Brighton College Abu Dhabi (also known as BCAD) was a high-profile entrant into Abu Dhabi when the school opened in 2011. It is currently a FS- Year 13 school located on Abu Dhabi Island in the Bloom Gardens area.
Brighton College Abu Dhabi, frequently abbreviated as BCAD, embarked on its educational journey in 2011, quickly establishing itself on Abu Dhabi Island within the scenic Bloom Gardens area. Currently, the institution plays a pivotal role in shaping the minds of around 1,825 students.
Key Details
Classification: International
Grades: All through
Accolade: Outstanding
Curriculum Focus: GCSE, UK National Curriculum, A Level, AS Level, EYFS, IGCSE
Annual Fee Spectrum: AED 48,900–77,720 with an average of AED 65,000
Affordability: Premium
Status: Operational
Gender: Mixed
Inception: 2011
Academic Cycle: August to July
Parent Organization: Bloom Education
Location: Bloom Gardens & Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi
Primary Educator Nationality: UK
Background
Brighton College Abu Dhabi's inception in 2011 stemmed from its affiliation with the prominent British public boarding school, Brighton College UK. Since its establishment, this institution has garnered a reputation for being deeply rooted in British academic and cultural ethos.
Over the span of its operational years, the school has become a nurturing ground for more than 4,650 students. Notably, it was spotlighted among the world's top 100 private institutions by Spear’s Schools Index, and its UK counterpart earned the title of the 'UK’s School of the Decade' by the Sunday Times.
The accolades don't stop there; since 2018, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has rated it as 'Outstanding'. Furthermore, it clinched SchoolsCompared's Top Schools Award for Excellence in Theatre, Dance, and Performing Arts for 2021-22.
For half a decade, the school operated under the leadership of Mr. Simon Corms, who, as of 2021, transitioned to Brighton College Al Ain.
Demographics and Structure
Housing over 1,820 students, Brighton College Abu Dhabi segments its educational journey into four distinct parts: Pre-Prep, Prep School, Senior School, and Sixth Form. While the institution has a quintessentially British framework, its student body is an amalgamation of over 60 nationalities, with Emiratis (25%) leading the pack, closely followed by British (22%).
Curriculum Highlights
Rooted in the British educational tradition, the school employs a modified English curriculum. The Prep School caters to students aged between 7 and 13, seamlessly integrating subjects like Arabic and Islamic Education in line with the UAE Ministry of Education's stipulations. Distinctly, pupils at the senior level delve into an exhaustive list of subjects, ranging from the conventional Mathematics and English to more niche subjects like Mandarin and Latin.
When students transition to the Senior School, they are welcomed into gender-specific houses, each under the watchful eyes of a Housemaster or Housemistress. The school offers an extensive array of over 20 GCSE subjects and a comprehensive 25 subjects at A Level.
Facilities and Amenities
The institution boasts state-of-the-art facilities, with an emphasis on Performing Arts and Sports. They proudly showcase a vast swimming pool, a full-scale Astro pitch, and an array of spacious indoor arenas. Recently, a sneak-peek into their newly renovated theater revealed an architectural marvel that left many in awe.
Tuition Fees
Given its unparalleled educational quality aligned with the UK curriculum, the tuition fees range from AED 48,900 for Foundation stages to AED 77,720 for years 10-13.
Recognition
As per parent surveys, Brighton College Abu Dhabi stands out as a top-ranking institution, securing its place as: