10 Best CBSE Schools in Abu Dhabi 2025–2026 — Fees, Admission & Reviews

Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS) is an ADEK Good-rated, not-for-profit CBSE school located in the Muroor / Hadbat Al Za'faranah area of Abu Dhabi, offering KG1 through Grade 12, with annual fees ranging from AED 5,560 to AED 11,690 — making it one of the most affordable large-scale CBSE schools in the emirate.

Abu Dhabi Indian School: What You Need to Know

• Abu Dhabi Indian School is one of the largest private K–12 schools in Abu Dhabi, with close to 4,930 students on roll as of the 2024 ADEK Irtiqaa inspection, which confirmed a Good overall rating.
• Abu Dhabi Indian School's CBSE Grade 10 and Grade 12 results in English, Mathematics, and all Sciences were rated outstanding by ADEK inspectors, and this performance has been consistent for three consecutive years.
• Abu Dhabi Indian School was founded in 1971 with support from prominent community members including the late Mohan Jashanmal, and operates as a not-for-profit institution — a feature that helps keep fees among the most accessible in Abu Dhabi.
• Abu Dhabi Indian School segregates boys and girls from Grade 3 upwards at the upper primary and secondary levels, and maintains separate school timings to manage student movement across its large campus.

Abu Dhabi Indian School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024

[Inspection Report — Contact school or visit ADEK/TAMM portal for the latest report link]

Abu Dhabi Indian School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Fee data sourced from edcare.ae (2024 Irtiqaa-period fees). Contact Abu Dhabi Indian School directly to confirm the 2025–2026 approved fee schedule.

Abu Dhabi Indian School: Admission Process

1. Visit the school or its official communication channels to confirm seat availability for the relevant grade.
2. Collect or download the registration form; submit it with all required documents.
3. Documents required: Copy of passport (first and last page) with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, original Transfer Certificate (attested if transferring from India: by the District Education Officer/CBSE Regional Office, then the Indian Embassy, then UAE Foreign Affairs), previous academic marksheets.
4. Children join Grade 1 based on the age criterion: minimum age 6 years as of 31 March of the admission year.
5. Mid-term admissions are considered subject to seat availability and submission of a valid Transfer Certificate.

Private International English School (PIES), also known as Bhavans Abu Dhabi, is an ADEK Very Good-rated CBSE school in Mohammed Bin Zayed City (Mussafah), Abu Dhabi, offering KG1 through Grade 12 for close to 2,000 students, with annual fees of AED 10,500 to AED 17,700 for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Private International English School: What You Need to Know

• Private International English School (PIES) has maintained a Very Good ADEK rating continuously since its first inspection in 2018–19, confirmed again in 2021–22 and 2023–24 — one of only three Indian curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi to have achieved this.
• Private International English School is part of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) network, a globally respected Indian educational institution running over 400 schools in India and ten international centres across the UK, USA, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, and the Gulf.
• Private International English School's campus includes dedicated computer, chemistry, biology, physics, and psychology labs, alongside indoor and outdoor sports facilities, a KG play area, and a Learning Management System that supports digital classwork from KG level.
• Private International English School delivers the CBSE curriculum with an emphasis on experiential learning, 21st-century skills, and a comprehensive intervention plan for students who require additional academic support.

Private International English School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2023–2024

Irtiqaa Inspection Report 2023–2024 | ADEK Fee Approval 2025–26

Private International English School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Plus textbook fees: AED 600 (KG1–KG2), AED 700 (Grade 1–12). Source: bhavansabudhabi.com/fees-structure

Private International English School: Admission Process

1. Download and complete the online registration form from bhavansabudhabi.com.
2. Submit the following documents: passport copies (first and last pages) with valid UAE residence visa for student and parents, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate (TC) — attested by the District Education Officer/CBSE Regional Office if from India, then the Indian Embassy, then UAE Foreign Affairs.
3. For students transferring locally within Abu Dhabi, submit the eSIS number and ADEK marksheet from the previous school.
4. Confirm age eligibility: KG1 requires the child to be 4 years old as of 31 March of the year of admission.
5. The academic year runs April to March; admissions for the following year typically open in January–February. Mid-term admissions are accepted subject to seat availability.

