Yasmina British Academy
YBAPart of Aldar Academies, Secular, Founded 2007
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
National Curriculum (England)Accreditations
British Schools OverseasLanguages
EnglishYasmina British Academy is a private international school in Abu Dhabi offering the English National Curriculum from Nursery to Year 13. It is a highly sought-after institution known for its outstanding academic results and commitment to developing well-rounded, independent learners.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is guided by the core objectives of Aldar Education: to empower the next generation, deliver high standards of education, and inspire a love of learning. It values excellence, creativity, passion, respect, and collaboration. The educational approach focuses on developing happy, confident, independent, and flexible learners who are prepared for the demands of the 3rd Millennium.
Programmes
The school delivers the English National Curriculum with a STEAM focus, utilizing enquiry-based and project-based learning methods. The academic pathway spans from the Early Years Foundation Stage (Nursery to FS2) through Key Stages 1 and 2, leading to I/GCSE qualifications and culminating in A Levels. The curriculum includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside foundation subjects like Design and Technology, History, Geography, Music, Art, and Physical Education, with Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies taught per UAE Ministry of Education guidelines.
Outcomes
Yasmina British Academy is rated 'Outstanding' by both the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and British Schools Overseas (BSO). Students consistently achieve results in I/GCSE and A Level examinations that significantly outperform UK, UAE, and global averages. Graduates frequently progress to leading universities worldwide.
Student support
Learning support
The school prioritizes the emotional and social needs of its students, maintaining a nurturing environment where staff are dedicated to student wellbeing. A full-time school nurse is on-site to provide health-related services throughout the day. The school emphasizes positive relationships and a character development programme to support the growth of the 'whole child'.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does Yasmina British Academy offer?
- Yasmina British Academy offers National Curriculum (England).
- How much is tuition at Yasmina British Academy?
- Annual tuition at Yasmina British Academy is AED 49.7K–AED 67.3K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Yasmina British Academy a day or boarding school?
- Yasmina British Academy is a day school.
- What accreditations does Yasmina British Academy hold?
- Yasmina British Academy holds accreditations including British Schools Overseas.
- Is Yasmina British Academy co-educational?
- Yasmina British Academy is a co-ed school.
- Where is Yasmina British Academy located?
- Yasmina British Academy is an international school in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery (FS 1) | 3–3 | AED 49.7K |
| FS 2 – Year 1 | 4–5 | AED 49.7K |
| Year 2 – Year 6 | 6–10 | AED 51.2K |
| Year 7 – Year 8 | 11–12 | AED 56.9K |
| Year 9 | 13–13 | AED 61K |
| Year 10 – Year 13 | 14–17 | AED 67.3K |
Other fees(6)
| Bus / transportyear· The cost per year for a return journey (subject to change pending ADEK approval). | AED 5.8K |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· A non-refundable fee of 2,000 AED of the annual tuition fees will be charged upon offer acceptance, adjusted against Term 1 fees invoice. (From 2025-2026 section) | AED 2K |
| Registration fee· For new joiners, a non-refundable registration fee of 5% of the annual tuition fee will be charged upon offer acceptance to be adjusted against final term’s tuition fee as per ADEK guidelines. | — |
| Registration fee· For returning students, a re-registration fee of 5% of the annual tuition fee will be charged to confirm seat, adjustable against final term’s tuition fee as per ADEK guidelines. | — |
| Uniform· Uniforms are not included in tuition fees and can be purchased online or in person at Magrudy, Al Wahda Mall. | — |
| Meals· Food services are not included in tuition fees. | — |
Admissions
The school offers enrolment from Nursery to Year 13. The admissions process involves an enquiry, and prospective families are encouraged to contact the admissions department to arrange a tour of the academy. The school maintains an open-door policy and emphasizes the importance of home-school partnerships from an early age.
Calendar
The academic year is divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. The 2025-2026 academic year begins on 25 August 2025 and concludes on 3 July 2026, with scheduled breaks for half-terms, winter, and spring holidays. Dates are subject to change by the Ministry of Education or ADEK.
Facilities
About the campus
The school operates from a state-of-the-art, purpose-built campus in Khalifa City A, spanning 180,000 square metres. Facilities include a large auditorium, a range of swimming pools, 12 specialist science laboratories, computer suites, an audio, film and TV recording studio, and STEAM and design and technology facilities. Sports amenities feature football pitches, basketball and netball courts, dance studios, and running tracks, alongside classrooms equipped with interactive technology.
Co-curriculars
The school provides an extensive extra-curricular programme, with most teacher-led activities included in the tuition fees. These activities are designed to support physical and social development, encompassing sports, arts, and other enrichment opportunities. Some activities led by external providers may incur additional charges.
Keith MillerPrincipalKeith Miller has 36 years of experience in education, including 11 years in the GCC region. He holds an MA in Educational Management, the NPQH, and is a Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Holly GibbsHead of SchoolHolly Gibbs has a background in executive leadership and previously worked in the UK and Dubai. She holds a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science, an MSc in Marketing and Management, and the NPQH, and is a former international triathlete.
Sarah LaneHead of PrimarySarah Lane has over a decade of experience in high-performing schools in the UK and UAE. She has been a leader at Yasmina British Academy for six years and focuses on developing the whole child, balancing emotional needs with academics.
Jennie KellettHead of SecondaryJennie Kellett joined Yasmina British Academy in 2011 and has been Head of Secondary since 2015. She holds a geography degree from the University of Derby and trained as a teacher at the University of Leeds.
Dennis FelixManager – Operations and Support ServicesDennis Felix has over ten years of leadership experience in Abu Dhabi schools and holds a Master’s degree in Strategy and Project Management. He is a current doctoral candidate focusing on operations and implements Kaizen and agile methodologies.
Hannah RiddellPrimary Assistant PrincipalHannah Riddell joined Yasmina British Academy in 2020 as Director of Phase and has served as Assistant Principal since 2023. She has experience in leadership roles in the UK and Spain, and holds a degree from Sheffield Hallam University.
Lisa DaveyPrimary Assistant PrincipalLisa Davey has over 20 years of experience in education across Australia, the UK, and Abu Dhabi. She has held various leadership roles including Head of Year, Head of Key Stage, and Director of Primary before becoming an Assistant Principal.
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