The Cambridge High School, Abu Dhabi
British School in Abu Dhabi
Last updated
Curriculum
British
ADEK
Very Good
Location
Abu Dhabi
Fees
AED 17K - 36K
The Executive Summary
Cambridge High School L.L.C. Abu Dhabi is one of the emirate's longest-standing British curriculum schools, established in 1988 and operating under the GEMS Education network in Mohamed Bin Zayed City. Holding an ADEK rating of Very Good - confirmed in the 2024 Irtiqa inspection cycle - the school serves nearly 1,800 students from FS2 through Year 13, delivering the National Curriculum for England with external examinations at IGCSE and A Level. With school fees in Abu Dhabi ranging from AED 16,960 to AED 35,760 annually, it occupies a distinctly accessible price point within the British curriculum segment - making it one of the more affordable full-range British schools in the capital. For families in Mohamed Bin Zayed City and surrounding communities seeking a credible, ADEK-endorsed British education without the premium price tag of flagship international schools, Cambridge High School presents a genuinely compelling case. The school's PISA 2022 scores - 532 in reading, 531 in mathematics, and 566 in science - all above international averages - confirm that academic outcomes are meaningfully competitive, not just nominally so.
The school's clearest strengths lie in its Phase 3 and Phase 4 academic performance, where English, Mathematics, and Science all reach Outstanding in the ADEK framework, and in its well-established safeguarding and pastoral culture. However, prospective parents should note genuine weaknesses: Phase 2 (Cycle 1) teaching consistency is flagged by ADEK inspectors as needing improvement, Arabic-medium subject outcomes are mixed, and digital infrastructure has room to grow. This is not a school for families seeking cutting-edge facilities or an elite university-placement machine - but for parents who want a structured, values-grounded British education at a fair price, delivered by a school that has demonstrably improved since its 2022 inspection, Cambridge High School warrants serious consideration.
ADEK Very Good 2024British Curriculum FS2-Year 13PISA 2022 Above AverageEstablished 1988GEMS Education Network
“The school has given my children a solid British education at a price that doesn't require us to make impossible financial sacrifices. The teachers genuinely know our kids, and the pastoral care has been excellent through some difficult times.”
— Year 8 Parent(representative)Academic Framework & Learning Style
Cambridge High School delivers the National Curriculum for England (NCfE) from Foundation Stage 2 through to Year 13, with external examinations at IGCSE (Years 10-11) and A Level (Years 12-13). The curriculum is structured across four phases: Foundation Stage (KG), Primary (Cycles 1 and 2), and Secondary including Sixth Form (Cycle 3). This coherent vertical alignment - confirmed as Very Good by ADEK inspectors in both curriculum design and curriculum adaptation - means students experience smooth transitions between phases, supported by documented scope and sequence frameworks.
The school's academic performance tells a nuanced story. At the upper end of the school, Phase 4 (Sixth Form / Cycle 3) performance is Outstanding across English, Mathematics, and Science in the 2024/25 ADEK inspection - a significant uplift from Very Good in the previous cycle. This is the school's academic headline and a genuine differentiator for families whose children are approaching IGCSE and A Level. In the middle school (Cycle 2 / Phase 3), attainment and progress in English, Mathematics, and Science are Very Good, representing solid and consistent performance. The concern lies in Phase 1 (Cycle 1 / primary years), where attainment in English and Mathematics has declined from Very Good to Good since the last inspection, though progress remains Very Good - indicating that students are making strong gains relative to their starting points even if absolute attainment benchmarks are not yet fully met.
In standardised GL assessments for AY2023/24, the picture is similarly mixed but with notable bright spots. In mathematics, Year 9 students achieved Outstanding attainment, while Years 7 and 9 demonstrated Outstanding progress. Science attainment is a particular strength, with Years 5 and 9 reaching Outstanding levels. In English, Years 9 and 10 demonstrated Very Good attainment in GL benchmarks. The school's PISA 2022 results are its most internationally legible data point: scores of 532 (reading), 531 (mathematics), and 566 (science) all exceeded both the school's own targets and international averages, placing 15-year-old students in the high proficiency band across all three domains. PIRLS 2021 Grade 4 reading score of 568.57 is well above the international centre point of 500.
The school uses a structured phonics programme (Twinkl) in the Foundation Stage, with graded reading schemes and daily independent reading embedded from the earliest years. A reading programme is maintained through secondary, with half-termly text analysis projects and comprehension software used to track progress. The school was recognised as 'Top UAE School for Reading' in the previous academic year - a concrete, verifiable achievement. For students of determination (23 identified), support plans and specialist staff are in place, though ADEK notes that expanding inclusion capacity would enhance in-class support. Gifted and talented provision exists but is inconsistently challenging, particularly in Arabic-medium subjects. EAL provision is embedded given the diverse student population. University placement data is not publicly disclosed on the school website, which is a transparency gap prospective Sixth Form families should probe directly.
566
PISA 2022 Science Score
Above school target of 529; High Proficiency band; above international average
568.57
PIRLS 2021 Grade 4 Reading Score
Well above international centre point of 500; High Proficiency range
Outstanding
Phase 4 English, Maths & Science (ADEK 2024/25)
Upgraded from Very Good in previous inspection cycle
23
Students of Determination
Supported through structured plans and specialist staff
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
Cambridge High School's extracurricular offer is characterised by a strong emphasis on student leadership and civic responsibility, with a gallery of ECA activity visible across the school's student life pages. The school explicitly frames its leadership programme around producing future global citizens, identifying students who demonstrate not just academic strength but also tact, diplomacy, creativity, and resilience. Leadership roles range from house and grade-level captains to innovation and entrepreneurship influencers - a deliberately broad spectrum designed to capture different student profiles.
The school's ADEK inspection report highlights active student involvement in volunteering initiatives and social contribution projects as one of the school's formal strengths - one of only five areas cited in the official strengths section. Students participate in sustainability campaigns, civic projects, and community initiatives, with social responsibility and innovation skills rated Very Good across all four phases. This is a meaningful data point: it is not a school that merely lists community service as a checkbox activity.
In terms of performing arts, sports, and enrichment programming, the school website provides limited granular detail on specific club counts or competitive sports achievements. The ADEK report references enrichment activities that promote creativity, sustainability, and innovation, though it notes that their impact on Arabic-medium subject areas is less evident. The school participates in ADEK-endorsed reading initiatives including World Book Day and the DEAR ('Drop Everything And Read') programme. Two libraries - one for Junior students and one for Senior students - house a combined collection of over 42,000 English-language titles and 35,000 Arabic books, representing a substantial reading resource, though ADEK notes that both libraries are currently being used for non-library purposes (classroom and staff workroom), which limits direct student access. Parents considering the school for a child with strong performing arts or competitive sports ambitions should request specific programme details directly, as published information is limited.
42,000+
English-Language Library Titles
Combined Junior and Senior library collections; plus 35,000 Arabic books
Student Leadership ProgrammeSustainability CampaignsDEAR Reading InitiativeWorld Book Day ParticipantInnovation & Entrepreneurship Roles
Pastoral Care & Well-being
Pastoral care and student well-being are among the most clearly evidenced strengths of Cambridge High School, and the ADEK 2024/25 inspection is unambiguous on this point. Health and safety, including child protection and safeguarding, is rated Very Good across all four phases - and this is cited as one of the school's five formal inspection strengths. Policies are described as well-established, regularly reviewed, and effectively implemented, with all staff trained and vigilant. Risk assessments, emergency drills, and health services are described as thorough, and the medical clinic is well-staffed with clear protocols for medication and student care.
The school's care and support rating is Very Good across all phases, with inspectors noting that staff know students well and maintain respectful, supportive relationships. Behaviour is managed effectively, and attendance is closely monitored. The ADEK report records minimal incidents of bullying and generally punctual attendance across the school - indicators that the pastoral culture is functioning, not merely documented. Students display positive attitudes, self-discipline, and a growing sense of responsibility, contributing to respectful relationships and a safe, inclusive environment.
Student leadership structures - house captains, grade-level captains, and innovation and entrepreneurship roles - provide meaningful student voice and leadership pathways beyond the classroom. Students of determination (23 identified) receive support through structured individual plans and specialist staff. ADEK does note that expanding inclusion capacity would enhance in-class support, which is an honest limitation to acknowledge: the school manages inclusion well within current resources, but more intensive in-class differentiation would benefit some learners. Emotional guidance and academic counselling are available, with appropriate support noted during key transition points, though the inspection suggests that links with external institutions could be further strengthened.
“The school feels like a community. The teachers know my daughter by name from day one, and when she went through a difficult period socially, the pastoral team was proactive - they reached out to us before we even had to ask.”
— Year 6 Parent(representative)Campus & Facilities
Cambridge High School is located on Al Suwwah Street in Mohamed Bin Zayed City - one of Abu Dhabi's largest and most densely populated residential districts, making it highly accessible for families living in MBZ City, Khalifa City, and surrounding communities. The school has been operating from this campus since its founding in 1988, giving it a well-established physical presence in the area.
