Abu Dhabi International School vs Noya British School

	A Abu Dhabi International School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	N Noya British School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 26,275 - 50,350	Fees / year AED 28,000 - 43,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 3,500	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1992	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location AIS operates across two campuses in Abu Dhabi: the AD Campus is located on Al Karama Street in the Abu Dhabi City area, and the MBZ Campus is in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. The AD Campus address places it in a central Abu Dhabi neighbourhood, while the MBZ Campus serves families in the northern part of the emirate. The school arranges a two-way bus service with routes that reach multiple areas, including Abu Dhabi City limits, Shamkha, Reem Island, Yas Island, Khalifa City, and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.	Location Located on Yas Island, Yas North, Abu Dhabi. The campus sits in the Noya Community near The Sustainable City and Yas Acres, providing convenient access for families on Yas Island and the wider Abu Dhabi area. The site is accessible via Yas Island road networks.
Stages	Stages AIS offers Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School, with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) available for Grades 11–12. The school operates across two campuses with programs aligned to K-12 education and IB pathways.	Stages Year Groups currently run from FS1 to Year 9. A phased expansion is planned to extend to Year 13, with Year 7 starting in September 2025 and Year 13 expected by 2026.
School type	School type AIS is a private, international, day school that is co-educational. The two campuses are located in Abu Dhabi City and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.	School type Day school; part of the Aldar Education network.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix AIS represents around 60 nationalities across approximately 3,500 students across its two campuses. The school notes a diverse international community, with a proportion of students and staff from many national backgrounds; local-to-international ratios are not published.	Pupil nationality mix Exact pupil nationality numbers are not published. Aldar Education describes its network as diverse, with educators from over 100 nationalities, suggesting a multinational environment.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support AIS provides a comprehensive Student Support Services program, including Counseling, Special Education services, Enrichment for gifted and talented students, Academic support, English Language Learner services, and Social and Emotional Learning programs.	Additional learning support Inclusion is a core part of the school approach. A three-tier support framework is used: Universal, Targeted, and Individualised support; a Documented Learning Plan supports Tier 2 interventions; services may include speech and language programmes, social skills work, and external specialists as needed.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is stated; AIS is licensed by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education (ADEK framework) and operates as a UAE-based international school.	Country affiliation Curriculum follows the English National Curriculum; the school is part of Aldar Education (no formal national affiliation stated).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated. AIS emphasizes diversity and inclusion across a multicultural student body.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated.
School day structure	School day structure Exact start and end times vary by campus and grade level. The Academic Calendar for 2025–2026 is published by AIS, and admissions hours are typically 8:00–15:00 on weekdays, with shorter hours on Fridays.	School day structure The school day timings are published in the Parent Information Pack; typical hours for the current phase are around 7:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details AIS offers a two-way bus service with separate PS, KG and Prep afternoon routes, and separate morning/afternoon routes for Grades 1–12 as needed. Pick-up locations include Abu Dhabi City Limits, Shamkha, Reem Island, Mohammad Bin Zayed City, Shabiya, Khalifa City, Yas Island, and other areas. The annual bus fee is AED 4,950, including a non-refundable AED 500 registration, and registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis.	Bus service details A bus service is offered; details on routes and provider are included in the Parent Information Pack.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration fees - The tuition schedule lists a non-refundable registration fee of AED 1,500 per student. - The school's Tuition Fee Policy states that the registration fee (and the re‑registration fee) is normally calculated as 5% of the yearly tuition and is deductible from the student's final tuition fees for the academic year; specific refund conditions for registration and re‑registration are set out in the policy. Tuition fees by year group (MBZ Campus — full year, books, total and three term instalments) - S‑NY: Tuition AED 25,000; Books AED 1,275; Total fees AED 26,275; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 11,275, 2nd AED 7,500, 3rd AED 6,000. - KG: Tuition AED 31,800; Books AED 1,835; Total fees AED 33,635; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 14,555, 2nd AED 9,540, 3rd AED 8,040. - Prep: Tuition AED 31,800; Books AED 1,965; Total fees AED 33,765; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 14,685, 2nd AED 9,540, 3rd AED 8,040. - Grade 1: Tuition AED 37,200; Books AED 2,300; Total fees AED 39,500; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 