academic excellence

Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Level 2 Page Header With Key FactsAcademic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Level 2 Page Header With Key Facts
Key Facts
World's top 100 universities
Our students’ academic success takes them to the best universities, including Oxford, McGill and Sydney.
Among the very best
Our 2025 IBDP score of 34.1 and BTEC score of D*DD are up there with the best in the world.
More than double the UK average
In 2025, 52% of our IGCSE students achieved grades 7 to 9 – more than double the UK average. 

a pathway to success

At BIS Abu Dhabi, our world-class academic pathways, including the English National Curriculum, I/GCSEs, the IB Diploma Programme and BTEC equip students with the skills, knowledge, and character to thrive in school and beyond.

Our outstanding teachers bring learning to life through global collaborations with The Juilliard School, MIT, IMG Academy and UNICEF, giving students access to extraordinary experiences in the arts, STEAM, sports, and social impact. In our warm, inclusive community, every learner is encourages to discover their passions, stretch their thinking, and achieve at the highest levels.

This holistic, personalised approach ensures our students flourish academically and personally, earning superb exam results and progressing to some of the world's top 100 universities.

Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Secondary Introduction
Senior School
  • Senior School
  • Secondary
  • Primary
  • Early years

Our curricula

Our students follow the best in British and international curricula, including the English National Curriculum, Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, International Baccalaureate (IB) and BTEC Diploma Programmes.

These qualifications set the standard for global education and provide pathways to higher education across the world.
curricula logo IB
16 to 18 years old
International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme
The pinnacle of international education, our IB Programme is the ideal springboard to the world’s top universities. Through a wide choice of subjects, leadership opportunities, and extraordinary learning experiences, the Full Diploma (IBDP) and IB Courses Programmes create successful, independent young people.
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Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Curricula Overview
16 to 18 years old
BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma
Our BTEC Business, IT and Sport programmes provide vocational pathways to university and beyond. They are perfect for students looking for a more immersive, practical experience. Developing our students' theoretical knowledge and practical skills, our BTEC courses offer the perfect blend of academic rigour and hands-on, real-world experiences.
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our curricula

Our students follow the best in British and international curricula, including the English National Curriculum, Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and BTEC Diploma.

These qualifications set the standard for global education and provide pathways to higher education across the world.
curricula logo england curriculum
11 to 16 years old
English National Curriculum
Our secondary curriculum encourages our students to take on new challenges. Tailored learning experiences enable our students to pursue their passions, while expert teaching develops their knowledge in specialist subjects. Lessons challenge, engage and inspire, ensuring our students get outstanding IGCSE results.
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our curricula

Our students follow the best in British and international curricula, including the English National Curriculum, Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and BTEC Diploma.

These qualifications set the standard for global education and provide pathways to higher education across the world.
curricula logo england curriculum
5 to 11 years old
English National Curriculum
Our Key Stage 1 and 2 curricula combine exceptional teaching in the core subjects with an astonishing variety of fun activities, trips, and hands-on projects. Our teachers will spark your child’s imagination, supporting them to become confident, curious, creative learners.
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OUR CURRICULA

Our students follow the best in British and international curricula, including the English National Curriculum, Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and BTEC Diploma.

These qualifications set the standard for global education and provide pathways to higher education across the world.
Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Curricula Overview
3 to 5 years old
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Our curriculum is delivered through structured, multi-sensory play, where your child will sing, dance, swim, experiment, paint, read, explore and so much more. Hitting the seven EYFS areas of development, our littlest learners get the best possible start to their education.
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Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Key Fact TilesAcademic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Key Fact Tiles
  • SENIOR SCHOOL
  • Secondary
  • Primary
  • Early Years

senior school

Our IBDP and BTEC International Level 3 offers our students a truly global education, creating ambitious, socially responsible young people who go on to study at the world’s top universities.
Age range
16-18
Languages taught
5
English, Arabic, French, Spanish and German
Average class size
15
Teacher-student ratio
1:9

secondary

Our secondary curricula provide the perfect blend of challenge and support, with rigorous teaching and outstanding creative, sporting and leadership opportunities.
Age range
11-16
Nationalities
71
Average class size
24
Teacher-student ratio
1:24

Primary

Our primary curriculum combines exceptional teaching in the core subjects with amazing activities, trips, and hands-on projects.
Age range
5-11
Nationalities
74
Average class size
24
Teacher-student ratio
1:12

EARLY YEARS

Our early years curriculum nurtures our youngest learners’ personal and social growth, encouraging exploration through purposeful play and practical activities.
Age range:
3-5
Nationalities:
22
Average class size:
16
Teacher-student ratio:
1:7
primary
  • Senior School
  • Secondary
  • Primary
  • Early years

