Wales International School
Wales International School
Wales International School (formerly Al Ansar International Private School) is a private co-educational British school in Al Shamkha (Sector 23), Abu Dhabi, established in 2016. It teaches the EYFS and National Curriculum for England from KG1 to Grade 12 (ages 3-18), leading to IGCSE and then AS and A2 (A Level) in the post-16 phase, with around 20% of teaching time devoted to Arabic, Islamic education and UAE social studies. Serving a predominantly Emirati student body (~85%) of over 1,100 students with 74 predominantly UK-trained teachers, the BSO-accredited school has climbed ADEK's ratings from Weak in 2016-17 through Acceptable to Good, a rating it has now held across two consecutive cycles (2021-22 and 2024-25), with teaching judged Very Good in Phase 1 and health and safety Very Good. Principal Joanna Povall, who joined in August 2022, was named TES Principal/Headteacher of the Year in 2024.
Fees for 2025/2026, per year group. Excludes registration, uniform, and transport.
2025/26 fees (international-schools-database). Books are included in tuition; uniform AED 350-750. Transport is outsourced to Global Wings (price unpublished, contact the operator). The school lists an AS/A2 offering in Grades 11-12, verify the current A-Level subject scope with the school. Admission is by English, Arabic and Maths placement tests.
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ADEK 2024–2025 inspection
A play-based Early Years Foundation Stage building communication, early literacy and numeracy, ADEK rated Phase 1 teaching Very Good.
The National Curriculum for England across Key Stages 1-2, with around 20% of teaching time devoted to Arabic, Islamic education and UAE social studies.
Key Stage 3 followed by the two-year IGCSE programme, delivered by subject specialists.
AS and A2 (A Level) study with university guidance, verify the current A-Level subject scope with the school.
Reach the admissions team directly to book a visit or ask about places.
A science laboratory.
A computer laboratory.
A school library.
A dedicated music room.
An on-campus swimming pool.
An indoor gymnasium.
An outdoor football pitch.
Outdoor play areas for younger students.
Principal
Principal since August 2022 and named Tes International School Principal of the Year in 2024. Over 20 years in senior school leadership across the UK, Europe and the UAE, and a former Lead Improvement Partner for COBIS.
Head of Secondary
Vice Principal
Head of Primary School
Head of MoE Subjects
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Al Qayadh Street, Al Shamkha (Sector 23), Abu Dhabi, UAE
