Why Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi is one of the most sought-after educational institutions in the capital
PARTNER CONTENT: We recently visited Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi (NAS Abu Dhabi) and spoke with staff, parents, and students to uncover what makes this school one of the most sought-after educational institutions in the capital.
We left impressed by many things but were particularly fascinated by a fundamental philosophy that resonates throughout the school: the critical importance of a nurturing environment as a key element of both the learning experience and learning outcomes.
The school goes beyond traditional education metrics to foster a community where every student feels happy, safe, valued, and deeply understood.
This ethos is not just about creating a pleasant school atmosphere; it’s about cultivating a sense of belonging that is directly linked to each student’s success and well-being.
Cultivating a sense of being valued
“Every child at NAS Abu Dhabi is seen as an individual, not just a student,” explains Catherine Keen, teacher of English at NAS Abu Dhabi.
Central to the school’s philosophy is the concept of ensuring that every child feels significant and appreciated for who they are as individuals, not just for their achievements.
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“This approach is rooted in robust psychological research which shows that when students feel they matter, they exhibit higher self-esteem, less anxiety, and greater resilience” explains Liam Cullinan, Principal, and Head of Secondary at NAS Abu Dhabi.
The school’s recent parent satisfaction survey supports this approach, revealing that well over 90 per cent of parents are confident that teachers at the school look after their children’s wellbeing.
Building relationships that foster growth
“I feel like teachers really get me here. Every teacher here is very supportive and looks out for you”, says Milton, a secondary student.
At NAS Abu Dhabi, the quality of relationships within the school community is seen as a strong predictor of academic success.
The school prioritises strong connections between students, educators, and the community, fostering mutual respect and understanding. This, in turn, enhances student engagement and motivation.
“Our students know that their contributions are valued, and they feel confident to take intellectual risks, explore new ideas, and push their boundaries with their own thinking, especially in the modern world of AI and information technology”, says Ms Keen.
A remarkable 95 per cent of parents say that their children have good relationships with their teachers at NAS Abu Dhabi.
Supportive learning environments
Creating a supportive atmosphere is a priority for teachers and staff at NAS Abu Dhabi.
The school believes that educational outcomes are a natural extension of a well-rounded and fulfilling school experience.
Here, educators and parents work together to ensure that every student feels supported, both emotionally and academically.
“By leading conversations with interest in the students’ well-being and passions, we remove the barriers of stress and pressure that can impede learning” says Mr Cullinan. Remarkably, 93 per cent of parents agree that the school provides a stimulating environment and believe teachers offer the necessary support and motivation.
Encouraging purpose and personal development
At NAS Abu Dhabi, students are encouraged to pursue their interests and to find purpose in activities that resonate with their personal values.
This approach enhances their educational experience and contributes to their personal development and identity formation.
“By allowing students to explore what truly matters to them, we help them build a sense of purpose that extends beyond the school environment and into their future careers and personal lives,” says Michael Connor, Head of Primary at NAS Abu Dhabi.
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The overwhelming majority of parents feel that teachers provide individual attention, and think the school looks after the personal development of their children.
The result: Thriving students
The result of this nurturing approach is clear: students who are happy, secure, and valued excel naturally in their academic pursuits. They are more engaged, more motivated, and more capable of achieving their best academic outcomes.
NAS Abu Dhabi prepares students to leave school not only with outstanding academic results but also as well-rounded individuals ready to make their mark on the world.
“I’ve seen a big difference in his confidence since he started here, and I’ve never seen my child so happy to come back to school”, shared Mr Erwin, a secondary parent.
Survey data shows that and an impressive 96 per cent of parents think their children are happy at the school, and the vast majority believe their children are making good progress.
NAS Abu Dhabi is set to launch its GCSE programme in August 2024, and is accepting applications from FS1 to Y10.
Offering the world-renowned British curriculum, the school has fast established itself as a beacon of high-quality, forward-thinking, and research-based education in the capital.
Founding Year 10 students joining in August 2025 will benefit from an amazing 10 per cent discount valid for four years, until graduation.
For more information, contact admissions@nasabudhabi.ae.
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