Bright Riders School Abu Dhabi vs Shining Star International School

	B Bright Riders School Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	S Shining Star International School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 10,680 - 22,030	Fees / year AED 8,630 - 16,930
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum Indian Curriculum	Curriculum Indian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 3,921	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Bright Riders School is located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The campus address is Plot No. P1C, Zone 17_01, MBZ City, Abu Dhabi. MBZ City is a residential district with convenient road links to central Abu Dhabi. The school is accessible by car and by public transport, serving families in MBZ City and surrounding areas.	Location Shining Star International School is located in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at Shabiya 12. The campus serves Abu Dhabi's expatriate and local communities and is accessible by multiple bus routes across the city; transport is GPS-tracked. Coordinates: 24.321046, 54.53379.
Stages	Stages Bright Riders School offers education from Kindergarten 1 through Grade 12, following the CBSE curriculum. The school is structured into four main segments: Kindergarten, Primary, Middle School, and Secondary/Senior Secondary.	Stages The school runs KG1 to Grade 12, with a Sixth Form for Grades 11–12.
School type	School type The school is co-educational and follows the Indian CBSE curriculum.	School type Private day school that follows the CBSE Indian curriculum.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix SSIS hosts a diverse international student body. The exact number of represented nationalities is not published, but the school emphasises diversity and serves the expatriate community of Abu Dhabi.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The campus includes a clinic with licensed nurses and a wellbeing curriculum that focuses on emotional health, mindfulness, physical fitness, resilience, and social skills. The school describes an inclusive environment and aims to support all learners.	Additional learning support SSIS is inclusive and provides support for students of determination, including Individualized Educational Plans, learning support assistants, and extra academic support as needed; modifications to papers/exams are available.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), India.	Country affiliation CBSE (India) affiliation; the school is fully accredited with CBSE and follows the Indian NCERT curriculum (CBSE affiliation No. 6630075).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is indicated.	Religious affiliation There is an on-campus mosque and an in-house Imam to lead prayers for the Muslim community; no formal religious affiliation is stated.
School day structure	School day structure The school day typically runs from 8:00 to 14:30, Sunday through Thursday.	School day structure KG sessions run 7:30 AM–12:00 PM; Grades I–XII run 7:30 AM–2:00 PM; school days are Sunday to Thursday.
Bus service details	Bus service details Bus service is provided through Fine Star School Buses Transportation; transport fees are paid to the provider for the full academic year; the service is two-way (morning pick-ups and afternoon drop-offs) and one-way service is not offered; some routes may not be guaranteed.	Bus service details School transport operates with GPS tracking; there are 30+ routes, and buses have GPS trackers and female attendants.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration Fees - A non‑refundable registration fee is collected after the entrance test to reserve a place. The school states this fee is normally 5% of the total tuition and is adjusted against the term fees. - For KG1 online registration in the current intake an explicit registration charge of AED 530 is listed as non‑refundable and is adjusted against Term 1 fees. Tuition fees (per term and annual total by grade) - KG1: Term 1 AED 3,430; Term 2 AED 3,430; Term 3 AED 3,420; Annual total AED 10,280. - KG2: Term 1 AED 3,430; Term 2 AED 3,430; Term 3 AED 3,420; Annual total AED 10,280. - Grade 1: Term 1 AED 4,430; Term 2 AED 4,430; Term 3 AED 4,420; Annual total AED 13,280. - Grade 2: Term 1 AED 4,430; Term 2 AED 4,430; Term 3 AED 4,420; Annual total AED 13,280. - Grade 3: Term 1 AED 4,460; Term 2 AED 4,460; Term 3 AED 4,460; Annual total AED 13,380. - Grade 4: Term 1 AED 4,460; Term 2 AED 4,460; Term 3 AED 4,460; Annual total