Mamoura British Academy logo

Mamoura British Academy

Curriculum
British
ADEK
Very Good
Location
Abu Dhabi, Al Nahyan
Fees
AED 55K - 79K

Mamoura British Academy

The Executive Summary

Mamoura British Academy Abu Dhabi is one of the Al Nahyan area's most compelling British curriculum options, holding an ADEK rating of Very Good - confirmed in the February 2025 Irtiqa inspection - and a separate Outstanding judgment from British Schools Overseas (BSO) in 2023. Established in 2016 under the Aldar Education group, the school serves 1,167 students from Nursery through Year 13, following the National Curriculum for England with Edexcel IGCSE and International A-Level pathways. Its headline differentiator is a genuinely embedded industry partnership model - not a token 'field trip' programme but structured MOUs with over 15 organisations including The Louvre Abu Dhabi, Miral, and Khalifa University - that runs from Nursery all the way to Year 13. School fees in Abu Dhabi range from AED 54,360 (FS1) to AED 80,690 (Years 12-13), positioning it in the premium mid-tier bracket for Al Nahyan schools and comparable British curriculum peers. For families seeking a school with genuine community warmth, improving academic momentum, and a distinctive real-world learning philosophy, MBA is a serious contender.
BSO Outstanding 2023ADEK Very Good 202415+ Industry PartnersNursery to Year 13

“We love how it feels like a family community rather than a school. Every day we can see a positive improvement in our children's education.”

— Parent of three Aldar Academies students

Academic Framework & Learning Style

Mamoura British Academy follows the National Curriculum for England from Foundation Stage through to Year 13, with Edexcel as the examination board for IGCSE and International A-Level qualifications. The curriculum pathway is clearly structured: EYFS in Foundation Stage, the National Curriculum in Years 1-9, then a two-year IGCSE programme (Years 10-11) offering 16 optional subjects alongside compulsory English, Mathematics, and Science, followed by International A-Levels across 18 subjects in Years 12-13. Students in Years 12-13 may also undertake the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), worth half an A-Level grade in UCAS points, which is a meaningful differentiator for UK university applicants. The school's first IGCSE cohort in 2019 produced a 97% pass rate, with 75% of students achieving five grades at 9-5 (A*-B) and 33% achieving 9-7 (A*/A) - results that significantly outperformed UK national averages at the time. In GCSE results, 98.9% of students achieved grade 4+ versus the UK national average of 76%, and 20.4% achieved grade 9 against a national average of 6.3%. The school's GL Progress Test data for 2023/24 is also strong: science attainment is Outstanding across both Phase 2 and Phase 3, and mathematics attainment is Outstanding in Phase 3. English attainment in Years 4 and 9 is Outstanding. However, international benchmark performance requires honest scrutiny: PISA 2022 reading literacy scored 480 (above international average but below the school's own target of 501.3), while TIMSS 2023 mathematics and science scores fell below both the international benchmark and the school's internal targets. These gaps are acknowledged by leadership, with curriculum adjustments already underway - including bringing forward statistics teaching to align with TIMSS requirements. The school's pedagogical approach blends structured National Curriculum delivery with an inquiry-based industry partnership model and, from Year 5 onwards, specialist subject teaching. Linked Provision and Exploration Time in Phase 1 has been specifically credited by ADEK inspectors with improving learning quality in the younger years. The ADEK Irtiqa 2025 report notes that teaching and assessment are now rated Very Good across all phases, a significant improvement from the 2022 inspection. SEN provision serves 33 students of determination, though ADEK inspectors note that support for low-attaining students and differentiation for gifted and talented students requires further development - a genuine area of concern for parents of children at either end of the ability spectrum. University destinations for the Class of 2024 include Abu Dhabi University, the American University in Dubai, American University in Sharjah, Khalifa University, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and Zayed University.
97%
IGCSE Pass Rate (First Cohort, 2019)
75% achieved 5 grades at 9-5 (A*-B)
98.9%
Students Achieving GCSE Grade 4+
vs UK national average of 76%
20.4%
Students Achieving Grade 9 (GCSE)
vs UK national average of 6.3%
Outstanding
GL-PT Science Attainment (Phases 2 & 3)
AY 2023/24 standardised assessment
18
A-Level Subject Options
International A-Level via Edexcel

Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)

Mamoura British Academy's extracurricular offer is built around its industry partnership philosophy, meaning that enrichment extends well beyond the standard club menu. Most teacher-led ECAs are included in the tuition fee, with only externally-provided activities charged separately. The school offers a broad range of after-school clubs spanning sports, performing arts, STEAM, and cultural activities. Sporting provision is particularly strong given the campus facilities: swimming, basketball, football, dance, and multipurpose field sports are all available. The school's commitment to sustainability has generated some of its most distinctive extracurricular achievements - MBA was the first Aldar Education school to achieve Eco Green Flag status, and student sustainability ambassadors represented the school at COP28, participated in breaking two world records linked to climate action, and presented at conferences across the UAE. In September 2023, MBA was a Top Three finalist in the World's Best School Awards in the Environmental Action category - a genuinely impressive external validation. The performing arts programme benefits from a dedicated dance studio, and the school holds termly learning showcases that celebrate cross-curricular project work in a public forum, giving students real presentation experience. Industry partnership visits form a structured enrichment layer: students visit The Louvre Abu Dhabi, Jubail Mangrove Park, Miral theme parks (Seaworld, Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld), Global Care Hospital, and City University among others. The school's Alliance for Sustainable Schools membership connects MBA students with 42 schools across 12 countries for global collaboration. Reading enrichment is also embedded: the Accelerated Reader Programme, Book Fairs, author visits, and the 'Word Millionaires' initiative motivate students across all phases. Student leadership is fostered through Reading Ambassadors and sustainability ambassador roles. The careers programme extends into extracurricular territory from Year 5, with university fairs, work experience placements in Years 10 and 12, and the Unifrog platform supporting university research.
Top 3
World's Best School Awards (Environmental Action)
September 2023
42
Schools in Global Sustainability Network
Alliance for Sustainable Schools - 12 countries
Eco Green Flag SchoolCOP28 RepresentativesWorld's Best School FinalistAccelerated Reader Programme15+ Industry Partners

Pastoral Care & Well-being

Pastoral care at Mamoura British Academy is rated Very Good across all phases in the ADEK Irtiqa 2025 inspection, with health and safety - including child protection and safeguarding arrangements - specifically commended. The school employs a full-time school nurse who provides health-related services throughout the day, and comprehensive security protocols are in place across the campus. The school's TRACK Values framework underpins the pastoral ethos, integrated into daily assemblies, stand-alone events, and everyday teaching to build personal, social, and emotional development alongside academic learning. Students' personal and social development and innovation skills were rated Very Good in all phases in the 2025 inspection, reflecting positive attitudes to learning, courteous behaviour, and excellent attendance. The school community has a notably warm, family-like atmosphere that parents consistently reference - a tone set deliberately from the school's founding. The open-door policy is frequently cited as a strength, with teachers described as genuinely invested in individual student welfare. Anti-bullying frameworks and student welfare policies are embedded within the school's safeguarding structure, though ADEK inspectors have recommended that Health and Safety policies, including Safeguarding and Child Protection documents, be updated and more actively communicated to parents - a gap worth monitoring. Student voice is developing: ADEK's 2025 recommendations include expanding the extent to which student voice contributes to school development planning, suggesting this area has room to grow. The school does not currently publish a formal house system in its public-facing materials, though student leadership roles - including Reading Ambassadors, sustainability ambassadors, and Head Girl/Boy positions - provide structured leadership pathways particularly in the secondary years.

“Mamoura British Academy has amazing teachers and staff who provide a safe and encouraging environment for my children to learn. I love the open door policy and the fact that the teachers really do care and want to help the children in all aspects.”

— Mother of four students, long-standing Mamoura family

Campus & Facilities

Mamoura British Academy occupies a purpose-built campus on Mohammed Bin Khalifa Street in Al Nahyan, one of Abu Dhabi's established residential districts with strong transport links to central Abu Dhabi and proximity to communities including Al Mushrif and Al Nahyan Camp. The campus was purpose-built for the school's 2016 opening and has been maintained to a high standard - the ADEK 2025 inspection rated Management of Staffing, Facilities, and Resources as Outstanding, the only Outstanding judgment in the entire inspection, specifically noting the senior leadership's commitment to ensuring high-quality facilities. The school operates across three phases with dedicated library provision in each: a Phase 1 library, two libraries in Phases 2 and 3, and a dedicated Arabic department library. Combined, the libraries hold approximately 20,000 English books and 3,000 Arabic books, with colour-coded Accelerated Reader level organisation. Sports facilities include a swimming pool and a training pool, multipurpose playing fields, a basketball court, a dance studio, and soft play areas for younger students. Performing arts facilities are dedicated rather than shared-use, supporting the school's active drama, music, and dance programmes. Technology is woven throughout the campus: the school operates a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy from Year 2, with iPads for Years 2-9 and MacBooks for Years 10-13. JAMF technology management software enables staff and parents to monitor device usage and ensure on-task activity. Classrooms and central areas are well-stocked with books and learning materials. A virtual tour is available on the school's website for families unable to visit in person. The campus location in Al Nahyan is well-served by Emirates Transport bus routes (AED 5,000 per year return), and the area is convenient for families residing in Al Nahyan, Al Mushrif, Khalidiyah, and Airport Road corridors.
Outstanding
ADEK Rating: Facilities & Resources Management
Irtiqa 2025 - only Outstanding judgment in the inspection
20,000+
English Books Across School Libraries
Plus 3,000 Arabic books; Accelerated Reader colour-coded
Outstanding Facilities RatingSwimming Pool & Training PoolBYOD from Year 220,000+ Library BooksDedicated Performing Arts SpaceJAMF Device Management

Teaching & Learning Quality

Teaching quality at Mamoura British Academy has undergone a significant and well-documented transformation since the 2022 ADEK inspection. The 2025 Irtiqa report confirms that Teaching for Effective Learning is rated Very Good across all phases - an improvement from Good in Phase 1 in the previous cycle. Critically, the report notes that approximately 70% of the current teaching staff were not at the school during the 2022 inspection, and that over 10% of staff from that inspection have since left. This is a substantial turnover figure that initially raises concern, but the inspection is clear that the outcome has been positive: deliberate, quality-focused recruitment combined with a rigorous professional development programme has elevated teaching standards measurably. The school employs 89 teachers serving 1,167 students, giving a teacher-to-student ratio of approximately 1:13 - competitive for Abu Dhabi private schools at this fee level. Teaching assistants number 6, a relatively lean support structure. Teacher nationalities are predominantly UK and Irish, with Jordanian teachers supporting the Arabic and Islamic curriculum. The school's professional development model is described by ADEK as a bespoke professional development programme, validated by robust quality assurance, monitoring, evaluating, and reviewing processes. Higher-order questioning has been a specific focus area, with inspectors noting meaningful progress in embedding this across lessons. Assessment data is now used more systematically to inform planning, class groupings, and differentiation. However, ADEK inspectors flag that higher-ability students are not consistently sufficiently challenged, and that differentiation for gifted and talented students remains an area requiring attention - a recurring theme across multiple subjects in the inspection report. The school uses technology purposefully: JAMF-managed BYOD devices from Year 2, with usage calibrated to enhance rather than dominate learning. Pedagogically, the school blends structured National Curriculum delivery with inquiry-based elements, project-based learning in the middle school, and industry-linked real-world application throughout.
1:13
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
89 teachers, 1,167 students
70%
Teaching Staff New Since 2022 Inspection
Result of deliberate quality-focused recruitment
Very Good
Teaching & Assessment Rating (All Phases)
ADEK Irtiqa 2025 - improved from Good in Phase 1

