Welcome to Brighton College Al Ain's Senior School! Our dynamic and nurturing environment provides an exceptional education for pupils aged 10 to 18. As part of the prestigious Brighton College family, we offer a world-class curriculum that blends academic excellence with a focus on personal and character development, centring around the core attributes of curiosity, confidence and kindness.
In the Senior school, our dedicated and experienced team inspire pupils to reach their full potential, offering a wide range of extra-curricular activities, an iconic modern campus and facilities, alongside a supportive community. We are committed to empowering young minds and preparing them for success in an ever-evolving global world.
Our curriculum continues the journey from the prep school, gradually introducing our pupils into a broad and balanced range of subjects from year 6 onwards, developing the skills and expertise required to succeed at GCSE and A Level. Alongside a rich programme of co-curricular activities, trips, and experiences that build character, confidence, and leadership, and with exceptional careers and university guidance, we prepare our pupils to embrace the best opportunities and challenges life has to offer.
From volunteering in Nepal to competing in sport in Bangkok, speaking at a Model United Nations conference to gracing the stage in our latest musical or dramatic production, our pupils take on a wide range of experiences. A truly inclusive environment where every child is seen as an individual, we are very proud of what our young people achieve. Our pastoral care, delivered through our House system, ensures that all young people are truly cared for and are noticed in our school.
We invite you to come and visit us and experience the warmth, kindness and vibrancy of our community first hand.
Victoria Shillingford
Acting Head of Senior School
We know that outstanding teaching changes lives, and our results are testament to this. Our teachers are all specialists in their field and use their in-depth knowledge and passion for their subject to help our pupils develop a life-long love of learning.
Inspirational teachers transform lives, and at Brighton College Al Ain we have them in abundance. Ask any pupil what makes our school special, and one of the first things they will say is "our amazing teachers". Their passion, commitment and kindness explain why Brighton College is one of the highest performing schools in the UAE.
As pupils progress through the Senior School, they build lasting friendships with their peers while exploring a variety of subjects to discover what inspires them. In Year 10, pupils have the opportunity to focus on the subjects they enjoy most, developing deep skills and understanding, and taking steps towards fulfilling their future ambitions. Pupils also take more responsibility for their progress, with greater independence encouraged as they lay the foundation for their further studies.
Each lesson offers support for learning, and pupils are guided by dedicated form tutors and Housemasters or Housemistresses. GCSE subjects are chosen in Year 9, in consultation with parents, based on pupils' passions and abilities
Our pupils achieve outstanding results in their GCSEs and A Levels each year, achieved through their hard work and the guidance and support of our dedicated teachers.
Additionally, each year, our pupils receive Pearson Outstanding Learner Awards, having been recognised for achieving the highest marks in both the UAE and globally in subjects including Biology, Physics, Statistics and Arabic at GCSE and A-level.
At Brighton College Al Ain, we prepare pupils not only for exams but for life. Beyond traditional subjects, we teach essential study techniques, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to ensure academic success and career readiness.
Mathematics
In Maths, we nurture confidence and develop pupils' fluency in numeracy and algebra, teaching strategies to help pupils improve their ability to solve problems and reflect on their answers. We teach both Maths and Further Maths at A-level.
English
Our English department aims to instil pupils with a love of literature and language, with most lessons being discussion-based. Pupils are encouraged to express an informed personal response to a range of texts and are taught how to improve their analytical and creative writing skills, developing arguments with accuracy, fluency and sophistication.
Science
We strive to make the learning of Biology, Chemistry and Physics relevant and engaging by employing a wide range of demonstrations and experimental work. By instilling a desire to understand and question the complexities and workings of the world around us and taking pupils beyond the syllabus, pupils develop their problem-solving and analytical skills and achieve the highest academic standards. Pupils follow either combined or separate sciences to GCSE.
Geography
Geography is a subject for the naturally inquisitive, covering both the physical processes that shape our planet and the human processes that shape our societies. Through the study of Geography, pupils develop a deep understanding of the world's landscapes, cultures, and the complex interactions between them. This subject encourages critical thinking about environmental and societal issues, fostering skills that are highly valued in various fields.
History
Studying History provides an in-depth understanding of some of the powerful forces and ideas that have shaped and continue to shape our world. History is a subject that stirs the imagination and encourages the ability to debate interpretations and evaluate evidence.
