Schools in Abu Dhabi- advice please.

[abudhabihelp]

Hi, we are hoping to move to AD at some point next year, hopefully in Spring once everything organised.
We haven't lived in the ME before and don't know anything about the schools although have been given a few names by someone who knows the area.
Two children in secondary in the UK (state sector), one in Year 10, unfortunately so not ideal timing. Both academic and enjoy a range of extra curricular activities. I'm not wedded to the idea of GCSEs and A levels. I hear the IB is more challenging though. Perhaps it would be easier for them to slot into a British based school.
If anyone can give me some information about AD schools from personal experience that would be great.
Also, we do plan to visit but haven't yet so, if anyone can advise re pleasant residential areas that would be great too.
Many thanks in advance.

If you are currently in England, I would strongly, strongly advocate for your Y10 child to stay in their current school until after GCSE's.

Moving them 2/5 of the way through the course, to a school that will be doing IGCSE isnt setting them up to thrive.

I am interested to know more re schools too OP, I found this site, but would be good to get some recommendations

https://schoolscompared.com/guides/school-fees-guides/school-fees-a-z-revealed-most-and-least-expensive-schools-in-the-uae-all-outstanding-and-very-good-schools-in-dubai-and-abu-dhabi-how-the-fees-stack-up/

Everything in your question depends on budget! How much are you looking to spend?

Thanks for the link @ADpackage
@puffinstealer -the school fees should be covered by the employer. We don't have a figure yet but it should be a generous provision.

If you are getting a decent allowance, these would be some of the 'best' British schools (of course some people would disagree):

Cranleigh
BSAK (the British embassy school)
Repton
Brighton College

There's also a brand new Nord Anglia school just opened on Reem.

For primary age these schools (especially the top two) are very competitive, but there's much more availability at secondary level. My children attend Cranleigh and love it, but it's definitely more 'international' than BSAK, in which the vast majority of students are British.

Given the age of your kids it may come down to what subjects the different schools offer.

Thanks @puffinstealer
I think the children would be perfectly happy with a more international school. Am I right in thinking that Cranleigh charge the highest fees of the bunch? Do you think they are worth it?
If you are able to tell me anything more about the schools there vs UK schools (pros and cons), that would be great.

How is it different to a British school? My DC are small so I haven't experienced British schools as a parent, but here's what I think are the main differences

The curriculum is a British curriculum, all exams are British etc, but there are a few extra things the schools have to add here eg mandatory Arabic

Your child's classmates will be a much more international cohort, which we like. Our children will end up with friends from all over the world

There will be smaller British cultural things your kids miss out on. I don't know what these are at secondary, but for primary I was surprisingly disappointed my kids will never be in a nativity play, for example

International Day (and also National Day) are so much fun! There's a real celebration of different cultures and I never experienced anything like it in my childhood

Class sizes are much smaller than U.K. state schools

We love Cranleigh and to us it's worth the fees, but I don't know much about the secondary school - or what your children are like

I'm sure others will have more opinions on the matter!

There are a multitude of schools with fees varying from £1000 per year (unlikely to be your preferred option) to the likes of Cranleigh, which is lovely but there are plenty of other options that are much more affordable. In terms of home location, that depends on your budget and whether you want a villa or apartment, and where the school and work locations are. You can find schools on the TAMM or ADEK websites and check out property finder UAE app or site for rental prices. Paying one year's rent up front is common plus you have to pay 5% agent commission as a tenant. Even if your employer covers school fees and rent, you will need to come out with a substantial savings pot to get you through the first few months.

Hi,
We are looking into moving to AD too. I wonder if you can share your experience so far with schools and living?
We are looking for a British academic schools as well as sporty. We have a goid budget so fees are not an issue.
We will need a secondary school that id like to live close by to. Looking for a villa.
Id love to hear your experience so far. x