In a remarkable achievement, Brighton College Al Ain has secured an Outstanding rating in all categories from the British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection, becoming the only school in Al Ain to earn this distinction from both BSO and ADEK.
Furthermore, it is the only school in Al Ain to achieve the Outstanding rating, the highest possible grading, from both BSO and ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge), reinforcing its position as a leader in British international education.
Brighton College Al Ain Outstanding in Every Area
Conducted in February 2025, the four-day BSO inspection evaluated 84 lessons, with 27 jointly observed by inspectors and senior staff. The school was assessed on teaching quality, leadership, pupil outcomes, safeguarding, and student well-being. According to the UK Department for Education (DfE), Brighton College Al Ain met every standard, cementing its place as a top-tier British international school.
Academic Excellence and Innovation Across All Stages
Inspectors praised the College for its exceptional academic results, especially in English, Mathematics, and Science, where student progress consistently exceeds UK national averages. Teaching is tailored, effective, and inclusive—particularly for students with English as an additional language (EAL). The curriculum is rich and dynamic, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and independence.
Pupils benefit from a wide array of subjects, including humanities, modern languages, technology, and performing arts. Over 55 co-curricular activities—from the Medical Society, Lego and Nature Club for younger kids, and pupil-led initiatives such as Chess Club, Debating Society, and Sustainability Ambassadors. The Duke of Edinburgh Award and LAMDA certifications were specifically noted as enhancing pupil development and leadership skills.
The Sixth Form continues to excel, with 56% of A-Level students achieving A*–A grades and 72% securing A*–B. Graduates gain admission to top universities in fields like Medicine, Law, and Engineering, supported by a robust careers and university guidance programme.
Leadership, Culture, and Moral Growth Celebrated
BSO inspectors applauded the school’s leadership for its strategic vision and inclusive culture. Pupils were commended for their empathy, resilience, and moral integrity, fostered through a values-led environment. Initiatives like the Sustainability Ambassadors and Debating Society nurture leadership and global citizenship.
The school’s unwavering focus on character development aligns with its founding ethos—curiosity, confidence, and kindness—and ensures pupils thrive academically and socially.
Furthermore, inspectors recognised that Brighton College Al Ain instils a deep respect for diversity, inclusivity, and global citizenship, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for life beyond the classroom. This aligns with the College’s belief in developing not just academic achievers but compassionate global citizens who embody the values of curiosity, confidence, and kindness.
A Milestone for Brighton College Al Ain and the Community
Commenting on the achievement, Head Master Mr Oliver Bromley-Hall said:
“This Outstanding rating is a true testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire community—from our exceptional teachers and pastoral leaders to our governors and support staff. At Brighton College Al Ain, we take great pride in delivering an education that blends academic excellence with a deep commitment to pupil well-being and character development. To be recognised as Outstanding by both BSO and ADEK reflects how successfully we are achieving this, and I’m confident that Brighton College Al Ain will continue to set new standards in British international education.”
Brighton College Al Ain had previously achieved Outstanding ratings from ADEK in 2016, 2018, and 2023—making this latest BSO recognition a landmark moment.
About Brighton College Al Ain
In 2016, Brighton College Al Ain achieved the esteemed ‘Outstanding’ rating from ADEK, becoming one of only five schools in the Emirate to do so, and the first in Al Ain. This commitment to excellence persisted, as the school maintained the ‘Outstanding’ rating in 2018 and once more during its most recent inspection in 2023, solidifying its distinction as the sole school in Al Ain to attain this prestigious rating.
Located in Zakher, the purpose-built 28-acre campus features state-of-the-art educational facilities, including a 450-seat auditorium, an IAFF-accredited athletics track, a 25-meter swimming pool, all-weather football pitches, and cutting-edge science and ICT labs. Aligned with the standards upheld by Brighton College UK (voted England’s School of the decade by the Sunday Times) and other Brighton Colleges worldwide, the campus underscores the school’s dedication to providing an exceptional level of education.
With a diverse student body comprising Emirati and expatriate pupils from around the world, they offer a vibrant and challenging learning environment alongside a distinct British independent school ethos for students aged 3 to 18 years old. Brighton College Al Ain nurtures talents, skills, and character and provides a rich extra-curricular program that complements academic studies.
Operated by Bloom Education, Brighton College Al Ain is consistently ranked as one of the top-performing schools for academic results in the UAE, college pupils secure offers at leading universities around the world pursuing further studies in fields including Medicine, Law, Engineering, Finance, English and the Sciences.
Bloom Education, a Bloom Holding subsidiary, delivers the highest standards of a British curriculum education in the UAE and is committed to inspiring its pupils to appreciate and value local heritage and cultural diversity.
About Bloom Education
Bloom Education supports the development of future generations through partnerships with world-class international education brands, owns brand schools and nurseries, and the operation of UAE Charter Schools and New Generation Schools.
A pioneer in the Middle East education sector for more than 14 years, Bloom Education has introduced and operated leading American, English and International Baccalaureate curriculum education brands in the UAE market and has provided exceptional educational experiences and opportunities to more than 20,000 students. The partner of choice for international school brand Brighton College, Bloom Education has been entrusted to deliver and sustain the highest international standards locally and has been selected by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) to operate the Abu Dhabi Charter Schools programme. Bloom Education has also been chosen by Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE) to operate schools in the Northern Emirates, as part of the ‘Ajyal’ (new ‘generation’) school initiative.
With a keen focus on providing the best educational opportunities to help craft better futures for the youth of the UAE, Bloom Education launched its first ‘own-brand’ premium IB school, Bloom World Academy, in Dubai in August 2022. The school has introduced many firsts in the UAE, such as Learning Achievement Passports (LAP), individual learning pathways and the later start time of 9am, allowing for students’ learning to be in balance with family life.
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