Aspen Heights British School welcomed students back for the start of the 2026–2027 Academic Year, bringing new and returning families together for another year of learning, friendships and growth. At our campus in Al Bahya, Abu Dhabi, students were excited to reconnect with friends and teachers, meet new classmates and settle into their routines. For those joining Aspen Heights for the first time, the opening days offered an opportunity to become familiar with their new surroundings and begin forming relationships with the people who will be part of their school journey. Starting the Year with a Sense of Belonging The first days of a new school year can shape how students feel about the months ahead. Orientation assemblies were held for new parents and students moving into new phases of the school, helping them understand what to expect and approach the transition with greater confidence. In classrooms, teachers focused on establishing positive routines and getting to know their students. There was also a new face making his way around campus. Eddie the Eagle, Aspen Heights’ new school mascot, made his first back-to-school appearances, visiting classrooms and delighting students along the way. For returning students, catching up with friends and seeing familiar teachers helped them quickly find their rhythm again. “There is always such a wonderful energy when our students and families return, and I am incredibly excited to see everyone together again. At Aspen Heights, we look for what is world-class in everything we do, from the way we learn to the way we treat and support one another. This year is about striving for excellence, both in our conduct and in our learning. I am looking forward to seeing every student challenge themselves, embrace opportunities and continue to grow.” — Gillian Hammond, Principal, Aspen Heights British School Aspen Heights is an international British school in Abu Dhabi, following the National Curriculum for England through Primary and Secondary, leading to IGCSE and GCSE qualifications and Sixth Form pathways through the IBDP and BTEC. Students experience a connected learning journey from Early Years through to Year 13, with an approach focused on developing confident, independent learners. Discover how students learn at Aspen Heights. As part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), students also benefit from a global learning community, international opportunities and a shared commitment to helping every student keep getting better. Building on Success For Secondary and Sixth Form students, returning to school was also an opportunity to consider what they want to achieve next. “We begin this year with a great deal to celebrate. Our students achieved excellent GCSE and IB results and secured fantastic university offers. Those achievements reflect the commitment of our students and the support of their teachers and families, but our focus is always on what comes next. We want every student to keep improving, set ambitious goals and recognise that excellence comes from continually looking for ways to get better.” — Andrew Durcan, Vice Principal, Aspen Heights British School For Sixth Form students, thinking about what comes next began with a practical challenge. Each student was given an imaginary £100 to invest across the different priorities competing for their time and attention, including revision, attendance, sleep, exercise and their social life. With only £100 available, investing more in one area inevitably meant investing less somewhere else. The exercise encouraged students to think critically about balance and recognise that success in Sixth Form is influenced by decisions beyond the time spent revising. Sleep, wellbeing, attendance, healthy relationships and consistent study habits all contribute to their ability to learn and perform at their best. It also prompted students to consider their individual priorities and take greater ownership of how they will use their time throughout the year – an important skill as they become increasingly independent learners and prepare for life beyond school. For Mrs Hart, whose daughter has started Year 12, seeing that transition begin positively was particularly meaningful. “I’m so happy to see my daughter back at school, settling into her Sixth Form journey and finding her routine. It was especially lovely to see her welcomed back by name and with open arms by the teachers at the school. That personal welcome means so much as a parent.” — Mrs Hart, parent of a Year 12 student Happy to Be Back For Year 5 student Arsh, one of the best parts of returning was seeing the people he had missed. “I was really excited to come back and see my friends so I could tell them all about my adventures over the summer. I already really like my new teacher and I’m excited for the year.” — Arsh, Year 5 student For younger students, these early connections provide an important foundation for learning. Feeling comfortable with teachers and classmates gives students the confidence to participate, ask questions and engage with new experiences. Teachers also used the opening days to learn more about the individuals in their classrooms – their strengths, interests and learning needs – so that students can be appropriately supported and challenged as the year progresses. This personalised approach continues throughout the Primary learning journey at Aspen Heights, where students follow the English National Curriculum through inquiry-led and cross-curricular learning. New parents were welcomed through orientation sessions, giving families an opportunity to understand school routines and expectations, ask questions and meet members of the team. This support begins even before a child joins the school, with the Aspen Heights Admissions Team working closely with new families as they prepare for their child’s transition. Learning.First™: Keeping Student Learning and Progress at the Centre As part of ISP, Aspen Heights British School shares a commitment to putting learning first and helping every student make progress. Through ISP’s Learning.First™ approach, schools focus on recognising students as individuals, understanding where they are in their learning and creating opportunities for them to keep getting better, academically and personally. “As we begin a new academic year, our focus is on what matters most: the learning and progress of every student. Through our Learning.First™ approach, we recognise each student as an individual and create opportunities for them to keep getting better, academically and personally. Alongside strong academic foundations, we want students to develop their curiosity, resilience and life competencies, giving them the confidence, skills and ambition to make the most of the opportunities ahead.” — Rory Galvin, Director of Learning, ISP Middle East This focus reflects Aspen Heights’ vision: to grow a community of confident, resilient and independent learners who are committed to excellence in school and beyond. Its GROW values – Grit, Respect, Ownership and World-Class – provide students with a shared framework for how they learn, respond to challenges and contribute to their community. The opening days of the 2026–2027 Academic Year have set that journey in motion. From younger students reconnecting with friends and building relationships with new teachers to Sixth Formers considering how they will invest their time and energy, students across the school have begun the year with a clear focus on what lies ahead. Throughout the year, Aspen Heights British School will continue creating opportunities for students to make academic progress, develop independence, strengthen their skills and relationships, and pursue ambitious goals as they Grow with Aspen.