AED 13,380. - Grade 5: Term 1 AED 4,950; Term 2 AED 4,940; Term 3 AED 4,940; Annual total AED 14,830. - Grade 6: Term 1 AED 5,430; Term 2 AED 5,430; Term 3 AED 5,430; Annual total AED 16,290. - Grade 7: Term 1 AED 5,910; Term 2 AED 5,910; Term 3 AED 5,910; Annual total AED 17,730. - Grade 8: Term 1 AED 6,440; Term 2 AED 6,430; Term 3 AED 6,430; Annual total AED 19,300. - Grade 9: Term 1 AED 6,440; Term 2 AED 6,430; Term 3 AED 6,430; Annual total AED 19,300. - Grade 10: Term 1 AED 6,630; Term 2 AED 6,630; Term 3 AED 6,620; Annual total AED 19,880. - Grade 11: Term 1 AED 6,890; Term 2 AED 6,880; Term 3 AED 6,880; Annual total AED 20,650. - Grade 12: Term 1 AED 7,110; Term 2 AED 7,110; Term 3 AED 7,110; Annual total AED 21,330. (These term and annual amounts are the tuition fee schedule published for the school.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in three instalments for the academic year. Payment windows are set before each term: - 1st instalment (for the April–June term): payable between 1 March and 20 March. - 2nd instalment (for the September–December term): payable between 1 June and 20 June. - 3rd instalment (for the January–March term): payable between 1 November and 20 November. - Late or unpaid fees result in loss of portal access; the school reserves the right to withhold annual examination results until all dues are settled. The school may deny portal access if fees are not paid within stipulated timeframes. Mandatory additional / recurring charges - Book fees (mandatory): - KG1 & KG2: AED 400. - Grade 1 & 2: AED 450. - Grade 3 & 4: AED 500. - Grade 5 & 6: AED 550. - Grade 7 & 8: AED 600. - Grade 9 & 10: AED 650. - Grade 11 & 12: AED 700. - Islamic studies book fee for Muslim students: AED 45 to AED 75 depending on grade. CBSE registration and examination fees (mandatory where applicable) - Grade 9: AED 200. - Grade 10 (board exam): AED 650. - Grade 11: AED 200. - Grade 12 (board exam): AED 650. Optional / other fees - After‑school activities for KG students: AED 500 per month. - Competitive exam classes (Grade 6 onwards): AED 300 for 8 classes per subject. - Art, Dance & Music (Grade 1 onwards): AED 300 for 8 classes. - Karate (KG1 onwards): AED 200 per month. Boarding fees - The school operates as a day school and does not list boarding/hostel or related charges. No boarding fees apply. Refund information (tuition fees) - Refund / retention rules for tuition: the school may retain portions of tuition depending on how long the student attended during a term: - If the student attends any part of the first week or fails to show without adequate written notice, the school may retain the value of the registration. - Attendance of more than one week and up to three weeks of a term: the school may retain one full month's tuition fees. - Attendance of over three weeks and up to six weeks of a term: the school may retain two full months' tuition fees. - Attendance of over six weeks of a term: the school may retain the full term tuition fees. Fee payment options and practical details - Accepted payment methods: debit card / credit card (American Express and Diners Club are excluded), cheque, and online payment via the Parent Portal. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Bright Riders School SO LLC'. - Fee collection counters operate during weekdays; accounts counters are open for fee collections from 08:00 to 14:00. Online fee payment instructions are available through the Parent Portal. For fee queries, the school provides a dedicated email: feepayment@brightriders.ae. Other operational notes on fees - The school notes that published school fees may be changed subject to regulatory approval. Parents should expect administration steps such as entrance assessments and document verification prior to finalising fee payment and enrolment.	Fee details Application / registration fee - A registration/application fee must be paid before an application is processed and before any assessment is scheduled. Tuition fees — per grade (annual and term breakdown) - KG1: Annual tuition AED 7,900 — Term 1 AED 2,370; Term 2 AED 2,370; Term 3 AED 3,160; Books AED 495; Yearly fee AED 8,791. - KG2: Annual tuition AED 7,900 — Term 1 AED 2,370; Term 2 AED 2,370; Term 3 AED 3,160; Books AED 495; Yearly fee AED 8,791. - Grade 1: Annual tuition AED 8,800 — Term 1 AED 2,640; Term 2 AED 2,640; Term 3 AED 3,520; Books AED 594; Yearly fee AED 9,818. - Grade 2: Annual tuition AED 9,300 — Term 1 AED 2,790; Term 2 AED 2,790; Term 3 AED 3,720; Books AED 594; Yearly fee AED 