Yasmina British Academy is now 13 years old, during which time it has developed and built a reputation as one of the best schools in Abu Dhabi. Through the efforts of the Academy staff and our wonderful school community, this reputation has been cemented in recent years with outstanding ADEK and BSO inspections. The challenges of the pandemic, difficult as they have been, have enabled us to show the value of Yasmina British Academy in our community. Staff and parents have shown incredible teamwork to ensure every student continues to thrive. Against all the odds we have seen not only outstanding external examination results, but also an increasing number of families showing an interest in joining us.

Clearly, all these factors have given Aldar Education the confidence to invest in what will be one of the most architecturally and sustainable premium facilities in Abu Dhabi. The inclusion of the first purpose-built world class post-16 centre in the region will also be a welcome addition to the Academy and to the ambitious young people of Abu Dhabi.

There is a great deal of research that shows the positive impact a high-quality school learning environment can have on both teaching and on learning outcomes. Surroundings that are modern, aesthetically pleasing, well-designed, and highly functional facilities that will lead to better attendance, an improved sense of self-esteem, deeper concentration, and a greater sense of community. Our community chooses to be part of Yasmina British Academy because, both personally and academically, we help students to thrive. Moving to such an incredible new facility will allow us to not only continue this legacy but enable us to continue to secure the very best staff and to future-proof our students educational journey for years to come.

With a site covering 180,000 square metres, there are several standout facilities, but in brief, a large auditorium for performances and conferences, a range of swimming pools, specialist science laboratories, recording studios, state of the art computer suites, classrooms fitted with the latest interactive technology, STEAM and design and technology facilities, and outstanding indoor and outdoor sport facilities that will all add value to the experience our students receive and to the resulting outcomes we see.

The whole site design and construction is already well underway, with much of the groundworks and many of the services for Phase 1 in place. However, a build of this size, quality, and specification will take time so the phased approach will ensure all quality and safety standards are being met every step of the way.

With the new site being so close to our current campus, the transition will be relatively easy but still carefully planned. In the coming months, we will seek the views of our community and communicate our findings before any actions take place, but strategies such as staggered start and finish times and transport between sites, will no doubt be needed to support you as parents until we fully transition. One school with two sites is a common feature for international schools, but this is something that we will only have in place for two years. However, with such a spectacular and substantial build underway, we cannot express enough how worthwhile this wait and transition will be to the families and students that are part of this journey.

For those year groups awaiting the transition, we have continued, and will continue to invest in the current Yasmina British Academy site. A new playground, a completely redesigned and refurbished Post-16 Centre, extended and improved parking facilities, a new reception area, and coffee shop, have all been added this year. However, and most importantly of all, we have continued to invest in the very best teachers from around the world. Our new facilities will of course enable us to continue to attract top teaching talent in the future.

Our Academy is already at full capacity in most year groups and we are still seeing a large number of in-year applications. News of the new facility will no doubt increase this interest, both now and in the future. To avoid disappointment, our advice to prospective parents would be to submit your application as early as possible and secure your place in what will be one of the most exciting and dynamic school developments in the history of the UAE.

No – all existing students will relocate at the start of the academic year 2024-2025.