Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram Welcomes Founding Leadership Team for Academic Excellence

New Leadership at Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram

In a significant move signaling its commitment to academic excellence, Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram has announced the appointment of two distinguished educational leaders as part of its founding team. Dr. Craig Cook will serve as the Founding Principal, and Sonal Chatrath has been appointed as the Founding Head of the Prep School. These appointments mark a pivotal step in bringing to life the first Queen Elizabeth University campus in India, with plans to open in August 2026.

A Visionary in Education

Dr. Craig Cook is a well-respected figure in the field of education, boasting over thirty years of experience across K-12 and higher education in various regions, including the United States and Asia. His most recent role was as Principal and Director of the Woodstock School in Mussoorie, where he was instrumental in driving significant academic and structural changes. Dr. Cook has successfully navigated complex accreditation processes and overseen substantial investment projects, enhancing the educational landscape and fostering community engagement.

Holding a PhD in Sociology, Dr. Cook brings a rich intercultural perspective to his new position. He aims to shape the academic vision, culture, and standards at Queen Elizabeth's School, ensuring that the institution upholds the excellence and ethical foundations associated with its heritage.

Committed to Early Education

Joining Dr. Cook is Sonal Chatrath, who will lead the Prep School with a wealth of experience in early childhood and primary education. Most recently, she served as the Head of the Prep School at the John Lyon School, where she honed her skills in educational leadership and holistic school development. Sonal's background in Management from the University of Leicester complements her expertise in child development, making her a well-suited addition to the founding team.

In her new role, Chatrath will focus on creating an environment conducive to academic excellence and emotional well-being. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes fostering self-assured learners and establishing a strong, values-oriented school culture from a young age.

Commitment to Future Generations

Caroline Pendleton-Nash, Managing Director of Queen Elizabeth's Global Schools, highlighted the importance of these appointments, stating, "The selection of Dr. Craig Cook and Sonal Chatrath reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in establishing Queen Elizabeth's School. Their roles in shaping the school's character and academic standards will undoubtedly influence future generations."

Both leaders expressed their enthusiasm for their respective foundations. Dr. Cook remarked on the honor of founding the institution, intending to blend high-quality education with contemporary global relevance, while Chatrath emphasized her dedication to creating an inclusive atmosphere that nurtures every child's potential.

A New Standard in Indian Education

Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram intends to provide Indian families with a British education steeped in over 450 years of tradition. The school, inspired by the esteemed institution in Barnet, UK, will offer a curriculum aligned with the Cambridge International standards, preparing students for IGCSE and A-Level examinations.

With an educational model that combines academic rigor with a commitment to personal development, the school plans to implement programs like QE House and QE Futures to foster community, leadership, and lifelong learning among students. The school's core values—Excellence, Curiosity, Integrity, Community, Ambition, and Responsibility—guide its mission to develop confident, capable, and responsible young individuals.

As Queen Elizabeth's School in Gurugram prepares for its inaugural academic year, it reinforces its promise to deliver an enriching educational experience that prioritizes academic depth, exceptional care, and a global perspective, positioning itself as one of the most trusted and esteemed new schools in India.

For more information regarding Queen Elizabeth's School, Gurugram, visit www.qegurugram.com.