Leadership & Management

Mamoura British Academy is led by Principal Sarah Jane Weaver, who brings over 20 years of educational leadership experience across UK and international contexts, with 12 of those years in the UAE. Now in her sixth year at MBA, Mrs. Weaver has been the architect of the school's most significant period of improvement - overseeing the achievement of Outstanding judgments in the 2023 BSO inspection and maintaining the Very Good ADEK rating through a period of substantial staff renewal. The school's stated vision - 'An innovative learning community, where we nurture our learners through Collaboration, Leadership, and Creativity' - is backed by the school motto 'Relentlessly Pursuing Excellence', and the ADEK inspection confirms that the leadership culture is purposeful and improvement-focused. The school operates under the Aldar Education group, one of Abu Dhabi's largest and most established education operators, providing governance infrastructure, group-level professional development resources, and institutional stability. All leadership and management judgments in the 2025 ADEK inspection - effectiveness of leadership, self-evaluation and improvement planning, partnerships with parents and the community, and governance - are rated Very Good, with the sole exception of Management of Staffing, Facilities, and Resources, which is rated Outstanding. Parent communication is facilitated through the school's parent portal, direct email to the Parent Relations Executive (PRE@mamourabritishacademy.ae), and an open-door policy that parents consistently commend. The school's self-evaluation processes are described as robust, with systematic monitoring and follow-up on teaching quality. ADEK inspectors recommend that the school increase the rigour with which teaching is monitored and followed up, and expand student voice in school development planning - both of which are development priorities rather than structural weaknesses. The homepage prominently features a message from the Principal, and the school's Instagram presence (@mamourabritishacademy) is active and community-oriented, reflecting a leadership team that understands the importance of parent engagement in the digital age.

ADEK Inspection Results (Irtiqa - Decoded)

The most recent ADEK Irtiqa inspection took place in February 2025 (AY 2024/25) and confirmed Mamoura British Academy's overall rating of Very Good - consistent with the 2022 inspection outcome, meaning the school has held this rating across two consecutive cycles. This is a meaningful signal of stability rather than stagnation: the 2025 report documents significant internal improvement across multiple dimensions, particularly in Phase 1 where teaching, learning, and student achievement have all moved from Good to Very Good. The headline finding that distinguishes this inspection from the previous one is the Outstanding rating for Management of Staffing, Facilities, and Resources - the only Outstanding judgment in the report, and a direct reflection of senior leadership's investment in quality recruitment and campus resources. Student achievement across English-medium subjects is Very Good in Phase 1 and Good-to-Very Good in Phases 2 and 3, with progress rated Very Good across all phases in English, Mathematics, and Science. GL Progress Test data for 2023/24 shows Outstanding attainment in science across both phases and Outstanding mathematics attainment in Phase 3. Islamic Education and UAE Social Studies are consistently Very Good. The school's performance in international benchmarks (PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS) is more mixed: PISA 2022 reading scores are above the international average but below the school's own targets; TIMSS 2023 results in both mathematics and science fall below international benchmarks. Leadership has acknowledged these gaps and has begun curriculum adjustments, but this is an area requiring sustained attention. Key recommendations from ADEK centre on three themes: raising achievement to a consistently Very Good or Outstanding level (particularly through better differentiation for high-ability and low-attaining students, and integrating the scientific method more systematically); strengthening learning pathways and social responsibility (including expanding post-16 curriculum options and enhancing critical thinking); and enhancing the impact of leadership and governance (including updating safeguarding policies and increasing student voice). For parents, the takeaway is a school that is genuinely improving, with credible leadership and strong facilities, but one that has not yet fully closed the gap between its best performance and its most consistent performance.
Outstanding Facilities & Staffing Management
The sole Outstanding judgment in the 2025 inspection recognises senior leadership's exceptional commitment to high-quality staffing, campus resources, and facilities - a structural strength that underpins everything else the school does.
Teaching & Assessment: Very Good Across All Phases
A significant improvement from 2022, particularly in Phase 1. The school's bespoke professional development programme, combined with quality-focused recruitment, has elevated teaching standards measurably across the school.
Strong Student Personal Development
Students' personal and social development, innovation skills, and understanding of UAE heritage and culture are rated Very Good across all phases - reflecting a positive school culture, courteous behaviour, and excellent attendance.
Differentiation for High and Low Attainers