The campus houses facilities across Foundation Stage, Primary, and Secondary phases. The school's homepage gallery showcases a range of learning environments, and the curriculum pages reference dedicated Foundation Stage classrooms with reading corners, primary and secondary teaching spaces, and science laboratories. The school maintains two libraries - a Junior library and a Senior library - with a combined collection of over 42,000 English-language and 35,000 Arabic titles. However, the ADEK 2024/25 inspection flags a significant limitation: the Junior library is currently being used as a classroom and the Senior library as a staff workroom, limiting direct student access to library resources. This is a concrete facilities concern that the school's leadership should be pressed to address.
The ADEK inspection also notes that space and digital limitations exist in some areas, and that further investment in digital learning tools is needed - a finding that places the school behind more technologically equipped peers in the Abu Dhabi private school landscape. School transport is outsourced to Bright Bus Transport, with an annual transport fee of AED 5,000 available to families who require it. Uniform supply is managed through Threads Uniform Supplier. Stationery and textbooks can be purchased from the school's own stationery store. The campus is described by ADEK as clean, secure, and accessible, with the medical clinic well-staffed. For families comparing this school against higher-fee British schools in Abu Dhabi, the facilities gap is real - but so is the fee gap, and the value equation remains favourable for the academic outcomes delivered.
AED 5,000
Annual School Transport Fee
Outsourced to Bright Bus Transport; optional additional cost
77,000+
Combined Library Titles
42,000+ English titles and 35,000 Arabic books across Junior and Senior libraries
Mohamed Bin Zayed City LocationDual Library SystemBright Bus Transport AvailableScience LaboratoriesFoundation Stage Reading Corners
Teaching & Learning Quality
Teaching quality at Cambridge High School is one of the school's most differentiated characteristics - and the differentiation is stark between phases. The ADEK 2024/25 inspection rates Teaching for Effective Learning as Outstanding in Phase 4 (Sixth Form), Very Good in Phase 3 (secondary middle years) and the Foundation Stage, and Good in Phase 1 (primary Cycle 1). Phase 2 teaching remains at Good and is the subject of a specific ADEK key recommendation.
In the school's strongest phases, teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge, well-planned and engaging lessons, and effective use of assessment data to personalise learning and set appropriate challenge. Inspectors note that in Phases 1, 3, and 4, teachers use learner profiles and formative assessment effectively, contributing to better-than-expected student progress. Assessment across all four phases is rated Very Good - a consistent strength - with robust systems that analyse internal and external data to inform planning, track progress, and personalise instruction. Regular feedback, peer and self-assessment, and effective use of learner profiles are noted as positive features.
The concern is Phase 1. ADEK inspectors specifically recommend that the school improve teachers' ability to implement differentiated activities, allocate more time for meaningful feedback, and use lesson time more flexibly. This is not a minor administrative note - it reflects a real gap in classroom practice that affects the primary years experience for a significant cohort of students. The school employs 99 teachers and 29 teaching assistants, drawn primarily from India, Egypt, and South Africa, with a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 18:1. Professional development is described as ongoing and aligned to inclusive education goals, with specific training focused on international benchmark assessment strategies (TIMSS, PISA, PIRLS). Teacher turnover data is not publicly disclosed, which is a transparency gap; families should ask about staff retention rates directly during school visits.
99
Qualified Teaching Staff
Supported by 29 teaching assistants; nationalities include India, Egypt, South Africa
~18:1
Student-to-Teacher Ratio
Based on 1,769 students and 99 teachers (calculated)
Outstanding
Teaching Quality - Phase 4 (ADEK 2024/25)
Upgraded from Very Good in previous inspection; Foundation Stage also Very Good
Leadership & Management
Cambridge High School operates under the GEMS Education network - one of the world's largest private education operators - which provides a governance superstructure, operational systems, and curriculum support that smaller independent schools cannot replicate. The school's principal is Kim Teakle-May, who extends a welcome message on the school's homepage. The ADEK inspection report lists the principal as Kuki Tyagi Girish Chandra Chaudhary at the time of the May 2025 inspection, which may reflect a leadership transition - prospective parents should confirm the current principal's identity and tenure directly with the school.
The effectiveness of school leadership is rated Very Good by ADEK inspectors. School leaders are described as setting a clear vision aligned with UAE national priorities, maintaining a collaborative and inclusive culture, and sustaining high staff morale. Accountability structures are well-established, and improvement planning is informed by effective self-evaluation. Self-evaluation and school development planning have improved from Good to Very Good since the 2022 inspection - a meaningful upgrade that signals a more data-literate and improvement-focused leadership culture.
