New leadership and a new Saadiyat campus are set to shape Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s next chapter
PARTNER CONTENT: When Sarah Matthews stepped into the role of Principal at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi this August, she joined a school already recognised as one of the UAE’s leading British curriculum schools.
Yet this next chapter is not simply about maintaining success. It is about thoughtfully building on it.
Warm, reflective and values-driven, Matthews speaks passionately about relationships, community and ensuring every child feels truly known.
Alongside this is an ambition to prepare young people for a fast-changing world.
Her arrival comes at a defining point.With the Prep and Senior School set to relocate to a new purpose-built campus on Saadiyat Island during the 2027–2028 academic year, Matthews will help preserve Cranleigh’s distinctive culture while expanding opportunities for students.
Rooted in Cranleigh heritage
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi has a close relationship with Cranleigh School in the UK, whose 160-year legacy continues to shape its ethos.
“Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is not a replication of the UK school,” Matthews explains. “It is a thoughtfully evolved expression of its ethos within the cultural fabric, values and aspirations of the UAE.”
Having visited Cranleigh School in the UK on several occasions, Matthews sees strong alignment around values, educational philosophy and aspiration.
At the same time, she believes the Abu Dhabi school must continue developing its own identity.
Guided by Cranleigh’s motto, Ex Cultu Robur, meaning From Culture Comes Strength, its philosophy combines academic excellence with sport, the arts, co-curricular opportunity and character development.
“It is essential that Cranleigh Abu Dhabi continues to develop its own traditions and identity, shaped by what is right for students in this unique context,” Matthews says.
“Global outlook and national identity must go hand in hand, to form an integral part of the Cranleigh experience.”
The forthcoming campus will give that philosophy physical form. It will feature dedicated environments for science, innovation, sport, the arts and Sixth Form learning.
A school where every child is known
As schools grow, parents can worry that children may become “just another number”. Matthews is determined that Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s personalised culture remains central.
During her first visits to the school, one aspect stood out immediately. “It was evident that students are individually known, understood and valued by name, character and potential,” she says.
“Pastoral care is not dependent on size, but on the quality and intentionality of relationships,” she explains.
As the school grows, her focus will be on ensuring every child continues to feel seen, supported and connected.
Building a strong community
Relationships sit at the heart of Matthews’ leadership philosophy. Open communication, trust and meaningful partnerships between students, staff and families are central to her approach.
“Community is not created through isolated events,” she explains. “It is built through a continuous and intentional jigsaw of engagement where every interaction contributes to a stronger whole.”
Bringing the Prep and Senior School closer to the existing Pre-Prep campus will create a more connected community. It will also strengthen continuity throughout a child’s Cranleigh journey.
Academic excellence with purpose
While Cranleigh Abu Dhabi has earned a reputation for outstanding academic outcomes, Matthews believes education must extend beyond examination results.
“Strong academic outcomes are essential because they open doors,” she says. “But they are only one dimension of what a truly outstanding school should deliver.”
Her broader vision places intellectual curiosity, creativity, leadership and character alongside academic rigour.
The new campus will support this through Biology, Chemistry and Physics labs integrated with AI and VR technology.
It will also feature a specialised Sixth Form research library and exhibition hall, alongside a 650-seat auditorium.
“We are preparing young people not only for leading universities, but for a rapidly evolving world that will demand adaptability, judgement and a strong sense of purpose,” she explains.
Matthews is particularly passionate about helping students navigate AI thoughtfully and responsibly. “The new campus reflects exactly that thinking,” she adds.
“AI-integrated science facilities aren’t just about infrastructure; they’re about giving students an intuitive, hands-on relationship with the tools that will define their future.”
“The value of an advanced learning environment lies not in the technology itself, but in the thinking it enables,” she says.
“Our aim is to help students question, investigate, create and apply their knowledge with confidence and intellectual discipline.”
Looking ahead
Matthews was drawn to Cranleigh Abu Dhabi by its educational ambition, cultural richness and the UAE’s national vision for education.
“There is a powerful sense in Abu Dhabi that education is not simply a service, but a strategic national priority,” she says.
Her early months will focus on listening, observing and understanding what families value most.
“My responsibility is to build on what already makes Cranleigh special,” she says. “Not to change it, but to strengthen it with clarity, confidence and direction.”
As Cranleigh Abu Dhabi moves into its next phase of growth, the new campus offers an opportunity to bring its educational philosophy to life on a greater scale.
Grounded in its heritage, connected to the UAE and focused on the potential of every student, it marks an exciting new chapter for the school.
To discover what makes this thriving school community so special, visit cranleigh.ae