10,318. - Grade 3: Annual tuition AED 10,300 — Term 1 AED 3,090; Term 2 AED 3,090; Term 3 AED 4,120; Books AED 644; Yearly fee AED 11,368. - Grade 4: Annual tuition AED 10,500 — Term 1 AED 3,150; Term 2 AED 3,150; Term 3 AED 4,200; Books AED 660; Yearly fee AED 11,584. - Grade 5: Annual tuition AED 12,500 — Term 1 AED 3,750; Term 2 AED 3,750; Term 3 AED 5,000; Books AED 660; Yearly fee AED 13,584. - Grade 6: Annual tuition AED 12,500 — Term 1 AED 3,750; Term 2 AED 3,750; Term 3 AED 5,000; Books AED 715; Yearly fee AED 13,639. - Grade 7: Annual tuition AED 13,500 — Term 1 AED 4,050; Term 2 AED 4,050; Term 3 AED 5,400; Books AED 798; Yearly fee AED 14,733. - Grade 8: Annual tuition AED 13,500 — Term 1 AED 4,050; Term 2 AED 4,050; Term 3 AED 5,400; Books AED 798; Yearly fee AED 14,733. - Grade 9: Annual tuition AED 14,500 — Term 1 AED 4,350; Term 2 AED 4,350; Term 3 AED 5,800; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 15,815. - Grade 10: Annual tuition AED 14,500 — Term 1 AED 4,350; Term 2 AED 4,350; Term 3 AED 5,800; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 15,815. - Grade 11: Annual tuition AED 15,500 — Term 1 AED 4,650; Term 2 AED 4,650; Term 3 AED 6,200; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 16,815. - Grade 12: Annual tuition AED 15,500 — Term 1 AED 4,650; Term 2 AED 4,650; Term 3 AED 6,200; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 16,815. Transport and boarding fees - School transport (bus) is published as AED 4,420 (single standard amount shown). - Boarding / board fees are listed by grade for secondary levels: Grade IX AED 375; Grade X AED 750; Grade XI AED 375; Grade XII AED 900. Other fees and one-off costs - Uniform charges are shown per grade in the published fee schedule (examples: AED 519 for KG levels; AED 640–880 for higher grades) and are charged separately to tuition. - Textbook / book charges are shown per grade (examples above under each grade). - A yearly / miscellaneous fee is applied per student (figures shown under "Yearly fee" in the published schedule). Discounts and fee reductions - Sibling discounts: second child 7% and third (and subsequent) children 10% (published sibling discount scale is applied). - A one-time annual payment discount is available (5%); combined one-time payment plus sibling discounts may increase the effective discount (published scheme). Additional referral and achievement discounts are published. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are payable in a minimum of three equal instalments for the academic year. Parents may also make a one-time full payment. - Accepted payment methods: cash, card (debit/credit; bank charges may apply) and cheque. When paying the first term by cash or card, parents are requested to submit post-dated cheques for the 2nd and 3rd terms; cheque payment requires three cheques. The school publishes standard cheque dates for term payments in its payment instructions. Refund and cancellation policy (fees and items) - The school may retain a portion of tuition where a student attends part of a term: examples in the published policy include retention ranges from the value of one month up to the full-term fee depending on the length of attendance within a term. Textbook and uniform fees that have not been used are refundable. Transportation fees are refunded on the same prorated basis as tuition. Registration or re-registration fees may be retained where a student attends part of the first week or does not show up without prior written notice. Notes on payment handling - Card payments are accepted but bank charges may apply. Cheques should be made payable to "Shining Star International School" and post-dated cheques are required for subsequent instalments when the first instalment is paid in cash or by card. Specific cheque dates and document requirements for cheque submission are included in the school's payment instructions.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are mandatory for all students and are sold at the school stores. The uniform varies by year group: KG to Grade 1 wear navy and white with a navy T-shirt and navy trousers or skirt; Grades 2 to 4 wear red and black check outfits with lemon-yellow shirts; Grades 5 to 12 wear grey with a blazer. Winter options include a red jacket for younger students and a black jacket for older students.	Uniform requirement Uniform is required for all students. The annual uniform fee varies by grade: 519 AED for KG1-KG2 and up to 880 AED for Grades 9-12, according to the 2025-2026 fee schedule.
