Queen Elizabeth's School’s Opens in Dubai in 2026

Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet – one of the most prestigious state schools in the UK – will open its first international branch in Dubai Sports City in August 2026.

The new campus, Queen Elizabeth’s School Dubai, will bring over 450 years of British academic tradition to the UAE, offering students access to the National Curriculum for England while maintaining the same high standards that have made the Barnet school a leader in UK education.

The project, developed in partnership with GEDU Global Education, recently received initial approval from Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), marking a historic milestone – this is the first UK state grammar school to open an international branch.

“The Dubai campus will remain faithful to the mission, values, traditions, and high academic standards of Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet, while also reflecting Dubai’s spirit of innovation and ambition,” said Caroline Pendleton-Nash, CEO of Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools.

Initially, the school will accept students from nursery to Year 8, gradually expanding over time. Its location in Dubai Sports City provides access to exceptional athletic facilities, ensuring that sport and wellbeing remain an integral part of the educational experience.

Neil Enright, headmaster of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, emphasized the school’s commitment to opportunity and leadership and added: “We are excited about the potential for international collaboration, which over time will build a global network of our alumni.”

The founding principal of the new campus will be Dan Clark, who has served as deputy head of the elite Marlborough College since 2020. “Throughout my career in outstanding schools, I have seen how powerful education can be. It challenges students to think deeply, act responsibly, and believe in their own ability to succeed,” said Clark.

“These values are fundamental to the QE approach. As founding principal of QE Dubai Sports City, I am excited to establish a community that will develop confident, capable, and responsible young people ready to shape the future.”