As an expat parent with children, one of your primary concerns will be getting your child into a good school. While you search for one, it’s preferable to choose an international school that teaches your home country’s curriculum. This makes it easier for your child to pick up from where they left.
Abu Dhabi is undeniably a beautiful city that encompasses many British schools. Most of these British schools in Abu Dhabi are top-notch, with steller facilities as well. I have compiled the top five British international schools in Abu Dhabi. You can follow this guide to help you make the best decision for your child. This guide will be updated regularly with more schools, so keep checking it from time to time.
After reading this guide, you will be able to:
- Make a more informed choice on the right school for your child
- Understand the requirements
- Access my checklist of the admission procedure, fees and many more.
Sounds interesting? Let’s get started!
What is the best British school in Abu Dhabi?
Based on my experience and other parents’ reviews, here are the top picks of the best British international schools in Abu Dhabi. Some of these schools have higher fees and more facilities than the others. However, keep in mind that fees do not always determine the quality of education your child receives, and it is important that you choose the school that best fits your budget.
1. The British School Al Khubairat

Image Credit: The British School
Established in 1968, the British School Al Khubairat is an award-winning citadel with excellent academic standards and culture. The school prides to have high-quality infrastructural facilities to provide the best educational service to all students. This is a perfect option for your child as an expat parent because they create a community that promotes racial equality.
The British School Al Khubairat has bagged numerous academic recognition over the years. In 2019, the school was awarded the Best British School in the UAE and other outstanding academic awards. They offer diverse co-curricular activities for primary and secondary students. This includes educational, recreational, instrumental, sporting and performing arts activities to nurture your child’s skills.
Basic requirements
- Tuition fee: Fee ranges from AED 43K – AED 70K
- ADEK rating: Outstanding
- Location: Al Khbairat
Documents required
- Copies of the last school academic reports
- A copy of the child’s Emirates ID
- A copy of the child’s Passport and birth certificate
- A recent passport photograph
- A copy of parent/guardians Passport and Emirates ID
How to apply
- Fill the online application form
- Submit the documents and wait for a verification email
- If successful, you will be given information to track the progress of the admission
- For more questions, contact Karen Collings, the registrar.
2. British international school Abu Dhabi

Image Credit: BIS
British International School Abu Dhabi is one of the most prestigious British schools in Abu Dhabi. The school provides a holistic educational approach that aids mental development. They have well-trained teachers who are enthusiastic about building the potential of your child.
The classes are fully equipped with the latest teaching technologies and infrastructural facilities. The school also hosts a range of extracurricular activities pivoted on developing the creative skills of your child.
Basic requirements
- Tuition fee: Fee ranges from AED 50K – AED 68K
- KHDA rating: Outstanding
- Location: Zayed City
Documents required
- Copies of the last school reports
- A copy of the child’s Emirates ID and residency visa
- A copy of the child’s passport and birth certificate
- Copies of medical reports
- Two recent passport photographs
- A copy of parent/guardians passport, Emirates ID and residency visa.
How to apply
- Fill the online application form
- Submit the documents and wait for a verification email
- If successful, pay the non-refundable fee before the given deadline
- Submit attestation documents to validate the registration.
3. Al Basma British School

Image Credit: AlBasma
A school with an impeccable reputation for excellence, Al Basma is one of the top British schools in Abu Dhabi. They aim to make learning simple and fun while setting the highest academic standards. With over 1400 students, every child receives special attention and guidance.
Al Basma British school is constantly improving to create an atmosphere conducive to learning. It houses facilities and clubs such as the Documentary Club, IGCSE Business Club, The Ted Talk Club and a couple of others to facilitate a growth mindset in the student.
Basic requirements
- Tuition fee: Fee ranges from AED 20K – AED 40K
- Location: Al Bahia, Behind Deerfields Mall
Documents required
- Copies of the last school reports
- Two copies of the child’s Emirates ID and one original copy
- A copy of the child’s passport and residence visa page
- Two copies of the attested birth certificate
- Six copies of your child’s passport photograph
- A completed admission form
- Two coloured copies of your child’s health insurance
How to apply
- Visit the “Admission Page” on the school website
- Click on “Apply Now” to start the admission process
- Submit the documents and wait for a verification email
- After this, you will be invited with your child for an assessment
4. Repton school

Image credit: Repton
Repton school is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding British schools in Abu Dhabi. Entry into this institution of learning is quite expensive and competitive. With over 1700 students, the school has managed to set an exemplary global academic standard. It follows the National Curriculum of England. This prestigious school has gained popularity and great reviews from parents in Abu Dhabi.
Being the first Apple Distinguished School in Abu Dhabi, the students enjoy advanced educational tech facilities. They have well-facilitated classrooms, fully built laboratories, well-equipped libraries and a host of other infrastructural facilities. Despite the diverse ethnicity in the school, it aims to create a friendly atmosphere that kicks against racial discrimination. This school is an ideal option if you are seeking a balanced educational system for your child.
Basic requirements
- Tuition fee: Fee ranges from AED 65K – AED 74K
- KHDA rating: Outstanding
- Location: Al Reem Island
Documents required
- Copies of the last school reports
- A copy of the child’s Emirates ID and residency visa
- A copy of the child’s passport and birth certificate
How to apply
- Fill the online application form
- Submit the documents and wait for a verification email
- After this, you will be invited with your child for an assessment
5. Cranleigh international school

Image Credit: Cranleigh
Next on the list is Cranleigh International School. With over 1300 students in attendance, the institution aims to develop student’s academic and non-academic skills. It is a fine blend of an excellent academic curriculum coupled with strong moral standards. It has grown to be one of the finest, most reputable and award-winning British schools in Abu Dhabi.
Cranleigh school offers a wide range of recreational activities such as performing arts, competitive sports, youth service programs to mention a few.
Basic requirements
- Tuition fee: Fee ranges from AED 65K – AED 96K
- KHDA rating: Outstanding
- Location: Saadiyat Island
Documents required
- The following documents are required for the transfer
- Click here to access the supporting documents and attestation requirement documents
How to apply
- Visit their official website to register your child fully
- Contact the admissions team if you have further enquiries or questions.
6. GEMS Cambridge International School

Image Credit: GEMS Cambridge
GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi, is a well-recognized academic institution in Dubai. The school comprises teachers who are subject experts. They are trained to nurture every child to its fullest potential.
GEMS Cambridge international school aims to provide a world-class education to all its students. What makes them unique is, they have a proven track record of academic success. Over three years, students from this school have been accepted into over 97 universities globally, including Ivy-League schools. It is accredited and affiliated with several educational organizations, including Cambridge International Examinations, COBIS, and Edexcel.
Basic requirements
- Tuition fee: Fee ranges from AED 52K – AED 95K
- KHDA rating: Outstanding
- Location: Behind Abu Dhabi University
Documents required
- Copies of the last school reports
- A copy of the child’s Emirates ID and residency visa
- A copy of the child’s passport and birth certificate
- Copies of medical reports
- Two recent passport photographs
- A copy of parent/guardians passport, Emirates ID and residency visa.
How to apply
- Fill the online application form
- Submit the documents and wait for a verification email
- For additional enquiries, contact the admissions team
Conclusion
Finding the right British school in Abu Dhabi for your child can be the most challenging and frustrating aspect of relocating. With some of the top schools listed above, you’ll be ahead of the game in choosing the right school for your child in Abu Dhabi.
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