Food options	Food options —	Food options There is an on-site cafeteria that serves fresh, hygienic and nutritious food for students and staff. The cafeteria offers an assortment of cuisines at affordable prices.
House system	House system Bright Riders School uses a house system. The four houses are Coral (Red), Amber (Yellow), Jasper (Green), and Beryl (Blue). Inter-house competitions are held regularly to develop teamwork and expose students to current topics such as global and environmental issues.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Bright Riders School is described as a sole proprietorship, listed as Bright Riders School - Sole Proprietorship L.L.C. The school is CBSE-affiliated (Affiliation No. 6630074).	Governance and ownership SSIS is governed by an executive leadership team led by the principal, with a chairperson (Sudha Gupta) noted in the site's governance materials. The school is CBSE-accredited, and there is no public indication that it is part of a larger school group.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Bright Riders School Abu Dhabi follows the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum from Kindergarten through Senior Secondary and is CBSE affiliated (Affiliation No. 6630074). Kindergarten uses a child-centered, play-based approach integrating art, technology and socio-emotional learning. Primary section (ages 6-9) emphasizes reading and mathematics, with a STEAM lab, Arabic and UAE social studies, and ongoing sports and cultural events. Middle School (ages 10-13) adopts CBSE with focus on holistic development, experiential learning and digital literacy, with language development via I Start Arabic and RazPlus; Cambridge exams, TIMMS, PISA and IBT are offered. Secondary and Senior Secondary (ages 14-17) follow CBSE with Science or Commerce/Humanities streams; includes language studies (French, Arabic, Hindi), career guidance, psychometric tests, IELTS and Cambridge exams, and external assessments TIMMS, PISA and IBT. The curriculum is augmented by an AI curriculum, financial literacy, wellbeing, UAE National Identity Markers and a dedicated career curriculum to support preparation for higher education and life.	Curriculum details Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi follows the CBSE curriculum using NCERT textbooks, with the academic year running from April to March. Early Years (Kindergarten) emphasizes social-emotional development and language skills through Global Phonics and the RAZ A-Z program, with Arabic, Islamic studies and additional language options introduced in Term 3. The Primary program is CBSE-based, aligned with the National Curriculum Framework and NEP 2020, guided by the ADEK Student Competency Framework, and includes Global SDG projects, ISTE standards, a Farm in School curriculum, and second-language options (Hindi, French, Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil) along with Robotics and a TED-Ed Club from Grade 3. In Middle and Secondary, the curriculum continues under CBSE guidelines with ISTE standards and a focus on 21st-century skills, offering English, a second language, Arabic, Environment Studies, Mathematics, Moral Education, Islamic Studies or Moral Science, UAE Social Studies, Computer Science, Robotics, Global Citizenship, Art and Library. Senior Secondary follows CBSE at the senior level, based on the National Curriculum Framework-2005, with subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business Studies, Accountancy, Economics, Informative Practices, English and Arabic as a second language, along with mock examinations and career/higher education guidance.
