Back to School at The Aquila School: A Year of Learning, Belonging and Ambition

The Aquila School welcomed pupils back for the start of the 2026–2027 Academic Year

The Aquila School welcomed pupils back for the start of the 2026–2027 Academic Year, bringing familiar faces and new families together for another year of learning, friendships, opportunities and growth.

From the first morning, there was a real sense of excitement across the school. Returning pupils reconnected with friends and teachers, new pupils began forming friendships, and families joining The Aquila School for the first time were welcomed into the community.

At The Aquila School, the beginning of a new school year is about much more than returning to the classroom. It is about making sure every child feels safe, happy and ready to learn. The opening days focused on helping pupils settle into their new classes, build relationships with their teachers and classmates, explore their learning environments and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

For new pupils in particular, these first experiences helped turn an unfamiliar school into a place where they could quickly feel known, valued and part of the community.

“After a summer away, there is nothing better than seeing the Aquila community back together again. We are excited for another year filled with amazing learning, a love of reading and those everyday moments that remind us that school is at its best when we are all connected,” said Wayne Howsen, Principal of The Aquila School

Safe, Happy Learning in an International Community

The Aquila School is a British international school in Dubai, delivering the English curriculum through to Year 11, followed by the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) in Years 12 and 13.

The school is home to a truly international community, bringing together pupils from more than 90 nationalities. This diversity gives children opportunities to build friendships across cultures, experience different perspectives, and develop the confidence and understanding needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

As part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), pupils can also access international learning opportunities beyond Dubai while benefiting from the close-knit, inclusive community that defines everyday life at The Aquila School.

For parent Ms Jemma, seeing that sense of belonging from the beginning of the year is particularly important:

“What I love about The Aquila School is that my child is genuinely happy to come to school. Coming back after the summer, there was so much excitement to see friends and teachers again. As a parent, it is reassuring to know that alongside the focus on learning and progress, my child feels known, supported and part of a community.”

Ms Jemma, Parent at The Aquila School

A Strong Start to Learning

As pupils settled into their classrooms, teachers focused on understanding where each child is in their learning and helping them make visible progress from the beginning of the year.

The Aquila School’s inquiry-based approach combines academic rigour with creativity, curiosity and real-world experiences. Clear goals and feedback help pupils understand not only what they are learning, but how they can improve and take greater ownership of their progress.

For younger pupils, the opening days placed particular emphasis on confidence, curiosity and independence. Reconnecting with classroom routines, exploring their learning spaces and building relationships gave pupils the security to ask questions, try new things and become active participants in their learning.

The school’s Safe, Happy Learning ethos remains central to this experience. Wellbeing is not treated separately from academic progress. Children learn best when they feel safe, valued and supported, and this connection between belonging and achievement shapes life at The Aquila School.

Building Confidence in Secondary and the Pathways Ahead

For Secondary pupils, the new academic year brings a renewed focus on ambition, academic achievement and the pathways available as they progress through school.

The Aquila School begins the year building on its Outstanding British Schools Overseas (BSO) recognition and the achievements of its pupils. The school provides academic and vocational pathways from GCSE through to the IBDP and IBCP, giving pupils different routes to pursue their strengths and prepare confidently for their next steps.

The school also enters the year following strong 2026 outcomes, including a 100% IBDP pass rate, alongside an 87% GCSE 9–4 achievement rate.

Mrs Dannawy reflected on both the excitement of welcoming Secondary pupils back and the achievements that provide a strong foundation for the year ahead:

“It has been wonderful to welcome our Secondary pupils back to The Aquila School and see the excitement they are bringing into the new academic year. We begin the year incredibly proud of our 2026 results, which reflect the hard work of our pupils and teachers. From GCSE through to IBDP and IBCP, we want every pupil to feel confident about their next steps and ambitious about what they can achieve.” Mrs Dannawy, Secondary Leader, The Aquila School

For Year 9 pupil Joy, returning to school brings both the excitement of reconnecting and the opportunity to look ahead:

“I was really excited to come back to The Aquila School, see my friends and meet my new teachers. In Year 9, I’m looking forward to challenging myself more, trying new things and thinking about what I want to achieve in the future. It feels good to be back and starting the year together.”

Joy, Year 9 Pupil at The Aquila School

During 2026–2027, The Aquila School will continue to strengthen its focus on academic excellence, visible progress and strong Secondary pathways. Pupils will be encouraged to set ambitious goals, understand the opportunities available to them and develop the independence, resilience and life competencies that will support them through school and beyond.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Learning at The Aquila School extends well beyond traditional lessons.

Across the year, pupils have opportunities to explore STEAM, robotics, design technology, food technology, sport, performing arts and the school’s urban farm, alongside an extensive programme of extracurricular activities.

Older pupils can further develop leadership, independence, teamwork and service through experiences including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and CAS.

Through ISP, pupils can also take part in international opportunities such as Model United Nations and Changemakers, connecting their learning in Dubai with ideas, cultures and peers from around the world.

These experiences help pupils become confident, adaptable young people who can collaborate, solve problems and apply what they learn in meaningful, real-world contexts.

Learning.First™: Keeping Student Learning and Progress at the Centre

As part of ISP, The Aquila School shares a commitment to putting learning first and helping every pupil make progress. Through ISP’s Learning.First™ approach, schools focus on recognising pupils 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

Looking Ahead to 2026–2027 at The Aquila School

As the 2026–2027 Academic Year begins, The Aquila School is looking ahead to a year centred on visible progress, academic ambition, strong Secondary pathways, wellbeing and opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.

From a child walking into The Aquila School for the very first time to a returning Secondary pupil beginning to think about future qualifications and pathways, the goal remains the same: to ensure every pupil feels safe and happy, is challenged to keep getting better and has the confidence to make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Safe, Happy Learning.