Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, is set to expand internationally with the opening of its first overseas campus in Dubai Sports City by August 2026. This new venture, in partnership with GEDU Global Education, has already gained initial approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The Dubai campus will follow the National Curriculum for England, offering a world-class K-12 education to students in the UAE, continuing the school’s 450-year tradition of academic excellence.
New Co-Educational Campus in Dubai
The Dubai campus will introduce a co-educational environment, initially catering for students from Nursery through to Year 8, with plans for future expansion into the Sixth Form. The school’s location within Dubai Sports City will provide students with access to advanced sports facilities, complementing the academic experience under the QE Flourish Programme. This programme aims to provide a balanced educational approach, combining academic rigor with personal development opportunities.
The school leadership is committed to maintaining the high academic standards of the UK-based Queen Elizabeth’s School while embracing the innovative spirit of Dubai. Caroline Pendleton-Nash, CEO of Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “This landmark approval allows us to accelerate our vision to deliver world-leading K-12 education to students from across the UAE.”
Historic Move for UK State Grammar Schools
The Dubai expansion marks a significant milestone as the first international branch of a UK state grammar school. This development highlights the growing collaboration between the UK and UAE educational sectors. Neil Enright, Headmaster of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, commented, “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.” Enright also noted the exciting prospects for enhanced international exchanges and an expanding Elizabethan network in the coming years.
Queen Elizabeth’s School Legacy
Founded in 1573 by royal charter, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, has consistently ranked among the top UK schools and is renowned for its academic excellence. The school has earned recognition as the 2025 Sunday Times State Secondary School of the Year for A-levels, solidifying its position as a leader in the UK’s educational landscape. The Dubai campus is set to offer students in the UAE an opportunity to access this high standard of education while contributing to the school’s continued global reach.
This move into Dubai aligns with the growing trend of international partnerships in education, further strengthening ties between the UAE and the UK. The collaboration reflects the UAE’s commitment to offering world-class educational opportunities, as seen in initiatives like the first green district at Expo City Dubai. The arrival of Queen Elizabeth’s School in Dubai adds a significant international dimension to the UAE’s educational offerings, benefiting future generations of students in the region.
