Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram Appoints Founding Leaders for Preparatory School
In a momentous decision that underscores its dedication to delivering top-tier academic standards, Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram has announced the appointment of two prominent educational leaders as the founding figures of its new preparatory school. Dr. Craig Cook has been named the Founding Headmaster, and Sonal Chatrath has been appointed as the Founding Executive Director of the Preparatory School. These strategic appointments represent a significant milestone in the planning stages for the school's inaugural campus in India, scheduled to open its doors in August 2026.
Dr. Craig Cook, recognized for his extensive international experience in both primary and secondary education, hails from over 30 years in the education sector across the United States, Asia, and Southeast Asia. Most recently, he served as the Headmaster at Woodstock School in Mussoorie, one of India's oldest and most respected international boarding schools, where he spearheaded substantial academic and infrastructure transformations. His leadership has been pivotal during various accreditation processes, capital improvement projects, and navigating periods of significant change. He holds a doctorate in Sociology, offering a profound intercultural perspective, along with a strong commitment to equipping students for leadership, service, and meaningful global engagement.
In his capacity as Founding Headmaster, Dr. Cook will play a crucial role in shaping the vision, culture, and academic standards at Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram. His guidance aims to ensure that the school embodies the principles of excellence, ethics, and measurable outcomes associated with the esteemed legacy of Queen Elizabeth's School.
Joining him is Sonal Chatrath, who will serve as the Founding Executive Director of the Educational Center, bringing with her rich experience in early childhood and primary education, as well as comprehensive leadership in academic development. Previously, she held the position of director at the John Lyon School Educational Center, and she has also served in significant leadership roles at Danes Hill School, including Deputy Academic Head and head of Learning Support. With an educational background in Educational Management and Leadership from the University of Leicester, Chatrath is well-regarded for her emphasis on high-quality teaching, safeguarding, pastoral care, and the holistic development of students. Her approach to leadership prioritizes fostering student confidence, empowering educators, and building a strong, values-driven school culture from the earliest years.
In her new role, Chatrath will be instrumental in developing the Preparatory School, laying the groundwork for academic excellence, emotional wellbeing, and a lifelong love of learning.
Commenting on these landmark appointments, Caroline Pendleton-Nash, CEO of Queen Elizabeth's Global Schools, expressed, "The appointment of Dr. Craig Cook and Ms. Sonal Chatrath reflects our steadfast commitment to excellence as we establish Queen Elizabeth's School in India. Founding leaders shape the character, culture, and academic standards of a school for future generations. Both Dr. Cook and Ms. Chatrath bring exceptional experience, integrity, and vision, and we have confidence they will foster an environment where children are academically challenged, socially supported, and developed as well-rounded young individuals."
Dr. Craig Cook, the Founding Headmaster of Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram remarked, "It is a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of founding Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram. The opportunity to build a school that merges historical educational excellence with contemporary global relevance is incredibly appealing. I look forward to collaborating closely with the community to establish an institution that nurtures confident, capable, and responsible young people."
Sonal Chatrath, Founding Executive Director of the Preparatory School, stated, "It is an honor for me to join Queen Elizabeth's School at such a pivotal time. Early education not only sets the academic path but also shapes values, confidence, and wellbeing. I am committed to creating an inclusive, aspirational, and nurturing environment where every child is acknowledged, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential."
Through these appointments, Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram reaffirms its commitment to Indian families, offering an educational experience characterized by academic depth, excellence, and global perspectives. This positions it firmly among the most prestigious and trusted new educational establishments in the country.
Supported by GEDU Global Education, the largest foreign investor in education in India, Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram brings over 450 years of British academic tradition, rigor, and values to Indian families. The appointment of globally recognized leaders to its senior academic roles underscores the school's unwavering focus on quality, governance, and the comprehensive development of every child.
For more information, please visit www.qegurugram.com.
Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram is part of Queen Elizabeth's Global Schools, which provides top-tier British education in India with more than 450 years of academic experience. Inspired by the legacy of Queen Elizabeth's School in Barnet, founded by Royal Charter in 1573 in the United Kingdom, this school embodies a proven tradition of intellectual rigor, solid values, and character-based education.
The Gurugram campus, opening in August 2026, will cater to students from EY1 to Year 9 in its first year (2026-2027), with plans to expand up to Year 13 in subsequent years. The school intends to implement the Cambridge International Curriculum that leads to IGCSE and A Level programs, carefully tailored to its international context while maintaining the standards of a leading British school.
The school's focus is on a commitment to exceptional teaching and learning, supported by a comprehensive framework that integrates academic excellence with personal development. Students benefit from the QE House program, fostering community, leadership, teamwork, and school identity; QE Futures, aimed at developing aspiration, independence, and life preparation; and QE Flourish, a comprehensive co-curricular program encompassing creativity, service, wellbeing, challenge, and competition. Together, these pillars ensure a balanced and purposeful education that extends far beyond the classroom.
