Latest school updates in Abu Dhabi
Facts announced by Abu Dhabi schools on their own channels (new principals, new campuses, inspection ratings, awards), checked and summarised by BestSchool.ae. Every entry is dated and links to the school's page and to its source. Nothing here is a press release: we publish only what an editor has verified.
65 updates · 34 award · 11 exam results · 2 curriculum · 3 accreditation · 1 new campus · 11 leadership · 1 admissions · 2 milestone
October 2026
Mayoor Private School wins two ABT shields for Arabic and Islamic Education
Mayoor Private School received two recognitions from ABT for its performance in last year's Arabic and Islamic Education benchmarking assessments: the Shield of Excellence in Arabic and the Shield of Values in Islamic Education. The school thanked its Primary and Secondary Arabic and Islamic Studies teams.
Source: InstagramU-17 boys' cricket team takes 3rd place at CBSE UAE Cluster Tournament
The school's U-17 boys' cricket team secured 3rd place at the CBSE UAE Cluster Cricket Tournament after a hard-fought semi-final, with the school praising the team's determination, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Source: InstagramFour more teams qualify for the CBSE National Championships 2026-2027
The school held a send-off ceremony for athletes heading to the CBSE National championships 2026-2027. Four more teams qualified: boys' and girls' athletics, under-17 girls' football, girls' swimming and under-14 boys' football.
Source: Instagram- Exam resultsHorizon Private School - Branch, Khalifa City
Horizon Private School's PISA 2025 results exceed Abu Dhabi and UAE benchmarks in all four domains
Horizon Private School reports that its PISA 2025 results outperformed both the Abu Dhabi and UAE benchmarks across all four domains, with strong growth among its American Curriculum and Emirati student groups.
Source: Instagram - CurriculumSunrise English Private School
Sunrise English Private School launches BOOST after-school sports programme
Sunrise English Private School in Abu Dhabi has launched BOOST, a structured after-school sports training programme. It offers karate for grades 1-9 (boys and girls), judo for grades 1-5 boys and girls plus grades 6-9 boys, and football for grades 2-5 boys.
Source: Instagram - AccreditationYas American Academy, Aldar Academies
Yas American Academy earns IQM Centre of Excellence status
Yas American Academy has been awarded Centre of Excellence status by the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM). The accreditation recognises inclusion embedded across the school's culture, teaching, leadership and student support, ensuring every learner belongs and can succeed.
Source: Instagram Liwa International School students win Abu Dhabi University Engineering Hackathon
A team of students from the school won the Annual College of Engineering Hackathon at Abu Dhabi University. The students and their teachers chose to share their prize money with other participants and support similar opportunities in the future.
Source: school websiteHead teacher wins Head Teacher of the Year at the Education Achievement Awards 2026
The school announced that its head teacher won the Head Teacher of the Year Award at the Education Achievement Awards 2026, recognising her leadership, dedication and commitment to education.
Source: Instagram
September 2026
School receives Roots & Shoots Award 2026 for the sixth consecutive year
The school received the Roots & Shoots Award 2026 for the sixth year in a row at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. The award celebrates young changemakers inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall's legacy. Students accepted it on behalf of the school.
Source: InstagramAISA Arabic programme wins ABT Excellence Trophy
The school's Arabic programme received the ABT Excellence Trophy in recognition of outstanding student performance in the ABT International Standardized Assessments for Arabic Language, with AISA recognised among 270 distinguished schools out of more than 1,400 participating schools.
Source: InstagramSheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls earns Inclusive Attendance Bronze Award
The academy announced it has achieved the Inclusive Attendance Bronze Award, recognising its commitment to a welcoming school environment where every student feels valued, and to promoting positive attendance and meaningful engagement in learning.
Source: InstagramU-14 boys win CBSE UAE Cluster Kho-Kho title, qualify for Nationals
At the CBSE UAE Cluster Kho-Kho Tournament 2026-27, the school's Under-14 boys team won the championship and qualified for the CBSE Nationals in India. The Under-17 and Under-19 boys teams both won bronze medals.