Sunrise English Private School (SEPS) is an ADEK Good-rated CBSE school in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, established in 1988, offering KG1 through Grade 12 with annual fees ranging from AED 8,100 to AED 12,770 — one of the most affordable and long-established Indian curriculum schools in the capital.

Sunrise English Private School: What You Need to Know

• Sunrise English Private School has been rated Good by ADEK in the 2024–25 inspection round, continuing a consistent track record since the school's establishment in 1988 — over 36 years of CBSE education in Abu Dhabi.
• Sunrise English Private School maintains a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:25 in Kindergarten and 1:30 in other grades, with 158 qualified teachers recruited predominantly from India supporting a student body of over 2,800.
• Sunrise English Private School offers Science and Commerce streams for Grades 11 and 12, and its campus includes a library, organic garden, robotics programme, computer labs, sports courts, fine art rooms, a canteen, and a health clinic.
• Sunrise English Private School's motto is "Lighted to Lighten," and the school places strong emphasis on collaborative learning and developing responsible global citizens alongside academic achievement.

Sunrise English Private School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024–25

[Inspection Report — Available under the Inspections tab on the WhichSchoolAdvisor profile for Sunrise English Private School]

Sunrise English Private School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Contact Sunrise English Private School directly or visit seps-auh.com to confirm the current ADEK-approved fee schedule for 2025–2026.

Sunrise English Private School: Admission Process

1. Visit the school during admission hours or contact the school administration to confirm seat availability.
2. Complete the admission registration form and submit with required documents: passport (first and last pages) with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate (attested if from India or outside Abu Dhabi), previous year's marksheets.
3. For students transferring within Abu Dhabi, submit the ADEK marksheet and eSIS number.
4. The academic year runs April to March; the school was set up to serve the Indian expatriate community and prioritises applications well before the April start.
5. Mid-term admissions are considered based on seat availability and valid Transfer Certificate.

St. Joseph's School is an ADEK Very Good-rated CBSE school in Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, established in 1967 and managed by the Apostolic Vicariate of the Roman Catholic Church, offering Grade 1 through Grade 12 in a co-educational setting up to Grade 6, and girls-only from Grade 7 onwards, with fees of AED 6,170 to AED 10,640 per year — one of the most affordable Very Good-rated CBSE schools in Abu Dhabi.

St. Joseph's School: What You Need to Know

• St. Joseph's School has held a Very Good ADEK rating since its 2021–22 inspection, confirmed again in 2023–24 — a significant upgrade from its previous consistent Good rating and a reflection of genuine school improvement.
• St. Joseph's School maintains a staff-to-student ratio of 1:16, which is notably lower than the Abu Dhabi average for Indian curriculum schools, enabling stronger individual support for each child.
• St. Joseph's School's CBSE Grade 10 and Grade 12 results have historically been strong in English, Mathematics, and Science, with attainment described as outstanding by ADEK inspectors in multiple inspection cycles.
• St. Joseph's School was founded in 1967 — the oldest school in this guide — and holds a central location in Al Mushrif, making it accessible for families living in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Minimal staff turnover and a tightly knit school community are consistent themes in parent feedback.

St. Joseph's School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2023–2024

[Inspection Report — Available under the Inspections tab on the WhichSchoolAdvisor profile for St. Joseph's School Abu Dhabi]

St. Joseph's School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Additional book fee: AED 395–475 per year depending on grade. ADEK classifies St. Joseph's fees as Very Low. Source: WhichSchoolAdvisor. Contact stjosephsschool.ae to confirm current fees.

St. Joseph's School: Admission Process

1. Visit stjosephsschool.ae/admissions to review current admission requirements.
2. Note that St. Joseph's School accepts students from Grade 1 only — children must come from an external nursery or KG programme.
3. Documents required: passport (first and last pages) with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate attested as follows — from India: District Education Officer/CBSE Regional Office, then Indian Embassy, then UAE Foreign Affairs; from other UAE emirates: Ministry of Education attestation; from other countries: respective school and Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE Embassy.
4. For local transfers within Abu Dhabi, submit the eSIS number and ADEK marksheet from the previous school.
5. St. Joseph's School is girls-only from Grade 7 onwards — parents of boys should plan accordingly for the secondary transition.

