Finding a School in Abu Dhabi: A Parent's Guide

Relocating to Abu Dhabi is an exciting new chapter for families. Alongside finding a home and settling into a new community, choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

With more than 200 private schools across the emirate offering a range of international curricula, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Every child is different, and the best school is one that matches your child's learning style, interests and future ambitions while providing a supportive environment where they can thrive.

This guide explains how education in Abu Dhabi works, what daily school life looks like and the key factors to consider when comparing schools.

Understanding Education in Abu Dhabi

Education is a top priority in Abu Dhabi, with a diverse network of private international schools serving families from around the world. Schools are regulated by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), which monitors educational standards and carries out regular inspections to help parents make informed decisions.

Families can choose from a wide variety of internationally recognised curricula, allowing children to continue their education seamlessly whether they are relocating from the UK, Europe, North America, Asia or elsewhere.

When researching schools, it is worth considering not only academic performance but also the school's values, wellbeing provision, extracurricular opportunities and long-term pathways to university and future careers.

Which Curriculum Is Right for Your Child?

One of the biggest decisions parents make is selecting the right curriculum. Abu Dhabi offers several internationally recognised options, including British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB), Indian and other national curricula.

Each curriculum has its own strengths, teaching approaches and assessment methods. The right choice often depends on your child's learning style, future university aspirations and whether your family expects to relocate again.

At The British International School Abu Dhabi, students benefit from a continuous British education from ages 3 to 18. Our curriculum combines the best of British education with an international outlook, providing a seamless journey from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Sixth Form.

Students follow the English National Curriculum before progressing to Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE qualifications. In Sixth Form, every student has a pathway that suits their strengths and ambitions, choosing between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma. Both pathways are internationally recognised and prepare students for leading universities and future careers around the world.

What Is School Life Like in Abu Dhabi?

While every school is different, there are several things most families can expect.

School Time

Most schools follow a three-term academic year, beginning in September and finishing in early July. Students enjoy a winter break in December, a spring break during the academic year and a longer summer holiday. Families can plan ahead by viewing the BIS Abu Dhabi 2026–27 School Calendar, which includes term dates and holidays.

Schools in Abu Dhabi typically operate from Monday to Friday. In most schools, the school day runs from around 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, while Fridays are shorter and usually finish by 11:30 AM.

At The British International School Abu Dhabi, students follow a structured day that balances learning with enrichment. We also offer more than 200 co-curricular activities, running from 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM, Monday to Thursday, giving students opportunities to participate in sport, the arts and many other interests beyond the classroom.

Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, school life continues with some adjustments. School hours are typically shortened in line with UAE regulations, and extracurricular activities may finish earlier.

At the same time, Ramadan offers students meaningful opportunities to learn about local traditions, culture and community through a range of educational experiences.

Uniform

Most schools in Abu Dhabi require students to wear a school uniform. Uniforms help foster a sense of belonging, encourage equality and simplify the school routine for families. Students also wear dedicated PE kits for sports lessons and physical activities.

Learning Beyond the Classroom: What Should Parents Look For?

An outstanding education is not limited to academic lessons or the school timetable. Increasingly, parents recognise the importance of what happens beyond the classroom, where children have the opportunity to explore new interests, develop confidence and build essential life skills.

A strong school will typically offer a wide range of co-curricular activities, allowing students to try different sports, creative arts, academic clubs and leadership opportunities.

As students grow older, many schools also offer residential trips and international travel opportunities. These experiences are particularly valuable in helping young people develop independence, resilience and adaptability.

In addition, some schools are part of wider educational networks that provide access to global learning opportunities. These may include collaboration with students in other countries, participation in international challenges, and workshops led by experts in fields such as science, technology, the arts and sustainability.

At BIS Abu Dhabi, these principles are brought to life through a rich programme of co-curricular activities, high quality Physical Education, residential and international trips, and global learning opportunities. As part of Nord Anglia Education, our students also benefit from collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, UNICEF and IMG Academy, enriching their learning both inside and outside the classroom.

You can explore more about our approach to enrichment and global learning on our Outstanding Experiences page.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a School? 

ADEK Ratings

ADEK inspection ratings provide an independent assessment of a school's performance across teaching quality, leadership, student achievement, wellbeing and inclusion. The ratings range from Outstanding (the highest rating), followed by Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak, and Very Weak (the lowest rating). While inspection ratings should not be the only factor in your decision, they offer valuable insight into the overall quality of a school.

You can explore the BIS Abu Dhabi ADEK Inspection Report to see how our school achieved an Outstanding ADEK rating and what inspectors highlighted as our key strengths.

Location

Daily travel can have a significant impact on family life. Consider how long the journey will take and whether the location is convenient for both home and work.

It is also worth noting that many schools in Abu Dhabi offer dedicated school bus services, providing a safe and convenient transport option for families who prefer not to drive each day.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the curriculum, facilities and year group. Rather than focusing solely on cost, consider the overall value a school provides through teaching quality, specialist facilities, student support and opportunities beyond the classroom.

Check tuition fees at BIS Abu Dhabi here.

Campus Facilities

Visiting a school is one of the best ways to understand its learning environment. During a school tour, explore classrooms, libraries, science laboratories, arts spaces, sports facilities and outdoor learning areas. Speaking with staff and current students can also provide valuable insight into daily school life.

If you're interested in BIS Abu Dhabi, we warmly invite you to book a tour and experience our school first-hand.

Community

A strong sense of community helps families settle into a new country more quickly. Look for schools that actively involve parents through events, workshops, performances, coffee mornings and regular communication.

Student Support

Every child learns differently. When comparing schools, consider the level of academic and pastoral support available, including English as an Additional Language (EAL), inclusion services, wellbeing programmes, university guidance and personalised learning support. A school that understands and nurtures every learner will help students build confidence, resilience and independence throughout their educational journey.

Discover The British International School Abu Dhabi

Choosing the right school is an important decision, and visiting a school in person is one of the best ways to understand its learning environment, community and values.

As a highly sought-after international school in Abu Dhabi, BIS Abu Dhabi welcomes families from around the world. Due to strong demand for places, we encourage families to begin their admissions journey early.

Visit our Admissions page to explore our application process, entry requirements and key information for joining our community. Our Admissions team is here to guide you through every step and help you find the right pathway for your child.