#India #Gurugram #Queen Elizabeth's School #Craig Cook

Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram Appoints Founding Leadership

In a bold step towards establishing one of India's premier educational institutions, Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram has officially appointed Dr. Craig Cook as the founding principal and Ms. Sonal Chatrath as the founding head of the preparatory school. These key appointments mark a significant milestone as the school prepares to open its doors in August 2026.

Dr. Craig Cook, a distinguished figure in international education, brings over three decades of experience across various educational levels in the U.S., Asia, and Southeast Asia. Most recently, he served as the director of the historic Woodstock School in Mussoorie, where he spearheaded notable academic and infrastructural enhancements. His extensive background includes high-level university roles in both the U.S. and Indonesia, coupled with a Ph.D. in sociology, providing him with a unique intercultural perspective. In his new role, Dr. Cook aims to instill a culture of excellence, ethics, and high academic standards in line with the esteemed legacy of Queen Elizabeth's School.

Joining him, Ms. Sonal Chatrath brings a wealth of experience in early childhood education and school leadership. With her previous role as the head of the preparatory school at the John Lyon School, she has demonstrated a commitment to nurturing young learners and fostering an inclusive learning environment. Ms. Chatrath is dedicated to developing a preparatory division that emphasizes academic excellence, emotional well-being, and a lifelong love of learning.

Speaking on their appointments, Caroline Pendleton-Nash, CEO of Queen Elizabeth's Global Schools, emphasized the significance of leadership in shaping the school's character and academic standards. Both Dr. Cook and Ms. Chatrath are expected to create an enriching environment for students, promoting academic rigor and social support.

Dr. Cook expressed his excitement about leading the foundation of the Gurugram campus, which aspires to blend historic educational excellence with modern global relevance. He is enthusiastic about collaborating with the community to foster a school environment that empowers confident and capable young leaders.

Ms. Chatrath echoed these sentiments, expressing her commitment to nurturing an inspiring and inclusive setting for young children, recognizing the crucial role early education plays in shaping character and confidence.

The establishment of Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram, which is supported by GEDU Global Education—India's largest foreign education investor—underscores a promise to families seeking an education characterized by academic depth and global perspectives. The school's commitment is bolstered by over four centuries of British educational heritage and its aim to implement the Cambridge International curriculum.

The inaugural academic year will welcome students from Early Years Level 1 to Year 9, with plans to expand to Year 13 in subsequent years. The curriculum will foster intellectual rigor while incorporating the values and character-building principles vital to a well-rounded education.

In summary, the Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram stands poised to become one of the most respected educational establishments in India, with its leadership dedicated to creating a nurturing environment that prepares students not only for academic success but also for meaningful contributions to society. For those interested in more information, visit www.qegurugram.com.