Al Nahda National Schools - Branch-girls, Abu Dhabi
American School in Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi
Last updated
Curriculum
American / British
ADEK
Good
Location
Abu Dhabi, Al Mushrif
Fees
AED 16K - 28K
The Executive Summary
Al Nahda National Schools - Branch-girls is one of Abu Dhabi's most established private institutions, founded in 1983 and now serving over 2,600 girls from KG through Grade 12 in the Al Mushrif neighbourhood. Its defining characteristic - rare among Al Mushrif schools and across Abu Dhabi private schools broadly - is a genuine dual-curriculum model: students follow a shared programme through primary, then choose between the British curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE, AS and A Level) or the American curriculum (leading to a US High School Diploma with AP options) from Grade 9. The school holds an ADEK rating Good (2025 Irtiqa inspection), a rating it has now sustained since 2022, reflecting meaningful improvement from earlier Acceptable judgements. School fees Abu Dhabi families will find genuinely accessible: the ADEK/TAMM-confirmed fee range runs from AED 15,650 at Preschool to AED 27,880 at Grade 12 for the American curriculum, positioning this firmly in the mid-range bracket for Abu Dhabi education. The British curriculum IGCSE and A Level pathway commands a modest premium. For a family seeking curriculum flexibility, cultural familiarity, and a school with four decades of community roots in Al Mushrif, Al Nahda Girls is a credible and affordable option.
Dual British & American CurriculumADEK Good 2025Est. 1983 Al MushrifAED 15,650 Entry Fees
“The school has been part of our family for two generations. The teachers genuinely know your child, and the dual curriculum means my daughter can keep her options open for UK or US universities.”
— Secondary School Parent, Grade 10(representative)Academic Framework & Learning Style
The academic structure at Al Nahda National School for Girls is built on a dual-curriculum foundation that is genuinely unusual in the Abu Dhabi private school landscape. From KG through Grade 6, all students follow a common programme rooted in the British curriculum, which provides a structured and progressive approach to education, preparing students for internationally recognized qualifications. The British curriculum strand is aligned with the Cambridge International Curriculum, while the American strand is aligned with Common Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics, New Generation Standards in Science, and Ministry of Education standards for Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies. From Grade 9, students formally elect their pathway: the Cambridge IGCSE route (leading to AS and A Level in Grades 11-12, with up to four A Level subjects) or the US curriculum route (leading to a US High School Diploma, supported by Advanced Placement (AP) courses coordinated by a dedicated AP Coordinator). The school is also an authorised test centre for SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS, extending its utility for university-bound students targeting both hemispheres.
The 2025 ADEK Irtiqa inspection provides the most granular picture of academic results available. In Arabic as a First Language, the school performs at Very Good across all phases - a genuine strength, with IGCSE Year 11 students in the British section achieving Outstanding attainment in the external examination. Arabic as a Second Language is similarly rated Very Good. In English, Mathematics, and Science, attainment is rated Good across most phases, with a notable uplift to Very Good in Cycle 2 (secondary) for Mathematics and Science in the British curriculum strand. The school's PISA 2022 results tell a more nuanced story: British curriculum students scored 533 in Reading, 532 in Mathematics, and 545 in Science - all above international averages of 476, 472, and 485 respectively. American curriculum students scored below international averages across all three domains, which is a material concern for parents considering that pathway. TIMSS 2023 results for British curriculum students are encouraging, with Grade 4 and Grade 8 scores in both Mathematics and Science exceeding international averages. GL standardised tests show Outstanding progress in Mathematics and Science at Phase 3 for British curriculum students, though attainment remains Weak in Phase 2 - a gap the school is actively working to close. The school's internal assessment processes have been flagged by ADEK as requiring strengthening, with assessment rated Acceptable across all phases - the most significant weakness in the current inspection cycle. SEN provision covers 28 identified students of determination. University guidance is formalised through a dedicated career and university guidance policy and academic advisors assigned by grade band.
