Al Reem Island is one of Abu Dhabi’s leading residential hubs, connected to Al Maryah and Saadiyat. It combines modern homes, parks, and waterfront promenades with a growing range of schools in Al Reem Island Abu Dhabi, including Repton, Sorbonne University, and Nord Anglia International School.
Key amenities include Reem Mall with Snow Abu Dhabi, Boutik Mall, and healthcare centres such as Reem Hospital. New projects like Radiant Garden Towers, Rivage, and Reem Hills expand housing options, while ADGM’s 2023 jurisdiction now covers the island’s business landscape.
Before diving in, this guide covers:
- Main schools in Al Reem Island
- Nurseries on Al Reem Island
- Top schools near Al Reem Island (within 20 minutes)
- School comparison table
- How to choose the best school in Al Reem Island
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Main schools in Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island is home to a range of schools that cater to different age groups and curriculums. Families living in the area can choose from several reputable institutions known for their modern facilities and strong academic standards.
1. Repton School Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island
Established: 2013
Campuses: Rose Campus (Nursery, EYFS, FS1–Year 1) & Fry Campus (Years 2–13)
Curriculum: British curriculum leading to IGCSE and A-Levels, plus the IB Diploma Programme (Years 12–13)
ADEK Rating: Outstanding (2024–2025)
Annual Fees: AED 62,601 (FS1) – AED 80,960 (Year 12/13)
Highlights:
- Strong academics with international university pathways
- Scholarships in music, sports, innovation, and academics
- Specialised learning support for students
Contact information:
- Phone: 800 REPTON (+971 800 737866)
2. Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island
Established: Opened in September 2023
Campus: Purpose-built campus on Al Reem Island
Curriculum: UK curriculum, expanding to Year 13
Annual Fees: Estimated AED 65,000 (FS1) – AED 80,960 (Year 9) for 2025–2026 (comparable to Dubai campus)
Highlights:
- Part of the Nord Anglia Education global network
- State-of-the-art facilities designed for modern learning
- Collaborations with Juilliard and MIT
Contact information:
- Phone: +971 2 699 3333
Want to live as close as possible? Check out those amazing ready-to-move properties on Al Reem Island.
3. GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island
Opened: 2022 (new purpose-built campus on Al Reem Island)
Curriculum: Exclusively International Baccalaureate (IB), supported by the National Curriculum for England
Programmes: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Future Plans: Candidate school for the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP), with plans to expand to Year 13
Annual Fees (2025–2026): AED 55,420 (FS1) – AED 73,890 (Year 10)
Highlights:
- Premium IB school with a High Performance Learning approach
- Modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities on Al Reem Island
- Internationally recognised programmes designed for future pathways
Contact information:
- Phone: +971 2 659 5959
Nurseries on Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island is home to a range of nurseries that offer nurturing and stimulating environments for young children. Families can find several options that focus on early development, creativity, and learning through play.
1. Redwood Montessori Nursery — Al Reem Island
Approach: Authentic Montessori method
Locations:
- Gate Towers Campus — 5th floor, The Arc Tower, Gate District
- Shams Boutik Campus — Ground floor, Shams Boutik Mall
Highlights:
- Renowned for its child-centred Montessori approach that builds independence
- Gate Towers branch praised for well-equipped Montessori resources
- Multiple locations provide flexibility for families living on the island
Contact information:
- Hotline: 800 REDWOOD (800 7339663)
2. Playhouse Nursery — Marina Square
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Location: Tala Tower, Marina Square (former Mosaic Nursery space)
Highlights:
- British EYFS framework with a focus on learning through play
- Large outdoor play area for active development
- Welcoming environment tailored for young children
Contact information:
- Phone: +971 50 806 8120
- Instagram: @playhousenursery.alreem
3. Maple Bear Nursery — Al Reem Island
Curriculum: Canadian bilingual (English/French), inquiry-based approach
Location: Al Beed Tower, Al Gouj St, Al Reem Island (near Shams Boutik Mall)
Highlights:
- Part of the global Maple Bear network with a Canadian academic model
- Bilingual English and French programmes
- Encourages curiosity and independence through an inquiry-based approach
Contact information:
- Phone (Direct): +971 56 957 2894
- WhatsApp (Central): +971 52 789 0954
4. Hummingbird Early Learning Centre — Al Reem Island
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Location: Amaya Towers, C13 & C14, Al Reem Island
Highlights:
- Part of an established and well-regarded UAE-wide early learning network
- Play-based teaching with modern classrooms for early development
- Caters to children from 45 days to 6 years old
Contact information:
- Abu Dhabi branch: +971 2 671 7701
- General hotline: 800 HUMMIN (800 486646)
Top schools near Al Reem Island (within 20 minutes)
Al Reem Island offers a variety of schools that cater to different curriculums and age groups. Parents can choose from several reputable institutions known for their strong academics, modern facilities, and diverse learning environments.
1. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi — Saadiyat Island
Location: Saadiyat Island Cultural District (approx. 19 minutes from Al Reem Island)
Curriculum: British (EYFS–Year 13)
Annual Fees (2025/2026): AED 65,000 (EYFS) – AED 96,333 (Years 10–13)
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Highlights:
- Renowned for strong academics and holistic education
- Extensive performing arts, sports, and innovation facilities
- Close to Saadiyat’s cultural and artistic institutions
Contact information:
- Phone (Direct): 02 497 0000
2. Brighton College Abu Dhabi — Bloom Gardens
Location: Bloom Gardens, near Khalifa Park (approx. 15 minutes from Al Reem Island)
Curriculum: British (FS1–Year 13)
Annual Fees: Premium range, comparable to other top-tier British schools
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Highlights:
- Prestigious British curriculum school with strong academic reputation
- Wide range of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities
- Known for excellent facilities and engaging learning environment
Contact information:
- 02 815 6500
3. Al Bateen World Academy — Al Manaseer
Location: Al Manaseer (approx. 15 minutes from Al Reem Island)
Curriculum: British and International Baccalaureate (FS1–Year 13)
Annual Fees (2025/2026): FS2 AED 58,090 – Year 13 AED 75,310
ADEK Rating: Good
Highlights:
- Offers IB Primary, Middle, and Diploma Programmes
- Part of the Aldar Academies network
- Focus on academic progress, student well-being, and international pathways
4. Saint Joseph’s School — Al Mushrif
Location: Al Mushrif (approx. 15 minutes from Al Reem Island)
Curriculum: CBSE (Grades 1–12)
Annual Fees (2025/2026): AED 6,650 (Grade 1) – AED 11,460 (Grade 12 Science)
ADEK Rating: Good
Highlights:
- Affordable compared to most Abu Dhabi schools
- Longstanding reputation with a strong CBSE foundation
- Popular among families seeking value and stability
5. The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) — Al Mushrif
Location: Al Mushrif (approx. 15–20 minutes from Al Reem Island)
Curriculum: British (EYFS–Year 13)
Annual Fees: Premium range (high, but not the most expensive)
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Highlights:
- One of Abu Dhabi’s oldest and most respected schools
- Non-profit, with excellent academic outcomes and extracurricular depth
- Highly sought-after for its tradition and reputation
6. Pearl British Academy — Al Danah
Location: Al Danah, off Muroor Road (approx. 15–20 minutes from Al Reem Island)
Curriculum: British (FS1–Year 6)
Annual Fees (2025/2026): AED 44,480 (FS1) – AED 46,030 (Year 2–6)
ADEK Rating: Outstanding
Highlights:
- Aldar Academies school with project-based, creative learning
- Strong early years and primary school reputation
- Convenient central location for families living on Al Reem
For families looking specifically for Indian curriculum options, check out our full guide to the best Indian schools in Abu Dhabi, which includes well-rated institutions across the city.
School comparison table
| School | Curriculum | Grades | ADEK Rating | Annual Fees (AED) | Distance from Al Reem Island |
| Repton School | British / IB | Nursery – Year 13 | Outstanding | 57,178 – 102,753 | Within Al Reem |
| GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi | IB | Nursery – Year 13 | Very Good | 55,420 – 73,890 | Within Al Reem |
| Nord Anglia International School AD | British | FS1 – Year 9 (initial) | TBD (Opened 2023) | 69,625 – 99,794 (est.) | Within Al Reem |
| Cranleigh Abu Dhabi | British | FS1 – Year 13 | Outstanding | 65,000 – 96,333 | ~19 min |
| Brighton College Abu Dhabi | British | FS1 – Year 13 | Outstanding | 64,175 – 105,773 | ~15 min |
| Al Bateen World Academy | British / IB | FS1 – Year 13 | Good | 58,090 – 75,310 | ~15 min |
| The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) | British | FS1 – Year 13 | Outstanding | ~61,500 (average) | ~15–20 min |
Saint Joseph’s School | CBSE | Grade 1 – 12 | Good | 6,650 – 11,460 | ~15–20 min |
| Pearl British Academy | British | FS1 – Year 6 | Outstanding | 44,480 – 46,030 | ~15–20 min |
How to choose the right best school in Al Reem Island
For 2025, families should focus on a few essentials when choosing a school:
- Curriculum fit: Decide between British (IGCSE/A-Levels) or IB, depending on your child’s background and goals.
- Quality: Check ADEK ratings, which now also include a “National Identity Mark” alongside teaching and achievement scores.
- Fees: Compare tuition carefully. Ask about scholarships or discounts, which many schools now offer.
- Commute and facilities: Consider travel time, plus access to modern labs, sports grounds, and arts spaces.
- First-hand impression: Visit schools, talk to staff and parents, and see if the environment feels right.
A mix of ratings, costs, and personal visits usually leads to the best choice.
Key takeaways
Al Reem Island has established itself as a family hub with strong education options. Repton School Abu Dhabi, now rated Outstanding by ADEK, remains a leading choice with British and IB pathways. GEMS World Academy offers a modern, premium IB education, while Nord Anglia International School brings the global British brand to the island. Families considering a move close to these schools can explore properties for rent across Abu Dhabi to find a home that fits their budget and preferred commute time.
For younger children, nurseries such as Redwood Montessori, Playhouse, Maple Bear, and Hummingbird provide diverse approaches, from Montessori to bilingual and EYFS. Families willing to travel a short distance also gain access to other Outstanding schools, including Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Brighton College, Pearl British Academy, and BSAK.
School fees range from affordable CBSE options like Saint Joseph’s to premium British and IB schools, with many offering scholarships for high achievers. The right choice depends on curriculum fit, commute, budget, and the learning environment experienced during school visits.
FAQs
Repton School Abu Dhabi holds an Outstanding ADEK rating, making it the highest-rated and most established option on the island.
Yes. GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi offers a full IB programme, and Nord Anglia International School opened a British curriculum campus in 2023.
Parents can choose Redwood Montessori, Playhouse Nursery, Maple Bear Nursery, and Hummingbird Early Learning Centre, each offering different curricula and approaches.
For 2025/2026, annual fees range from AED 55,420 to AED 102,753 for premium schools. Nurseries vary by programme and services.
