Brighton College Al Ain is delighted to announce that it has been named British International School of the Year at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2025, one of the United Kingdom’s most respected education accolades celebrating excellence and innovation in the independent education sector.
As the only school from the Middle East to be recognised at this year’s awards, Brighton College Al Ain’s success reinforces its growing international reputation as a leading British international school where pupils thrive academically and personally. The award followed a rigorous judging process that reviewed more than 1,000 nominations across 25 categories from schools around the world affiliated with the Independent Schools Council (ISC) and the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).
The judging panel praised Brighton College Al Ain for representing the finest qualities of British international education. The College was commended for combining academic excellence, outstanding teaching and learning, pupil wellbeing, leadership, sustainability, and community engagement in a way that reflects both British values and the UAE’s national vision for future-ready education.
A Year of Academic and Community Achievement
Established in 2013, Brighton College Al Ain has become one of the UAE’s most distinguished schools. It remains the only school in Al Ain to be rated Outstanding in every category by both the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspections.
In the 2024/25 academic year, the College achieved value-added scores of +1 at GCSE and +0.8 at A Level, with pupils earning offers from leading global universities in Medicine, Law, and Engineering. Its British curriculum is enriched with global perspectives, an extensive co-curricular programme, and strong pastoral care.
Home to pupils representing more than 50 nationalities, the College fosters a community built on curiosity, confidence, and kindness. Pupils are encouraged to lead initiatives, mentor peers, and participate in debating and Model United Nations activities that nurture empathy, leadership, and global awareness.
Global Citizenship and Innovation
Brighton College Al Ain’s award submission showcased its strong link between academic learning and global responsibility. Pupils engaged in COP28-aligned environmental workshops and collaborated with Khalifa University through the Community of the Future initiative to design sustainable urban models and propose youth policy ideas.
The College’s Brighton Diploma and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) programmes highlight its focus on creativity, leadership, and service. A joint initiative with Brighton College Abu Dhabi saw pupils donate 954 digital devices to under-resourced schools worldwide through the Digital School’s Donate Your Own Device campaign. Community events such as the annual College Iftar and Support Staff Winter Gifts further reinforced its culture of compassion and service.
Leadership Reflections
Craig Lamshed, General Manager of Bloom Education’s Brighton Colleges in the UAE, said:
“This honour reflects the collective excellence of the Brighton College Al Ain community, from our dedicated teachers and staff to our remarkable pupils who embody kindness, curiosity, and confidence every day. It is a well-deserved distinction that recognises the school’s pursuit of the highest standards and Bloom Education’s success in operating world-class British schools across the UAE.”
Head Master Oliver Bromley-Hall commented:
“We are thrilled. Alongside our ADEK and BSO ‘Outstanding’ ratings, this recognition reflects the depth of our work and the excellence we strive for across the College. It acknowledges our high academic standards, strong pastoral care, and the nurturing of confident, community-minded young people.”
For more information about Brighton College Al Ain, visit the website below:
Further Reading:
- Brighton College Al Ain Crowned World School Games Golf Champions 2025
- Brighton College Al Ain Pupils Are Celebrating Record-Breaking GCSE Results 2025