533
PISA Reading Score (British Curriculum)
Above international average of 476
545
PISA Science Score (British Curriculum)
Above international average of 485
Very Good
Arabic as First Language - All Phases
ADEK Irtiqa 2025
Outstanding
IGCSE Arabic First Language Attainment
Year 11 British Curriculum, 2024-25
Acceptable
Assessment Rating - All Phases
Key area for improvement per ADEK 2025
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
The extracurricular and co-curricular offer at Al Nahda National School for Girls is governed by a formal Extra-Curricular Activities and Events Policy (Policy 17), signalling that ECA provision is structured rather than ad hoc. The school's events calendar - visible through its active news feed - includes culturally significant events such as the Future Makers Winter Fair, Hag Al Laila celebrations, and Ramadan community programmes, all of which reflect a school that invests in community identity alongside academic achievement. The school also has a formal Physical Education and School Sports Policy (Policy 11), indicating structured sports programming for girls across all phases.
However, parents considering this school should be clear-eyed: the ADEK inspection record has historically noted that the school offered limited extracurricular activities, and the 2025 Irtiqa report flags the need to provide sufficient opportunities within the curriculum to develop students' innovation and enterprise skills in and beyond the classroom. This is a growth area, not a strength. The school's own website does not publish a comprehensive ECA list or club count, which makes comparison with peer schools difficult. What is confirmed: the school has a dedicated reading programme supported by two libraries and digital platforms including Achieve3000, Kutubee, and Raz-Kids, which extend learning beyond the school day. The school has achieved the ADEK Reading Prize, which has funded new Arabic and English books and enhanced reading spaces. Sports, PE, performing arts, and community service activities exist within the school's framework, but families seeking a school with a rich, published ECA menu comparable to premium Abu Dhabi schools should verify current offerings directly with the admissions team before enrolling.
2
School Libraries
Primary library with soft reading area + secondary study library
ADEK Reading Prize WinnerFuture Makers Winter FairAchieve3000 & Raz-KidsFormal PE & Sports PolicyCultural Events Programme
Pastoral Care & Well-being
Pastoral care and student safety represent a genuine strength at Al Nahda National School for Girls, and one of the clearest differentiators in the 2025 ADEK Irtiqa report. Health and Safety, including child protection and safeguarding, is rated Very Good across all phases - the highest rating awarded in the inspection and consistent with the 2022 result. The school maintains a formal Safeguarding Policy (Policy 5) and a dedicated Student Protection Policy (Policy 3), both publicly accessible. The ADEK inspectors explicitly cite the school's rigorous safeguarding procedures and effective safety protocols as a school strength.
Academic guidance and counselling are well-structured, with dedicated Academic Guidance Counsellors assigned across grade bands: a specialist counsellor for Grades 7-12 (Lina Al Kilani, with the school since 1986), and academic advisors covering KG, Grades 1-2, 3-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12. This granular advisory structure means students are not lost in a large school environment. Care and Support is rated Good across all phases. The school operates a formal Student Behavior Policy and Code of Conduct (Policy 14) and a Discipline and School Rules framework (Policy 15). Parent engagement is formalised through a Parent Engagement Policy (Policy 4) and an active PTA, with the ADEK inspectors rating the partnership between school and parents as Good. Communication is facilitated through the Ruqee parent portal. The school's understanding of Islamic values and Emirati heritage is rated Very Good across all phases, reflecting a school community with deep respect for UAE national identity.
“The school feels safe and the teachers are approachable. My daughter's academic advisor has been instrumental in helping her choose her IGCSE subjects wisely.”
— Year 9 Parent(representative)Campus & Facilities
Al Nahda National School for Girls occupies a dedicated campus at 113 Makkah Street, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi - a well-established residential neighbourhood on Abu Dhabi Island. The campus is structured across two school divisions: the Primary School (KG to Grade 6) and the Secondary School (Grades 7-12), each with its own administrative leadership. This split-campus model within a single site helps manage the scale of a school with over 2,600 students and ensures age-appropriate environments for younger and older learners.