ADEK inspectors consistently note across multiple subjects that gifted and talented students are not sufficiently challenged in lessons, and that low-attaining students and students of determination require more targeted support. This is the school's most persistent development priority.

International Benchmark Performance

TIMSS 2023 and PISA 2022 results fall below the school's own targets and, in the case of TIMSS, below international benchmarks. While leadership has begun curriculum adjustments, closing this gap will require sustained, systematic effort over multiple years.

Inspection History

2025
Very Good
2022
Very Good
2023
Outstanding (BSO)

Fees & Value for Money

Mamoura British Academy's school fees for 2025/2026 are ADEK-approved and range from AED 54,360 for Nursery (FS1) to AED 80,690 for Years 12-13, placing the school firmly in the premium mid-tier bracket for British curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi. Fees are structured across three terms: Term 1 accounts for approximately 40% of the annual fee, with Terms 2 and 3 each accounting for approximately 30%. For context, a family with one child in Year 9 and one in Year 12 would face a combined annual tuition bill of approximately AED 154,050 before additional costs - a significant but not unusual commitment for Abu Dhabi international school parents. Fees do not include uniform, food services, transport, examination fees, or externally-led ECAs. The registration fee for 2025/2026 is 5% of annual tuition (non-refundable, adjusted against Term 1 fees) - a notable increase from the flat AED 2,000 charged in 2024/2025. Transport via Emirates Transport is available at a fixed AED 5,000 per year (return journey, subject to ADEK approval). Uniform is available from Magrudy's at Al Wahda Mall, with costs ranging from AED 450 (FS1) to AED 830 (Years 7-13). External examination fees are charged separately and published on the school's website. The school offers a 20% scholarship programme for eligible students, a sibling rebate of 10% for the third child and 15% for the fourth child and above, and a 4% referral reward for existing parents who introduce new families. Flexible 0% instalment plans are available through FAB, ADIB, and ENBD credit card partnerships, making fee management more accessible for families. Payment can be made by bank transfer or cheque. Compared to premium British curriculum peers in Abu Dhabi (where fees can exceed AED 100,000 at the top end), MBA represents reasonable value given its BSO Outstanding accreditation, Very Good ADEK rating, strong facilities, and improving academic results. It is not a budget option, but it is not charging top-tier prices for top-tier outcomes either - families should factor in the school's ongoing improvement trajectory when assessing value.
AED 54,360 - AED 80,690
Annual Tuition Fee Range (2025/2026)
20%
Scholarship Discount Available
Year GroupsAnnual Fee
FS1 (Nursery)
54,360
FS2
55,940
Year 1
55,940
Year 2
55,940
Year 3
55,940
Year 4
55,940
Year 5
55,940
Year 6
55,940
Year 7
68,550
Year 8
68,550
Year 9
73,360
Year 10
77,250
Year 11
77,250
Year 12
80,690
Year 13
80,690

Additional Costs

Registration / Re-registration Fee5% of annual tuition(annual)
Bus Transport (Return Journey)5,000(annual)
Uniform (Foundation Stage)450(one-time)
Uniform (Primary: Years 1-6)710(one-time)
Uniform (Secondary: Years 7-13)830(one-time)
External Examination Fees (IGCSE/A-Level)Variable(annual)
External ECA ProvidersVariable(termly)
Food Services / CanteenVariable(monthly)

Discounts & Concessions

Sibling Rebate (3rd Child)10%%
Sibling Rebate (4th Child and Above)15%%
Scholarship Programme20%%
Referral Reward4%%

Scholarships & Bursaries

Mamoura British Academy offers a Scholarship Programme providing a 20% reduction on annual tuition fees for eligible students. Details and eligibility criteria are available on the school's scholarship page. The school also offers sibling rebates (10% for the 3rd child, 15% for the 4th child and above) and a 4% referral reward for existing parents.

