From the moment our pupils arrive, we focus on creating a caring and engaging environment that supports every child to grow in confidence and curiosity.
We believe that children learn best when they feel happy, secure, and excited by the world around them. In Pre-Prep, our approach combines warmth with ambition, helping pupils develop not only essential early learning skills, but also the emotional awareness and resilience they need to flourish.
We know how important it is to choose a school where your child is truly seen, heard, and supported. That’s what we offer here — a nurturing space where values such as kindness, respect, and independence are lived every day.
At Brighton College Al Ain, we tailor each pupil's learning journey through an engaging, child-centred curriculum. Our play-based learning approach in Pre-Prep nurtures confidence and creativity, building on pupil's interests. For example, hands-on water play exploring marine life fosters sensory exploration, curiosity and deeper connections to the world around them.
Our state-of-the-art facilities feature bright classrooms, sensory spaces and a dedicated Makerspace for creative projects. We integrate literacy, science and art, creating dynamic projects that encourage collaboration and problem-solving, ensuring our pupils thrive academically and socially.
Our small class sizes naturally allow each pupil to receive personalised attention from both teachers and teaching assistants. Specialist teaching starts with our youngest pupils in FS1 (Nursery), and as pupils progress through the school, they benefit from an increasing number of specialist lessons. These include music, PE, art, Arabic and swimming. We believe in fostering a strong home-school partnership and maintaining an ‘open door’ policy for all parents.
Our innovative Desert Discovery area harnesses the power of nature to spark curiosity and inspire a love of learning. Similar to the UK's Forest Schools, we've adapted this concept to suit the UAE's unique environment. Our Forest School pupils take part in weekly sessions where they build, create, and embark on exciting adventures, enabling them to explore and take risks through practical outdoor experiences that boost their confidence and self-esteem. Desert Discovery enriches our classroom-based learning by educating pupils about their local environment and teaching them how to sustain it for future generations, while also providing an opportunity for hands-on learning in nature. These sessions encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience as pupils engage with their surroundings in a meaningful and purposeful way. Whether they're constructing shelters, identifying native plants, or tracking animal footprints in the sand, each activity nurtures a deeper connection with the natural world.
At Brighton College Al Ain, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, which starts in Nursery (FS1). Lessons are planned and adapted to meet each child's needs by our EYFS specialist teachers. Early Years is filled with purposeful, play-based learning, offering a well-rounded mix of activities such as phonics, fine motor skills, maths , art, cooking, and music. Our extensive outdoor learning environment provides ample opportunities for outdoor play, including ride-on toys, climbing trim trails, sandpits, mud kitchens, water play, and an outdoor role-play theatre. Delicious and nutritious hot lunches are served daily. The day runs from 7.30 am until 1.30pm for pupils in FS1 and FS2 and from 7.30am until 3pm for pupils in Year 1 and Year 2. On Fridays FS1 and FS2 pupils finish at 11.50am and Year 1 and Year 2 pupils finish at 12 noon.
Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. All staff contribute to our nurturing environment, under the guidance of our Deputy Head of Pre-Prep and Assistant Head of Pastoral. Positive behaviours are fostered through our Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), which is reflected in our assembly themes and the Pelican Pathway. The Pelican Pathway is built on values such as Perseverance, Enthusiasm, Leadership, Improvement, Creativity, Achievement and Nurture.
To learn more about our our nurturing Pre-Prep environment, please contact our Admissions Team.