Mayoor Private School is an ADEK Very Good-rated CBSE school in Al Wathba South, Abu Dhabi, established in 2014 as the first branded day-scholar school of the Mayo College General Council (MCGC) outside India, offering KG1 through Grade 12 with annual fees of AED 18,240 to AED 26,130 — the premium option among Abu Dhabi's CBSE schools.

Mayoor Private School: What You Need to Know

• Mayoor Private School was awarded a Very Good ADEK rating in the 2024–25 inspection round, building on the school's strong track record since opening — and making it one of only a handful of Indian curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi to achieve this rating.
• Mayoor Private School is a collaboration between TAALEEM National Private Educational & Facilities Management Company and the 140-year-old Mayo College General Council (MCGC), India — the same institution behind the celebrated Mayo College in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
• Mayoor Private School delivers the CBSE curriculum through project-based learning, formative assessments, and a focus on 21st-century skills, and offers cultural exchange programmes with locations including Prague, France, and the USA.
• Mayoor Private School's campus in Al Wathba South includes an innovation lab, aerospace lab, library, Wi-Fi-enabled classrooms, and extensive sports and extracurricular facilities designed to support holistic development.

Mayoor Private School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024–25

[Inspection Report — Available under the Inspections tab on the WhichSchoolAdvisor profile for Mayoor Private School Abu Dhabi]

Mayoor Private School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Source: WhichSchoolAdvisor. Confirm the latest ADEK-approved schedule at mayoorschoolabudhabi.com or mayoorschoolabudhabi.com/Admissions.html.

Mayoor Private School: Admission Process

1. Complete the online registration form at mayoorschoolabudhabi.com — the school has moved to a fully online admissions process.
2. Upload required documents: passport copies (first and last pages) of parents and child with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate with full attestation chain.
3. Transfer Certificate attestation for students from India: verified by District Education Officer/CBSE Regional Office → attested by Indian Consulate/Embassy Abu Dhabi → UAE Foreign Affairs.
4. For students from other UAE emirates: Ministry of Education attestation required. For students from other countries: respective school → Ministry of Education → Ministry of Foreign Affairs → UAE Embassy.
5. Tuition is payable in three equal instalments per academic year (April to March). Refund policy applies if written notice is provided before the term begins.

Emirates Future International Academy (EFIA) is an ADEK Good-rated CBSE school in Mohammed Bin Zayed City (Mussafah area), Abu Dhabi, established in 2008 and managed by Al Junaibi Group of Companies, offering KG1 through Grade 12 with annual fees of AED 7,800 to AED 14,600 — a well-established mid-budget option with ISO 9001-2015 certification.

Emirates Future International Academy: What You Need to Know

• Emirates Future International Academy holds a Good ADEK rating and is ISO 9001-2015 certified — one of only a small number of Abu Dhabi CBSE schools to hold this quality management certification.
• Emirates Future International Academy has served as the CBSE Board Examination centre for several Abu Dhabi CBSE schools, hosting Grade 10 and Grade 12 examinations for students from six schools, which reflects its strong administrative and examination infrastructure.
• Emirates Future International Academy's Grade 10 results have consistently achieved 100% pass rates, and Grade 12 results in both Science and Commerce streams show a sustained improvement trend over multiple years.
• Emirates Future International Academy's campus includes separate computer labs for boys and girls, a gym, library, canteen, clinic, and transport facilities, and the school aligns its curriculum to the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 through its Student Competency Framework.

Emirates Future International Academy: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection (most recent — 2023–24 cycle)

Fee Structure 2025–2026 | EFIA School Website

Emirates Future International Academy: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Contact Emirates Future International Academy directly at efiaschool.com or click the fee structure link above to view the ADEK-approved 2025–2026 schedule.

Emirates Future International Academy: Admission Process

1. Visit efiaschool.com or contact the school administration to confirm current seat availability.
2. Collect and complete the admission registration form; submit with required documents.
3. Documents required: passport copies with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate (attested by the relevant authority depending on country of origin — India: CBSE Regional Office → Indian Embassy → UAE Foreign Affairs; other countries: respective Ministry of Education and UAE Embassy).
4. Age criterion: KG1 requires a minimum age of 4 years as of 31 March; Grade 1 requires a minimum of 6 years.
5. The academic year runs April to March; the school accepts mid-term admissions subject to seat availability and a valid Transfer Certificate.