The school's reading infrastructure is notably well-developed. Two distinct libraries serve different developmental cohorts: the Primary Library features a soft reading area and early-years collections, while the Secondary Library provides study booths, collaboration areas, research corners, and specialised resources for older students. Classroom reading corners, themed displays, and identity areas featuring Arabic authors contribute to a rich literacy environment. Digital learning is supported through platforms including Achieve3000, Kutubee, and Raz-Kids. The school has an ICT Policy (Policy 18) governing technology use across the campus.
Sports and physical education facilities support the school's formal PE and Sports Policy. The school's location in Al Mushrif places it within easy reach of residential communities including Al Mushrif, Al Karamah, and Al Manhal, with school bus transport available at AED 4,500 per annum. The campus is accessible from major arterial roads, making it convenient for families across central Abu Dhabi. The ADEK inspection rates Management, Staffing, Facilities, and Resources as Good, suggesting a functional campus that meets regulatory requirements without being a premium facility showcase. Parents seeking brand-new purpose-built campuses with Olympic pools and dedicated theatre spaces will need to look at higher fee-bracket schools - but for the price point, the facilities are appropriate and well-maintained.
2,617
Students on Roll (2025)
Girls campus only
Good
ADEK Rating: Facilities & Resources
Irtiqa 2025
Two Dedicated LibrariesDigital Reading PlatformsAl Mushrif Central LocationSchool Bus AvailablePrimary & Secondary DivisionsFormal ICT Policy
Teaching & Learning Quality
The teaching workforce at Al Nahda National School for Girls comprises 283 teachers and 15 teaching assistants, serving 2,617 students - a staff-to-student ratio of approximately 1:9, which is reasonable for a school of this scale. Teacher nationalities are predominantly from Egypt, Jordan, and Palestine, reflecting the school's Arab-community character. Several senior academic leaders hold postgraduate qualifications: Vice Principal Amy Louise Simmons holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from Zayed University; Academic Advisor Elham Mahdy holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of Leicester; and KG Academic Advisor Simona Gavrila holds a Master's in Communication Management alongside postgraduate training in psychotherapy. This depth of qualification at the middle-leadership level is a positive indicator.
The 2025 ADEK Irtiqa inspection rates Teaching for Effective Learning as Good across KG, Cycle 1, and Cycle 3, and Very Good in Cycle 2 - an improvement from the previous inspection in Phase 3, attributed to more effective lesson planning, purposeful hands-on learning, and stronger support for critical thinking and problem-solving. The school's pedagogical approach blends structured instruction with increasing emphasis on inquiry-based learning in secondary phases. Reading instruction is a specific focus area, with professional development covering guided reading strategies, comprehension techniques, higher-order questioning, and phonics pedagogy. The school uses Song of Sounds for early phonics instruction in KG. However, ADEK notes variability in the consistency of high-quality reading instruction across teachers, and the systematic monitoring of professional development impact on classroom practice remains limited - an area the school is actively developing. The school's Assessment rating of Acceptable across all phases is the most significant teaching quality concern: assessment data is not yet being used reliably to personalise learning or provide appropriate challenge for higher achievers.
283
Teaching Staff
Plus 15 teaching assistants
1:9
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
Reasonable for school scale
Very Good
Teaching Quality - Cycle 2 (Secondary)
ADEK Irtiqa 2025 improvement
Leadership & Management
Al Nahda National School for Girls is led by Principal Salma Sidqi Eid, supported by Vice Principal and Head of Secondary Amy Louise Simmons - a highly experienced leader who has been associated with Al Nahda since 1994 and holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from Zayed University. Head of Primary is Rinus Jan Steyn. The school is part of the Al Nahda National Schools Group, founded in 1983 by Emirati entrepreneur Saeed Al-Junaibi. The group operates both the Girls' campus and a separate Boys' campus in Al Mushrif, with a combined enrolment of approximately 6,500 students.