Psychology
Psychology course at Brighton College covers a wide range of topics, including social influence, memory, and psychopathology. Students examine the five main approaches within psychology and develop their understanding of research methods. The course encourages students to broaden their outlook, challenge assumptions, and think deeply about contemporary topics and issues.
Business Studies
Business Studies can be taken at either GCSE or A-Level. Both levels encourage a holistic approach to business, covering aspects of theory, business models and current issues in the subject, with globalisation a key theme running through all modules.
Computing
A fundamental understanding of computing enables pupils to be not just educated users of technology, but innovators capable of designing new computers and programmes to improve the quality of life for everyone. Computing is not only intellectually stretching, it also teaches problem-solving and leads to multiple career paths.
MOE Subjects
Our MOE subjects include Arabic Language, Islamic Education, and Social Studies/Moral Education. These courses deepen pupils’ understanding of the Arabic language and culture, explore Islamic values and identity, and promote global awareness, citizenship, and ethical thinking.
Art
Art and Design encourages imagination, observation and analysis of the visual world. There is an opportunity to learn practical skills including oil painting, mixed media, photography (both digital and darkroom based) and printmaking as well as drawing from life. Drawing is a fundamental element of the course and pupils learn to use this as a basic tool for research and experimentation, before following and developing their own creative interests.
Drama
Drama is a course enjoyed by pupils interested in theatre from the perspective of a director, actor, and designer, as well as those wanting to develop and harness their creativity, communication, collaboration, leadership and empathy. Pupils gain a practical and theoretical understanding of rehearsal techniques used when directing, performance in contrasting styles and the design of set, costume, lighting and sound.
Music
Music is practical, creative and academic. The course offers an opportunity for anyone who plays an instrument or sings to develop their performing skills, learn how music is constructed and developed from initial ideas to a finished piece, analyse music in a variety of different styles and from different cultures, and study and evaluate the social and historical context in which music is composed and performed.
Modern Foreign Languages
GCSE French and Spanish help pupils develop practical language skills in speaking and writing, while also exploring the cultures of French- and Spanish-speaking countries. Both courses build confidence, broaden vocabulary, and lay strong foundations for travel, study, and global careers.
At Brighton College Al Ain, we are dedicated to making a positive difference to the world around us. We recognise that the attitudes pupils develop at school will stay with them throughout their lives, which is why we foster a culture where pupils understand their responsibility to others in society.
We believe that being part of society means actively engaging in social responsibility and community service. Throughout the year, pupils collaborate with local charities and organisations, participating in various initiatives during our 'Make a Difference Days.' Often pupil-led, our entire community works together to find ways to contribute positively—whether by raising funds for important causes through bake sales, assisting with environmental projects, or organising desert clean-ups. Our pupils understand that there is a world beyond the classroom, and we encourage them to remember that they are part of society, not apart from it.
In Senior School, our pupils master the art of effective communication through our bespoke Presentation Skills courses. The programme teaches them how to craft impactful speeches, drawing inspiration from history’s greatest orators. They analyse iconic speeches, explore the power of language, and refine their delivery techniques.
Pupils also focus on posture, breathing, and voice modulation, building confidence and poise as public speakers. These lessons empower them to articulate their thoughts persuasively, preparing them to excel in school, university, and professional settings.
At Brighton College Al Ain, we nurture leadership in every pupil. In Senior School, pupils can take on roles such as Head Boy, Head Girl, Prefects, House Captains and Ambassadors. These positions reflect our core values of kindness, curiosity and confidence while helping pupils develop responsibility and teamwork skills.
To ensure every pupil has the chance to lead, we rotate leadership roles each term. Our Wellbeing Ambassadors also play a vital role in promoting kindness and support across the College, working closely with the Prep School to enhance our community’s overall wellbeing.
At Brighton College Al Ain, learning extends far beyond the classroom. We offer a wide range of Clubs and Activities, from sports and arts to music and drama, providing pupils with opportunities to discover new passions and develop their talents. Outdoor education, field trips and community projects further enrich their experiences, encouraging teamwork, leadership and a sense of responsibility.
We believe in nurturing the whole child, helping pupils build confidence, resilience and social skills that will serve them well in all aspects of life.
The best way to experience what life is like at Brighton College is to join us at an Open Morning, where you will have the chance to talk to pupils and teachers about what makes our school such a special place, and to answer any questions you have about life here at the College.