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 Bright Riders School Abu Dhabi implements a Wellbeing Curriculum that blends emotional intelligence, mindfulness, physical fitness, resilience-building, and social skills. The curriculum is designed to help students understand themselves, manage emotions, build positive relationships, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. This approach supports social and emotional learning by embedding these competencies within daily learning. The school places wellbeing as a core dimension of education, alongside knowledge and skills. The principal emphasizes that wellbeing and emotional resilience are valued as highly as academic achievement.	Social & emotional learning Shining Star International School follows ADEK's Well-Being Policy to support students' emotional, social, physical, and academic well-being. Counseling services are available to provide one‑to‑one and group support, and the school implements mindfulness and stress‑reduction programs to aid emotional regulation. Anti‑bullying initiatives, social skills workshops, and peer mentoring are in place to foster healthy peer relationships. A Well‑Being Committee oversees well‑being initiatives, with staff professional development on student well‑being and regular parental engagement to support well‑being at home and in school. The school emphasises a holistic approach to student wellbeing across these domains.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Bright Riders School defines Additional Learning Needs and supports inclusive education for students with ALN. Accommodations and modifications are provided to enable equitable participation for students with ALN in assessments and instruction. The school describes Inclusive Education as an approach that enables all students to learn, including those with learning differences or additional barriers. The school also notes multilingual learners and related needs within its inclusion framework. The publicly available materials describe inclusion and ALN support but do not indicate a dedicated specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) Shining Star International School is described as an inclusive school and provides SEN support within the mainstream setting. It offers Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) for students of determination, extra academic support, and Learning Support Assistants to ensure safety and academic help. Modifications to classwork and exams, plus modified papers, are provided based on individual needs, with a Learning Support Team monitoring activities to ensure access to learning and extracurriculars. The Inclusion Policy defines accommodations and modifications to teaching and assessments, adaptive teaching, assistive technology, and a range of supports for Additional Learning Needs, including multilingual learners and twice‑exceptional students. In short, SSIS supports a spectrum of needs within a mainstream framework rather than being a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Assessments include accommodations for multilingual learners. Inclusive Education is the overarching approach described for supporting diverse language needs. Publicly available materials do not describe a stand-alone EAL program.	English as an additional language Multilingual Learners are specifically recognised as students who are acquiring the language of instruction and require additional language support to access and attain with their peers. The Inclusion Policy outlines that accommodations and modifications to teaching and assessments, adaptive teaching, and assistive technologies are used to support these learners. The school's inclusion structure includes a Head of Inclusion, Inclusion Teachers, and an Inclusion Team to coordinate language and learning support, including documentation such as Learning Plans (IEP/ISP/ILP) where appropriate. The policy also emphasises Universal Design for Learning and equitable access to education for language learners within mainstream classrooms.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The Wellbeing Curriculum blends emotional intelligence, mindfulness, physical fitness, resilience-building, and social skills. It aims to help students understand themselves, manage emotions, build positive relationships, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. The school's approach to wellbeing is framed as a core element of the learning culture, with emotional resilience highlighted as central to student development. The staff wellbeing page indicates that staff wellbeing and professional development are prioritized, contributing to a positive environment for students. The principal's message also emphasizes a holistic approach to wellbeing and the value placed on emotional resilience.	Mental wellbeing SSIS promotes mental wellbeing through its Well‑Being Policy, aligned with ADEK's framework, covering emotional, social, physical, and intellectual well‑being. It provides access to counselors for individual and group support and runs regular workshops on mental health, resilience, and emotional regulation. Physical and social wellbeing programs, including anti‑bullying campaigns and peer mentoring, are part of the school's well‑being initiatives. The Pastoral Care Policy emphasises PERMA‑influenced, relationship‑based approaches and mentoring to support students' welfare, with form tutors and counselors playing key roles in monitoring and supporting well‑being. Collaboration with external agencies is planned for specialist mental health support when needed.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Bright Riders School Abu Dhabi presents safeguarding within its Values and Ethics Policy, which defines Additional Learning Needs and Inclusive Education and safeguards the rights of all students. The policy outlines ethical leadership, safeguarding of rights, and inclusive practices as foundational elements. A Whistleblowing Policy provides a safe channel for reporting misconduct or unethical practices. The school emphasizes safeguarding as part of its governance and ethical framework, including mechanisms for addressing safeguarding concerns. These policies collectively support child protection and safe school operations.	