Why Choose The British International School Abu Dhabi | Outstanding ADEK School

A coaching culture lies at the heart of learning at BIS Abu Dhabi. Our Assistant Head of Primary, Jane Burt, explains how this approach supports teachers and students alike, helping learners become reflective, confident, and ready to thrive both academically and beyond the classroom.

Every student has a curiosity or talent that makes them shine. For BIS Abu Dhabi graduate Karolina, her love for theatre grew into a clear sense of direction. Follow her journey from the school stage to one of Europe’s top film schools, and discover how our supportive environment and global collaborations help students turn passion into a future pathway.

As we begin a new year, many of us reflect on what we hope to change, improve, or achieve. Simple daily habits can make a real difference. Our Deputy Head of Secondary, Alan Grant, shares why small, consistent routines matter for learning, wellbeing, and long-term success, and how schools and families can work together to support students.

Wellbeing is more than a state of mind, it’s the foundation for success and personal growth. At BIS Abu Dhabi, we help students discover their “why,” a sense of purpose that builds resilience, confidence, and motivation. Read on to learn why purpose matters, how we nurture it through reflection, life skills, and supportive relationships, and practical tips for parents to guide their child’s journey.

Every learner has the power to shape a better tomorrow. Education is more than academics, it’s about preparing students to lead with confidence, compassion, and purpose in a fast-changing world. Discover how BIS Abu Dhabi empowers students through global partnerships, sustainability projects, and leadership opportunities that make a real impact locally and globally.

When I walk through the corridors of BIS Abu Dhabi, I see something that makes me proud every day: students who feel they belong. Belonging is more than a word, it’s the foundation of everything we do. When children feel safe and valued, they take risks, try new things, and discover passions they never imagined. Belonging is the heartbeat of BIS Abu Dhabi, and in this article, Principal Alan Cocker explains how it is fostered through our purposeful curriculum, rich extra-curricular opportunities, and strong community partnerships, helping students build confidence, resilience, and joy.

The world of work is changing fast, 39% of core skills are expected to shift by 2030. So how do we prepare students for this future? Discover how BIS Abu Dhabi connects curriculum, industry, and community through applied learning and parent partnerships. Mr. Cochlin explains how these initiatives equip students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive.

As part of Nord Anglia Education’s exclusive partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), BIS Abu Dhabi students gain access to world-class STEAM learning experiences that inspire creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. Continue reading to see how Year 12 student Sai turned this opportunity into a life-changing experience!

“Some of my earliest, warmest memories are of bedtime stories with my parents.” In his latest blog, our Head of Primary, John Dibdin, shares why those moments matter, not just for literacy, but for love, imagination, and lifelong learning. Discover practical tips and heartfelt insights that will make bedtime reading a cherished part of your child’s day.

At BIS Abu Dhabi, we go beyond group work, students learn to think with others, articulate their ideas, and build on different perspectives. Using Harvard Project Zero Thinking Routines, we make thinking visible and strengthen metacognition, helping children understand how they learn through dialogue. Find out why collaboration is a future-ready skill and explore practical ways to nurture it at home.