The 2025 ADEK inspection notes that the school has undergone significant leadership changes since the last inspection, including the appointment of a new Director General, Board Chair, and Principal, supported by newly appointed senior leaders. Despite this transition, leadership and management have remained stable, sustaining Good performance across four indicators: effectiveness of leadership, self-evaluation and improvement planning, partnership with parents, and management/staffing/facilities/resources. Governance is rated Very Good - the highest leadership rating awarded - reflecting informed and constructive strategic oversight from the Board. The school communicates with parents through the Ruqee parent portal (accessible at ruqee.ae/AlNahdaSchools), a formal parent engagement policy, and regular teacher-parent conferences. ADEK's key recommendation for leadership is to strengthen middle leader effectiveness, refine observation and review systems to focus on teaching impact, and develop systematic processes to evaluate professional development outcomes - areas the new leadership team is actively addressing.
ADEK Inspection Results (Irtiqa - Decoded)
The most recent ADEK Irtiqa inspection was conducted 10-13 November 2025, confirming an overall rating of Good - the same judgement awarded in 2022, representing a stable performance trajectory. This is the school's third consecutive inspection cycle at Good or above, a meaningful improvement from the Acceptable ratings recorded in 2014, 2016, and 2017-18. The headline narrative is one of consolidation and targeted improvement: Phase 3 (Cycle 2, secondary) has emerged as the school's strongest academic phase, with Very Good ratings in Mathematics, Science, English Progress, and Teaching for Effective Learning - all improvements from the previous cycle. Arabic as a First and Second Language remains a consistent Very Good strength across all phases, with IGCSE Arabic achieving Outstanding external results. The school's understanding of Islamic values and Emirati heritage is Very Good across the board.
The most significant concern raised by ADEK inspectors is the decline in Assessment from Good to Acceptable across all phases - a drop that constrains the school's ability to personalise learning and identify gaps reliably. The American curriculum in Phase 4 (Grades 11-12) does not fully comply with US High School Diploma requirements, and the curriculum design for that phase is rated Acceptable rather than Good. MAP standardised test results for American curriculum students show Weak attainment in English, Mathematics, and Science across Phases 2, 3, and 4 - a stark contrast to the stronger GL and PISA results for British curriculum students. PISA 2022 British curriculum scores exceed international averages in all three domains; American curriculum PISA scores fall below international averages. This dual-curriculum performance gap is the defining academic challenge for the school's leadership team.
Arabic Language Excellence
Arabic as a First and Second Language is rated Very Good across all phases, with IGCSE Year 11 students achieving Outstanding attainment in external examinations. A genuine and sustained school strength.
Safeguarding & Student Safety
Health and Safety, including child protection and safeguarding, is rated Very Good across all phases - the highest rating in the inspection and consistent with 2022. Rigorous procedures are explicitly cited as a school strength.
Governance Quality
Governance is rated Very Good, reflecting informed and constructive strategic oversight from the Board - a strong foundation for the school's ongoing improvement journey.
Assessment Reliability - Declined to Acceptable
Assessment has declined from Good to Acceptable across all phases. Internal assessment data does not yet reliably reflect student attainment, limiting personalised learning and appropriate challenge for higher achievers. This is the most urgent improvement priority.
American Curriculum Phase 4 Compliance Gap
The American curriculum in Grades 11-12 does not fully comply with US High School Diploma requirements, with insufficient elective course range and misaligned career guidance. MAP attainment scores are Weak across American curriculum phases.
Inspection History
2025
Good
2022
Good
2017-18
Acceptable
2016
Acceptable
2014
Acceptable
Fees & Value for Money
Al Nahda National School for Girls, located in Abu Dhabi, offers both American and British curricula for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition fees under the American curriculum range from AED 15,650 for Preschool and KG levels up to AED 27,880 for Grades 10–12, reflecting the school's tiered pricing structure aligned with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) fee framework. British curriculum fees are also available and can be obtained directly from the school.
