Queen Elizabeth's School Expands to Dubai: A New Era in Education

A Historic Expansion: Queen Elizabeth's School Comes to Dubai

In a groundbreaking development, Queen Elizabeth’s School, a prestigious institution with a 450-year legacy of excellence in education, is making its international debut in Dubai Sports City. This remarkable venture comes through a partnership with GEDU Global Education and has recently gained initial approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1573 by a royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I, the school in Barnet, UK, has consistently been recognized for its outstanding academic performance, regularly earning accolades from Ofsted and achieving top rankings in the UK education system. The approval to open its first international campus in Dubai, slated for August 2026, represents a significant milestone not only for the school but for the broader educational landscape.

A Commitment to Quality Education

The new Queen Elizabeth’s School in Dubai Sports City aims to provide students with access to the English national curriculum while upholding the rigorous academic standards that have long been synonymous with its Barnet counterpart. Caroline Pendleton-Nash, CEO of the Queen Elizabeth Global Schools, emphasized the transformative impact this initiative aims to have on education in the UAE, stating it will foster global citizenship among its students by offering world-class education from nursery through to Year 12.

The school will initially cater to students from nursery through Year 8, expanding gradually to Year 6. Its location in Dubai Sports City is strategically chosen to provide unmatched access to world-class sports facilities, emphasizing the importance of physical education alongside academic pursuits. The QE Flourish program will focus on character and personal development through four core areas: Care, Challenge, Create, and Compete, ultimately unlocking the limitless potential of students.

A New Educational Paradigm

This initiative is particularly notable as it marks the first time a large UK public school has pursued an international partnership of this scale, positioning itself within an increasingly globalized educational framework. This pioneering move is expected to set a new benchmark for educational excellence. The collaboration will not only benefit the students in Dubai but also enrich the educational resources and experiences available to existing students in Barnet.

Neil Enright, head of Queen Elizabeth's School, expresses enthusiasm about the KHDA's endorsement, which allows them to extend the QE educational model that has proven successful in the UK to the UAE. The vision includes creating an international network of scholars, termed ‘Elizabethans,’ that will connect students in Dubai with their peers in Barnet, fostering collaboration and cultural exchange.

Edward Hobart, the British Ambassador to the UAE, highlighted the significance of this historic expansion. He stated that this initiative embodies the strength of educational partnerships between the UK and the UAE. By introducing the time-tested educational methodologies of Queen Elizabeth’s School, they aim to enrich the opportunities available to UAE youth, preparing them for meaningful contributions to society.

Outlook for the Future

The establishment of Queen Elizabeth’s School in Dubai is poised to have a profound impact on the local education sector, as it brings a legacy of high standards and proven academic rigor to the Emirates. As the UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for education and innovation, the introduction of such esteemed institutions is expected to draw attention and admiration, setting the stage for further educational advancements.

The commitment to nurturing confident, capable, and responsible young people who can lead fulfilling adult lives and positively contribute to their communities remains at the heart of Queen Elizabeth’s educational philosophy. As this story unfolds, the educational community is eager to witness the transformative impact that Queen Elizabeth’s School will have on future generations in Dubai.

For further information about Queen Elizabeth's School in Dubai Sports City, please visit www.qedubaisportscity.com.