Brighton College Al Ain Wins 'British International School of the Year' at the 2025 Independent Schools of the Year Awards

The only school from the UAE and Middle East honoured at this year's global celebration of British educational excellence

United Arab Emirates, Al Ain, 20 October 2025: Brighton College Al Ain is thrilled 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 UK's most respected education accolades, celebrating excellence and innovation across the independent education sector. 

As the only school from the Middle East to be honoured at this year's awards, Brighton College Al Ain's distinction highlights its growing international reputation as a high-performing British international school where pupils flourish academically and personally. The announcement follows a rigorous judging process that reviewed more than 1,000 nominations across 25 award categories from British and international schools around the world. Eligible schools include members of associations affiliated with the Independent Schools Council (ISC) or the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) - further underscoring the global calibre of this honour.

The judging panel commended Brighton College Al Ain for exemplifying the very best of British international education, combining academic excellence, outstanding teaching and learning, pupil wellbeing, global citizenship, leadership and governance, and meaningful contributions to sustainability and community engagement in a way that reflects both British values and the UAE's national vision to build a future-ready education system. The award also recognises the College's exceptional co-curricular provision, which significantly enhances the breadth and depth of the pupil experience.

An Award-Winning 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' across every category by both the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspections - a testament to its consistency in academic standards and pupil care.

In 2024/25, the College recorded value-added scores of +1 at GCSE and +0.8 at A Level, with pupils securing offers from leading global universities in Medicine, Law, and Engineering. Its British curriculum is delivered with global relevance and supported by an expansive co-curricular programme and a strong culture of pastoral care. The College's diverse community of more than 50 nationalities is united by its core values of curiosity, confidence, and kindness, which underpin every aspect of school life. Pupils are encouraged to lead societies, mentor younger pupils, and participate in debating and Model United Nations activities that nurture critical thinking, empathy, and collaboration, preparing them not only for success at university but for meaningful, connected lives in an ever-changing global society.

Global Citizenship and Innovation at the Forefront

Brighton College Al Ain's award submission highlighted its commitment to connecting academic learning with global purpose. Pupils participated in COP28-linked environmental workshops and in the 'Community of the Future' initiative with Khalifa University, where they designed sustainable urban models and presented youth policy ideas to real-world audiences. The College also advanced initiatives such as the Brighton Diploma and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) programmes, which emphasise leadership, creativity and service.

This commitment to social impact was reflected in a joint campaign with Brighton College Abu Dhabi that donated 954 technology devices to under-resourced schools worldwide through the Digital School's 'Donate Your Own Device' initiative. Community events such as the annual College Iftar and Support Staff Winter Gifts further reinforced its ethos of compassion and social responsibility.

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 the values of kindness, curiosity, and confidence every day. It is a well-deserved distinction that recognises the school's consistent pursuit of the highest standards, and Bloom Education's ability to operate world-class British schools across the UAE.'

Mr Oliver Bromley-Hall, Head Master of Brighton College Al Ain, commented: 'We're 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 high standards in a modern British curriculum, strong pastoral care for every pupil, and a culture where young people contribute to their community with confidence and kindness. It is a meaningful international endorsement of what Brighton College Al Ain stands for.'

The Independent Schools of the Year Awards, organised by Independent School Parent magazine in the UK, honour schools that exemplify the values and standards of British education both domestically and internationally. Brighton College Al Ain's success stands as a defining milestone in British international education.