Brighton College Al Ain
Part of Brighton College International Family of Schools, Secular
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
Languages
Brighton College Al Ain is a British international school offering a curriculum enriched for the local context, serving pupils from Nursery (FS1) through to Year 13. It is the only school in Al Ain to be rated 'Outstanding' by both ADEK and British Schools Overseas.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is guided by three core values: curiosity, confidence, and kindness. It aims to blend British independent school heritage with the history and aspirations of the UAE, fostering an environment where pupils are nurtured to reach their individual potential rather than conforming to a single mold. The community is built on a culture of care, resilience, and inclusivity, preparing pupils to become leaders who contribute positively to society.
Programmes
The school follows the UK curriculum, adapted to the local UAE context, and is organized into four sections: Pre-Prep (Nursery/FS1 to Year 2), Prep School (Year 3 to Year 5), Senior School (Year 6 to Year 11), and Sixth Form (Year 12 to Year 13). The academic programme includes core subjects such as English, mathematics, and science, alongside Ministry of Education (MOE) subjects.
Outcomes
The school has been consistently rated 'Outstanding' by ADEK and British Schools Overseas (BSO) in consecutive inspections. In 2025, 59% of university offers for A-Level pupils were from the UK's Russell Group, with graduates pursuing paths in medicine, law, engineering, architecture, finance, and business. Sixth form results consistently rank in the top 1% compared to the England average, with 72% of students achieving A to B grades.
Student support
Learning support
The school maintains a dedicated inclusion department led by a Director of Inclusion and qualified SENCO to support pupils with diverse needs. Pastoral care is provided through a team of experienced staff, bespoke counselling services, and a Wellbeing Committee that includes pupils, parents, governors, and staff to ensure a safe and inclusive environment.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does Brighton College Al Ain offer?
- Brighton College Al Ain offers National Curriculum (England).
- What accreditations does Brighton College Al Ain hold?
- Brighton College Al Ain holds accreditations including British Schools Overseas and COBIS.
- Is Brighton College Al Ain co-educational?
- Brighton College Al Ain is a co-ed school.
- Where is Brighton College Al Ain located?
- Brighton College Al Ain is an international school in Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
Prospective families are invited to contact the admissions team to arrange a tour or an online meeting. The school provides multiple channels for enquiries, including a dedicated phone line and email address, to assist with the application process.
Calendar
The academic year is divided into three terms: the Winter Term (August to December), the Spring Term (January to March), and the Summer Term (March to July). The calendar includes scheduled half-term breaks and observes public holidays, such as Eid al Etihad, the Day of Arafat, and Eid al-Adha, with specific dates subject to government announcements and moon sightings.
About the campus
The school is situated on a 28-acre campus in Zakher, featuring views of Jebel Hafeet. The facilities are designed to support a comprehensive educational experience, encompassing academic, sporting, and performing arts spaces.
Co-curriculars
The school places significant emphasis on life beyond the classroom, offering a range of activities that include sports, performing arts, leadership opportunities, and charitable events. Specific initiatives to support student wellbeing include 'Walk and Talk' sessions, 'Tea, Toast and Talk', and 'Mindful Monday' workshops.
- Oliver Bromley-HallHead Master
Oliver has twenty years of experience in education, primarily in leadership roles ranging from Head of Department to Head Master. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education at the University of Bath. He has been with Brighton College Al Ain for ten years and has been integral to achieving outstanding inspection outcomes.
- Victoria ShillingfordActing Head of Senior School/ Deputy Head (Whole College)
Victoria began her teaching career in 2004 in Manchester, UK, and has held various leadership roles including Head of Year, Head of Faculty, and Assistant Headteacher. She holds an MSc in Educational Leadership from the University of Manchester and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education. Her focus is on curriculum management, staff development, and pupil wellbeing.
- Alex StaggagionosDeputy Head Pastoral (Senior School)
Alexandros has a strong background in MFL leadership and pastoral care, with expertise in teaching German, French, and English. Since taking on his pastoral leadership role, he has played a key part in maintaining the College’s outstanding inspection results. He is known for promoting a culture of curiosity, confidence, and kindness.
- Catriona LongDeputy Head Academic (Senior School)
Catriona has been with Brighton College Al Ain since 2015 and holds a degree in Chemistry from the University of Edinburgh and a Master’s in Education from Durham University. Her previous leadership experience includes roles as Head of Science and Assistant Head. She is dedicated to academic rigour and innovative teaching methods.
- Tessa WildeDeputy Head (Head of Pre-Prep)
Tessa is a trained NPQH holder and an accredited British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspector who has supported multiple outstanding inspections. She brings extensive experience in pastoral leadership and early-years education. She is passionate about nurturing young learners and fostering a culture of kindness, confidence, and curiosity.
- Lissa FothergillAssistant Head (Teaching and Learning)
Lissa holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of Northumbria at Newcastle and a National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML). Now in her eighth year at the College, she is passionate about evidence-informed pedagogy. In her role, she works to ensure high-quality lessons and empowers teachers to reflect on and refine their practice.
- Edward HawkinsAssistant Head Pastoral (Prep School)
Edward has over 25 years of teaching experience across various educational settings in the UK and internationally. He has held numerous leadership roles focused on curriculum development and teaching excellence. At Brighton College Al Ain, he prioritizes pupil wellbeing and mentors fellow educators.
More international schools in Al Ain City
- Global English SchoolBritish EYFS, National Curriculum (England), Cambridge Primary
- Universal Private SchoolNational Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
- Beaconhouse Private SchoolBritish EYFS, National Curriculum (England), IGCSE
- Belvedere International SchoolNational Curriculum (England), IGCSE
- Abdullah Bin Zubair Private SchoolNational Curriculum (England)
- Al Dhafra Private Schools - Al AinNational Curriculum (England), Advanced Placement
National Curriculum (England)
British Schools Overseas
COBIS