Source: InstagramEdZania imaginative play facility officially opens at ICS Mushrif
ICS Mushrif has officially opened EdZania, a new play-based learning space where young learners role-play as doctors, dentists, pilots, bankers, cooks, shoppers and public servants, learning through imagination and exploration.
Source: InstagramPrivate International English School KG pupils win solo and group prizes at Eco Threads contest
On 24 September 2026, KG students of Private International English School took part in the Eco Threads KG Interschool Fancy Dress Competition conducted by SSIS, winning 1st prize in the solo performance category and 3rd prize in the group performance category.
Source: Instagram- LeadershipAjyal International School - MBZ
New Head of Secondary Peter Hartland appointed and shares his vision
The school introduced its new Head of Secondary, Mr. Peter Hartland, who outlined his vision for supporting students through their secondary journey, from making subject choices to preparing for university and life beyond school.
Source: Instagram Sunrise English Private School wins three podium spots at UAE CBSE Kho-Kho Championship
At the UAE CBSE Cluster Boys Kho-Kho Championship 2026, featuring 22 teams, Sunrise English Private School finished runners-up in the U-19 and U-14 categories and took third place in the U-17 category.
Source: InstagramU14 & U19 Kabaddi teams finish runners-up at CBSE UAE Cluster Championship
The school's U14 and U19 Kabaddi teams secured the runners-up position at the CBSE UAE Cluster Kabaddi Championship, competing among 30 teams.
Source: Instagram- Exam resultsEmirates National School, MBZ
MYP Personal Project results above the worldwide average for a fifth consecutive year
The school's IB Middle Years Programme Personal Project results have exceeded the worldwide average for five consecutive years, with a 100% pass rate.
Source: Instagram PIES U19 boys handball team runners-up at CBSE Cluster Championship
The school's Under 19 boys' handball team finished as runners-up at the CBSE Cluster Handball Championship after a strong performance throughout the competition.
Source: Instagram- AdmissionsEmirates Private School, Bani Yas
Grade 10 launching at Emirates Private School – Bani Yas
Emirates Private School in Bani Yas announced the launch of a Grade 10, framing it as a new beginning and a step towards bigger ambitions and a promising future for the school.
Source: Instagram School named finalist for GESS Education Excellence Awards 2026 in wellbeing category
The school announced it has been named a finalist for the GESS Education Excellence Awards 2026 in the Best Wellbeing Initiative for Students or Staff category. The recognition highlights its work supporting the emotional, mental and physical wellbeing of both students and staff.
Source: InstagramNine BSAK teams qualify for World Scholar's Cup Tournament of Champions at Yale
Thirty students from Years 8–12 represented the school at the World Scholar's Cup Global Round in Dubai, competing against 300 scholars from across the Middle East and beyond, with strong results in debate, essay writing and general knowledge. Nine teams qualified for the Tournament of Champions at Yale University in November.
Source: InstagramPIES Abu Dhabi takes overall 2nd place at BME Hindi Poetica – Kavyanjali
The school secured overall 2nd place at the BME Hindi Poetica – Kavyanjali Hindi poetry competition, with podium and consolation finishes across four categories, celebrating students' talent and teachers' guidance.
Source: Instagram- CurriculumNord Anglia International School
NAS Abu Dhabi plans IB Diploma pathway from 2028-29 alongside 26 A-Level subjects
NAS Abu Dhabi currently offers A Levels in Year 12 with 26 subjects to choose from, and is working towards adding the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme as an additional Sixth Form pathway from the 2028-29 academic year, subject to successful authorisation.
Source: school website - LeadershipLiwa International School Al Mushrif
Sabah Rasheed appointed new principal of Liwa International School Al Mushrif
Liwa International School Al Mushrif has introduced Ms Sabah Rasheed as its new principal. The school describes a values-based environment with an international teaching team.
Source: Instagram - LeadershipLycee Louis Massignon
David Binan named new Principal of Lycée Louis Massignon
Lycée Louis Massignon has introduced Mr David Binan as its new Principal at the start of the school year. In a back-to-school message to families, he shared his ambitions for the year and stressed high standards, trust and collective success.
Source: Instagram Shortlisted for Primary School Team of the Year at Education Achievement Awards
The school's primary section has been shortlisted for 'Primary School Team of the Year' at the Education Achievement Awards organised by Stratos Pulse, recognising its educators' collaborative spirit and innovative teaching.
