Admissions are now open for 2025/2026
At the British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi), the early years mark the beginning of a magical journey where children thrive in a safe, happy, and child-centered environment. Led by passionate educators, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) nurtures purposeful, lifelong learners through engaging, play-based learning experiences.
The day starts with a warm welcome from teachers as children arrive, either by school bus or with their parents. After greeting their friends and completing the register, students proudly sing the national anthem and enjoy a lively “wake-up shake-up” session before discussing the day’s learning plans.
Throughout the day, children enjoy a mix of teacher-led and child-initiated activities. Set carpet times focus on circle time, storytime, maths, or phonics, followed by plenty of opportunities to independently apply newly learned skills in the classroom and outdoors. Our play-based approach centers on children’s interests, making their learning purposeful and engaging.
Language and communication skills are nurtured through role play and conversations that expand vocabulary. Fine motor skills are strengthened through activities like “funky fingers,” which prepare children for writing and mark-making.
Our exceptional facilities further enrich learning, including a dedicated early years library, an indoor swimming pool, and the innovative Eco Edventure area. In this outdoor space, children explore, grow, and harvest their own food, investigate water systems, build imaginative structures, and learn about animal care, habitats, and ecosystems. This fosters creativity and curiosity while supporting sustainability goals.
Specialist teachers in music, Arabic, PE, and swimming enhance the learning experience, while healthy meal times encourage independence as children manage their own snacks and lunches. The day concludes with a group story, reflecting on the day’s achievements and celebrating successes
Nursery students benefit from extended Early Years Additional Sessions (EYAS), offering additional curricular time, swimming lessons, and yoga at no extra cost. These sessions align the Nursery finish time with the rest of the school at 3 pm. After school, optional extracurricular activities from 3:15 to 4:15 pm further develop skills in physical development, communication, and expressive arts, enriched by collaborations with Juilliard and MIT.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, every child is encouraged to explore, grow, and thrive in an environment that values curiosity, creativity, and resilience. Supported by exceptional facilities and a commitment to sustainability, our holistic approach provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
From her very first days in Nursery to her final moments as an IB Diploma graduate, Samsara has spent 15 years growing, learning, and thriving at BIS Abu Dhabi. A true BISAD Baby, she has left a lasting mark not only in the classroom, but across courts, fields and swimming pools. As she reflects on her school journey, Samsara shares how sport became a constant companion, shaping her character, building resilience, and offering balance alongside academic success.
Discover how sport helped shape her unforgettable school experience — and why it could do the same for your child.
Our facilities provide the backdrop to – and inspiration behind – many of our students’ greatest achievements.
From our Creative Technology Zone and 524-seat auditorium to the Team Falcon Sports Academy, every space is designed to enrich learning and unlock endless possibilities.
Curious about what’s coming next? Discover how our latest campus developments will take student learning and parent connection to the next level.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, we believe that when families and schools team up, incredible things happen. We’re proud to have won the Parent Partnership category at both the ADEK Awards 2024/25 and the MENA School Excellence Awards 2025, but this award is about more than just recognition. It’s about the people, the conversations, and the community that make it all possible.
Read on to discover how we’re making a difference together.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, inclusion isn’t a separate initiative, it’s the foundation of everything we do. From the moment a student joins us, they are welcomed into a caring, respectful, and inclusive environment, guided by the values of Kindness, Honesty, and Respect. Discover how this ethos shapes every classroom, corridor, and connection in our school community in this blog.
Admissions: +971 2 510 0123
Admissions: admissions@bisad.ae
HR: hr@bisad.ae
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