Queen Elizabeth's School to Launch in Dubai Sports City in 2026, Upholding 450 Years of Academic Excellence

Queen Elizabeth's School Unveiled in Dubai Sports City

In a significant stride towards global education, Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet, renowned for its rich history of over 450 years in academic excellence, is set to expand its legacy by opening a branch in Dubai Sports City in August 2026. This initiative, realized through a partnership with GEDU Global Education, marks a historic moment as it is the first time a British state-funded school has established an international presence.

A Vision for Quality Education

The new campus will be officially named Queen Elizabeth's School, Dubai Sports City, and aims to provide students in the United Arab Emirates with access to the National Curriculum of England. The school is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and has consistently earned an “Outstanding” rating from the governing bodies back in the UK, ranking it among the top educational institutions.

Caroline Pendleton-Nash, CEO of Queen Elizabeth's Global Schools, expressed her excitement about this development, stating, “This groundbreaking approval allows us to accelerate our vision of providing a world-class K-12 education to children in the UAE.”

The introduction of this prestigious educational institution is expected to enhance the learning environment and offer new opportunities for students. The school will be coeducational and will initially accommodate children from preschool through Grade 8, expanding to include high school grades over time.

Unique Educational Environment

Nestled in Dubai Sports City, the school will benefit from unparalleled sports facilities, making athletics and physical excellence integral to its educational framework. The school's educational model will be further complemented by the “QE Flourish” program, which focuses on personal development across various aspects including Care, Challenge, Create, and Compete. This innovative program aims to unlock the infinite potential of its students while nurturing their character.

The Dubai branch will stay true to the mission, ethos, tradition, and academic standards established by Queen Elizabeth's School in Barnet, while also embracing the innovative and ambitious spirit of Dubai. The aim is to develop confident, capable, and responsible young individuals prepared to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their communities.

A Milestone in International Education

Neil Enright, headmaster of Queen Elizabeth's School in Barnet, stated, “We are delighted to be encouraged by KHDA to provide children in the UAE with a rounded and enriching QE education that opens up opportunities and prepares them to be the leaders of their generation.” He also highlighted the exciting potential for international collaboration that this expansion provides, aiming to create a global network of QE alumni benefitting both new students and those in the Barnet state sector.

Edward Hobart, His Majesty's Ambassador to the UAE, commented on the significance of this opening, expressing, “This milestone is the first instance of a state-funded British school expanding its reach globally, demonstrating the enduring strength of educational partnerships between the UK and the UAE.” He emphasized the benefits this partnership will bring, allowing young people in the UAE access to world-class British education.

Founded in 1573 through a royal charter by Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth's School has a legacy of providing exceptional education catering to students from diverse and modest backgrounds. The institution regularly outperforms many of the UK’s most expensive independent schools, positioning its students at the top of the national rankings. It was named the “State Secondary School of the Year” in 2025 by the Sunday Times, with 55% of the 2024 graduates receiving offers from institutions ranked among the top five in the QS World University Rankings.

With its expansion to Dubai, Queen Elizabeth's School is poised to set a new global benchmark for excellence in education, merging over four centuries of heritage with a forward-looking vision committed to cultivating the leaders of tomorrow.

For further details, please visit www.qedubaisportscity.com.