Safeguarding Shining Star International School has a Child Protection Policy and a Safeguarding Policy that underscore the welfare of children as paramount. A Child Protection Committee (CPC) is established to manage safeguarding with defined leadership levels and clear preventive, reporting, and responsive processes; staff are oriented on recognizing signs of abuse and must report concerns via designated channels. The policies set out awareness, prevention, reporting, and responding steps, including training, incident reporting procedures, and safeguarding in curriculum delivery. Recruitment and ongoing safeguarding practices include safe recruitment, supervision, and collaboration with external agencies (e.g., Child Protection Services, police, or ADEK) as required. The safeguarding framework is complemented by a separate Safeguarding Policy detailing procedures and compliance requirements.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Bright Riders School Abu Dhabi offers a campus designed to support learning across academic, sports, and creative pursuits. The infrastructure combines Smart Classrooms, advanced laboratories, a rich library, diverse sports facilities, an auditorium, and a on-site clinic. The campus spans approximately 36,000 square meters and serves CBSE-based K-12 education in English. A 25-meter indoor swimming pool, an outdoor athletics field with a synthetic track, and an indoor sports complex support a wide range of physical education activities. Digital learning is supported by a Moodle learning management system and a CMS used across the school.	Facilities overview Shining Star International School sits on a 10-acre campus comprising the original school block and a newer building that houses science and computer labs. The grounds include running tracks, football grounds, cricket pitches, and courts for badminton and basketball. The library holds 24,000+ books and magazines to support study and reading. An 800-seat multipurpose auditorium serves as a venue for events and indoor sports. The campus also includes a kitchen garden, greenhouse, medicinal herb garden, and a vegetable garden, and there is an on-site health clinic and a mosque with an in-house imam.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Indoor Swimming Pool (Half Olympic size) is a 25-meter pool with eight lanes and separate changing facilities for boys and girls. An outdoor sports field provides space for track and field events as well as football, cricket, volleyball, and related activities, with high jump and long jump pits. Indoor facilities include a temperature-controlled multipurpose hall for aerobics and gym use, an indoor basketball court, four indoor badminton courts, indoor table tennis, and chess or carom facilities. There is an adventure play area for Kindergarten students to support active, supervised play. Qualified sports staff are available to deliver coaching and supervision.	Sports facilities Sports facilities include astro turf running tracks, volleyball, football and badminton courts, and a cricket pitch. Outdoor spaces also feature a greenhouse, kitchen garden, medicinal herb garden, and a vegetable garden that support additional learning experiences.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic facilities include advanced laboratories and a rich library to support inquiry-based learning. The school uses Moodle as a learning management system for worksheets, study materials, and related videos, accessible through the student and parent portal. A CMS supports teaching methods from kindergarten through grade 10. Smart Classrooms and high-speed connectivity link lessons to digital resources and online materials. The CBSE curriculum is implemented with ADEK Activities for Life guiding the overall academic program.	Academic facilities Technology-integrated classrooms number 72 and are equipped with the latest OHPs and smart boards. Computer labs with high-speed internet support IT-enabled learning across grade levels. The school provides biology, chemistry and math laboratories for hands-on experiments. A robotics laboratory offers building and programming experiences. The library is a purpose-built space with 24,000+ books for research and study.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Bright Riders offers a broad range of extracurricular activities to support holistic development. Public speaking programs include TEDx Youth at BRS, along with declamation, poetry recitations, debates, and assemblies to develop communication and critical thinking. The school places emphasis on sports and wellbeing, backed by modern facilities for swimming, football, athletics, basketball, tennis, and more. Activities are integrated with academics to foster leadership, teamwork, and community involvement. The program is supported by events and opportunities that showcase student talents.	Extra curricular facilities An 800+ seat multipurpose auditorium is used for workshops, events, and indoor sports. There is an on-site cafeteria serving fresh, hygienic, and nutritious food. The health clinic is staffed by a qualified nurse for medical needs during school hours. The campus also includes a mosque with an in-house imam for the Muslim community.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Bright Riders School Abu Dhabi was established in 2012 as an Indian CBSE-affiliated K-12 school in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. It serves Kindergarten 1 through Grade 12 (Science & Commerce) for students aged 4 to 18. The school emphasizes partnerships with parents and the local community as a core part of its educational approach. The campus is designed to international standards for education and safety, reflecting a commitment to a caring and secure learning environment. The school has developed programs and events that center on community involvement since its early years.	History Shining Star International School was established in 2014 in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi. It is led by Chairperson Sudha Gupta. The school serves the local and international expatriate community and follows the CBSE curriculum. In 2024 SSIS celebrated a decade of operation and earned a Good rating from ADEK. By 2025 the school had grown to over 2,000 students.
