When do ADEK ratings get published?

ADEK releases the full inspection report in late January each year. The 2026 list appeared on 27 January 2026.

Can I join a wait-list after the deadline?

Yes. Most Outstanding schools keep rolling wait-lists and notify families within 10 working days when a seat opens.

Are there extra fees for Arabic support?

Arabic is included in the published tuition. Extra EAL or learning-support lessons cost 6,000-9,000 AED per term at most schools.

Best Schools in Abu Dhabi 2026 by ADEK Rating

Why ADEK ratings matter for expat families

ADEK inspects every private school every two years. The 2026 cycle shows 18 schools rated Outstanding or Very Good. These ratings directly affect your child’s university options and the resale value of your property in Abu Dhabi.

Outstanding schools must show consistent progress in English, Maths, Arabic, and wellbeing. Very Good schools meet almost the same benchmarks but may have smaller gaps in one subject or year group.

Outstanding schools with places in 2026

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat: 82,000-118,000 AED, FS1-Year 13, 14 places left in Year 7.
British International School Abu Dhabi, Al Reem: 55,000-92,000 AED, FS1-Year 13, wait-list only for FS2 and Year 4.
American International School Abu Dhabi, Al Mushrif: 48,000-85,000 AED, KG-Year 12, 9 places in Grade 6.

Very Good schools still accepting mid-year joins

GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi, Al Reem: 42,000-78,000 AED, KG-Year 12, seats open in Grade 3 and 7.
Al Bateen Academy, Al Bateen: 38,000-65,000 AED, FS1-Year 13, limited FS2 places.
Reach British School, Mohammed Bin Zayed City: 32,000-55,000 AED, FS1-Year 11, immediate entry in Years 5-8.

What parents notice after the first term

Outstanding schools run parent workshops every half term and share detailed progress reports. Very Good schools meet the same curriculum targets but may have larger class sizes in the secondary years. Transport from Reem Island to Saadiyat takes 25-35 minutes in morning traffic.

Arabic and Islamic studies are compulsory from Grade 1. Schools rated Outstanding usually allocate four periods per week; Very Good schools allocate three.

Fees and payment plans 2026

Most Outstanding schools require a 10 percent deposit by March and the balance in three instalments. Very Good schools often allow four instalments with no surcharge. Always confirm the exact schedule with the admissions office before signing.

Next steps for September 2026 entry

Submit ADEK-approved documents: passport, Emirates ID, vaccination record, and last two school reports. Applications open 1 December 2025 and close 28 February 2026 for guaranteed placement. Late applications are processed only if seats remain.

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Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →