Queen Elizabeth’s School to Open First Overseas Campus in Dubai Sports City
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, is making history. The school will open its first overseas campus in Dubai Sports City in August 2026. This major expansion comes through a partnership with GEDU Global Education and has already received initial approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
The new Queen Elizabeth’s Dubai campus will follow the National Curriculum for England. Building on more than 450 years of educational excellence, the school aims to offer top-quality K,12 education to students across the UAE.
A Global Milestone for UK Education
The Dubai branch will be co-educational, starting with Nursery to Year 8, and will gradually grow to include the Sixth Form. Located in Dubai Sports City, students will enjoy world-class sports facilities and a well-rounded academic journey through the QE Flourish Programme.
Caroline Pendleton-Nash, CEO of Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools, called this approval “a landmark moment.” She said it will help deliver “world-leading K-12 education to students from across the UAE.”
This initiative also marks the first time a UK state grammar school has opened an international branch, a remarkable achievement for education worldwide.
Preserving Heritage, Embracing Innovation
Headmaster Neil Enright confirmed that the Dubai school will uphold the values and academic standards of its UK counterpart. “We are delighted to bring a rounded and enriching QE education to children in the UAE,” he said.
Founded by royal charter in 1573, Queen Elizabeth’s School has consistently ranked among the top UK schools and was named The Sunday Times State Secondary School of the Year for A-levels (2025).
This milestone marks a new era of collaboration between UK and UAE education sectors, one that blends tradition with innovation.