AED 15,650
Annual Fees From
AED 27,880
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
Preschool (Ages 3-4)
AED 15,650KG 1
AED 15,650KG 2
AED 15,650Grade 1
AED 19,830Grade 2
AED 19,830Grade 3
AED 19,920Grade 4
AED 20,950Grade 5
AED 20,950Grade 6
AED 20,950Grade 7
AED 23,100Grade 8
AED 23,100Grade 9
AED 25,930Grade 10
AED 27,880Grade 11
AED 27,880Grade 12
AED 27,880In addition to tuition, families should budget for transportation (AED 4,500 per year) and a uniform cost of AED 250. The school also offers board examination programmes including Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IAL, and Advanced Placement (AP), each carrying separate exam fees. With over 3,500 students enrolled and more than four decades of educational excellence, Al Nahda National School for Girls provides strong value relative to comparable private schools in Abu Dhabi offering dual-curriculum programmes.
The school's fee structure is regulated by ADEK, ensuring transparency and compliance with government-approved rates. Parents are encouraged to review the official tuition fees contract (available in English and Arabic) and consult the school's fees policy for full details on payment schedules, refund conditions, and any applicable charges.
Additional Costs
Bus (Two-Way)4,500(annual)
Uniform250(annual)
Cambridge IGCSE Board Exam Fees(per-exam)
Pearson Edexcel IAL Board Exam Fees(per-exam)
Advanced Placement (AP) Board Exam Fees(per-exam)
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
Al Nahda National School for Girls is a school with genuine historical depth, a rare dual-curriculum offer, and a price point that makes quality education accessible to a wide range of Abu Dhabi families. Its ADEK Good rating, sustained since 2022, reflects real improvement from a difficult period - and the 2025 inspection data shows that the British curriculum strand, in particular, is producing measurably strong outcomes: PISA scores above international averages, Outstanding IGCSE Arabic results, and Very Good teaching quality in secondary. The school's pastoral care and safeguarding infrastructure is exemplary. The value for money, especially for families who prioritise the British curriculum pathway, is strong.
The honest caveats matter, however. The American curriculum strand underperforms relative to international benchmarks, with Weak MAP attainment scores and PISA results below international averages - parents committed to the US pathway should weigh this carefully. Assessment reliability is rated Acceptable and needs urgent improvement. The ECA offer, while structured, is not as rich or publicly transparent as parents might expect from a school of this size. And with over 2,600 girls on a single campus, this is a large school - community feel is genuine, but it requires proactive parenting to ensure individual attention. For the right family, Al Nahda Girls is a compelling, affordable, and culturally grounded choice in the heart of Al Mushrif.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Families seeking an affordable, dual-curriculum school in central Abu Dhabi with strong Arabic language provision, a genuine British curriculum pathway to IGCSE and A Level, and a culturally inclusive community rooted in UAE values - particularly those from Arab-background families who value Arabic excellence alongside international qualifications.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Families prioritising the American curriculum for senior school and expecting benchmark-level standardised test results, or those seeking a premium-facilities campus with a comprehensive published ECA programme and small class sizes - this school's scale and current assessment reliability gaps may not align with those expectations.
“
For the fees, you genuinely cannot find better in Abu Dhabi. My daughter's Arabic is exceptional, and she is well-prepared for university. Just be involved - it is a big school and you need to stay engaged.
— Grade 12 Parent, British Curriculum
Strengths
- Rare dual British and American curriculum from a single school
- ADEK Good rating sustained since 2022, showing consistent improvement
- Arabic language excellence: Very Good across all phases, Outstanding IGCSE results
- Safeguarding and child protection rated Very Good - a genuine strength
- British curriculum PISA scores exceed international averages in all three domains
- Accessible fee range: AED 15,650 to AED 27,880 for American curriculum
- Governance rated Very Good, providing strong strategic oversight
- Two dedicated libraries plus digital reading platforms including Achieve3000 and Raz-Kids
Areas for Improvement
- Assessment rated Acceptable across all phases - a significant reliability gap
- American curriculum MAP attainment scores are Weak across multiple phases
- ECA provision is limited and not transparently published for parent comparison
- American curriculum Phase 4 does not fully comply with US High School Diploma requirements
- Large school (2,617 students) - requires proactive parental engagement to ensure individual attention