ISP schools across the UAE open their doors for a new year of learning, growth and opportunity
International Schools Partnership (ISP) has marked the start of the 2026-2027 academic year with the reopening of its eight UAE schools, welcoming students and families back to campuses across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The Aquila School, Nibras International School, Star International School Mirdif, Star International School Al Twar, The English College, Smart Vision School, Aspen Heights British School and Reach British School have welcomed returning pupils and new joiners for the new term. Each school brings its own character and community, while benefiting from being part of ISP’s wider international network of schools.
Ahead of the academic year, school teams focused on ensuring students could make a confident transition back into school life, with orientation programmes, refreshed learning environments and support for new and returning families. Across ISP schools, the focus remains on creating environments where students feel welcomed, supported and ready to learn.
Students at several ISP schools are also returning to new and upgraded facilities, including classrooms, science and specialist learning spaces, playgrounds and sports facilities designed to support high-quality learning and wider student development.
For Smart Vision School, the new academic year also marks Steve’s first as Principal, alongside the opening of new facilities.
“Returning to school always brings a real sense of excitement and possibility, and this year is particularly special as I begin my first academic year as Principal of Smart Vision School. My focus is on ensuring every child has the opportunity to discover their strengths, build confidence and achieve more than they thought possible. With our new state-of-the-art facilities and child-centred approach, we are creating an environment where students can feel inspired by their learning and thrive,” said Steve Farish, Principal of Smart Vision School.
For The English College, the new academic year follows strong examination results over the summer.
“There is something incredibly special about welcoming the community from The English College back together for the start of a new school year. We return with much to celebrate following exceptional examination results this summer, including a GCSE value-added score of +1.76 and an A Level value-added score of +1.17. Put simply, this means that, on average, our students achieve more than a full grade above what their starting points suggest they are capable of, powerful evidence of the exceptional progress our young people make at EC.
“We are equally excited to welcome new students, families and colleagues and look forward to building on this success in the year ahead,” said Emily Hopkinson, Principal at The English College.
At Reach British School, the new term provides an opportunity to build on the school’s academic progress while maintaining a strong focus on students’ experience of learning.
“It’s fantastic to be back for the new school year. Following another year of record exam results, we’re excited to build on that progress while ensuring our students enjoy coming to school, feel inspired to learn and continue to succeed,” said Craig Halsall, Principal of Reach British School.
Across ISP, the quality of learning and the progress each student makes sit at the heart of the educational experience. Schools combine strong academic foundations with opportunities to develop language, wellbeing, international-mindedness and the skills students need for life beyond the classroom.
Rory Galvin, Director of Learning at ISP Middle East, said: “The start of a new academic year gives us an opportunity to refocus on what matters most: the learning and progress of every student. Across ISP, we want students to experience learning that challenges and engages them, while building strong academic foundations, language development, wellbeing and the practical skills they will need for the future. Being part of an international group of schools also gives our students and educators opportunities to learn from one another and broaden their perspectives. Ultimately, we want every student to leave school with the knowledge, confidence and capability to succeed in whatever path they choose.”
That focus on learning is brought to life differently within each school, reflecting the individual character and priorities of its community.
“After a summer away, there is nothing better than seeing the Aquila community back together again. We are excited for another year filled with amazing learning, a love of reading and those everyday moments that remind us that school is at its best when we are all connected,” said Wayne Howsen, Principal of The Aquila School.
“After a wonderful summer break, we are thrilled to welcome our Aspen Heights family back together for another year of learning, growth and discovery. Our classrooms are ready, our teachers are excited and we cannot wait to see our students back on campus. Here’s to a year filled with new opportunities, friendships and achievements,” said Gillian Hammond, Principal of Aspen Heights British School.
The new academic year also brings opportunities for students across the wider ISP Middle East community. ISP recently announced 100 scholarships of up to 100% of annual tuition fees for the 2026-2027 academic year across 10 ISP schools in the UAE and Qatar. Open to existing and new secondary students from Year 7 to Year 12, the programme recognises achievement and potential and reflects ISP’s commitment to creating opportunities for students across its Middle East schools.
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