The Australian School of Abu Dhabi

The Australian School of Abu Dhabi is located in Shakhbout City, Khalifa City B, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits at the corner of Streets 11 and 32, near the Civil Defence facility. A dedicated school bus network serves a wide catchment across Abu Dhabi, providing regular transport for students. The school's postal address is PO Box 36044.

ASAD offers the International Baccalaureate from Early Years (PYP) through the Diploma Programme (DP), i.e., from Kindergarten to Year 12. The curriculum is integrated with the Australian Curriculum (ACARA).

ASAD is co-educational and operates as a day school; there are no boarding facilities.

ASAD serves a diverse student body representing multiple nationalities. Third‑party listings estimate around 500 students across about 45 nationalities. The school community is described as multicultural and globally oriented.

ASAD follows an inclusive education approach, with dedicated supports for Students of Determination, English Language Learners, and students from diverse backgrounds. Support is provided within the classroom with accommodations, and additional services may be available as part of the school's inclusive framework.

The school aligns with the Australian Curriculum (ACARA), reflecting its Australian educational identity while operating in the United Arab Emirates.

There is no formal religious affiliation stated for the school. A Masjid (prayer room) is available on site for Muslim students, and UAE Islamic Studies is delivered in line with national guidelines where applicable.

The typical school day runs from about 8:00 to 16:00 Sunday to Thursday, with a shorter day on Fridays (roughly 9:00 to 12:00).

ASAD provides a transport service that complies with UAE safety requirements. Buses operate daily with a driver and assistant, and transportation costs 3,850 AED per child per academic year. Destinations include Khalifa City B (Shakhbout City), Baniyas, Gabat, Officer City, and other Abu Dhabi areas. Parents arrange the service through the Front Office.

ASAD is a full IB World School delivering the International Baccalaureate across the full span of schooling—from early years (PYP) through high school graduation (DP)—and this is integrated with the Australian Curriculum (ACARA). The language of instruction is English for most subjects; Arabic language begins in the kindergarten, Islamic Studies begins in Year 1, and French and advanced Arabic are offered as electives in the secondary years to meet Ministry requirements. The Middle Years Programme (grades 6–10) covers eight subject groups: Language and Literature (Arabic and English), Language Acquisition (English and French), Mathematics, Integrated Sciences, Individuals and Societies, Physical Education, Design, and Arts, with interdisciplinary units and a mandatory personal project. The Diploma Programme (grades 11–12) comprises a DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, Creativity, Activity, and Service) and six subject groups (Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts), with courses offered at Higher Level and Standard Level. ASAD emphasises inclusive education and UAE-contextual learning, ensuring curriculum design aligns with inclusion principles and local requirements.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is embedded in ASAD's Wellbeing Strategy, which aligns with the IB Learner Profile and ADEK Wellbeing Policy. SEL topics are integrated into the formal curriculum across the PYP, MYP, and DP, with advisory sessions and mentoring to support personal development. A comprehensive counselling program provides individual and group counselling, and a school social worker is available to support students' emotional and social needs. Anti-bullying campaigns, restorative practices, and initiatives that promote respectful relationships and peer connection are part of everyday school life. A Wellbeing Committee, led by the Head of Student Management and Wellbeing, oversees the strategy and uses annual wellbeing surveys to monitor impact.

ASAD describes inclusion as a guiding principle rather than a separate program and does not present itself as a specialist SEN institution. Key learner groups supported include Students of Determination, Gifted and Talented, English Language Learners, Students from Diverse Backgrounds, Students with Temporary Challenges, and Students with Learning Differences. Early Intervention, Learning Support Plans, and Multi-Tiered Support provide tailored assistance, with collaboration among parents, specialists, and the child. The school employs inclusion specialists and coordinators to support implementation and staff development; the Head of Inclusion coordinates provision for additional learning needs and works with teachers and families to design individualized support. Inclusion is integrated into all aspects of school life, not as a standalone program.

The language of instruction at ASAD is English, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision supports students whose mother tongue is not English to access the curriculum and thrive academically and socially. ASAD uses the Bell Foundation EAL Assessment Framework to identify language needs, set learning goals, and monitor progress. The EAL provision is led by an EAL Coordinator and supported by EAL teachers and support staff who implement pull-out, push-in, and co-teaching models. A tiered model (Universal, Targeted, Intensive) provides escalating levels of support in line with ADEK requirements. Progress and exit criteria for the EAL programme are tracked and communicated with families.

ASAD implements a holistic mental and emotional wellbeing approach within its Wellbeing Strategy, aligning with ADEK guidelines. A comprehensive counselling program offers individual and group counselling and supports staff and families as needed. Staff receive ongoing professional development on mental health awareness, early identification, and inclusive wellbeing practices. SEL and wellbeing are integrated into the formal curriculum, advisory sessions, mentoring, and student leadership activities to build resilience and self-regulation. The Wellbeing Strategy is monitored through annual wellbeing surveys and a dedicated Wellbeing Committee that oversees implementation and improvement.

ASAD maintains a Student Protection Policy that aligns with UAE Wadeema laws and ADEK safeguarding requirements and emphasizes the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all students. The policy defines roles and responsibilities, including the Principal, a Child Protection Coordinator (CPC), staff, and parents, and requires mandated reporting of concerns to appropriate authorities. A designated CPC is the key contact for safeguarding matters, coordinates responses, and liaises with families and authorities. The policy covers types of maltreatment, reporting procedures, data confidentiality, training, and awareness initiatives to ensure child protection is embedded in school life. The policy also provides key contacts, confidential reporting forms, and guidance on staff and volunteer vetting.

1. Submit the Enrolment Form and the required documentation. All applicants must complete an Enrolment Form, and it is available on the public admissions page. Prepare and submit passport/visa copies for student and parents, birth certificate, immunisation records, two years of the most recent school reports, a transfer certificate, and any additional educational reports or assessments (including IEPs or other documents if applicable). Admission decisions are made in line with IB principles and ADEK regulations, and enrolment is subject to availability.

2) If a year group is fully subscribed, applicants are placed on a waiting list. The waiting list is refreshed every term at a minimum, and applicants are notified as seats become available. When places open, offers are made in accordance with the school's priority criteria and the applicant's documentation and readiness. Priority enrolment criteria include siblings of current students, students transferring from other IB schools, children of staff, and returning ASAD students, but all applicants must meet the school's admissions criteria and placement remains subject to availability.