A TYPICAL DAY AT BIS ABU DHABI

Your child will love coming into school every day. This is down to our exceptional teachers, warm and inclusive community, extraordinary learning experiences, and incredible variety of clubs, trips, and collaborations.
BIS Abu Dhabi Global leaders
Global learners
Our oldest students’ morning kicks-off with tutor time. Our IBDP and BTEC gives students a global perspective, and chalkboard, Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), and wellbeing activities are a great way to start the day.
global learners
BIS Abu Dhabi Doing your own thing
Do your own thing
No two students’ days are the same. Why? Because our personalised approach to teaching means that every child follows their passions, forging their own path to success. For some that means building robots in our STEAM lab; for others, learning Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony in one of our music suites.
do your own thing
Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
Planning for the future
At this vital stage, we make sure your child has the time and space to make big decisions, including which university course to study. We support every student and their parents on their journey to higher education.
planning for the future
BIS Abu Dhabi Taking the lead
Taking the lead
It’s time to take the lead and make a difference – either through our exclusive collaboration with UNICEF, on our Young Leaders programme, or mentoring and reading with our early years learners.
taking the lead
BIS Abu Dhabi CAS
Creativity, Activity and Service
Extraordinary Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) opportunities are part of every IBDP and BTEC student’s day. Learning the piano or guitar, playing badminton or basketball, or working towards The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, the world is your child’s oyster.
creativity, activity and service

A TYPICAL DAY AT BIS ABU DHABI

Your child will love coming into school every day. This is down to our exceptional teachers, warm and inclusive community, extraordinary learning experiences, and incredible variety of clubs, trips, and collaborations.
BIS Abu Dhabi Form time
Rise and shine
Our students kickstart their day with themed assemblies, guest speakers, and activities that contribute to their BISAD Diploma. Tutors will check in on your child’s wellbeing, too, making sure they’re happy, healthy, and ready to learn.
rise and shine
BIS Abu Dhabi Global connections
Global connections
Logging on to the Nord Anglia Global Campus platform, your child will connect, collaborate, and take on challenges alongside students from more than 32 countries. They’ll learn about different cultures and broaden their horizons, too.
global connections
BIS Abu Dhabi lunch time
It's your choice
Lunchtime can be as busy or relaxing as your child wants – it’s completely up to them. After a tasty meal, they can read in the library, catch up with friends, or get involved in co-curricular activities, including our fantastic Formula 1 challenge.
it's your choice
BIS Abu Dhabi STEAM
Thrilling discoveries
Our STEAM programme is crammed with exhilarating experiences. Hands-on science experiments and practical maths challenges get young minds ticking, developing ingenious problem solvers and critical thinkers.
thrilling discoveries
BIS Abu Dhabi Technology
Transformative technology
Top-of-the-range technology transforms our lessons. VR headsets transport our students into the trenches of World War I, while 3D printers bring architectural creations to life.
transformative technology
Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
Pursuing passions
From coding and DSLR photography to crocheting, debating and our brilliant Lego robotics club, our enrichment programme has something for everyone. There are plenty of opportunities to try something new, too.
Pursuing passions

A TYPICAL DAY AT BIS ABU DHABI

Your child will love coming into school every day. This is down to our exceptional teachers, warm and inclusive community, extraordinary learning experiences, and an incredible variety of clubs, trips, and collaborations.
Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
Ready for the day
Good morning! After a warm welcome from their class teacher, your child will get ready to learn by working on the personal development elements of their BISAD Diploma and talking about their hopes for the day.
ready for the day
Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
Learning in different ways
From spending the day as a Roman to experiencing what it’s like to be an evacuated refugee, our students develop a lifelong love of learning through experiential activities.
Learning in different ways
Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
Taking a trip
Wildlife centres, museums and mosques; beaches, mountains and deserts – our day trips teach our students about themselves and others, and create lasting memories.
taking a trip
Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
In the spotlight
It’s time to shine! Your child can star on the stage, learn a musical instrument, or show off their singing voice. Our collaboration with The Julliard School opens up a world of artistic opportunities.
in the spotlight
Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
Connecting cultures
With more than 90 nationalities at our school, it’s so important our children learn about different cultures, histories, and languages. All our students take Arabic lessons, ensuring they feel at home in our community.
connecting cultures
Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
Enriching learning experiences
The outstanding experiences don’t stop when lessons end! Enrichment activities – from Minecraft and stop-motion animation to dance and basketball – give your child the chance to do what they love.
Enriching activities

