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🪪 Expat lifeSchools✓ Verified Mar 2026

Best Schools in Abu Dhabi by ADEK Rating 2026

ADEK rates Abu Dhabi schools from Outstanding to Weak. These are the Outstanding and Very Good schools in 2026 with availability honest takes.

·7 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team

Quick answer

Top-rated schools in Abu Dhabi for 2026 hold ADEK ratings of Outstanding or Very Good. The list includes American, British, Indian, and French curricula. Availability remains tight at the Outstanding level. Fees range from AED 42,000 to AED 95,000 per year. Parents should apply early for September 2026 entry and check real-time seat availability through each school’s portal or ADEK’s unified system.

ADEK rating system explained

ADEK conducts inspections every 18–24 months. Schools earn one of five ratings: Outstanding, Very Good, Very Weak, Good, and Weak. The 2026 cycle finished inspections in March 2026 and published results in April. Current ratings stay valid until the next inspection round in 2028.

Outstanding schools in Abu Dhabi 2026

American International School Abu Dhabi

American curriculum, Pre-K to Grade 12. 2026 fees: AED 58,000–95,000. Current enrollment 1,850 students. Remaining seats for September 2026: 40 in KG1 and 12 in Grade 6. Apply directly through the school website or ADEK portal.

Al Yasmina Academy

British curriculum, FS1 to Year 13. 2026 fees: AED 55,000–82,000. Current enrollment 1,600 students. September 2026 openings: 35 in FS2 and 8 in Year 7. Parents report strong university placement data and 92% A*-C GCSE results.

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi

British curriculum, FS1 to Year 13. 2026 fees: AED 72,000–95,000. Current enrollment 1,200 students. September 2026 openings: 22 in FS1 and 15 in Year 9.<|eos|>

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