The British International School Abu Dhabi

BIS Abu Dhabi integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) within a holistic wellbeing and pastoral care framework. Student voice drives wellbeing initiatives through the Student Heads Together team, which leads wellbeing projects across the school. Mental Health First Aiders are in place for every year group, and older students are trained as Mental Health Warriors under guidance from Mental Health England resources. The Personal, Social and Moral Education (PSME) programme is embedded across the curriculum to develop relationships, resilience, and responsible citizenship. Wellbeing is central to school life, with mindfulness, age-appropriate physical education, and safeguarding awareness woven into daily routines.

Inclusive Education forms the foundation of BIS Abu Dhabi's approach to Special Educational Needs (SEN). For students with Additional Educational Needs (AEN), a personalised ILP (Individual Learning Plan) is created in collaboration with the student and parents to tailor learning and build trusting staff–student relationships. The curriculum is adapted to meet diverse needs using varied teaching strategies to suit different learning styles. The school describes itself as inclusive rather than presenting itself as a separate specialist SEN institution. Public materials do not enumerate a fixed list of conditions; the emphasis is on individualized support within an inclusive setting.

All BIS Abu Dhabi lessons are taught in English, and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) team provides extra language support for students who need it. As part of the admissions process, an assessment and language screening determines the level of EAL support required. The EAL provision is described as ongoing support from a dedicated team integrated with classroom teaching. The school states that language support helps students access the curriculum in English. Further specifics about EAL programmes beyond these statements are not published in public materials.

Mental wellbeing is central to BIS Abu Dhabi's pastoral approach. The wellbeing and safeguarding practices emphasize mental health and resilience support, with mindfulness and physical education woven into daily routines. There are Mental Health First Aiders for every year group, and older students are being trained as Mental Health Warriors through a Peer Assisted Learners programme. Student voice informs wellbeing practice through initiatives such as the Heads Together team and student-led wellbeing projects. More than 92% of students feel their wellbeing is taken seriously, and nearly all report feeling safe with trusted adults to turn to. The school is part of Nord Anglia's network of wellbeing initiatives and global collaborations that support holistic student welfare.

Safeguarding is a core focus at BIS Abu Dhabi, with student safety and wellbeing practices highlighted as central to school life. The safeguarding programme includes assemblies on online safety and ongoing professional development for staff led by Heads of Ethos and supported by teachers. Feedback from students and parents drives changes to safeguarding practices, spaces, and routines to create a more connected and safe environment. The safeguarding and wellbeing efforts are framed as part of a whole-school culture, with dedicated safeguarding awareness activities and partnerships within the Nord Anglia network.