Secondary school
Secondary school

Explore our Secondary School in Abu Dhabi

Our International Secondary School is a place where our students develop their passions and become lifelong learners. We enhance the English National Curriculum to cultivate critical thinking and help students gain essential life skills along the way. Our Secondary School welcomes students aged 11 to 16, guiding them through the good struggles, achievement and personal growth.

Outstanding iGCSE results

Our iGCSE students achieve excellent results at Reach British School. These are the 2024 results. 

98%

pass rate

A Level

29%

A*-A

A Level

62%

A*-B

A Level

82%

A*-C

A Level

100%

pass rate

BTEC

37%

Distinction or Distinction*

BTEC

73%

Merit or Higher

BTEC

What will you be learning? 

Are you curious to know which disciplines you will be studying during your academic path?  

Our curriculum

We celebrate the unique qualities and passions of every student in our school. Our team of expert teachers is deeply committed to their students' personal success. We understand that each student requires an approach tailored to their specific interests, activities, and level of English, and we take this into account when determining learning methods. We regularly check in with our students to ensure that we are meeting their individual needs and providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment. 

In accordance with the Ministry of Education, Secondary students can choose from a diverse range of subjects, including Arabic Language and UAE Social Studies. Native and non-native students alike can benefit from these courses, and Muslim students also receive Islamic Studies. Through personalised education and cultural inclusivity, we aim to inspire our students' love of learning and help them achieve their full potential.

Our curriculum

Key Stage 3 – Year 7 To Year 9

At Reach, our Key Stage 3 curriculum, spanning Years 7 to 9, follows the English National Curriculum, enriched with local nuances to reflect our diverse community. Aligned with the Ministry of Education guidelines, we offer a rich array of subjects such as Maths, English, Science, ICT, Art, PE, Geography, History, and French. We provide Arabic Language and UAE Social Studies for native and non-native students, and Muslim students also take Islamic Studies.  

To support student progress, we implement regular cognitive ability assessments and the results provide the teacher, student and parents with a clear indication of what grade a student is likely to obtain at the end of Year 11 for their iGCSEs. Teachers assess students based on the new IGCSE criteria, ensuring each year group progresses at a level appropriate for their academic journey.

Key Stage 3 – Year 7 To Year 9

Key Stage 4 – Year 10 to 11

Welcome to our impressive Key Stage 4 programme, where we take pride in preparing our Year 10 and 11 students for their IGCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations in a wide range of National Curriculum for England subjects. Each student is supported with a personalised guidance and tutorial system based on their unique learning needs, ensuring we cater to all abilities. English, Maths, and Science are compulsory IGCSE subjects for all students, while the three additional subjects offered from our curriculum are selected from our vast options list, covering IGCSE and BTEC International Level 2 courses.

For students studying Arabic and Islamic Studies, these are assessed according to the MOE curriculum towards the end of Year 13. At Reach, we are proud to offer a range of choices to allow students to have ownership over their learning journey.  

Key Stage 4 – Year 10 to 11
Supportive teaching Scholarships Native Arabic speakers

Supportive teaching

Helping students to thrive

In our nurturing environment, we recognise that each child matures and progresses at their own unique pace. Our teachers ensure that every student is appropriately challenged and supported, allowing them to embrace learning at their own developmental level. This approach is crucial in fostering a sense of achievement, empowering students to thrive in their educational journey.

At Reach, we understand that learning is a journey, not a race, and we believe that students flourish when they are encouraged to explore their aspirations with the right support.

Scholarships

ISP scholarships support talented students

Students entering Years 7 to 10 and Year 12 can apply for academic scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition fees. Open to both current and new students of any nationality, these scholarships support exceptional learners in advancing their studies.

Native Arabic speakers

Learning through language

As a many of our students are native Arabic speakers, teachers support students by teaching similar content areas at the same time across the National Curriculum of England and the Ministry of Education curriculum. 

Core pillars of learning

As part of the International School Partnership- ISP family, we support students to take ownership of their learning, and every student is motivated to shape their world through transformative learning experiences. Our students graduate equipped with a portfolio of academic excellence and life skills, ready to take on their destination of choice. 

  • Academic achievement

    Academic achievement

    Enjoy personalised learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills and understanding.

  • Life competencies

    Life competencies

    Gain essential life skills to thrive in academics, as well as careers and personal lives.

  • Multilingualism

    Multilingualism

    Develop proficiency in at least one world language, while being supported in home or first languages.

  • International opportunities

    International opportunities

    Try global skill-building programmes and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork and leadership.

  • Life & career pathways

    Life & career pathways

    Benefit from personalised guidance for university and career choices, supporting your chosen path.

When to enrol?

Placement of our new students in classes is carried out by the Heads of School to ensure classes are diverse across gender, language, national status, and additional learning needs. Your new teacher will be in touch directly with all the information you will need, and you will be given a house colour for your sports uniform.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Secondary School at Reach British School covers students aged eleven to sixteen, across Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10 to 11). Students work through an enhanced English National Curriculum, building up to IGCSE exams at the end of Year 11. Alongside the academic work, there's a real focus on critical thinking and personal growth, getting students ready for what Sixth Form and beyond will ask of them.

Secondary students at Reach British School follow an enhanced English National Curriculum, with Ministry of Education requirements built in, including Arabic Language, UAE Social Studies and, for Muslim students, Islamic Studies. Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) covers Maths, English, Science, ICT, Art, PE, Geography, History and French. Key Stage 4 (Years 10 to 11) shifts toward IGCSE exams through Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge International boards.

Key Stage 3 at Reach British School's Secondary School covers Maths, English, Science, ICT, Art, Physical Education, Geography, History and French. In Key Stage 4, English, Maths and Science are compulsory IGCSE subjects, and students pick three more from a list that includes both IGCSE and BTEC International Level 2 courses. Arabic Language, UAE Social Studies and Islamic Studies continue for students who need them throughout Secondary.

English, Maths and Science are compulsory IGCSE subjects for every Key Stage 4 student at Reach British School. On top of those, students choose three more from a list covering both IGCSE and BTEC International Level 2 courses, so they have some real say in what they study. A tutorial system gives personalised guidance through the process, so choices end up matching each student's strengths and interests rather than being picked at random.

For IGCSE prep, Reach British School runs a tutorial system that adjusts to each student's needs and ability level in Key Stage 4. Cognitive ability assessments in Key Stage 3 give an early read on likely Year 11 grades, so support can start well before exams get close. Compulsory core subjects, a decent range of options, and teachers focused on individual progress all add up to consistent IGCSE results.

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Thank you so much for your interest in Reach British School. We are thrilled that you are considering us for your educational needs.

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Accreditations