Backed by core values of excellence, curiosity, integrity, community, ambition, and responsibility, the school's mission is to develop confident, capable, and responsible young people prepared to lead fulfilling lives and make significant contributions to society.
For more information about Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram, visit www.qegurugram.com
Dr. Craig Cook, recognized for his extensive international experience in both primary and secondary education, hails from over 30 years in the education sector across the United States, Asia, and Southeast Asia. Most recently, he served as the Headmaster at Woodstock School in Mussoorie, one of India's oldest and most respected international boarding schools, where he spearheaded substantial academic and infrastructure transformations. His leadership has been pivotal during various accreditation processes, capital improvement projects, and navigating periods of significant change. He holds a doctorate in Sociology, offering a profound intercultural perspective, along with a strong commitment to equipping students for leadership, service, and meaningful global engagement.
In his capacity as Founding Headmaster, Dr. Cook will play a crucial role in shaping the vision, culture, and academic standards at Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram. His guidance aims to ensure that the school embodies the principles of excellence, ethics, and measurable outcomes associated with the esteemed legacy of Queen Elizabeth's School.
Joining him is Sonal Chatrath, who will serve as the Founding Executive Director of the Educational Center, bringing with her rich experience in early childhood and primary education, as well as comprehensive leadership in academic development. Previously, she held the position of director at the John Lyon School Educational Center, and she has also served in significant leadership roles at Danes Hill School, including Deputy Academic Head and head of Learning Support. With an educational background in Educational Management and Leadership from the University of Leicester, Chatrath is well-regarded for her emphasis on high-quality teaching, safeguarding, pastoral care, and the holistic development of students. Her approach to leadership prioritizes fostering student confidence, empowering educators, and building a strong, values-driven school culture from the earliest years.
In her new role, Chatrath will be instrumental in developing the Preparatory School, laying the groundwork for academic excellence, emotional wellbeing, and a lifelong love of learning.
Commenting on these landmark appointments, Caroline Pendleton-Nash, CEO of Queen Elizabeth's Global Schools, expressed, "The appointment of Dr. Craig Cook and Ms. Sonal Chatrath reflects our steadfast commitment to excellence as we establish Queen Elizabeth's School in India. Founding leaders shape the character, culture, and academic standards of a school for future generations. Both Dr. Cook and Ms. Chatrath bring exceptional experience, integrity, and vision, and we have confidence they will foster an environment where children are academically challenged, socially supported, and developed as well-rounded young individuals."
Dr. Craig Cook, the Founding Headmaster of Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram remarked, "It is a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of founding Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram. The opportunity to build a school that merges historical educational excellence with contemporary global relevance is incredibly appealing. I look forward to collaborating closely with the community to establish an institution that nurtures confident, capable, and responsible young people."
Sonal Chatrath, Founding Executive Director of the Preparatory School, stated, "It is an honor for me to join Queen Elizabeth's School at such a pivotal time. Early education not only sets the academic path but also shapes values, confidence, and wellbeing. I am committed to creating an inclusive, aspirational, and nurturing environment where every child is acknowledged, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential."
Through these appointments, Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram reaffirms its commitment to Indian families, offering an educational experience characterized by academic depth, excellence, and global perspectives. This positions it firmly among the most prestigious and trusted new educational establishments in the country.
Supported by GEDU Global Education, the largest foreign investor in education in India, Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram brings over 450 years of British academic tradition, rigor, and values to Indian families. The appointment of globally recognized leaders to its senior academic roles underscores the school's unwavering focus on quality, governance, and the comprehensive development of every child.
For more information, please visit www.qegurugram.com.
About Queen Elizabeth's School, Gurugram
Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram is part of Queen Elizabeth's Global Schools, which provides top-tier British education in India with more than 450 years of academic experience. Inspired by the legacy of Queen Elizabeth's School in Barnet, founded by Royal Charter in 1573 in the United Kingdom, this school embodies a proven tradition of intellectual rigor, solid values, and character-based education.
The Gurugram campus, opening in August 2026, will cater to students from EY1 to Year 9 in its first year (2026-2027), with plans to expand up to Year 13 in subsequent years. The school intends to implement the Cambridge International Curriculum that leads to IGCSE and A Level programs, carefully tailored to its international context while maintaining the standards of a leading British school.
The school's focus is on a commitment to exceptional teaching and learning, supported by a comprehensive framework that integrates academic excellence with personal development. Students benefit from the QE House program, fostering community, leadership, teamwork, and school identity; QE Futures, aimed at developing aspiration, independence, and life preparation; and QE Flourish, a comprehensive co-curricular program encompassing creativity, service, wellbeing, challenge, and competition. Together, these pillars ensure a balanced and purposeful education that extends far beyond the classroom.
Backed by core values of excellence, curiosity, integrity, community, ambition, and responsibility, the school's mission is to develop confident, capable, and responsible young people prepared to lead fulfilling lives and make significant contributions to society.
For more information about Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram, visit www.qegurugram.com
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