IQM International Centre of Excellence for Yasmina British Academy

September 3, 2025

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Part of the Aldar Education network of schools, Yasmina British Academy stands out as an example of an encouraging, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment. Located in Khalifa City, in a brand-new school campus, all students in Yasmina British Academy learn as a whole school community, made up of 3,500 students across different blocks. Yasmina embraces its large, diverse community and uses every opportunity to shine a light on individuality. The school has its own Inclusion Policy that is adapted in line with the new ADEK Inclusion policy, spearheaded by the school’s Head of Inclusion. With almost 14% of students having an identified Additional Learning Need, they are committed to supporting the needs of the individual, no matter the circumstances, and providing them with a superb education. Our assessor was told by the Executive Head that “Everyone is welcome here, we do not discriminate.” The school values the opportunity to work collaboratively, maintaining close links with Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, with their Heads of Inclusion working together often, alongside termly inclusion meetings across all Aldar schools. In keeping with the school’s strong commitment to inclusion, it has an outward facing approach to sharing best practice, and collaboration within this network is actively encouraged. Indeed, Yasmina British Academy sees the wider societal value of inclusion; it is not simply reserved for the halls of their school but spread far and wide.

Inclusion begins at Yasmina before students enter the building. No child is turned away; every child that applies to the school is given a place. This has allowed children to attend the same school as their siblings and foster positive relationships with family and new friends alike in an unfamiliar setting. This welcoming approach extends to the soft start adopted each day, allowing children to arrive to school in a calm environment and ready to learn. The school serves the local community through a large number of Emirati students, and a member of staff told our assessor that “this is so important to us here at Yasmina, we are a school for everyone.” Yasmina strives to find an excellent learning pathway for every student. Irrespective of need, staff encourage students to fulfil their potential with the expectation of “high performance whoever you are.” Success criteria are made clear to all students, and an interactive learning approach allows all students to feel included in whole-class success. Peer assessment and older students mentoring younger peers are just some examples of how staff have thought carefully about inclusive and engaging approaches to learning.

Inclusion is not simply a policy for staff, but it is actively lived by the students in their day-to-day routine. The school values of Excellence; Creativity; Passion; Respect and Collaboration are displayed throughout the school, to remind students that building a happy and welcoming environment is a whole-school effort. Colourful curriculum displays, dedicated intervention spaces, and the sensory circuit ensure that students can self-regulate successfully and are ready to learn in a supportive environment. Students have access to excellent technology and are encouraged to develop their skills at every opportunity. Students with additional needs do not face any barriers to learning through technology, with all students prompted to bring their iPads to school for collaborative learning. The school is incredibly well resourced, with students provided with as many opportunities as possible to develop their talents. Hosting three swimming pools, an auditorium, a gym, dance studio, two sports halls, and a series of rooms for art and music, every passion and future dream is supported, included, and nurtured at Yasmina. Inclusion also finds its way into the school’s superb Extra Curricular Activities, with a wide offering that encourages personal growth and meets the interests of the student body, such as the popular Lego Club! The school works with external professionals and local businesses to broaden horizons and inspire their students to think about a wide variety of future paths. Parents are also invited into the school during Career Week to speak about their jobs to students.

The Inclusion Department is the driving force for inclusion in the school and provides superb provision for every single student. It is exceptionally well staffed, with a Head of Inclusion, five Inclusion Teachers – who are all either qualified SENCOs or working toward the qualification – and fourteen Inclusion Assistants. A third of this team are UAE nationals, and the Head of Inclusion affirmed that “This is very important to us here at Yasmina, that we employ local people.” This strong team ensures a deeper understanding of the needs of the student body and the relevant inclusive practice required to support them. The Head of Inclusion supports with regular CPD for all teaching staff so they can continue to develop and strengthen their support on offer to students, particularly those with Additional Learning needs. Irrespective of whether a child has a formal diagnosis or if needs have been internally identified, the Inclusion Department works tirelessly to provide robust support measures to help every student thrive. Early and clear identification allows staff to provide this excellent support, through Documented Learning Plans and Learning Passports, which whole teams, from Inclusion Teachers and Class Teachers to parents and students, help to write. The Inclusion Department provides bespoke termly training to support the wider staff in implementing key inclusive policies, such as Zones of Regulation. It is very clear that teachers understand how and why inclusion works in their educational setting, with Quality First Teaching and adaptive learning making lessons accessible for all. The school is committed to expanding the Inclusion Department, having seen the wide reach of its impact. One parent aptly noted that “The Inclusion team has really developed not only the confidence of our children but also our own confidence as parents.”

Indeed, parents are a vital part of the Yasmina British Academy community. Parents can regularly meet with staff, and also other parents, to take part in training and learning sessions, all designed to support their child. Yalla Yasmina is an open parents’ group that organises school events and fundraises for the school. Parents praise the school for its openness and encouragement of feedback from all parents. If there are parental concerns, the Parent Relations Executive is on the the ground to deescalate and direct to the correct member of staff. Parental Information Meetings are regular occurrences, where parents can learn more about upcoming events or new learning topics. Every member of the Yasmina community, from students to parents, are included and supported at every step of their journey with the school.

Inclusion is a living, and ever-evolving, part of life at Yasmina British Academy. No issue is too challenging, no dream is too big, every voice is listened to. The school is a shining example of how inclusion can actively transform the lives of learners from every background. Movingly, one parent told us that “The Head of Inclusion has changed my child’s life.” Yasmina has shown that where there is a whole-school commitment, everyone can feel the transformative power of inclusion.