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Alan Cocker, Principal of The British International School Abu Dhabi
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Alan Cocker
Principal, The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi)
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exceptional teaching, outstanding learning

Judged ‘Outstanding’ as an English National Curriculum school by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), our academic programme prepares every child for whatever they choose to do in life.


At BIS Abu Dhabi, it’s our teachers who make the difference. As a leading co‑educational international Nursery, Primary and Secondary school, our educators get to know each student as an individual from the very start. They personalise learning, nurture curiosity, and guide students through the best of British and international curricula, including the English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma.


Our teachers also bring global experiences into every classroom. Through collaborations with MIT, UNICEF and The Juilliard School, they create unique opportunities that spark creativity, develop critical thinking and connect students to real‑world learning.


With an average IBDP points score of 34.1 in 2025, our students achieve results among the highest in the world, and this personalised, high‑quality teaching is what propels them to top universities such as Oxford, McGill and Berkeley.

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PERSONALISED LEARNING THAT NURTURES GROWTH

At The British International School Abu Dhabi, our globally respected curriculum – created by world-leading education experts – reimagines learning through our six core educational pillars.
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Exceptional learning experiences

Life-changing expeditions, close to 200 co-curricular activities, regional events across the Middle East, and exclusive collaborations with UNICEF, The Juilliard School and MIT – your child will discover a world of exhilarating opportunities at our school.

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Exceptional learning experiences
Whatever your child loves to do, there’s an exceptional experience waiting for them at BIS Abu Dhabi. They’ll be supported by fully qualified staff who will help them flourish.

Nothing beats the thrill of a new adventure.Your child will take on rafting, ziplining, and kayaking at Al Ain Adventure, and enjoy snorkelling, rafting, and team‑building at Khorfakkan Adventure Camp. They’ll go on once‑in‑a‑lifetime expeditions to Tanzania and Switzerland, and influence social change at UN headquarters in New York.

Our STEAM programme with MIT opens students’ eyes to the possibilities of science, technology, engineering, arts and maths, encouraging teamwork, resilience and communication. Our collaboration with The Juilliard School, the world-renowned performing arts conservatory, offers the highest quality artistic education, setting our students up for the international stage.

An ever-changing line-up of more than 100 co-curricular activities engage, challenge, and excite our students. From building model Formula 1 cars on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track to Harry Potter, British Sign Language, Lego robotics, and basketball clubs, there really is an activity for everyone.
Exceptional EYFS teachers
World's best teachers
Gifted, passionate, trailblazing: BIS Abu Dhabi's exceptional teachers deliver outstanding learning experiences every single day, both in and beyond the classroom.
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World's best teachers

Outstanding teachers shape lives, which is why we only recruit the very best. All our teachers are native English speakers with extensive experience in British and international schools. They hold UK qualified teacher status or equivalent, and many also have a Master’s degree.

We invest in our teachers’ development through world‑class professional learning that keeps them at the forefront of global education. Through the award‑winning Nord Anglia University platform, our teachers collaborate with colleagues across the world, access hundreds of high‑quality courses, and pursue further qualifications – including Master’s‑level study. Our partnerships with Evidence Based Education and the UK’s National College give staff access to fully research‑driven frameworks and expert‑designed training, while annual action research projects empower teams to continually refine and enhance their classroom practice. A needs‑based professional learning fund also supports specialist pathways such as IB training, coaching qualifications, and Mental Health First Aid, ensuring every teacher can grow in ways that directly benefit our students.

Our teachers love working here, thanks to a warm, inclusive community that values individuality and celebrates uniqueness. On average, our teachers stay with us for almost five years – many for much longer. This continuity means they truly get to know our students and understand how to help each one thrive.

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Academic excellence
Our renowned British and international curriculum pathways deliver exceptional personalised learning experiences for every student – and produce outstanding results.
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Academic excellence

At BIS Abu Dhabi, your child will achieve outstanding academic results. In 2025, 52% of our GCSE students were awarded grades 7–9, double the UK average.

Our 2025 IB Diploma Programme results were equally impressive, with an average score of 34.1 points, well above the global average of 30. The highest score achieved was 43 out of a possible 45.

We also celebrated the graduation of our first BTEC cohort, who achieved an exceptional average of D*DD, a testament to their dedication and the strength of our vocational programme.

