
Al Ain International School
AABAPart of Aldar Academies, Secular
Updated July 2026
Accreditations
Al Ain British Academy is a co-educational, forward-thinking international school serving students from Nursery to Year 13. It is a member of Aldar Academies, delivering the English National Curriculum tailored to the local context of the UAE.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school aims to develop academically excellent, creative, and confident young adults who are prepared to contribute to a better society. It fosters a community built on fairness, respect, and collaboration, emphasizing the development of character alongside academic performance. The school is committed to promoting global sustainability, physical and mental wellbeing, and the fundamental values of Emirati, British, and global citizenship.
Programmes
The school delivers the English National Curriculum, preparing students for I/GCSE qualifications followed by A-levels. The academic programme includes a range of subjects, including vocational options, and places a strong emphasis on Arabic and Islamic education. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, communication, and social skills, supporting students from age 3 through to 18.
Outcomes
The school has achieved 'Very Good' ratings from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and is recognized as an outstanding British Schools Overseas (BSO) institution. Students consistently produce high results in external examinations, with the school reporting top-tier GCSE and A-level attainment that frequently surpasses UK national averages. Graduates are supported in gaining entry to leading universities worldwide.
Student support
Learning support
The school prioritizes student wellbeing and character development, explicitly teaching values such as respect, responsibility, and resilience. It maintains an open-door policy for parents and carers and provides pastoral leadership to support student wellbeing, personal development, and academic achievement. Additionally, the school offers university and careers guidance to assist students in securing placements at higher education institutions.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- How much is tuition at Al Ain International School?
- Annual tuition at Al Ain International School is AED 42.3K–AED 63.4K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does Al Ain International School hold?
- Al Ain International School holds accreditations including British Schools Overseas.
- Is Al Ain International School co-educational?
- Al Ain International School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Al Ain International School located?
- Al Ain International School is an international school in Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 | — | AED 42.3K |
| FS2 – Year 6 | — | AED 43.8K |
| Year 7 – Year 8 | — | AED 53.6K |
| Year 9 | — | AED 57.5K |
| Year 10 – Year 13 | — | AED 63.4K |
Other fees(4)
| Registration fee· A non-refundable fee of 5% of the annual tuition will be charged upon acceptance of the offer. This registration fee will be adjusted against the Term 3 fees invoice. | — |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· For returning students, a re-registration fee of 5% of the annual tuition fee will be charged to confirm your child’s seat adjustable against final term’s tuition fee as per ADEK guidelines. | — |
| Bus / transport· Cost per year for a return journey, subject to change pending ADEK approval. | AED 5K |
| Uniform· Uniforms can be purchased online or in person at Magrudy, Bawadi Mall. | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 10% to 25%+
Admissions
The school operates an open-door policy for prospective families and encourages booking a school tour to experience the campus environment. The enrolment process is managed through an online application system, with registration fees of 5% of the annual tuition required upon acceptance of an offer. The school offers a sibling tuition discount for families enrolling three or more children, starting at 10% for the third child and increasing by 5% for each subsequent sibling.
Calendar
The academic year is divided into three terms, typically running from late August to early July. The calendar includes scheduled half-term breaks in October and February, a winter holiday in December, a spring break in March, and a summer break. The school observes public holidays, including Commemoration Day, National Day, and various Islamic holidays, which are subject to government announcements.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, a large gymnasium, and Astroturf playing fields. Outdoor amenities include large shaded playground spaces and two separate playgrounds equipped with netball/basketball courts and additional games areas. The school also provides dedicated technology-integrated classrooms and is supported by a full-time school nurse to provide health-related services.
Co-curriculars
The school provides a vibrant extra-curricular programme featuring a wide range of clubs and activities, including sports, music, and academic pursuits. The sports department operates a 'club' and 'academy' structure, with club sessions focused on recreation and health, and academy sessions tailored for competitive team or individual training. Students have opportunities to participate in regional competitions, school trips, and international visits as they progress through the year groups.
Ian PughPrincipalMr. Pugh has been in education since 2004 with over 10 years of senior leadership experience in the UK and UAE. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in education, is a Level 2 qualified school inspector, and has completed his National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). He joined Al Ain British Academy in 2019 and has led the school to become Al Ain’s first outstanding BSO school.
Jasmine JonesHead of PrimaryMrs. Jones graduated with a first-class degree in Primary and Secondary Education with Spanish and has recently completed her National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership. She has worked at Al Ain British Academy for a number of years as a teacher, middle leader, and senior leader before becoming Head of Primary.
Mairead RalphHead of SecondaryMrs. Ralph holds a Joint Honours degree in English and Geography and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. She has worked in the UAE since 2014, completed her NPQH in 2023, and brings over nine years of pastoral leadership experience to her role leading the Secondary School.
Steven DrinkwaterDeputy Head of PrimaryMr. Drinkwater graduated with a BA (Hons) in Primary Teaching in 2013 and has been at Al Ain British Academy for 10 years. He has held various roles including subject lead and Head of Year, and has completed the National Professional Qualification for Middle and Senior Leadership.
Mohammed Usman NasirDeputy Headteacher of Secondary (Teaching and Learning)Mr. Nasir joined the academy as Head of Mathematics and has a background in leadership roles in Oxford schools. He is an accredited Secondary Mastery Specialist and NCETM Professional Development Lead, and is currently working toward his NPQH.
Kimberley EllisPrimary Assistant Principal of Teaching and LearningMiss Ellis joined the primary school in 2018, initially leading KS1 literacy and year groups. She is a member of the Senior Leadership Team with a focus on teaching and learning and is currently pursuing her NPQH.
Melissa ClaridgeAssistant Principal and Head of Guidance (Years 7-11)Miss Claridge has seven years of experience delivering physical education curricula and has been in the UAE since 2016. She serves as a mentor in the school and focuses on providing innovative, individualised lessons.
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British Schools Overseas