Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS) is a private, co-educational British-curriculum school in Al Muwaiji, Al Ain, founded in 1978 (as The Balfour School in 1976) and the oldest UK-curriculum school in the city. It follows the National Curriculum for England from the Early Years Foundation Stage through Cambridge and Pearson IGCSE/GCSE to A Level (Years 12-13), and offers the Duke of Edinburgh Award. A member of BSME and rated "Good" by British Schools Overseas (2022), it joined the Cognita group of schools in 2024. Rated Very Good by ADEK (AY 2024/25) — a sustained climb from Weak in 2015/16 — it serves more than 2,000 students from over 60 nationalities, the largest single group Emirati (~25%), with distinctive facilities including a 25-metre heated indoor pool, a licensed school radio station and a 500-seat hall.
British
FS1 – Year 13
+1
1978
Fees for 2025/2026, per year group. Excludes registration, uniform, and transport.
ADEK approved fees for the 2026/27 academic year are unchanged from 2025/26. Fees are payable annually or in three instalments of 40, 30 and 30 percent. Cambridge and Pearson examination fees billed separately.
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ADEK 2024–2025 inspection
The English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) — early literacy, numeracy and personal/social development through play.
The National Curriculum for England (Key Stages 1-2) with UAE MoE Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies.
Key Stage 3 then Cambridge & Pearson IGCSE/GCSE (Key Stage 4) across English, Mathematics and the three Sciences, with a broad options programme.
A Level study across the sciences, humanities, arts and languages, with the Duke of Edinburgh Award, leading to university entry.
Complete the online registration form and pay the registration fee.
Applicants sit an age-appropriate assessment where required.
Meet the admissions team and tour the campus.
Accept the offer and pay the deposit to secure the place.
Reach the admissions team directly to book a visit or ask about places.
Principal
Principal of Al Ain English Speaking School (30+ years in education, M.Ed., NPQH), leading the city's oldest British school.
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Khalid Bin Sultan Street, Al Muwaiji, PO Box 17939, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