A TYPICAL DAY AT BIS ABU DHABI

Your child will love coming into school every day. This is down to our exceptional teachers, warm and inclusive community, extraordinary learning experiences, and an incredible variety of clubs, trips, and collaborations.
Friendly Faces
Friendly faces
Your child will be greeted at the gates by our amazing early years teachers. There's a packed day of singing, dancing, painting, and exploring ahead – and everyone’s excited!
Friendly faces
Learning through play
Learning through play
First up, it’s play time – but with a twist. Our youngest children learn through purposeful play, which teaches basic literacy, maths, and social skills through fun experiences. You’re invited to come into school and join us, too.
learning through play
Fun and phonics
Fun and phonics
Telling stories, listening to music, reading and writing – your child will develop vital phonics and communications skills, ensuring they hit key EYFS developmental milestones.
fun and phonics
Recharge and refresh
Recharge and refresh
Unsurprisingly, our children love lunchtime! Our chefs prepare tasty snacks and healthy lunches that will keep your child active and engaged all day. ‘Tidy up time’ teaches them about responsibility – and is always done with a song and a smile.
recharge and refresh
Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
Creative classes
There’s no limit to our youngest students’ imaginations. Playing instruments, learning a dance routine, and experimenting with paint, textures and colours – our creative sessions get children excited about the arts.
creative classes
The Great Outdoors
The great outdoors
Learning in the fresh air is so much fun. From running, jumping and climbing in our colourful playground, to getting tactile with water, sand and mud, and planting or caring for our animals in their Eco Edventure, our multi-sensory outdoor spaces help students develop fine motor skills while connecting with nature and exploring the world around them.
 
The great outdoors

OUR STATS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

34.1
Our 2025 IBDP points score – outperformed the global average.
20%
Of our IBDP students scored 39 or more.
100%
100% BTEC pass rate with an average score of D*DD.
BISAD_Abu Dhabi_2019_318
HOW WE TEACH

INSPIRING YOUR CHILD

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Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Small Text And Image
teaching excellence

LEARNING FROM THE BEST

Outstanding teachers make outstanding schools, which is why we only recruit the very best. All our teachers are native English speakers with a wealth of experience in leading British and international schools.

Like our students, our teachers are always learning. Whether that’s studying for further qualifications on the Nord Anglia University platform, taking part in our in‑house Unlocking Leadership programme, or even pursuing an exclusive Master’s in International Education through King’s College London, our exceptional educators remain at the cutting edge of international learning trends.

This commitment to excellence was recognised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, who judged our school as ‘outstanding’.

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AN ALL-ENCOMPASSING EDUCATION

THE BISAD DIPLOMA

The BISAD Diploma nurtures our students’ personal, social, and academic growth, supporting them to succeed every single day. From Year 1 through to Year 9, your child will work towards bronze, silver, and gold awards by achieving academic, sporting, and creative success. They’ll also take part in community activities that hone their social skills, instil core values, and encourage them to help others.
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EMBRACING OUR LOCAL LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

ARABIC AND ISLAMIC STUDIES

All our students have the option to study Arabic, which gives them an appreciation for and understanding of local language, history, and culture. Our Muslim students also follow the Ministry of Education's Islamic Studies curriculum.
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School Brochures

Welcome to The British International School Abu Dhabi
School Brochure
Learn more about BIS Abu Dhabi
Brochure IGCSE and BTEC Level 2 Options at BIS Abu Dhabi
IGCSE and BTEC L2 Options
Learn more about our Key Stage 4 offering (Years 10-11)
Senior School Programme brochure for The British International School Abu Dhabi
The Senior School Programme
Learn more about our Senior School offering (Years 12-13)
School profile and University destinations at The British International School Abu Dhabi
School Profile 2025- 2026
View our school profile and students' university destinations
Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi - Feature Cards Pattern 1

MEET OUR ALUMNI

Learning at BIS Abu Dhabi is a passport to a global future. We’re incredibly proud of our graduates, who go on to achieve great things at universities and in careers around the world. 
The British International School Abu Dhabi Alumni Paul
Paul Usieto
Class of 2021

BIS Abu Dhabi shaped who I am today. The multicultural environment taught me adaptability, while the IB strengthened my resilience, time management and analytical thinking, skills I rely on every day in engineering and cybersecurity. Inspiring teachers and experiences like the service trip to Tanzania helped me discover my passion for using technology to solve real-world problems. Now completing my Master’s in Engineering and specialising in Cybersecurity at CY Tech in France, I’m grateful for the foundation BIS Abu Dhabi gave me.

The British International School Abu Dhabi Alumni Sophia
Sophia Sarao
Class of 2022

I’m Sophia, and BIS Abu Dhabi shaped me into someone adaptable, confident and open to new opportunities. With the support of caring teachers, I quickly settled into studying in English and found subjects I truly enjoyed. Experiences like the Tanzania trip and taking part in the BSME sports event helped me grow more independent. Those foundations led me to the prestigious EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne and later to SHL in Lucerne. I’m now building my experience in the industry through a six‑month internship at the 5‑star Bürgenstock Hotel & Resort, excited for where this journey will take me next.

The British International School Abu Dhabi Alumni Karolina
Karolina Lipowska
Class of 2024

My name is Karolina, and my time at BIS Abu Dhabi was truly transformational. It was the first place where I could fully dedicate myself to learning while exploring my creativity through theatre and the Juilliard collaboration. Stepping into roles both on stage and behind the scenes, especially stage management, sparked my passion for filmmaking and shaped my future. I’m now in my first year of Film Production at FAMU in Prague, continuing to act while developing my skills in film production, all built on the confidence BIS Abu Dhabi helped me find.

BISAD University Destinations
Your Future Starts Here: Explore Our University Destinations!

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