Proudly Educating Al Ain’s Community Since 1978
For over four decades, Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS) has been a pillar of international education in the UAE. Established in 1978, the school has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected British curriculum schools in the region.
Originally founded as The Balfour School in 1976, the school began in a local villa with just one teacher, created to serve the children of Balfour Consulting Engineers’ workforce. By 1977, construction of a purpose-built campus was underway, thanks to land gifted by His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.
The school officially opened in 1978 and quickly gained a reputation for its high standards and personalised approach. Through the 1980s and 1990s, AAESS continued to expand under committed leadership, with its ethos rooted in academic excellence and community spirit.
By 2015, with a growing student body and evolving educational needs, the school underwent major development. This included a new administration block, auditorium, upper primary school, modern science labs, and an astro turf football pitch to enhance learning and physical education.
That same year, AAESS celebrated its first Highest in the World academic award in GCSE French, and gained recognition when one of its pupils performed at the Andrea Bocelli concert in Abu Dhabi. These milestones reflected both academic and cultural success.
In 2017, the school was recognised by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for outstanding implementation of the Morality Programme, and celebrated its first Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award through a student expedition to South Africa.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, AAESS responded swiftly and effectively. It was among the first schools in the region to receive ADEK’s highest rating of Developed for its online learning provision and supported other schools across Al Ain during this period.
In 2021, AAESS was named one of the top 31 schools in the UAE for its PISA scores and received a Very Good rating in its Irtiqa’a inspection. In 2022, it became the first school in Al Ain to be awarded the prestigious British Schools Overseas (BSO) Award, affirming its adherence to international standards.
As part of its continued evolution, AAESS expanded its facilities with the addition of a professional media suite, Home Economics and Design Technology labs, an Automobile Garage, and the UAE’s only licensed school radio station—reinforcing its focus on real-world skills and innovation.
In 2024, AAESS proudly became part of the Cognita global family of schools, marking a new chapter of growth, collaboration, and international opportunity. Today, with over 2,000 students from more than 60 countries, AAESS continues to blend tradition with innovation, delivering outstanding education in the heart of Al Ain.