Queen Elizabeth’s School Set to Open in Dubai Sports City in August 2026
New International Campus Approved by KHDA
Dubai, UAE—October 30, 2025—In a significant development for educational offerings in the UAE, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, has received initial approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to establish its first international branch in Dubai. Scheduled to open in August 2026, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City will offer the National Curriculum for England while upholding the school’s esteemed academic standards.
“This landmark approval allows us to accelerate our vision to deliver world-leading K-12 education to students from across the UAE,” stated Caroline Pendleton-Nash, CEO of Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools.
A Historic Educational Initiative
This venture marks a pioneering moment as it is the first instance of a UK state grammar school expanding its footprint internationally. “While the model of establishing international branches is familiar among leading UK independent schools, this represents an unprecedented and truly exciting milestone for global education,” Pendleton-Nash added.
Situated in the heart of Dubai Sports City, the branch will initially cater to students from Nursery to Year 8, with plans for future expansion up to Sixth Form. The location provides exceptional sporting facilities, making physical education a cornerstone of the curriculum.
Comprehensive Education Experience
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City will emphasize a balanced education through its unique QE Flourish Programme, which focuses on character and personal development. This program encompasses four key areas: Care, Challenge, Create, and Compete, aimed at unlocking the full potential of each student.
Furthermore, the Dubai branch will maintain the ethos and academic rigor synonymous with its Barnet counterpart. “Our mission is to nurture confident, able, and responsible young people who are prepared to lead happy and fulfilled adult lives while making positive contributions to society,” Pendleton-Nash remarked.
Support from Educational Leaders
Neil Enright, Headmaster of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, expressed his enthusiasm for the new opportunity. “We are delighted to have received this encouragement from the KHDA to offer a rounded and enriching QE education to children in the UAE, spreading opportunity and supporting students to become the leaders of their generation.”
The initiative also opens doors for international collaboration, facilitating the development of a global network of Elizabethans that will benefit both the new students and those in the state sector in Barnet.
Strengthening Educational Ties
Edward Hobart, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the UAE, emphasized the significance of this milestone. “This expansion represents the first time a British state-funded grammar school has ventured abroad, showcasing the enduring strength of UK-UAE educational partnerships.”
By introducing Queen Elizabeth’s proven educational methodologies to Dubai, the school aims to increase accessibility to high-caliber British education for young people in the UAE. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact this world-class institution will have on students and the broader educational landscape in the UAE,” Hobart stated.
A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1573 under a royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth’s School has a rich heritage and a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. Known for offering quality education to students from diverse backgrounds, the school consistently outperforms many of the UK’s most prestigious independent institutions. It ranks at the top of UK league tables, a testament to its commitment to educational excellence.
In recent accolades, Queen Elizabeth’s School was named the 2025 Sunday Times State Secondary School of the Year for A-levels. Furthermore, in 2024, 55% of its graduates received offers from institutions ranked in the top five of the QS World University Rankings.
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