But academic excellence is just the beginning. Your child will also grow into a well-rounded, culturally aware global citizen. Our exceptional teachers nurture every learner’s personal growth, supporting them to do what they love, excel in new areas, and aim high.

All our students follow the English National Curriculum, including IGCSEs, before progressing to either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Years 12 and 13. These world‑renowned qualifications open doors to top universities around the globe, from the University of Oxford and the University of Hong Kong to McGill University and the University of Melbourne.

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Our social purpose
Through life-changing experiences and opportunities, our students become socially responsible global citizens who make a genuine difference to the world we live in.
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Our social purpose
While they’re with us, your child will learn about the challenges facing our planet – and take meaningful action to address them. Through our exclusive collaboration with UNICEF, students explore global issues such as climate change and the UN Rights of the Child, taking part in debates and international trips where they share their ideas on the world stage. This is strengthened by our participation in Nord Anglia’s global Student Summit, where learners dive deeply into the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) each year and discover their power to shape a better future.

Through the BISAD Diploma, we encourage our students to show honesty, kindness and respect, and a commitment to helping others. Our Personal, Social and Moral Education programme is embedded throughout the curriculum, empowering every child to understand their role in creating positive change. Students support local good causes, including community initiatives during during Ramadan, take part in beach clean-ups, and join our outreach expedition to Tanzania, where they contribute to meaningful projects that build empathy and global awareness.

These experiences help every child build character, compassion, and the confidence to make a difference, locally, regionally, and globally.
 
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Advanced learning environments
Our outstanding sports facilities, creative spaces, and technology-filled classrooms, labs and libraries play host to the most extraordinary experiences.
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Advanced learning environments

Our campus boasts some of the finest school facilities in Abu Dhabi. State-of-the-art dance studios, music suites, and science labs support our world-leading performing arts and STEAM programmes. Our air-conditioned sports halls, indoor swimming pools, and expansive outdoor playing fields enable athletes to train, compete, and stay active. Moreover, our ultra-modern media suites and libraries, stocked with over 15,000 books, provide students with inspiring spaces to read, research, and collaborate.

Your child will shine on the stage of our state-of-the-art Auditorium and learn from world-class instrumentalists in our music facilities. In our Creative Technology Zone, science labs, and Eco Edventure, they'll experience the excitement of new discoveries, enriched by the latest educational technology.

We embrace innovation. We use cutting-edge technology to monitor, support, and enhance students' learning across the school. Lessons come to life through iPads, VR headsets, and 3D printers used across the curriculum.

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The BIS Abu Dhabi family
Home to families representing over 90 nationalities, our award‑winning school community offers a rich blend of perspectives and support. Here, every learner is empowered to thrive in an inclusive environment that values belonging, ambition, and personalised growth.
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The Nord Anglia Education family

Everyone’s welcome at our school. Our community brings together children, families, and teachers from more than 90 nationalities, creating a vibrant international environment where diversity is celebrated and every individual is encouraged to flourish.

Parents play a central part in our community. Whether you're new to Abu Dhabi or have lived here for years, you’ll feel at ease from the moment you arrive. Through welcome coffee mornings, parent workshops, themed social events, and cultural celebrations, you’ll quickly connect with our warm, family‑orientated network. Our strong commitment to partnership – recognised with two Parent Partnership Awards in 2025 – ensures that families feel supported, informed, and engaged in school life.

Our BIS Abu Dhabi Parent Community Group Committee further enriches our community spirit. With events such as Coffee Mornings, a Walking Club, Pinktober activities, and regular Parent Out & Abouts, they help create memorable moments that bring families together and strengthen our sense of belonging.

As part of Nord Anglia Education, your child benefits from opportunities that extend far beyond our school grounds. Through the Global Campus learning platform, students collaborate with peers in over 30 countries, taking part in global challenges, cultural exchanges, and creative projects that broaden their horizons and deepen their connection with the world.

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JOIN OUR INCLUSIVE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

We’re delighted you’re considering The British International School Abu Dhabi for your child’s education. Your journey starts with our warm and welcoming admissions team, who will guide you through our application process.
  • Get in touch with us today – we’ll explain what you need to do and answer any questions.
  • Come and visit our international school in Abu Dhabi.
  • Send us your application form and supporting documents. Your child will then be asked to do a short assessment.
  • All being well, our admissions team will confirm your child’s place, and send you an offer of enrolment.
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