Reigate Grammar School (RGS), a high-achieving, academically selective UK independent school, has announced plans to open in the UAE.
The school aims to open three or more campuses in the UAE. While specific details regarding opening dates and the exact locations for the new schools remain undisclosed, the RGS schools will enrol more than 2,000 students.
What do we know so far?
UAE school operator and investment company, Bright Capital, has entered into a collaboration agreement with Reigate Grammar School International to open a group of premium UK curriculum schools in the UAE.
Bright Capital currently has investments in four schools in Dubai; Bright Learners Private School and the three Star International School campuses in Al Twar, Mirdif and Al Qusais.
Who is Reigate Grammar School (RGS)?
Established in 1675 in Surrey, Reigate Grammar School is an academically selective co-ed senior school with a nurturing approach to education, a broad extra-curricular offering, and a flexible curriculum that includes an extended three-year GCSE programme. Annual tuition fees at this day school range from £22,530-22,995 (AED 105,600-106,600).
Reigate Grammar School (RGS) and Reigate Grammar School International currently operate six schools globally (in the UK, Saudi Arabia, China and Vietnam). The school group is reportedly developing projects in Morocco, as well as the newly announced plans in the UAE.
While the original UK school caters to students from Year 7 to sixth form, its UAE campuses will be all-through schools offering early years and primary as well.
The growth of UK independent school brands in the UAE
The launch of Reigate Grammar School in the UAE follows a popular trend of imported UK school brands operated by local and international investment companies and education groups, such as RGSG Dubai, Brighton College Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain, Kent College Dubai and Cranleigh Abu Dhabi.
Shaun Fenton OBE, Executive Headmaster of Reigate Grammar School, said:
“I am delighted with this new partnership with Bright Capital and excited to establish world class schools in the UAE as part of our global village philosophy, where we nurture every child to become the best versions of themselves, fulfil their potential, and become global citizens with noble purpose. Our partnership with Bright Capital marks a significant milestone as we extend our presence into the UAE.”
Reigate and Bright Capital are committed to developing international links offering students in the UAE access to exceptional educational opportunities and in creating cultural and learning links across continents, facilitating visitation and exchange opportunities for students and staff which will further enrich the Reigatian community.”
Esref Temel, Managing Director, Bright Capital said,
“We are thrilled about this collaboration and eagerly anticipate establishing world-class British schools in the UAE, aligning perfectly with our expansion plans. This partnership marks Bright Capital’s foray into the premium British schools’ segment, and we could not have found a better partner than Reigate Grammar School International, with its rich history in the independent school sector in the UK.”