Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS) is the only coeducational independent all-through school in Al Ain, catering for all ages three to 18; Nursery, Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form. The school was founded in 1976 by the construction company Balfour group who were commissioned to build part of the infrastructure of Al Ain's drainage system. The school started in a local villa, and helped by the ALGECO group. Mr Colin Jones became the first governor with Mrs Gill Didcott becoming the inaugural Principal. The school was first called the "Balfour School", before building on the site that is today in 1978 and becoming Al Ain English Speaking School. It has been expanded and enhanced considerably since then due to its popularity. The school was significantly expanded during the summer of 201