17,180, 2nd AED 11,160, 3rd AED 9,660. - Grade 2: Tuition AED 37,200; Books AED 1,900; Total fees AED 39,100; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 16,780, 2nd AED 11,160, 3rd AED 9,660. - Grade 3: Tuition AED 38,850; Books AED 2,000; Total fees AED 40,850; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 17,540, 2nd AED 11,655, 3rd AED 10,155. - Grade 4: Tuition AED 38,850; Books AED 1,800; Total fees AED 40,650; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 17,340, 2nd AED 11,655, 3rd AED 10,155. - Grade 5: Tuition AED 40,500; Books AED 1,800; Total fees AED 42,300; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 18,000, 2nd AED 12,150, 3rd AED 10,650. - Grade 6: Tuition AED 40,500; Books AED 1,700; Total fees AED 42,200; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 17,900, 2nd AED 12,150, 3rd AED 10,650. - Grade 7: Tuition AED 43,000; Books AED 2,200; Total fees AED 45,200; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 19,400, 2nd AED 12,900, 3rd AED 11,400. - Grade 8: Tuition AED 43,000; Books AED 2,200; Total fees AED 45,200; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 19,400, 2nd AED 12,900, 3rd AED 11,400. - Grade 9: Tuition AED 45,450; Books AED 2,700; Total fees AED 48,150; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 20,880, 2nd AED 13,635, 3rd AED 12,135. - Grade 10: Tuition AED 45,450; Books AED 2,500; Total fees AED 47,950; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 20,680, 2nd AED 13,635, 3rd AED 12,135. - Grade 11: Tuition AED 47,950; Books AED 2,400; Total fees AED 50,350; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 21,580, 2nd AED 14,385, 3rd AED 12,885. - Grade 12: Tuition AED 47,950; Books AED 2,000; Total fees AED 49,950; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 21,180, 2nd AED 14,385, 3rd AED 12,885. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school divides the total annual tuition into three termly instalments. Term 1 covers September–December (4 months), Term 2 covers January–March (3 months) and Term 3 covers April–June (3 months). The standard due dates for the three term invoices are 1 August (Term 1), 1 December (Term 2) and 1 March (Term 3). A full‑year invoice can be issued on request with a due date of 1 August. - Tuition may be paid in three instalments; uniforms and books may only be collected after presentation/clearance of all three instalments. Students will not be enrolled if payments are not made. The school may suspend students, withhold reports or block re‑enrolment for unpaid fees following the stated late‑payment procedures. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. Abu Dhabi International School is a K–12 day school. Other costs and fees - Bus transport and uniform costs are not included in the tuition figures shown and are charged separately. Extra fees apply for special education services where required. - A separate IB Diploma Programme (DP) official examination fee of AED 3,500 is charged in Grade 12 for IBDP students; this fee is subject to adjustment. Refunds and withdrawal terms - Registration fee refund: the policy permits the registration fee to be refundable for new students if written notification is provided at least two weeks prior to the start of the new academic year (deadline stated as 15 August). Re‑registration refunds must be requested on or before 30 June. - Tuition retention on withdrawal: if a student attends up to part of the first week of term and then discontinues without sufficient written notification, the school may retain up to 5% of the annual tuition. If a student attends one to three weeks in a term, the school will retain one full month's tuition; attendance over three to six weeks leads to retention of two months' tuition; attendance beyond six weeks leads to retention of the full term fee. Refunds are otherwise handled according to ADEK rules and the school's published policy. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods include online payment link, bank transfer, cheque, cash, credit card and the PayNest mobile application. Returned cheque bank charges will be charged to the parent. Notes - The annual figures above are shown for the MBZ Campus fee schedule for the 2025–26 academic year and include the listed book charge; bus, uniform and other ancillary charges are additional. Instalment amounts and totals are those published in the school's published fee schedule.	Fee details Application and registration fees - Registration (initial application) fee: 5% of the annual tuition fee, payable after an offer is accepted and deductible from the student's final tuition fees for that academic year. - Re-registration fee (to secure a place for the following academic year): 5% of the annual tuition fee, payable at re-enrolment and deductible from the student's final tuition fees for that academic year. The re-registration fee is non-transferable to another child. - Timing: the registration fee is payable within 7 days of offer acceptance; schools may collect registration fees up to four months before the academic year begins. For the 2025/2026 cycle the re-registration deadline listed is 1 May 2025. Full-year invoicing and term invoicing deadlines are given in the fee policy. Tuition fees (annual and per-term by year group) - FS1: Annual tuition AED 28,000 (ADEK approved AED 32,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term breakdown — Term 1: AED 11,200; Term 2: AED 8,400; Term 3: AED 8,400. - FS2: Annual tuition AED 28,000 (ADEK approved AED 32,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 11,200; Term 2: AED 8,400; Term 3: AED 8,400. - Year 1: Annual tuition AED 28,000 (ADEK approved AED 32,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 11,200; Term 2: AED 8,400; Term 3: AED 8,400. - Year 2: Annual tuition AED 30,500 (ADEK approved AED 