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Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages Arabic
Typical class size 15
Strengths Global Citizenship, British Education, Community
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Lifestyle and Wellbeing, Arts and Creative
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS) is one of the longest-established international schools in the UAE, founded in 1978. The co-educational school serves over 2,000 students from 60+ nationalities, following the British curriculum from Early Years Foundation Stage through to A Levels. Principal Ian Temple was appointed in 2025. The school is part of the Cognita Schools network and has been rated Very Good by ADEK through the Irtiqa'a inspection framework. AAESS offers a house system, Duke of Edinburgh Award programme, and a range of sports and extracurricular activities. EAL and Learning Support services are available.
Etisalat - Khalid Bin Sultan St - Al Muwaij'i - Ugdat Al Mutawaa - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
The Essentials
Al Ain English Speaking School has 1,687 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.
Location
AAESS is located in Al Ain, the second-largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, near the UAE-Oman border. Al Ain is known as the Garden City of the Gulf.
Stages
The school covers four stages: Early Years (EYFS), Primary, Secondary (GCSE), and Sixth Form (A Levels). This provides a complete British educational pathway from age 3 to 18.
Type
AAESS is a private co-educational day school following the British curriculum. It is part of the Cognita Schools network, an international group of schools.
Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 60 nationalities are represented among the 2,000+ student population, creating a genuinely multicultural community.
Additional learning support
EAL (English as an Additional Language) and Learning Support services are available for students who need additional assistance.
Country affiliation
British curriculum school, part of the global Cognita Schools network.
Bus service
Transportation services are available for students.
Academics
Al Ain English Speaking School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
The school follows the British curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to A Levels. Students take GCSE examinations at the end of Year 11 and A Levels in Year 13. Arabic and Islamic Studies are incorporated as required in the UAE.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pastoral care is delivered through the house system. The school emphasises global citizenship and multicultural understanding.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Support services are available for students with additional needs.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is available for students whose first language is not English.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Contact admissions at +971 3 7678636. 2. Applications can be submitted online. 3. Open Days are held throughout the year (Early Years and Secondary separately). 4. The school accepts students from Early Years through to Sixth Form.
FAQs
When was the school founded?
AAESS was founded in 1978, making it one of the oldest international schools in the UAE with over 45 years of experience.
How many students attend the school?
Over 2,000 students from more than 60 nationalities attend the school.
What curriculum is followed?
The British curriculum from Early Years Foundation Stage through to A Levels. Arabic and Islamic Studies are also taught.
What is the ADEK rating?
The school is rated Very Good by ADEK through the Irtiqa'a inspection framework.
Is there learning support?
Yes, EAL and Learning Support services are available for students who need additional assistance.
Is the Duke of Edinburgh Award offered?
Yes, the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme is available, developing leadership, service, and outdoor skills.
Is there a swimming pool?
Yes, the campus includes a swimming pool along with other sports facilities.
Who operates the school?
AAESS is part of Cognita Schools, a global network of independent schools.
Is transport available?
Yes, transportation services are available for students.
