450-Year Legacy Arrives in Dubai: Queen Elizabeth's School to Open in August 2026
Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet, is launching its first international branch in Dubai Sports City in August 2026. The new campus, Queen Elizabeth’s School Dubai, will deliver over 450 years of British academic tradition to the UAE.
Students will follow the National Curriculum for England, maintaining the high standards that have made the Barnet school a consistent “outstanding” performer and a leader in UK education. This initiative, developed in partnership with GEDU Global Education, recently received initial approval from Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
This marks a historic milestone, as it is the first UK state grammar school to open an international branch.
“This landmark approval allows us to accelerate our vision to deliver world-leading K-12 education to students from across the UAE,” said Caroline Pendleton-Nash, CEO of Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools.
“The Dubai branch will uphold the mission, ethos, tradition, and rigorous academic standards of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, while embracing Dubai’s spirit of innovation and ambition.”
“By combining the heritage of one of the UK’s most distinguished schools with Dubai’s vision, we aim to set a new global benchmark for educational excellence.”
The Dubai campus will initially open from nursery to year 8 and will expand in phases to include sixth form.
Summary: Queen Elizabeth's School is bringing its 450-year British academic heritage to Dubai in 2026, aiming to provide world-class education aligned with UK standards while embracing Dubai's innovative spirit.