Bright Riders School (BRS) is an ADEK Very Good-rated CBSE school in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, established in its current form in 2013 (growing from a kindergarten founded in 1978), offering KG1 through Grade 12 for approximately 3,900 students, with annual fees of AED 9,470 to AED 19,650 — the largest Very Good-rated CBSE school in this guide.

Bright Riders School: What You Need to Know

• Bright Riders School holds a Very Good ADEK rating and has been recognised with the ADEK Award for the most improved school category — evidence of meaningful, sustained institutional progress.
• Bright Riders School supports around 3,900 students with 214 teachers and 14 teaching assistants, and operates mixed-gender classrooms from KG through Grade 5, transitioning to gender-specific classes from Grade 6 onwards.
• Bright Riders School's Grade 12 board examination results have included scores as high as 97.6% in Science and 96.4% in Commerce, and the school provides access to multiple clubs, sports, and co-curricular activities including aerobics, swimming, art, vocal and instrumental music, and dance.
• Bright Riders School's campus in Mohammed Bin Zayed City features smart classrooms, advanced science and computer laboratories, a library, auditorium, sports facilities, and a clinic — all within a purpose-built facility designed to international education standards.

Bright Riders School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection (most recent cycle)

Bright Riders School Website | ADEK Inspection Ratings — Edarabia

Bright Riders School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Source: WhichSchoolAdvisor / Bayut (AED 10,280 KG1 to AED 21,330 Grade 12 per Bayut). Contact brightriders.ae to confirm the current ADEK-approved fee schedule.

Bright Riders School: Admission Process

1. Complete the online admission registration form at brightriders.ae; a confirmation email will be sent upon receipt.
2. An admission assessment is conducted for Grade 3 and above. Grades 1 and 2 have direct admissions subject to seat availability.
3. Documents required: valid passport with UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, CBSE registration card (for Grade 9 and above), previous school marksheets, original Transfer Certificate (attested if transferring from India: Ministry of Education/CBSE Regional Office → Indian Embassy; from other UAE emirates: Ministry of Education attestation; from GCC countries: Ministry of Education of the origin country).
4. Internal transfers within Abu Dhabi can be processed online.
5. The academic year runs April to March; the school observes age placement criteria based on 31 March as the cutoff date.

Shining Star International School (SSIS) is an ADEK Good-rated CBSE school in Mussafah (Shabiya 12), Abu Dhabi, established in 2014, offering KG1 through Grade 12 for approximately 1,450 students, with fees from AED 8,630 to AED 16,930 — a value-focused school with a multilingual programme and a strong co-curricular offering.

Shining Star International School: What You Need to Know

• Shining Star International School achieved a Good ADEK rating in the 2024–25 inspection round, marking significant progress from its initial 2015 Weak rating and subsequent Acceptable ratings — demonstrating sustained school improvement under Principal Mrs. Abhilasha Singh's leadership.
• Shining Star International School teaches five languages: English, Arabic, Hindi, Malayalam, and Urdu — an unusual breadth for a CBSE school in Abu Dhabi that reflects its inclusive, multicultural community.
• Shining Star International School's campus includes a library, drama studio, computer labs, robotics lab, science labs (physics, chemistry, biology), and a multi-purpose auditorium, alongside cafeteria, music and art facilities, and a clinic.
• Shining Star International School maintains a staff-to-student ratio of 1:20 and the academic year follows the April-to-March CBSE calendar; walk-in admission visits are available every Thursday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Shining Star International School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024–25

[Inspection Report — Available at ADEK/TAMM portal or on the Edarabia profile for Shining Star International School]

Shining Star International School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Source: Bayut school guide for Shining Star International School. Contact ssis.ae to confirm the current ADEK-approved fee schedule.

Shining Star International School: Admission Process

1. Parents and children seeking admission are invited to visit the school from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM every Thursday and Saturday (excluding public and school holidays). To schedule a visit, use the online booking form at ssis.ae/admission.
2. KG and Grade 1: A direct interaction is held with the Principal and the School Counsellor as part of the admission assessment.
3. Documents required: birth certificate (attested if issued outside the UAE — notary, Home Department, respective Embassy, UAE Foreign Affairs), passport copies with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate (with attestation chain appropriate to country of origin), previous marksheets.
4. Mid-term admissions are considered subject to seat availability; students continue in the same class if joining mid-year, or advance to the next class if joining at the start of a new academic year.
5. The academic year runs April to March.