Source: InstagramStudents earn 69 Bronze and 20 Silver Duke of Edinburgh International Awards
Students at the school were recognised at a Duke of Edinburgh's International Award ceremony, achieving 69 Bronze Awards and 20 Silver Awards after completing expeditions across the UAE's deserts and mountains, along with volunteering and skills development.
Source: Instagram- LeadershipBrighton College Abu Dhabi
Nick Crafts appointed as new Head of Senior School
The school announced the appointment of Mr Nick Crafts as its new Head of Senior School, highlighting his leadership experience in pupil achievement, pastoral care and curriculum development gained across UK and international school settings.
Source: Instagram Dunes International School Abu Dhabi wins School Category at Global Sustainability Awards 2026
Dunes International School Abu Dhabi was named winner in the School Category at the Global Sustainability Awards 2026. The school describes the award as recognition of sustainability becoming part of its culture, involving students, staff and the wider community.
Source: InstagramSchool introduces Jouliana Abdel Samad as new Vice Principal
The school held a meeting with its Parent Council to introduce Jouliana Abdel Samad as the new Vice Principal. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the school and the Parent Council to support students and the wider school community.
Source: InstagramWales International School staff shortlisted for Education Achievement Awards 2026
Two members of the Wales International School community have been shortlisted for the Education Achievement Awards 2026: Miss Nawal Al Azzeh in the Unsung Hero of the Year category and Mr Hamdy Ahmed Nouh as Arabic/Islamic Teacher of the Year.
Source: Instagram
August 2026
- LeadershipLycee Louis Massignon
Lycée Louis Massignon starts year with new Head of School and Primary Director
Lycée Louis Massignon welcomed Mr David Binan as its new Head of School (proviseur) and Ms Dénia Hazhaz as new Primary School Director covering preschool to Grade 1, as the French international school began the 2026–2027 academic year and onboarded new teachers and staff.
Source: Instagram - Exam resultsBritish School Al Khubairat (BSAK)
65% of grades at A*/A as Year 11 and 13 celebrate exam results
The school reports strong results for Year 11 and 13: over 65% of all grades at A*/A, 97% of Sixth Form results at A*–C, and 90% of GCSE results at Grade 9–5.
Source: Instagram - Exam resultsDiyafah International School
Diyafah International School records 99% IGCSE, 94% AS Level and 91% A Level pass rates
The school reported strong results across senior years: Year 11 achieved a 99% overall pass rate in IGCSE, Year 12 scored 94% in AS Level and Year 13 attained 91% in A Level examinations, for the 2025-2026 cohort.
Source: Instagram - Exam resultsYasmina British Academy, Aldar Academies
Year 11 students achieve 100% pass rate in GCSE and BTEC results
The school celebrated its Year 11 GCSE and BTEC results, with 111 students in the cohort, a 100% pass rate, and a 4% increase in the number of students awarded a top grade compared with the previous year.
Source: Instagram - Exam resultsAjyal International School - MBZ
AJYAL MBZ students post strong IGCSE results with 57.3% at A*–A
AJYAL MBZ reported exceptional IGCSE outcomes: 57.3% of grades at A*–A, 78.1% at A*–B and 84.4% at A*–C, with 7 of 8 subjects rated Outstanding against ADEK IGCSE criteria. Environmental Management scored 100% A*–C, Chemistry 81% A*–A and Computer Science 63% A*–A.
Source: Instagram Jennie Kellett receives Pearson International Finalist Trophy for Leader of the Year 2026
Pearson's Senior Regional Development Manager for the UAE, Qatar and Turkey, Ameena Soysa, presented Jennie Kellett with the Pearson International Finalist Trophy for Leader of the Year 2026, recognising her leadership and impact on students, staff and the wider school community.
Source: Instagram- Exam resultsBritish School Al Khubairat (BSAK)
68% of Class of 2026 earn places at UK Russell Group universities
The school reports that 68% of its 2026 graduating class earned places at UK Russell Group universities, with 20 students set to attend leading research institutions including Oxford, Imperial, UCL, LSE, St Andrews, Edinburgh, KCL and Durham.
