Aspen Heights British School

Aspen Heights British School is located in the Al Bahya area of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The campus is on Street 15 in Al Bahya, near Emirates Park Zoo. It serves the Al Bahya and Al Raha communities on Abu Dhabi's outskirts and is accessible by road from surrounding neighbourhoods.

The school offers the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage (Nursery, age 3) through Year 11 and has the IB Diploma Programme for Years 12 and 13. The IB DP started for Year 12 in 2023, with the school extending to Year 13 in line with IB authorization.

Aspen Heights British School is co-educational and operates as a day school. The IB information confirms co-educational status and day schooling.

The school represents students from about 50 nationalities, and the student body is described as international. A published breakdown of local Emirati versus international students is not provided.

The school provides inclusive education and maintains an Inclusion (SEN) Policy. There is an Inclusion Department led by a Head of Inclusion, with an eligibility and intervention process for SEND, and requests for external assessments or individualized learning plans may be made; some services may incur additional costs.

No formal country affiliation is stated. The curriculum combines the English National Curriculum with the IB Diploma Programme.

There is no formal religious affiliation stated; UAE's Moral Education program is embedded within the curriculum.

The school day opens at 7:30 am, with the National Anthem at 7:45 am. FS1/FS2 finish at 2:15 pm, and Year 1–Year 13 finish at 2:40 pm. After-school ECAs run until 3:30 pm.

Bus services are provided by Shanawaz and operate across Abu Dhabi, including areas such as Al Bahya, Al Falah, Al Reef, Al Rahba, Al Raha Beach, Yas Island, Khalifa City A, Shahama, Hydra Village and more. Bus fees are 5,000 AED per year.

Aspen Heights British School is located in Al Bahya, Abu Dhabi, UAE (PO Box 137352). It was founded in September 2017. The school offers the National Curriculum of England for Nursery to Year 11 and is an IB World School authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme for Year 12 and Year 13. It is part of International Schools Partnership (ISP).

The school reports strong performance in international assessments, noting exceptional results in the international PISA assessment and that students performed at a level significantly higher than peers across Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.

The school has a positive and welcoming ethos with a strong sense of community and close relationships with families. Wellbeing initiatives are embedded in the core curriculum, including mindfulness activities in classrooms and daily wellbeing and circle time. A pastoral care team and on-site counsellor provide support, with Social Emotional Learning lessons and a Mental Health Ambassador Programme that supports student wellbeing.

The school is inclusive for gifted students and those with special educational needs. It maintains an Inclusion (SEN) Policy to guide support and provision.

The language of instruction is English, delivering the National Curriculum for England. Arabic is taught for native and non-native speakers from Nursery, with French from Year 3 and Spanish from Year 3. EAL support is provided to assist students in accessing the curriculum. Native-English-speaking teachers underpin classroom delivery.

There is an on-site school counsellor, a pastoral care team, and a focus on wellbeing through mindfulness, social–emotional learning, and regular wellbeing resources for families. The school offers 1:1 and group counselling, and runs wellbeing initiatives such as the Mental Health Ambassador Programme. Two mental health first aiders support wellbeing across the school.

Safeguarding is a priority with staff trained in safeguarding and dedicated Designated Safeguarding Leads. Policies include safeguarding, intimate care, anti-bullying, and whistleblowing, with additional group protections under ISP's Child Protection framework.

1. Submit Your Application. Applications are submitted online. After submission you receive an automated confirmation email. The school may request copies of documents to support the application, including the end-of-year school report for the latest full academic year and nursery reports if applying for FS1, FS2 or Year 1.

2. Assessment/Observation. Daily observations form part of the admissions process. For FS1 and FS2, a playdate may be arranged; for Years 1 and above, a short assessment is arranged. A response is provided within about 2 working days after the playdate or assessment.

3. Securing Your Child's Place. A formal offer requires acceptance within 7 days and payment of the 5% registration fee (or the full term fee depending on timing). The 5% registration fee is deductible from the first term's school fees. After payment and acceptance, a list of essential ADEK registration documents is issued to be submitted within 7 days. The place is confirmed on receipt of payment and all required documents.

4. Moving to Abu Dhabi. School places are filled quickly, especially for ages 3–10, and a place can be reserved before moving. Moving families should provide a copy of the child's passport and confirmation of year or Grade; out-of-country applications should include the child's most recent school or nursery report.

AHBS participates in iSP scholarships. Up to 75% of tuition is subsidised for up to two years for exceptional students. Scholarship categories include: Relentless Achievers (Year 10), Global Trailblazers (Year 10 & 12), and Innovators of Tomorrow (Year 12). Internal applications for iSP Scholarships are now closed.

Waiting lists are maintained when a year group is full. Priority is given to siblings. For more information, contact the admissions team.