Governance has improved from Acceptable to Good, with the Local Advisory Board described as increasingly effective in holding leaders accountable and ensuring regulatory compliance. Parental partnerships are rated Very Good, with high engagement in school life and decision-making, and advisory board representation for parent voices. Communication with parents is facilitated through the GEMS online platform (gems.ae), which also handles fee payments. The ADEK report does note a misalignment between internal and external assessment data in some areas, and recommends further investment in digital learning tools - both of which are leadership-level responsibilities that the current team must address in the next inspection cycle.
ADEK Inspection Results (Irtiqa - Decoded)
The most recent ADEK Irtiqa inspection of Cambridge High School took place from 19 to 22 May 2025, covering the 2024/25 academic year. The school retained its overall Very Good rating - the same judgment awarded in the 2022 inspection - demonstrating sustained performance rather than regression. Critically, the detailed findings reveal an improving trajectory in most areas, with several performance standards upgraded since 2022.
The headline finding is the Outstanding performance in Phase 4 (Sixth Form / Cycle 3) across English, Mathematics, Science, Learning Skills, and Teaching for Effective Learning - a cluster of Outstanding judgments that signals genuine upper-school academic strength. Phase 3 (secondary middle years) performs at Very Good across most indicators, and the Foundation Stage (KG) maintains Very Good in teaching and learning. The primary Cycle 1 phase is the school's most significant challenge area, with attainment declines in English and Mathematics (from Very Good to Good) and specific ADEK recommendations around teaching consistency and differentiation.
In Arabic-medium subjects, the picture is more challenging. Arabic as a first language declined from Very Good to Good in Phases 2 and 3, and UAE Social Studies remains at Good. This is a structural consideration for Arabic-speaking families or those prioritising strong Arabic outcomes. Islamic Education, by contrast, improved to Very Good in Phases 3 and 4.
The curriculum design and adaptation (PS4) - newly assessed in this cycle - is rated Very Good across all phases, confirming that the school's curriculum planning is coherent and well-structured. Governance improved from Acceptable to Good, and staffing and management improved from Good to Very Good, both reflecting meaningful organisational progress.
Outstanding Upper School Academic Performance
Phase 4 (Sixth Form) achieved Outstanding ratings in English, Mathematics, Science, Learning Skills, and Teaching for Effective Learning in the 2024/25 inspection - an upgrade from Very Good in the previous cycle. PISA 2022 scores in all three domains exceeded international averages, confirming this is not a paper result.
Exemplary Safeguarding & Student Care
Health and safety, child protection, and care and support are all rated Very Good across every phase. ADEK formally cites the school's safeguarding procedures as one of five official inspection strengths. Minimal bullying incidents and strong attendance punctuality support this rating.
Strong Parental Partnership & Community Engagement
Parental involvement is rated Very Good, with ADEK noting high engagement in school life and decision-making, Local Advisory Board representation, and effective communication systems. Student social responsibility and innovation skills are Very Good across all four phases.
Phase 1 Teaching Consistency & Differentiation
ADEK's second key recommendation targets Cycle 1 (primary Phase 1) teaching quality, which remains at Good. Inspectors specifically identify limited differentiation, insufficient feedback time, and inflexible lesson pacing as concerns. This affects the primary years experience for a significant proportion of the student body and is the school's most pressing internal improvement priority.
Arabic-Medium Subject Achievement
Arabic as a first language attainment declined from Very Good to Good in Phases 2 and 3. UAE Social Studies remains at Good. ADEK's first key recommendation calls for consistent Very Good achievement across all Arabic-medium subjects and phases, citing analytical reading, extended writing, and Quranic recitation accuracy as specific development areas.
Inspection History
2022
Very Good
2024/25
Very Good
Fees & Value for Money
The Cambridge High School in Abu Dhabi offers a British curriculum education with tuition fees approved by ADEK for the 2025–2026 academic year. Fees range from AED 16,960 for Foundation Stage 2 up to AED 35,760 for Years 12 and 13, reflecting the school's commitment to providing quality British education across all year groups. The fee structure is transparent and in full compliance with ADEK's School Fee Framework.
AED 16,960
Annual Fees From
AED 35,760
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
FS2
AED 16,960Year 1
AED 20,520Year 2
AED 20,520Year 3
AED 22,000Year 4
AED 22,000Year 5
AED 23,840Year 6
AED 23,840Year 7
AED 27,850Year 8
AED 27,850Year 9
AED 29,450Year 10
AED 29,450Year 11
AED 31,190Year 12
AED 35,760Year 13
AED 35,760Parents have the flexibility to pay tuition fees either annually in advance or on a termly basis, with three terms spread across the academic year (September–December, January–March, and April–June). A new admissions fee equivalent to 5% of the annual tuition fee is required upon acceptance of an offer letter, which is adjustable against the first term's fees. Similarly, a re-enrolment fee of 5% of the annual tuition fee is required to secure a place for the following academic year.