Dunes International School (DIS) is an ADEK Good-rated CBSE school in Mussafah (Sector 9), Abu Dhabi, established in its current form in 2017 (operating from the same site since 1988), offering Pre-KG through Grade 12 with fees from AED 12,320 to AED 24,120 — a technologically advanced, STEM-focused campus committed to child-centred learning.

Dunes International School: What You Need to Know

• Dunes International School was rated Good by ADEK on its first inspection following its 2017 rebranding — a strong result that reflects the quality of education delivered at this campus, which has operated in Mussafah since 1988 under different names.
• Dunes International School offers a technologically integrated campus where technology enhances learning at every level, with the school emphasising STEM education, inquiry-based learning, and problem-solving skills alongside the CBSE curriculum.
• Dunes International School's academic year runs April to March and is divided into three terms, and the school organises educational holiday camps and international trips to India and other countries as part of its holistic learning programme.
• Dunes International School provides Science and Commerce streams for Grades 11 and 12, and its extracurricular programme is supplemented by career guidance support, with the school's community service and professional development initiatives regularly recognised through school awards.

Dunes International School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection (most recent cycle)

ADEK Approved Fee Structure | School Website

Dunes International School: Annual Fees 2026–2027 (ADEK Approved)

Source: dunesinternationalschool.com/fee-structure — ADEK-approved schedule effective from 2026–2027 academic year. Transport: AED 450 separately.

Dunes International School: Admission Process

1. Complete the online registration form at the Dunes digital campus portal (linked from dunesinternationalschool.com).
2. Documents required: passport (first and last pages) with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, original Transfer Certificate with attestation (from India: CBSE Regional Office → Indian Embassy → UAE Foreign Affairs; from other UAE emirates: Ministry of Education; from GCC: Ministry of Education of origin country; from other countries: respective school and ministry chain).
3. Age criteria for admission are as follows: Pre-KG: minimum 3 years by 31 March; KG1: minimum 4 years by 31 March; Grade 1: minimum 6 years by 31 March.
4. The academic year runs from mid-April to the last week of March; Term 1 starts mid-April and ends early July; Term 2 runs late August to mid-December; Term 3 runs early January to late March.
5. Mid-term admissions are considered subject to seat availability and a valid Transfer Certificate.

Ryan International School, Masdar City, is an ADEK Acceptable-rated CBSE school in Masdar City / Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, established in September 2015 and part of the Ryan Group of Schools (140+ campuses globally), currently offering KG1 through Grade 10 with annual fees of AED 13,710 to AED 22,710 — a budget-conscious option for families seeking CBSE continuity in a sustainability-focused campus environment.

Ryan International School (Masdar): What You Need to Know

• Ryan International School, Masdar City, has been rated Acceptable by ADEK in its 2023–24 inspection — the minimum expected standard — and parents should note that the school currently offers only KG1 through Grade 10, meaning families will need to arrange a school transition before the CBSE board examination years (Grade 11 and 12).
• Ryan International School operates from a purpose-built campus in Masdar City, one of the world's leading sustainable urban developments, and integrates sustainability education into student learning as part of its alignment with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.
• Ryan International School follows the Ryan Group's KASSM framework (Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, Social and Moral Values) and offers cross-curricular, theme-based teaching, and the school's PIRLS 2021 reading score of 607 at Grade 4 is a tangible academic strength.
• Ryan International School offers inter-Ryan transfers for families relocating — a useful feature given the group's 140+ schools across India, Sharjah, and Masdar, with no difference in core CBSE syllabus across campuses.

Ryan International School (Masdar): School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2023–24

Ryan International School Masdar Website | Admissions Information

Ryan International School (Masdar): Annual Fees 2025–2026

Source: GoToUniversity fee structure page for Ryan International Masdar. Contact the school directly to confirm the current ADEK-approved 2025–2026 fee schedule.

