and WhatsApp Groups.
British International School, Abu Dhabi Contact Information
- General and Admissions: +971 2 510 0100
- WhatsApp Enquiry: +971 56 994 1171
- Admissions Enquiries: admissions@bisad.ae
General Information
FAQs
WHAT ARE THE TIMINGS OF BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL?
British International School hours are between 7:40 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Thursday and 7:40 am to 12:30 pm on Fridays.
DOES BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL CONDUCT AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES?
The school encourages students to participate in after-school activities, such as music, drama, performing arts and more.
HOW MANY GRADES/YEARS ARE THERE IN YOUR SCHOOL?
British International School offers educational support to students from FS1 until Year 13.
WHAT IS THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR OF BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SCHOOL?
The academic calendar for British International School starts in the last week of August and ends in the last week of June.
DO YOU HAVE A CAFETERIA OR A CANTEEN ON CAMPUS?
Yes, the British International School lunch menu is provided by ADNH Catering, the UAE’s largest food service provider, offering healthy, nutritious meals to fuel students' energy for the day.
Note that the cover image belongs to British International School Abu Dhabi.
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