
Muna British Academy
Part of Aldar Academies
Updated July 2026
Muna British Academy is a premium, 'Outstanding'-rated English National Curriculum school located in Abu Dhabi, currently expanding from a primary school to offer education up to Year 13. It is part of the Aldar Academies network and is transitioning to a new, sustainable, state-of-the-art campus on Saadiyat Island.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is guided by the core values of excellence, creativity, passion, respect, and collaboration. Its purpose is to empower the next generation to shape the future, while its promise is to deliver the highest standards of education and inspire a love of learning. The school fosters a multicultural community that values tolerance and encourages students to be independent, resilient, and enquiring learners.
Programmes
The school follows the English National Curriculum, delivered through enquiry-based and project-based learning. The academic pathway begins with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for ages 3-5, followed by Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2), Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6), and Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), with plans to expand through to Year 13. The curriculum includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside foundation subjects like Design and Technology, ICT, History, Geography, Music, Art, and Physical Education, with the addition of Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies to meet UAE Ministry of Education requirements.
Outcomes
Muna British Academy has received consecutive 'Outstanding' ratings from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Academic attainment is high, with the majority of students achieving or exceeding curriculum standards in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and Science. The school reports that almost all students make better than expected progress across these core subjects.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs a full-time school nurse to provide health-related services and a full-time school counsellor to support student wellbeing. Positive professional relationships are a core focus, with an emphasis on creating a safe, secure, and inclusive environment for all students.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- What curriculum does Muna British Academy offer?
- Muna British Academy offers National Curriculum (England) and British EYFS.
- How much is tuition at Muna British Academy?
- Annual tuition at Muna British Academy is AED 53K–AED 69.2K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Where is Muna British Academy located?
- Muna British Academy is an international school in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 | — | AED 53K |
| FS2-Year 6 | — | AED 53K |
| Year 7 | — | AED 58.8K |
| Year 8 | — | AED 58.8K |
| Year 9 | — | AED 62.9K |
| Year 10-13 | — | AED 69.2K |
Other fees(4)
| Bus / transportyear· Cost per year for a return journey. Subject to change pending ADEK approval. | AED 5K |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· For new joiners, a non-refundable registration fee of 5% of the annual tuition fee is charged upon offer acceptance, adjusted against the final term's tuition fee. | — |
| Registration fee· For returning students, a re-registration fee of 5% of the annual tuition fee is charged to confirm seat, adjusted against the final term's tuition fee. | — |
| Uniform· Uniforms can be purchased online or in person at Magrudy, Al Wahda Mall. | — |
Admissions
Admissions are currently open for Nursery through to Year 7 for the 2025-2026 academic year. The school follows a structured enrolment process and provides an Age Placement Guide to assist families. Prospective parents are encouraged to book a tour to visit the school and meet the team.
Calendar
The academic year is divided into three terms. Term 1 runs from August to December, Term 2 from January to March, and Term 3 from March to July. The calendar includes scheduled half-term breaks, national holidays, and religious observances such as Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha.
Facilities
About the campus
The school is transitioning to a new, state-of-the-art campus at Saadiyat Lagoons, which is the first school in Abu Dhabi to be awarded an Estidama Pearl 5 rating for sustainable design. Facilities include a multi-purpose sports hall, a 25m swimming pool, netball courts, an AstroTurf playing field, and soft play areas. The campus also features an auditorium, dedicated drama and dance studios, and cutting-edge science and technology labs.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a variety of teacher-led extra-curricular activities (ECAs) that are included in the tuition fees. These programmes are designed to support holistic student development, with some additional activities provided by external specialists for a separate fee. Students have opportunities to participate in sports, including football, and other enrichment activities.
Graeme KinkeadPrincipalGraeme Kinkead has been with Aldar Education for 7 years and was appointed Principal of Muna British Academy in January 2024. He holds a degree from Sheffield Hallam University and has previous teaching and leadership experience in England, Kuwait, and the UAE. He is focused on pastoral care, high-quality teaching, and leading the school's expansion to Saadiyat Island.
Janine JohnstonVice PrincipalJanine Johnston joined Muna British Academy as Vice Principal after a 15-year career in Dubai, where she held various leadership roles including Head of Year, Head of Assessment, and Assistant Head. She holds a BA Hons from Queens University, Belfast, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Leicester. Her focus is on providing high-quality educational experiences and fostering a culture of excellence and student well-being.
Sandra Elizabeth HughesHead of SecondarySandra Elizabeth Hughes is the Founding Head of Secondary at Muna British Academy, having previously served as a Mathematics Teacher, Head of Year, and Assistant Principal within Aldar Academies since 2015. She holds a BSc in Mathematics from Cardiff University and a PGCE from the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, and has recently completed her National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). She is passionate about empowering students through the school's EDGE Programme and personalizing learning.
Avalon OrrAssistant PrincipalAvalon Orr has been with Aldar Academies for 14 years, previously working at Yasmina British Academy before joining Muna British Academy in 2020. She holds an MA (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Glasgow and a PGDE in Primary Education from the University of Strathclyde. As Assistant Principal, she oversees the assessment programme and is focused on developing a rich, engaging curriculum.
Luke JamesonAssistant PrincipalLuke Jameson joined Muna British Academy after teaching and leading at Pearl British Academy and schools in Middlesbrough, England. He holds a BA (Hons) in Drama and has experience leading PE and English subjects. As Assistant Principal and pastoral lead, he is focused on the safety, happiness, and well-being of students.
Muna Abu SafiHead of MOEMuna Abu Safi has over 20 years of teaching experience in Jordan and the UAE and has been with Aldar Academies for 16 years. She specializes in teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies to both primary and secondary students. Her focus is on creating a safe, valued environment where students can develop fluency in Arabic and a love for the language.
Sirash SidhiqManager – Operations and Support ServicesSirash Sidhiq has over 17 years of experience across various industries, including 13 years in the education sector. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, and is certified in health, safety, and safeguarding. As Manager of Operations and Support Services, he is focused on operational excellence and creating exceptional learning environments.
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