Brighton College Abu Dhabi

Focus 

Kind, curious and confident 

Day fees 

$17,000–$22,000

Pupils 

1,856

Ages

3–18

Academics

71 per cent of GCSE results are at grade 7–9

45 per cent of A-level results are at A* or A

Spear’s Review

Brighton College Abu Dhabi (BCAD) strongly endorses the style and traditions of the British independent school system and remains closely associated with its sister school, Brighton College UK. 

Pupils follow the national curriculum of England and Wales and can choose from a wide range of subjects. There is an impressive selection of extracurricular activities on offer, including swimming, ball sports, music, reading clubs and model United Nations. 

Since the school opened in 2011, it has consistently achieved outstanding results in GCSEs and A-Levels. Many pupils go on to attend leading universities in the UK, US and elsewhere. 

Head teacher

Born in the United Kingdom, Scott Carnochan and his parents moved to Hong Kong, where his family stayed for almost 20 years, prior to spells in Thailand and Laos. Carnochan returned to school in the United Kingdom for his education. Carnochan undertook a BEd (Hons) at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. He then entered the teaching profession and began his career in the United Kingdom, prior to embarking on another overseas venture, this time in Africa. On his return to the United Kingdom, he started the next chapter of his career with senior roles at St John’s College School, Cambridge, and Repton School, Derbyshire, prior to being appointed to his first headship at the age of 34. Carnochan undertook his postgraduate studies in educational leadership at the University of Nottingham and was most recently headmaster of Brighton College Al Ain, where the school was graded ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by ADEK. 

Admissions

According to the school:

Step 1: Parents create an online application on the school website. Step 2: Admissions will contact parents within one to two school days to arrange their child’s entry appointment or advise them of the next step. Play sessions are scheduled for Nursery to Year 1 pupils on campus. Video submissions for observation are arranged for international applicants. CAT4 entry appointments, a written piece of reading and comprehension, and interview with the heads of school are scheduled for Year 2 to Year 13 pupils. Step 3: Offer letter decision. At the end of the week of the child’s CAT4 or play session, a decision will be sent to parents by email. A BCAD offer letter includes the admission handbook and how to accept the offer by deposit payment, following a successful admission. Payment options and how to complete the mandatory ADEK eSIS registration are also included. On completion of payment and eSIS registration, parents will be issued a start date and class assignment email, welcoming their child to join BCAD.

Feeder schools

The British International School Abu Dhabi, Repton Abu Dhabi, GEMS American Academy

University and college places

1.5 per cent of pupils gained places at Oxford and Cambridge in the last three years.

1.5 per cent of students gained places at Ivy League universities in the last three years.

Accessibility 

Abu Dhabi International Airport; 15 minutes

Location

Click for more information about the research process and expert insight behind the Spear’s Schools Index.