Ryan International School (Masdar): Admission Process

1. Visit the online admissions page at ryangroup.org and complete the registration form.
2. Core CBSE subjects offered: English, Hindi or French, EVS/Science, Mathematics, Indian SST, Computer Science, Value Education (non-Muslims) — plus three mandatory UAE Ministry subjects: Arabic, Islamic Studies (for Muslims), and UAE Social Studies.
3. Documents required: passport with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate with appropriate attestation (from India: Ministry of Education/CBSE Regional Office → Indian Embassy; from other emirates: Ministry of Education; from GCC: Ministry of Education of origin country).
4. Inter-Ryan transfers are available if relocating — parents should first confirm seat availability at the destination school, then apply for an inter-Ryan transfer at the current school. Differential fees apply.
5. Note: Ryan International School Masdar does not currently offer Grades 11 and 12; families planning for CBSE board examinations will need to arrange an onward transfer when their child reaches Grade 10 completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which CBSE school in Abu Dhabi has the lowest fees?

Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS) and St. Joseph's School offer the most affordable fee structures in this guide. Abu Dhabi Indian School's fees range from approximately AED 5,560 (KG1) to AED 11,690 (Grade 12). St. Joseph's School is even lower at AED 6,170 (Grade 1) to AED 10,640 (Grade 12), though note that St. Joseph's only admits from Grade 1 — there is no Kindergarten programme. Both schools hold ADEK ratings of Good and Very Good respectively, meaning affordability does not come at the expense of quality.

Which CBSE schools in Abu Dhabi have a Very Good ADEK rating?

Four schools in this guide hold ADEK Very Good ratings: Private International English School (PIES / Bhavans Abu Dhabi), St. Joseph's School, Mayoor Private School, and Bright Riders School. Of these, St. Joseph's School (AED 6,170–10,640) offers the lowest fees for a Very Good-rated school, while Mayoor Private School (AED 18,240–26,130) is the premium CBSE option. Private International English School and Bright Riders School fall in the mid-range at AED 10,500–17,700 and AED 9,470–19,650 respectively.

When should I apply for CBSE school admission in Abu Dhabi?

Most CBSE schools in Abu Dhabi follow an April–March academic year, with admission windows typically opening between January and March for the following year. For schools like Bright Riders School, Mayoor Private School, and Private International English School, which are consistently in demand, it is advisable to submit your application by February at the latest. Shining Star International School accepts walk-in enquiries every Thursday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM year-round for mid-term admissions subject to availability.

What is the difference between ADEK Good and Very Good-rated schools?

ADEK's Irtiqaa inspection framework rates schools on six performance standards: student achievement, personal and social development, teaching and assessment, curriculum, student care and wellbeing, and leadership. A Good rating means quality of performance meets the expectation of UAE — it is not a negative rating and reflects a solid educational standard. A Very Good rating means performance exceeds UAE expectations. Among CBSE schools, only three schools in Abu Dhabi as of 2024–25 have achieved Very Good — making Private International English School, St. Joseph's School, Mayoor Private School, and Bright Riders School notable choices for families who prioritise the inspection rating.

Does Ryan International School Abu Dhabi offer Grade 11 and 12 (CBSE board exams)?

No. Ryan International School, Masdar City currently offers KG1 through Grade 10 only. Families whose children are approaching Grade 10 completion will need to plan an onward transfer to a school that offers Grade 11 and 12. Parents considering Ryan International School should factor this transition into their long-term schooling plan. Schools in this guide that offer a full KG1–Grade 12 pathway include Abu Dhabi Indian School, Private International English School, Sunrise English Private School, St. Joseph's School, Mayoor Private School, Emirates Future International Academy, Bright Riders School, Shining Star International School, and Dunes International School.

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Conclusion

Abu Dhabi's CBSE landscape in 2025–2026 offers genuine choice across ratings, budgets, and locations. From the historic St. Joseph's School (est. 1967, AED 6,170) to the premium Mayoor Private School (AED 26,130), from the Very Good-rated Bright Riders School to the affordable Abu Dhabi Indian School, there is a school to match nearly every family's priorities. Use this guide to shortlist two or three schools, then schedule campus tours before March 2026 — popular schools fill key entry points quickly, and early engagement gives your child the best chance at a smooth April start.