Additional costs to consider include school transport (outsourced to Bright Bus Transport), textbooks and stationery available from the school store, school uniform from designated suppliers, and Cambridge University Public Examination fees for students in Years 11, 12, and 13. Parents using the FAB GEMS World Credit Card to pay annual fees in advance can benefit from savings of up to 3%, plus 10% back on school expenses.
Additional Costs
School Transport (Bus)5000(annual)
New Admission Fee5%(one-time)
Re-Enrolment Fee5%(annual)
Books & Stationery – FS2207(annual)
Books & Stationery – Year 1338(annual)
Books & Stationery – Year 2381(annual)
Books & Stationery – Year 3394(annual)
Books & Stationery – Year 4531(annual)
Books & Stationery – Year 5615(annual)
Books & Stationery – Year 6610(annual)
Books & Stationery – Year 7754(annual)
Books & Stationery – Year 8582(annual)
Books & Stationery – Year 91083(annual)
Books & Stationery – Year 10716(annual)
Books & Stationery – Year 11723(annual)
Books & Stationery – Year 12800(annual)
Books & Stationery – Year 13800(annual)
School Uniform150(annual)
Cambridge University Public Examinations(per-exam)
Discounts & Concessions
FAB GEMS World Credit Card Early Payment Discount3%%
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
Cambridge High School L.L.C. is a school that rewards careful analysis. On the surface, its Very Good ADEK rating and modest fee range might suggest a mid-tier option for families who cannot afford Abu Dhabi's premium schools. The reality is more nuanced and more positive: this is a school with genuinely Outstanding upper-school academic performance, a well-documented and caring pastoral culture, and a track record of delivering competitive international assessment results - all at fees that are dramatically lower than comparable British curriculum schools in the capital.
The school is best suited to families who are making a long-term commitment to a British curriculum education and who value proven academic outcomes in the secondary and Sixth Form years over premium facilities or brand prestige. The PISA 2022 scores above international averages and the Outstanding Phase 4 ADEK ratings are not marketing claims - they are independently verified data points that parents can rely on. The pastoral and safeguarding culture is among the school's most consistent strengths across all inspection evidence.
The honest caveats: families with children in the primary years (Cycle 1) should be aware that ADEK has identified teaching consistency and differentiation as improvement areas, and should monitor progress carefully in those years. Families who prioritise strong Arabic-medium outcomes, cutting-edge digital facilities, or a highly selective academic environment with a documented elite university placement record will find better-matched options elsewhere in Abu Dhabi's private school landscape. But for the family seeking a credible, improving, values-grounded British school in Mohamed Bin Zayed City at a fair price - this school deserves to be on the shortlist.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Families seeking an affordable, ADEK Very Good-rated British curriculum school in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, particularly those with children approaching IGCSE and A Level, who value proven academic outcomes, strong pastoral care, and a safe, inclusive community over premium facilities.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Families prioritising elite university placement transparency, advanced digital learning infrastructure, consistent Arabic-medium academic excellence, or a highly selective admissions environment - or those whose children are in primary years and require intensive in-class differentiation support.
“
We looked at schools costing twice as much and honestly couldn't justify the difference. Our son is in Year 11 now, his IGCSE preparation has been excellent, and the teachers are genuinely invested in his results. This school does what it says it will do.
— Year 11 Parent
Strengths
- Outstanding ADEK rating in Sixth Form English, Maths, and Science (2024/25)
- PISA 2022 scores above international averages in all three domains
- Among the most affordable British curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi
- Safeguarding and pastoral care rated Very Good across all phases
- Recognised as Top UAE School for Reading in the previous academic year
- Strong parental engagement rated Very Good by ADEK inspectors
- Sustained Very Good overall rating across two consecutive inspection cycles
- Social responsibility and innovation skills rated Very Good across all phases
Areas for Improvement
- Phase 1 (primary Cycle 1) teaching consistency flagged by ADEK as needing improvement
- Arabic-medium subject attainment declined in Phases 2 and 3 since last inspection
- Library spaces repurposed as classroom and staff room, limiting student access
- Digital infrastructure and learning tools identified by ADEK as needing further investment
- University placement data not publicly disclosed, limiting Sixth Form transparency