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Original poster

Abu Dhabi school recommendations

10 replies

Cleo7000 · 18/02/2025 12:23

Hi All,

We are looking at a move to Abu Dhabi for work and would welcome some advice on the schools there. We have 2 children aged 11 & 9 currently at a great independent school in the UK. Both are very sporty, one academic and but one less so, so good sports offering is hugely important. Any advice and recommendations gratefully received!

Many thanks!Blush

OP posts:
xmasdealhunter · 18/02/2025 19:19

The British International School Abu Dhabi | BISAD - great for both sports and academics

Original poster
Cleo7000 · 19/02/2025 07:18

Thanks for your reply. Do you have personal experience of school?

OP posts:
xmasdealhunter · 20/02/2025 10:22

One of nephews went there for primary and most of secondary and absolutely loved it.

thornbury · 22/02/2025 04:36

Top performing schools with a reasonable number of British students are Cranleigh, BISAD, BISAK. All have good sporting facilities. There are a lot of inter-school competitions through the BSME network, including in other GCC countries. They do Duke of Edinburgh awards as well. It's late in the year to be applying for an August 2025 start though - you may find some year groups are full already.

DaysofHoney · 22/02/2025 19:38

Any particular sports, OP?

I would add Brighton College to your list. As well as Cranleigh, and BSAK. But I think the latter two could be tricky to secure for August.

There are some other excellent sporting schools such as Amity, but it’s further out of AD and I don’t know much about academics. Raha also very sporty I think but might be IB curriculum.

Original poster
Cleo7000 · 05/03/2025 13:25

Thanks for all the replies. Does anyone have any info or experience with Repton also?

OP posts:
parrotpancake · 06/03/2025 05:02

I would choose Nord Anglia over Repton if the decision is based on location.

I know a few families who moved from Repton to either Cranleigh or BSAK and all were much happier at the new school.

parrotpancake · 06/03/2025 05:03

Sorry, just saw the sporty criteria.

BSAK is best for sports

earlgreyismyjam · 07/04/2025 20:27

parrotpancake · 06/03/2025 05:02

I would choose Nord Anglia over Repton if the decision is based on location.

I know a few families who moved from Repton to either Cranleigh or BSAK and all were much happier at the new school.

Was this just because of the location or other reasons? Looking at Repton for 8 and 6 yo, not sure my 6yo would cope with the Cranleigh assessment. Thanks!

parrotpancake · 08/04/2025 13:05

earlgreyismyjam · 07/04/2025 20:27

Was this just because of the location or other reasons? Looking at Repton for 8 and 6 yo, not sure my 6yo would cope with the Cranleigh assessment. Thanks!

Show quote history

Having viewed both schools and knowing parents at both I would say choose Nord Anglia over Repton.

The parents I know moved schools over reasons beside location.

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