Source: Instagram - Exam resultsAjyal International School - MBZ
100% pass rate in Cambridge AS & A Level results
The school announced a 100% pass rate in the Cambridge AS & A Level examinations, citing exceptional subject-level performance and praising students' commitment, resilience and effort.
Source: Instagram - LeadershipMuna British Academy, Aldar Academies
Ian Pugh appointed as new principal of Muna British Academy
Muna British Academy has welcomed Ian Pugh as its new principal. The school community is looking forward to the coming academic year under his leadership, building on its sense of community and continued excellence.
Source: Instagram - LeadershipAmity International School
Michael Carville named new Principal of Amity International School Abu Dhabi
Amity International School Abu Dhabi introduced Michael Carville as its new Principal, outlining an approach built on high expectations, strong support for students and real partnership with families.
Source: Instagram - LeadershipGEMS American Academy
Abbas Abdulsamad appointed Assistant High School Principal for Grades 9-10
The school introduced Abbas Abdulsamad as its new Assistant High School Principal for Grades 9-10. He brings over 20 years of experience in Gulf education, including roles as an English Literature teacher, AP coordinator and, most recently, Vice Principal in Abu Dhabi.
Source: Instagram - Exam resultsGEMS Cambridge International School
A-Level cohort posts 99% pass rate with 34.2% of entries at A*-A
The school's Sixth Form achieved a 99% overall A-Level pass rate, with 34.2% of entries graded A*-A, 63.8% at A*-B and 87.9% at A*-C. In mathematics, 68 students earned A*-A grades, representing 45.6% of entries. Graduates are progressing to Russell Group and international universities.
Source: Instagram - Exam resultsAl Basma British School
2026 results: 98.8% A-Level pass rate and 96.7% AS Level pass rate
Year 13 A-Level students achieved a 98.8% pass rate, 25.6% A*–A grades and 82.6% A*–C, while Year 12 AS Level students recorded a 96.7% pass rate, 28.7% A grades and 79.5% A–C, with nine subjects at a 100% pass rate.
Source: Instagram - Exam resultsReach British School
Class of 2026 achieves 98% A-Level and 100% BTEC pass rates
The school announced a 98% A-Level pass rate and a 100% BTEC pass rate for the Class of 2026, attributing the outcomes to students' determination and the support of teachers and families as graduates move on to universities worldwide.
Source: Instagram - LeadershipAl Shohub Private School
Timothy Hawkins joins Al Shohub as Assistant Principal
Al Shohub announced the appointment of Mr. Timothy Hawkins as its new Assistant Principal, welcoming him to the school community and saying it looks forward to an exciting journey together.
Source: Instagram High school students earn AP Scholar Awards from the College Board
The school congratulated its high school students who earned AP Scholar Awards from the College Board this year, recognising their performance in rigorous college-level Advanced Placement coursework.
Source: InstagramIIS Abu Dhabi students win 1st and 3rd prize in inter-school science competitions
International Indian School – Abu Dhabi students took 1st prize in the junior Science category with BioResilience – Innovation Challenge and 3rd prize in the senior category with Aqua Mime, competing alongside 19 schools.
Source: InstagramSKBZAPS students win multiple honours including 4th place at Bri Books Young Authors' Fair
Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Pakistani School's Annual Prize Distribution Day 2025–26 highlighted student achievements: 4th place nationally at the Bri Books National Young Authors' Fair 2025, success in the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition, first place in the Future Innovator Scientific Research Competition, and 17th international rank in a Global Mental Math Competition.
Source: Instagram- AccreditationPearl British Academy, Aldar Academies
Pearl British Academy cites HPL accreditation, Carnegie Award, ADEK 'Very Good' rating
Pearl British Academy says it was the first school in Abu Dhabi to achieve High Performance Learning accreditation, won the Carnegie School Mental Health Award, is a Unified Champion School, and is rated 'Very Good' by ADEK with BSO Outstanding Quality of Education.
Source: YouTube
July 2026
GEMS Founders School – Masdar City wins Edarabia 2026 Parents' Choice Award
The school announced it has won the Edarabia 2026 Parents' Choice Award for Pioneering Sustainability in Education, thanking its families for their trust and support.