The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?

Mamoura British Academy is a school in confident, well-led ascent. The combination of a BSO Outstanding accreditation, a sustained ADEK Very Good rating, an Outstanding judgment for facilities management, and genuinely strong IGCSE and GCSE results tells the story of a school that has done the hard work of institutional improvement - and has the inspection evidence to show for it. The industry partnership model is the school's most distinctive feature: it is not cosmetic, it is structural, running from Nursery through Year 13 and backed by formal MOUs. For families who want their children to develop real-world skills alongside academic credentials, this is a meaningful differentiator in the Abu Dhabi market. The school is best suited to families who value community warmth, a British curriculum pathway to IGCSE and A-Level, and a school that actively connects learning to the world beyond the classroom. With 70% Emirati students, it is also one of the more locally-rooted British curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi, which may appeal to families seeking cultural integration alongside an internationally recognised qualification pathway. The honest caveats: differentiation for high-ability students is not yet consistently strong, international benchmark scores (TIMSS, PISA) lag behind the school's own targets, and the significant staff turnover since 2022 - while managed well - means the school's culture and teaching consistency are still being consolidated. Families with exceptionally high-achieving children who need consistent stretch and challenge may find the provision uneven. At fees of AED 54,360-80,690, MBA is a premium investment that is currently delivering good-to-very-good outcomes - with a credible trajectory toward consistently outstanding ones.

THE “RIGHT FIT”

Families seeking a community-oriented British curriculum school in Al Nahyan with a strong pastoral culture, improving academic results, a distinctive industry partnership programme, and a clear pathway from Nursery to A-Level - particularly those with Emirati or UAE-rooted backgrounds who value local cultural integration alongside an internationally recognised qualification.

THE “WRONG FIT”

Families whose children are consistently high-achieving and require guaranteed, rigorous stretch and challenge in every lesson - the ADEK report is explicit that differentiation for gifted and talented students is not yet consistently strong. Also not ideal for families prioritising top-tier international benchmark performance (TIMSS/PISA) as a primary selection criterion.

“

My children have been at Mamoura British Academy since it was Al Mushrif School. I have watched my children grow up in this lovely school community and build upon their education, knowledge and the most important their interpersonal skills. What I love the most is the strong relationship between our creative leadership team and our global community.

— Long-standing Mamoura parent

Strengths

  • BSO Outstanding accreditation (2023) - independently verified by UK inspection framework
  • ADEK Very Good rating maintained across two consecutive inspection cycles (2022, 2025)
  • Outstanding ADEK rating for facilities and staffing management - campus is well-resourced
  • Strong IGCSE results: 97% pass rate and 98.9% achieving grade 4+ in first cohorts
  • Distinctive industry partnership model from Nursery to Year 13 with 15+ real partners
  • Warm, community-oriented school culture with consistently praised open-door pastoral approach
  • Scholarship programme (20%) and sibling rebates available, with 0% instalment payment plans
  • Sustainability leadership: Eco Green Flag, COP28 representation, World's Best School finalist

Areas for Improvement

  • Differentiation for gifted and talented students is not consistently strong - flagged by ADEK across multiple subjects
  • International benchmark scores (TIMSS 2023, PISA 2022) fall below the school's own targets and international averages in some areas
  • High staff turnover since 2022 (70% of current teachers are new since the last inspection) - culture is still consolidating
  • Post-16 curriculum options need expansion to accommodate diverse abilities and aspirations per ADEK recommendations
  • Registration fee increased to 5% of annual tuition for 2025/2026 - a notable additional upfront cost