parent essentials

BISAD_Abu Dhabi_2019_062
We’re incredibly proud of our inclusive international community. Our school is home to children, families, and teachers from more than 90 countries, creating a vibrant environment where everyone flourishes. This includes you, our parents, who are an essential part of everything we do.
Parent Essentials | BIS Abu Dhabi - 02 Small Text And Image

KEY DATES

Take a look at our term dates and upcoming events.

Our calendar
Image_BISAD_Abu Dhabi_2022_026

Important documents

Find here the important documents for the British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi
FIND OUT MORE
Parent Essentials | BIS Abu Dhabi - 05 Feature Cards Pattern

School essentials

We’ll make sure your child has the most enjoyable time at our school, from their first to their last day with us. Here are the school essentials to ensure your child is happy, comfortable and confident.
Parent Essentials | BIS Abu Dhabi - 05 Feature Cards Pattern
Lunch menu
Freshly prepared every day, our healthy lunch menu fuels our students’ learning.
Parent Essentials | BIS Abu Dhabi - 05 Feature Cards Pattern
School bus
Our safe and efficient bus service covers the main residential areas of Abu Dhabi.
Parent Essentials | BIS Abu Dhabi - 05 Feature Cards Pattern
Uniform
Our students are proud to wear our smart school uniform, which gives them a genuine sense of belonging.
Parent Essentials | BIS Abu Dhabi - 05 Feature Cards Pattern
Health and wellbeing
Our highly qualified teachers and pastoral care team make sure your child is healthy, happy, and supported.
Parent Essentials | BIS Abu Dhabi - 05 Feature Cards Pattern
House system
Every student belongs to one of our ‘houses’, ensuring they feel part of a strong community.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What is your average class size?

    At every stage in their education, your child will learn in small class sizes that give them an exceptional personalised learning experience.

    Our early years children (ages 3-5) learn in a maximum class size of 20. They’re supported by their class teacher and two assistants.

    At primary level (ages 5-11), our students study in an average class of 24. They’re supported by one teacher and one assistant.

    Our secondary students (ages 11-18) learn in a variety of class sizes, which depend on the subject being taught. Typically, however, the average class is between 15 and 20 students. 

  • What curricula do you teach?

    We teach the very best in British and international curricula. This includes the English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and BTEC Diploma. These pathways set the standard for global education and give our students access to the world’s leading universities.

     

    Early Years (ages 3-5): Early Years Foundation Stage

     

    Primary (ages 5-11): English National Curriculum

     

    Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14): English National Curriculum

     

    Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16): Cambridge IGCSE

     

    Senior School: (ages 16-18): International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) & BTEC International Extended Level 3 Diploma

  • Do you focus on academic success?

    Of course. Our students get superb academic results. In 2024, 91% of our IGCSE students got grade 9-4. Our 2024 IBDP cohort exceeded the global average, too, with an average score of 34, which continues to be above the IB world average.

    While academic excellence is an absolute priority, we know there’s more to a well-rounded education. Our exceptional teachers will nurture your child’s growth, supporting them to do what they love, excel in new areas, and be ambitious. We want your child to leave us with the social, personal, and academic skills they need to succeed, and become a culturally aware, socially responsible global citizen.

  • Do you provide pastoral care?

    Yes, your child’s wellbeing is our top priority. We know that children who feel safe, supported, and included thrive – both personally and academically. 

    All our students follow our Personal, Social and Moral Education curriculum. Supported by our highly qualified pastoral team, they learn about healthy lifestyles and develop the tools they need to look after their physical and emotional wellbeing. We also have a comprehensive safeguarding programme that ensures our school community is looked after.

  • How do you personalise learning?
    In small class sizes, our teachers get to know each child individually. They’ll identify your child’s strengths, encourage them to do what they love, and help them to overcome any challenges. Our teachers work hard to understand how each child learns best, too, and nurture personal and academic growth.
  • What support programmes do you offer?
    We run a successful English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for students who need extra help with their English. Our expert EAL team offer support in class and organise bespoke sessions. Our Additional Educational Needs (AEN) team create tailored learning programmes for students who need extra support.
  • Do you organise clubs and enrichment activities?
    Our students can choose from more than 100 co-curricular activities and clubs, which take place at lunchtime and after-school. There’s something for everyone and the list of activities changes each term. Clubs range from Lego robotics, coding and Minecraft to basketball, badminton and dance.
  • What excursions and trips do you offer?
    Learning outside the classroom is a vital part of our students’ development. Your child will go on adventures in the UAE desert, mountains, and along the coast. They’ll explore the world on once-in-a-lifetime expeditions to Tanzania and Switzerland. And they’ll learn in different ways through day trips to galleries, museums, and mosques.
  • What are the school's hours?
    Our school office hours are between 7:40am to 3:00pm Monday to Thursday and 7:40am to 12:30pm on Fridays. 
MORE FAQS

NEWS AND EVENTS

News image Equality Diversity Inclusion and Belonging EDIB at BIS Abu Dhabi - Equality Diversity Inclusion and Belonging EDIB at BIS Abu Dhabi News | School News | Featured | Posts From Our People
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) at BIS Abu Dhabi
EDIB stands for Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. At The British International School Abu Dhabi, we are committed to giving our students an experience that is inclusive and representative of all nationalities, genders, abilities and religions. In essence EDIB is an extension of our school’s core values: Kindness, Honesty and Respect.  
read more
News image A Warm Welcome and Reflections on the Start of Term at BIS Abu Dhabi - A Warm Welcome and Reflections on the Start of Term at BIS Abu Dhabi Blog | Posts From Our People
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on the Start of Term at BIS Abu Dhabi

Thank you all so much for welcoming me into the BIS Abu Dhabi family. I have been utterly amazed and humbled by the number of you who have shown kindness and support towards me as someone who has so recently arrived at the school and in the UAE. Thank you!

BIS Abu Dhabi is a wonderful school – when I visited in February, I was so impressed with the students, staff, facilities, and Mr. Cocker’s vision that I could not resist applying for the position of Head of Primary. Now that I am here, I can only say that the school is even better than I had realised, and I can see where the students get their lovely characteristics from.

 
read more
News image Meet Jasmine Class of 2024 IB Diploma Graduate - Meet Jasmine Class of 2024 IB Diploma Graduate News | Featured
Meet Jasmine Class of 2024 IB Diploma Graduate
Jasmine has been a valued member of the BIS Abu Dhabi community since she joined the school in August 2015 in Year 5. After nine remarkable years, she has graduated with an outstanding 41 points out of a possible 45 in the IB Diploma Programme. This exceptional achievement places Jasmine among the top-performing students at the school this year, and her dedication and hard work truly paid off.
read more

OUR DOORS ARE ALWAYS OPEN

Your child can join us at any time during the year. Get in touch with our admissions team to find out more.

Enquire now
Parent Essentials | BIS Abu Dhabi - 08 Promo With Collage