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academic excellence

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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 2023 IBDP score of 33 is up there with the best in the world.
Double the UK average
In 2021, 63% of our IGCSE students got A* or A grades – more than double the UK average. 

a pathway to success

At BIS Abu Dhabi, our academic programme will set your child up for success.

Our renowned British and international curriculum pathways are packed with extraordinary learning experiences. Lessons are enriched by collaborations with world-leading organisations, including The Juilliard School, MIT and UNICEF. And exceptional teachers nurture growth in our familial school community, encouraging your child to do what they love, excel in new areas, and fulfil their potential.

This holistic approach ensures our students thrive, both academically and personally. This includes getting superb exam results, which will take them to the world’s top 100 universities.

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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 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-curricula logo IB
16 to 18 years old
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
The pinnacle of international education, our IBDP is the ideal springboard to the world’s top universities. Through a wide choice of subjects, leadership opportunities, and extraordinary learning experiences, the IBDP creates successful, independent young people.
Find out more
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16 to 18 years old
BTEC International Level 3
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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16 to 18 years old
Combined BTEC with IB or IB Courses Pathways
Tailored to individual requirements, students can opt for a combination of a BTEC with 1 or maximum 2 IB courses or opt for the IB Courses Pathway. We can help to piece together a curriculum to enable students to achieve their ambitions.

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.
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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.
Academic Excellence | BIS Abu Dhabi-Curricula Overview-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.
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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.
Find out more
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  • SENIOR SCHOOL
  • Secondary
  • Primary
  • Early Years

senior school

Our IBDP 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.
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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.
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global learners
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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
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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
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Taking the lead
t’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
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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.
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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.
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rise and shine
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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ready for the day
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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!
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Friendly faces
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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, our multi-sensory outdoor spaces develop our students’ fine motor skills.
The great outdoors

OUR STATS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

100%
IGCSE pass rate for the class 2022.
33
Our 2023 IBDP points score – outperformed the global average of 30.
20%
Of our IBDP students scored 40 or more
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HOW WE TEACH

INSPIRING YOUR CHILD

Our exceptional teachers deliver life-changing learning opportunities that will unlock your child's potential, and give them the confidence to thrive. 
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teaching excellence

LEARNING FROM THE BEST

Outstanding teachers make outstanding schools, which is why we only recruit the best. All our teachers are native English speakers who have a wealth of experience in 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 or driving innovation through our in-house BISAD Improvement Cycle programme, our exceptional educators are 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 11, 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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EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Your child will enjoy life-changing trips, more than 100 co-curricular activities, and exclusive collaborations with UNICEF, The Juilliard School and MIT.

Outstanding Experiences