Source: InstagramHorizon wins Edarabia Parents' Choice Award 2026, ranking in Abu Dhabi Top 10
Horizon was named a winner of the 2026 Edarabia Parents' Choice Awards in Abu Dhabi, placing in the Top 10 among more than 142 institutions reviewed across the region. The recognition is based directly on parent feedback, with the official award seal supplied in July 2026.
Source: school websiteInternational Community Schools marks 35 years as academic year ends
The school is celebrating its 35th anniversary as the academic year draws to a close, thanking staff, students, parents and the wider community, and pointing to future growth and expansion as it prepares to welcome families back for the new academic year.
Source: YouTube
May 2026
Mayoor Private School team wins First Position at IMAGINEERS' CONFLUENCE 2026
A four-student team from Mayoor Private School secured First Position in the online category of the IMAGINEERS' CONFLUENCE 2026 interschool STEM competition, organised by Mayoor School Jaipur, impressing judges with a sustainable footwear design in the Design Thinking Challenge.
Source: YouTubeICS Mushrif celebrates graduation of its 23rd cohort with 121 graduates
International Community Schools Mushrif held a graduation ceremony in May 2026 for its 23rd graduating cohort, honouring 121 students from the Class of 2026 as they prepare for higher education in the UAE and internationally.
Source: school websiteAl Nahda teacher wins UAE Creative Teacher category at Khalifa Award for Education 2026
Al Nahda National Schools celebrated teacher Amal Ahmad Ajarmah, recognised in the UAE Creative Teacher category at the 2026 Khalifa Award for Education ceremony.
Source: YouTube
January 2026
TPS Abu Dhabi students take 1st place at 42 Abu Dhabi AI Hackathon Summer Camp
Two students of The Philippine School – Abu Dhabi won first place at the 42 Abu Dhabi AI Hackathon Summer Camp, held July 28–31, 2025, with a pitch for a financial literacy app designed to teach smart money habits to the next generation.
Source: school website
November 2025
Six ICS students chosen for Discover Flight aviation programme for young Emirati women
International Community Schools announced that six of its students were selected for the inaugural 15-member cohort of Discover Flight, an initiative launched with Kallman Worldwide on 21 November 2025 to empower Emirati women in aviation and STEAM, offering orientation flights and mentorship.
Source: school websiteTPS Abu Dhabi students take top spots and 35% scholarship at ADSM Business Day Camp
Students of The Philippine School – Abu Dhabi won first place in the poster-making contest, earning a 35% scholarship, and second place in the coffee shop simulation at the Abu Dhabi School of Management Business Day Camp.
Source: school websiteTPS basketball players crowned champions across age groups at 12th Asian Basketball Championship
Varsity players of The Philippine School – Abu Dhabi competed at the 12th Asian Basketball Championship in South Korea: the U12 side produced the Rookie Champion, the U13 and U16 teams were crowned champions, and the U18 team reached the semi-finals.
Source: school website
August 2025
Two ICS students selected for Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship in the USA
Two ICS students, one from ICS Mushrif and one from ICS Al Danah, represented the UAE and ICS at the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship programme in Huntsville, Alabama, USA, in August 2025, taking part in intensive training in space science, teamwork and leadership.
Source: school website- LeadershipAjyal International School - MBZ
Alison McDonald welcomed as new principal of Ajyal International School MBZ
The school announced Mrs Alison McDonald as its new principal in a welcome post shared in August 2025.
Source: YouTube
May 2025
- AwardICS Al Danah
ICS students of determination take first place at 3rd Boccia Tournament in Abu Dhabi
Students of determination from ICS Al Danah were crowned champions, securing first place at the 3rd Boccia Tournament held on 27 May 2025 at the Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination. Competing under the theme "I Am a Boccia Champion" against students from across the emirate, the team was praised for its enthusiasm, integrity and sportsmanship.
Source: school website
April 2025
- AccreditationSummit International School
Summit International Schools rated 'Very Good' in Irtiqa'a inspection
Summit International Schools announced that it has been officially rated 'Very Good' in the Irtiqa'a School Inspection, thanking families for their contribution towards the school's success.
Source: school website