Community	Community The Bright Riders community fosters active involvement of parents and the wider community in school life. Cultural celebrations, charity drives, and other community events are central to school life, including BRS Spectrum, a festival of culture, creativity, and compassion. Spectrum 2025 has raised funds for Emirates Red Crescent and brought together students, teachers, and parents in performances, stalls, and workshops. Students participate in clubs and activities such as Model United Nations, TED-Ed, dance, music, and art, and the school supports local and international trips to broaden perspectives.	Community SSIS serves a diverse expatriate community in Abu Dhabi. A flash mob event was held at Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi to express gratitude to UAE leadership and promote peace, tolerance and coexistence among residents. Open houses and other community engagements are held regularly to involve parents. The school emphasizes SDG-aligned initiatives and global partnerships as part of its community engagement.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school operates a Parents Representative Body (PRB) that serves as the parent partnership forum alongside school leadership. PRB members collaborate with teachers and administrators on planning, governance, and communications for major events. The PRB plays a key role in organizing fundraising and community outreach, including coordinating volunteers for Spectrum charity drives and Emirates Red Crescent campaigns. Parent involvement extends to student programs through volunteering for clubs, field trips, and school-wide activities. Testimonials from parents describe active collaboration with the school through the PRB and indicate that parent participation contributes to the school's perceived quality.	Parent teacher association SSIS maintains an active PTA that conducts regular meetings and open houses to encourage parental involvement. Parents are described as an integral part of the school's teaching methodology, with ongoing updates provided through a digital campus. The PTA supports groups and activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Program, First Responders, Toastmasters and Gavel Clubs. There are partnerships and outreach efforts coordinated by the PTA, including collaborations with schools in Africa and the USA. Regular events and volunteer opportunities are organized through the PTA to support student learning and community engagement.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Bright Riders School Abu Dhabi follows the CBSE curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 12, with ADEK Activities for Life integrated into learning. The school emphasizes extended and experiential learning as part of the curriculum, and uses a Learning Management System (LMS) Moodle to upload study materials and support learning. A campus portal tracks attendance, reports, teacher lists, circulars, and communications for students and parents. Senior secondary studies include Science and Commerce streams with English as a compulsory subject across all streams.	Academic & intellectual SSIS focuses on academics, robotics, sports, and arts & crafts. Students gain hands-on experience in robotics through a Robotics Lab that develops technical, logical, and AI skills. Technology-integrated classrooms and computer and science laboratories support STEM learning. A massive library with over 24,000 books supports independent study and research.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Kindergarten to Grade 5 include ART & CRAFT, MUSIC, and DANCE as part of the co-curricular offering. The curriculum also encompasses reading, writing, and speaking activities, with opportunities for literary and arts-based learning. Creative expressions are integrated through subjects and co-curricular programs across the primary years.	Arts & creative Multipurpose Auditorium is available for performances, workshops, and events. Arts and crafts are among SSIS's focus areas. The School Song expresses creativity and teamwork, reflecting a culture of artistic and collaborative activity.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The medium of instruction is English. Languages offered include Hindi and Arabic, with Hindi/French available in the middle years. Optional languages include Hindi and French, and Arabic is part of the CBSE language offerings. Grade 9–10 include optional languages such as Hindi, French, and CBSE Arabic.	Cultural & language SSIS serves the expatriate community in Abu Dhabi and follows the CBSE curriculum. Student Council includes Cultural Secretary roles for both girls and boys. The school welcomes students from all cultural backgrounds.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school provides a range of clubs and activities, including Speaking, Club Activities, STEM Activities, and TEDX & TED ED. These co-curricular offerings are complemented by environmental protection, photography, well-being, and student protection initiatives as part of a broad activity program.	Social & hobbies SSIS offers extracurricular activities through the Student Council and climate action projects. The Student Council includes leadership roles such as Head Boy/Girl, Deputy Head Boy/Girl, and House Captains. Cultural Secretary roles are part of the Student Council. The school participates in community events, such as flash mobs.
