Queen Elizabeth’s School Expands to Dubai Sports City, Set to Open in August 2026
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, a prestigious UK state grammar school, is set to open a new campus in Dubai Sports City in August 2026. This expansion marks a significant milestone as it is the first instance of a UK state-funded grammar school establishing an international branch. The initiative has received initial approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Key Details for Parents
The new school will be co-educational and will initially offer a phased launch from Nursery to Year 8, with plans to expand to a Sixth Form in subsequent years. The curriculum will follow the National Curriculum for England, ensuring that students receive a quality education aligned with UK standards.
Tuition fees for the Dubai campus will differ from those at QE Barnet, which is state-funded and free. Parents can expect annual fees ranging from AED 93,500 for Nursery to AED 136,604 for Year 8. However, discounted founding fees will be available for the inaugural year, ranging from AED 70,125 to AED 102,453.
The school will be operated by Global Education (GEDU), which will maintain the QE branding and ethos. Each campus will have its own head and staff, ensuring a tailored educational experience.
Distinctive Features of the Dubai Campus
The establishment of Queen Elizabeth’s School in Dubai provides parents with a robust, academically focused option rooted in a respected state-run grammar school background. Unlike many independent schools, this new campus promises high academic standards, character development, and a strong emphasis on sports, supported by the excellent facilities available in Dubai Sports City.
Caroline Pendleton-Nash, CEO of Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools, stated that while the model of opening international branches is common among leading UK independent schools, this initiative represents a historic first for a distinguished UK state grammar school.
Differences from QE Barnet
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, is known for its selective admissions and strong academic outcomes, particularly in preparing students for Oxbridge pathways. The Dubai campus, while co-educational and fee-paying, aims to replicate the academic ambition and character-building focus of its UK counterpart. This includes the QE Flourish Programme, which emphasizes care, challenge, creativity, and competition.
Leadership and Operational Model
GEDU serves as the international partner for Queen Elizabeth’s School. In the UAE, GEDU also operates GBS Dubai, which offers vocational pathways at the higher education level. This partnership aims to enhance the educational offerings at the new Dubai campus.
Admissions Timeline and Fee Structure
Admissions for the 2026-2027 academic year will open on November 4, 2025. The KHDA-approved fee structure is designed to be competitive while providing quality education. The school’s fee range reflects the commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
Overview of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, located in Hertfordshire, UK, serves approximately 1,300 boys aged 11 to 18. It has consistently ranked among the top schools in both the independent and state sectors, particularly noted for its academic achievements and Oxbridge offers. In the 2024 UCAS application cycle, it was recognized as the strongest UK grammar school with 62 offers.
The school received an “Outstanding” rating in its 2022 Ofsted inspection, highlighting its broad and balanced curriculum, which includes core subjects and additional options such as economics and Latin.
Neil Enright, Headmaster of Queen Elizabeth’s School, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion into the UAE, emphasizing the opportunity to provide a well-rounded education to children in the region. He noted the potential for international collaboration, which would benefit both new students in Dubai and those in Barnet.
Global Expansion Plans
In partnership with GEDU, Queen Elizabeth’s School plans to open three international campuses under the QE banner. In addition to the Dubai location, schools are also planned for GIFT City, Gujarat, and Gurugram, near Delhi. Each campus will operate independently, with its own leadership and staff, while maintaining the QE branding.
Location and Community
Dubai Sports City is a well-established residential and sporting hub, providing easy access to major roads and extensive sporting facilities. This environment is conducive to a school that prioritizes sports as a core component of its educational philosophy.
Other UK Schools Expanding in the UAE
The UAE’s educational landscape is witnessing an influx of prominent UK schools, including Harrow, Gordonstoun, and Reigate, alongside International Baccalaureate options. Families can expect a variety of new co-educational UK curriculum schools with staged roll-outs and competitive fee structures.
As reported by whichschooladvisor.com.
Explore the latest digital editions of FAME Delivered in the Magazine section.
Published on 2025-10-30 11:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk