Welcome to Academic Year 2026-27: One School, Achieving More Together

Message from the Principal, Alan Cocker

As we begin the 2026-27 academic year, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all our new and returning families. There is a real sense of excitement across BIS Abu Dhabi as we prepare for another year of learning and growth together.

Over the past week, our staff have come together for an inspiring induction and professional learning programme. The atmosphere has been filled with energy and enthusiasm, and there is a strong sense of purpose across the school. We are also delighted to welcome many talented new colleagues to our already outstanding team, further strengthening the expertise and experience we offer our students.

Our theme for the year, "One School, Achieving More Together," reflects our commitment to ensuring that every child benefits from a connected and seamless educational journey. From Early Years through to Senior School, we are strengthening the links across all phases of the school so that students experience consistency, collaboration and excellence at every stage of their learning.

This year, we will continue to deepen and refine our curriculum, further develop our inclusive practices, and build on the latest research from the Education Endowment Foundation to enhance students' metacognitive skills. This work will help learners become more reflective and independent, enabling them to take increasing ownership of their progress. We will also continue to develop the use of Arabic across our school community, encouraging greater confidence in everyday interactions and strengthening our connection to the culture and language of the UAE.

Alongside our school priorities, we are proud to be supporting a number of important ADEK initiatives. This includes participating in the phased introduction of Artificial Intelligence in schools and contributing to pilot programmes that will help shape future practice. We will also continue our work in developing National Identity through the promotion of values such as responsibility and kindness, which align so closely with our own BIS Abu Dhabi values of Kindness, Honesty and Respect.

Families will also see improvements to how we communicate and share learning. Over the coming weeks, we will introduce Toddle, our new all-in-one learning platform, which will replace Seesaw in Primary and Firefly in Secondary. By bringing curriculum information, school communications and key updates together in one place, Toddle will make it easier for parents, students and teachers to stay connected and informed.

I am incredibly excited about the year ahead and cannot wait to see familiar faces once again while welcoming new families into our wonderfully supportive BIS Abu Dhabi community. The warmth and generosity of our community are often the first things that new families notice, and they remain among our greatest strengths.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Together, as one school community, we will ensure every learner has every opportunity to thrive.