Aspen Heights British School
Part of International Schools Partnership, Secular, Founded 2017
Updated July 2026
Accreditations
Languages
Aspen Heights British School is a leading co-educational British school in Abu Dhabi for students aged 3 to 18, offering a seamless learning journey from Early Years through to Sixth Form. It is an ISP Greenfield school known for its award-winning wellbeing, nature-rich campus, and commitment to future-focused academic pathways.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school operates under an inquiry-driven ethos that combines academic rigour with real-world learning and a strong culture of care. It prioritises wellbeing, sustainability, and the development of essential life competencies such as resilience, growth mindset, and independence. As an ISP school, it utilizes the Learning.First™ approach to ensure visible progress and prepare students as compassionate, resilient global citizens.
Programmes
The school follows the National Curriculum for England through to IGCSE, with Sixth Form students choosing between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas. The curriculum is enhanced by a digital ecosystem using Google for Education and AI-powered tools like CENTURY and Elggo. Additionally, the school provides a multilingual programme including English, Arabic, French, and Spanish, alongside UAE Social Studies.
Outcomes
Graduates consistently secure places at their first or second-choice universities globally, supported by a 99% exam pass rate. Students achieve strong results in IGCSEs, the IB Diploma Programme, and BTEC pathways, with TIMSS scores in Maths and Science exceeding UAE and global benchmarks. The school is accredited by BSO, Pearson Edexcel, and is an authorised IB World School.
Student support
Learning support
Wellbeing is central to the school's ethos, supported by proactive pastoral care, student Mental Health First Aiders, and parent workshops. The school has received the Carnegie Centre of Excellence Gold Award and the Mentl Award for its mental health initiatives. Personalised support is provided to ensure students feel safe, heard, and empowered to thrive academically and personally.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does Aspen Heights British School offer?
- Aspen Heights British School offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at Aspen Heights British School?
- Annual tuition at Aspen Heights British School is AED 38.1K–AED 65.3K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Aspen Heights British School teach?
- Aspen Heights British School enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
- Is Aspen Heights British School a day or boarding school?
- Aspen Heights British School is a day school.
- What accreditations does Aspen Heights British School hold?
- Aspen Heights British School holds accreditations including IB and British Schools Overseas.
- Is Aspen Heights British School co-educational?
- Aspen Heights British School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Aspen Heights British School located?
- Aspen Heights British School is an international school in Khalifah A City, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool (ages 3 - 4) | 3–4 | AED 38.1K |
| FS2 | 4–5 | AED 38.1K |
| Years 1 | 5–6 | AED 38.1K |
| Years 2 | 6–7 | AED 49K |
| Years 3 | 7–8 | AED 49K |
| Years 4 | 8–9 | AED 49K |
| Years 5 | 9–10 | AED 49K |
| Years 6 | 10–11 | AED 49K |
| Years 7 | 11–12 | AED 49K |
| Years 8 | 12–13 | AED 54.4K |
| Years 9 | 13–14 | AED 54.4K |
| Years 10 | 14–15 | AED 54.4K |
| Years 11 | 15–16 | AED 59.9K |
| Years 12 | 16–17 | AED 59.9K |
| Years 13 | 17–18 | AED 65.3K |
Other fees(3)
| Registration fee· 5% of the annual tuition fee is payable upon enrolment, deductible from the first term's school fees. | — |
|---|---|
| Bus / transportannual | AED 5K |
| Uniform· Uniform items can be purchased from the on-site uniform shop. | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: variable
- Early-bird discount: 7%
- Early-bird discount: 5%
- Early-bird discount: 3%
Admissions
The school maintains a clear and personal admissions process, beginning with an initial enquiry and a personalised campus tour. Prospective families are required to submit academic reports and identification, followed by a student observation to ensure appropriate year-group placement. Upon receiving a formal offer, families have seven days to confirm acceptance and complete registration requirements.
Calendar
The academic year typically runs from late August to early July, divided into three terms. The calendar includes scheduled mid-term and seasonal breaks, as well as public holidays in accordance with UAE regulations. Families can access detailed term dates and event schedules through the school's online portal.
Facilities
About the campus
The nature-rich campus features a hydroponics greenhouse, an Animal Kingdom, and specialist spaces including science labs, robotics suites, D&T workshops, and a recording studio. Sports facilities include two swimming pools, a padel court, a Multi-Use Games Arena, and dual Astroturf pitches. Performing arts are supported by dedicated music and dance studios, as well as a performance hall.
Co-curriculars
Students have access to over 90 after-school clubs and specialist sports academies, covering areas such as arts, STEM, languages, and fitness. Leadership roles and community-focused projects, including those aligned with the IB CAS ethos, are available to build confidence and teamwork. The school also provides international learning opportunities through the International Schools Partnership network.
Gillian HammondPrincipal (Executive Leadership)Gillian Hammond is the Principal of Aspen Heights British School. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Science from Lancaster University and has extensive experience in educational leadership, including serving as Chief Education Officer of Excella and Principal at three Repton schools. She is known for her optimistic, collaborative leadership style and is deeply committed to providing a world-class education.
- Andrew DurcanVice Principal / Headteacher Secondary
Andrew Durcan serves as Vice Principal and Headteacher Secondary. He holds a BA (Hons) in English and Sport Science, a PGCE, and postgraduate qualifications in Educational Leadership and Management. With over 20 years of experience, he is a passionate advocate of coaching and research-informed practice.
- Charlotte ClarkHead Teacher - EYFS & Primary (Executive Leadership)
Charlotte Clark is the Head Teacher for EYFS & Primary. She has been with the school for seven years, progressing from class teacher to middle and senior leadership roles. She holds a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Gloucestershire.
- Ouassila KnaniHead Teacher - Arabic and Islamic (Executive Leadership)
Ouassila Knani is the Head Teacher for Arabic and Islamic. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Al Hosn University and a Higher Diploma in Teaching Arabic and French from the University of Tunisia. She has over 22 years of experience across various curricula in the UAE and is a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Elizabeth Barry CutterHeadteacher Primary
Elizabeth Barry Cutter is the Headteacher Primary. She has been with Aspen Heights since 2017 and has extensive experience in curriculum development and assessment. She holds a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and a PGCE, and has completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL).
- James AlloubDeputy Headteacher Secondary
James Alloub is the Deputy Headteacher Secondary. He has over 12 years of international education and leadership experience across the UK, Tunisia, Mongolia, and the UAE. He joined Aspen Heights in 2021 and holds a BA (Hons) in Sport Studies and Coaching and a PGCE.
- Jane Louise CorneyDeputy Headteacher Primary
Jane Louise Corney is the Deputy Headteacher Primary. She brings more than 12 years of educational experience across the UK and the Middle East, with a strong background in wellbeing, safeguarding, and inclusive education.
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National Curriculum (England)
IGCSE
IB Diploma
British Schools Overseas