34,500; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 12,200; Term 2: AED 9,150; Term 3: AED 9,150. - Year 3: Annual tuition AED 30,500 (ADEK approved AED 34,500; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 12,200; Term 2: AED 9,150; Term 3: AED 9,150. - Year 4: Annual tuition AED 33,000 (ADEK approved AED 37,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 13,200; Term 2: AED 9,900; Term 3: AED 9,900. - Year 5: Annual tuition AED 33,000 (ADEK approved AED 37,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 13,200; Term 2: AED 9,900; Term 3: AED 9,900. - Year 6: Annual tuition AED 33,000 (ADEK approved AED 37,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 13,200; Term 2: AED 9,900; Term 3: AED 9,900. - Year 7: Annual tuition AED 36,000 (ADEK approved AED 40,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 14,400; Term 2: AED 10,800; Term 3: AED 10,800. - Year 8: Annual tuition AED 36,000 (ADEK approved AED 40,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 14,400; Term 2: AED 10,800; Term 3: AED 10,800. - Year 9: Annual tuition AED 36,000 (ADEK approved AED 40,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 14,400; Term 2: AED 10,800; Term 3: AED 10,800. - Year 10: Annual tuition AED 39,000 (ADEK approved AED 43,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 15,600; Term 2: AED 11,700; Term 3: AED 11,700. - Year 11: Annual tuition AED 39,000 (ADEK approved AED 43,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 15,600; Term 2: AED 11,700; Term 3: AED 11,700. - Year 12: Annual tuition AED 43,000 (ADEK approved AED 47,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 17,200; Term 2: AED 12,900; Term 3: AED 12,900. - Year 13: Annual tuition AED 43,000 (ADEK approved AED 47,000; founding discount AED 4,000). Term 1: AED 17,200; Term 2: AED 12,900; Term 3: AED 12,900. Billing schedule and payment terms - Academic-year invoicing is divided into three instalments (termly). Term 1 covers September–December (4 months), Term 2 covers January–March (3 months) and Term 3 covers April–June (3 months). Term invoicing is the standard schedule; on request a full-year invoice covering all three terms may be issued. Due dates for term invoices (academic year 2025/2026) are: Term 1 — 1 August 2025; Term 2 — 1 December 2025; Term 3 — 1 March 2026. A full-year invoice, if requested, is due 1 August 2025. - Late/non-payment provisions: the school will issue three consecutive warning notices (each at least one week apart) for late or non-payment. The school is authorized to suspend a student for up to three days (after the three warnings and at most once per term), to withhold report cards or transfer certificates, and to withhold re-enrolment until outstanding fees are settled. Schools shall inform parents at least three months before the end of the academic year if outstanding fees put re-enrolment at risk. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed; there is no boarding fee specified. The school operates as a day school and does not publish boarding charges. Other costs and additional charges - Tuition does not include uniform, food services (catering), transport, examination fees, or extracurricular activities that occur outside normal school hours. These items may incur additional charges. - School uniform: uniforms are supplied through Magrudy's (Forsan Central Mall) with online ordering and a contact telephone number provided for enquiries; uniform items are purchased separately and are not included in tuition. - Transport (school bus): the bus service is offered at a fixed fee per student per academic year; the exact bus fee depends on route and must be confirmed with the admissions or finance team. - Books for curriculum activities are included in tuition; books for extra-curricular activities may incur an additional charge. Examination fees or specific assessment charges are shown as separate where applicable. Refund information and withdrawal charges - Registration fee refund: registration fee is refundable for new students if parents provide written notification at least two weeks prior to the start of the new academic year. - Re-registration refund: the re-registration fee is refundable if parents provide written notification on or before 30 June. Re-registration fees are non-transferable to another child. - Tuition refund/retention on early withdrawal: if a student attends only part of the first week of a term and then discontinues without sufficient written notice, the school may retain up to 5% of the annual tuition fee. If a student attends from one week up to three weeks in a term, the school will retain the value of one full month of tuition. If attendance is over three weeks up to six weeks in a term, the school will retain the value of two full months of tuition. If attendance is over six weeks in a term, the school will retain the full term fee. Fee payment options and practical details - Accepted payment methods: online payment link, bank transfer, cheque, and credit card. Cash payments are not accepted. For returned cheques, parents are liable for bank charges. - Instalment plans: 0% installment plans are offered through participating credit cards from partner banks (examples listed include FAB, ADIB and ENBD) to allow families to spread payments monthly. Specific card and plan availability should be confirmed with the finance office. Notes and exclusions - Founding discount: a founding discount of AED 4,000 is shown and applied in the presented tuition figures. ADEK-approved fees and the discounted tuition are shown in the fee schedule. Tuition and policy details are presented for the academic year as shown in the school's official fee schedule and fee policy documents.