Community & service	Community & service Bright Riders hosts charity and community events, such as Bright Riders Spectrum in support of Emirates Red Crescent. In 2025, AED 65,000 was raised for orphans and educational needs through the Spectrum initiative.	Community & service SSIS engages with the wider Abu Dhabi community through events, including flash mobs at public venues. The principal is an SDG ambassador and the school is SDG-aligned. The school welcomes students from all cultural backgrounds.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Clubs and leadership-oriented activities, including TEDX & TED ED, support student leadership and critical thinking. Speaking activities and a variety of club offerings are part of the school's approach to developing communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.	Leadership & professional Student leadership opportunities exist through the Student Council, with positions such as Head Boy/Girl, Deputy Head Boy/Girl, and House Captains. The principal serves as an SDG ambassador. Senior leadership roles include House Captains and Senior Prefects within the student body.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus covers 36,000 square meters and supports co-educational classes with max sizes of 25 for KG and 30 for Grades 1–12. Facilities include an indoor half-Olympic swimming pool, indoor basketball, badminton courts, and other sports facilities, plus a clinic with licensed nurses to support student health. The school emphasizes wellbeing as part of its learning culture.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school has an in-house clinic with a HAAD-qualified nurse available during school hours. Sports facilities include astro turf running tracks, volleyball, football and badminton courts, and a cricket pitch. The grounds feature a greenhouse, kitchen garden, medicinal herb, and a vegetable garden. Transport is equipped with GPS tracking.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction across all streams. From KG1 to KG5, Hindi and Arabic are taught. In Grades 6–8, Hindi/French is offered as a language option alongside English and Arabic. In Grades 9–10, English remains a core subject with optional languages including Hindi, French, and Arabic. Language development is supported through digital reading programs such as I Start Arabic and Razplus.	Language provision English is taught as a core subject within the CBSE curriculum. Second languages offered include Hindi, French, Urdu, Tamil, and Malayalam. Arabic is taught as a subject. The Early Years program develops language and communication skills through Global Phonics and speaking platforms.
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Reputation	Reputation
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Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The Bright Riders School Abu Dhabi is a K–12 CBSE school located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi. The campus uses English as the medium of instruction. The school offers Kindergarten through Grade 12 with a co-educational setup and provides a CBSE-based curriculum with ADEK activities. The senior secondary streams include Science and Commerce, with English being compulsory for all streams. Hindi and French are offered as language options, and Arabic is also part of the curriculum along with Islamic Studies or related subjects depending on the grade level. The kindergarten, primary, middle, and secondary sections each have defined subject menus aligned with CBSE requirements. The principal's message emphasizes a learning culture that values achievement, well-being, and partnership with families. (Infrastructure page; Senior Secondary & Streams page; Principal's Message)	Admissions The school is currently accepting applications for the 2026–2027 academic year. Pre-admission procedure: Parents can complete the online registration form for 2026–2027, ensuring that all requested details are completely filled out; an auto generated email is sent once the application is received by the school. Checklist for Admission: A list of documents required during admission is provided. Post-Admission procedure: After the admission has been processed, an admission slip containing the Admission reference No with the Class & Division will be handed over to the parent. Apply for Admission: The school provides an 'Apply for Admission' option and a 'Register Now' button for online enrollment. Open Days: Open Days are held for prospective parents and students from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM every Thursday and Saturday (excluding public and school holidays); to schedule a visit, click 'Book a Visit'. Online Enrolment: Online enrolment is available at ssis.ethdigitalcampus.com.
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