Merryland International School, Abu Dhabi

Merryland's fee structure is its most powerful competitive differentiator. The 2025-26 ADEK-approved tuition fees range from AED 25,850 at Preschool and KG1 level to AED 45,220 for Grade 12, making it one of the most affordable Outstanding-rated British curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi. To contextualise this: comparable Outstanding-rated British curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi typically charge AED 60,000 to AED 90,000+ at secondary level. Merryland delivers the same regulatory top rating at roughly half the price. The fee structure is transparent and available through the ADEK TAMM portal. Fees increase progressively through the school, from AED 25,850 in the early years to AED 30,040 at Grade 1, rising to AED 38,610 at Grade 9 and AED 45,220 at Grade 12. The increments are reasonable and predictable. Additional costs include school bus transport at AED 5,000 per year - a flat rate across all grades - and Cambridge Board external examination fees, which are the parent's responsibility: AED 400 for Grade 6 Checkpoint, AED 600 for Grade 8 Checkpoint, AED 900 for IGCSE (Grade 10), AED 1,000 for AS Level (Grade 11), and AED 1,100 for A Level (Grade 12). An IGCSE English Speaking component carries an additional AED 250 fee. Historically, the school has charged a re-registration fee of approximately 10% annually, which effectively adds to the annual cost and should be factored into total cost-of-ownership calculations. Fees for new students have historically included this re-registration fee in the initial payment. The school does not publish detailed scholarship or bursary information on its website; prospective families should enquire directly with the registrar at registrar@merrylandinternational.net. For value-for-money assessment: this is, editorially, one of the strongest value propositions among Abu Dhabi private schools. An Outstanding ADEK rating, Cambridge brand ambassador status, a dedicated Planetarium, Robotics Centre, indoor pool, and a PISA science score at the advanced proficiency benchmark - all delivered at fees that sit firmly in the mid-range price band - represents exceptional value. The caveat is that the school's facilities, while solid, do not match the premium campuses of higher-fee competitors, and the inclusion provision is limited in scope.