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details AIS offers a tri-path curriculum: the American Program with AP, the British Program with IGCSE and AS/A Levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), with the DP available at the MBZ campus for Grades 11–12 and the British/American tracks running through Grades 9–12 (IGCSE in Grade 10; AS/A Levels in Grades 11–12; AP in Grades 11–12). Kindergarten (ages 3–5) uses a play-based, inquiry-driven approach with the sMiles phonics program to support early English and Arabic literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. Elementary School (Grades 1–5) emphasizes CCSS and NGSS-aligned learning, with core English, Math, Science plus Arabic/French language development, ICT, and STEM. Middle School (Grades 6–8) expands to English, Science, Math, Social Studies, Moral Education, Performing and Visual Arts, PE, Arabic/French, ICT, and Islamic Studies, with counseling services. High School (Grades 9–12) provides American, British, or IB pathways: AP courses in the American track, IGCSE in Grade 10 followed by AS/A Levels in Grades 11–12 for the British track, and the IB Diploma Programme for eligible students.	Curriculum details Noya British School delivers the English National Curriculum across the Foundation Stage and primary years, with a phased expansion into secondary covering Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2), the curriculum follows the UK EYFS framework and incorporates a Reggio Emilia-inspired, emergent-plan approach. The Primary Years (Key Stage 1 and 2, Years 1–6) include core subjects such as English, Arabic (specialist), Maths, Science, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, plus foundation subjects like Geography, History, Art, Design and Technology, Computing, and a strong emphasis on Creative and Performing Arts and Specialist Physical Education. Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) offers English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Humanities (History, Geography), Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish or Arabic), Physical Education, Music, Art and Drama, with Design and Technology and ICT, all taught within the High Performance Learning (HPL) framework. Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) prepares students for IGCSE examinations, continuing the HPL approach and incorporating leadership, careers guidance and holistic development.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Step 1: Admission for the 2025-2026 academic year is currently open for MBZ Campus only. The MBZ Campus offers the American curriculum from pre-school to Grade 12, with Grades 11 and 12 offering the High School Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP), or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). 2. Step 2: Applications are processed on a first-come-first-serve basis, with priority admissions given to children of AIS faculty members, siblings of current AIS students, former AIS students, and other eligible applicants. If there are no vacancies in the grade level, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list, and the school will contact the parents or guardians if a seat becomes available. 3. Step 3: New applicants to AIS: admission is open for pre-school to Grade 11; Grade 12 admissions are not accepted. Applicants must meet the age requirements for the grade to be applied to (e.g., Pre-school 3 years, Kindergarten 4 years, Prep 5 years, Grade 1 6 years) by September 1 of the admission year. Exceptions are not made for age when stated and admissions criteria will be considered. 4. Step 4: Attend a meeting with the School Registrar. For UAE-based applicants, meetings are held Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM, and Fridays, 8:00 AM–11:30 AM. Applicants outside the UAE should email admissions to schedule an online meeting. 5. Step 5: After the meeting, applicants attend a placement test or interview, scheduled by the Admissions Office. UAE-based applicants will receive an email with the date and time and should arrive on time; applicants outside the UAE will receive a link for the online test/interview. Enrollment follows acceptance: a Letter of Acceptance is issued, and enrollment must be completed within one week. A non-refundable AED 1,500 registration fee is payable at enrollment; bus service enrollment can be arranged at enrollment, and additional enrollment documents (e.g., Emirates IDs, transfer documents) may be required.	Admissions 1. Enrollment window and scope. Enrollment is currently open from FS1 to Year 10, reflecting the grades for which applications are being accepted now. For academic year 2025-2026, admissions are open from Nursery (FS1) to Year 8, with a natural growth commencing September 2026 to Year 13. The school operates under the English National Curriculum. 2. Enquiry submission and tour scheduling. Submit your enquiry online; a Parent Relations Executive will respond within 2 working days to assist you. 3. Application submission. Submit your completed application; the Admissions Team will be in touch within 2 working days and will guide you through the next steps. They will inform you of any documents required and next steps for assessment. 4. Offer after assessment. Within 2 working days of a successful assessment, you will receive an offer of a place at the school. If you are offered a place, you can accept the offer and begin the enrollment process. 5. Enrollment. After you accept the offer and pay the registration fee, you will be enrolled and will receive further communications about fees and start dates. 6. Payment options. The school offers 0% payment plans through partner banks to spread the cost of tuition.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist If a grade has no vacancies, applicants are placed on a waiting list. The Admissions Office contacts guardians if a seat becomes available.	Waitlist —
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