Aldar Education has partnered with the UK’s prestigious Rugby School Global to launch its first Middle East campus in Dubai
Rugby School is set to make its Middle East debut, with Rugby School Dubai opening in partnership with Aldar Education.
The co-educational school will welcome pupils aged 3 to 18 from the 2026–27 academic year, offering the British curriculum from EYFS to Sixth Form.
The school will introduce value-based teaching methodologies, personalised learning pathways, and a dynamic co-curricular programme spanning sports, performing arts, and music.
These approaches build on Rugby School’s longstanding belief that developing the whole person sits at the heart of education.
A new British curriculum school in Dubai: What parents can expect
Located in Nad Al Sheba, the purpose-built campus is designed for students from FS1 to Year 13 across Pre-Prep, Prep, Senior, and Sixth Form.
The site will feature over 90 classrooms, specialist learning spaces for Nursery, Primary, and Secondary, and flexible open-plan areas that support collaborative learning.
Students will have access to advanced science and technology laboratories, including dedicated facilities for Physics, Biology, Electronics, ICT, Design Technology, and Food Technology.
Creative learners will benefit from art and drama studios, a 400-seat auditorium, and a full programme of performing arts opportunities.
The school’s sporting provision will include swimming pools, rugby and football pitches, tennis courts, a hockey pitch, multiple play areas, and an athletics track, alongside dedicated PE facilities.
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Leadership, ethos and vision at Rugby School Dubai
Henry Price has been appointed as Executive Principal to lead the launch of Rugby School Dubai. He brings 13 years of experience from Rugby School UK, where he served as Senior Housemaster and Head of Classics.
Rooted in 450 years of history, Rugby School is internationally recognised for its holistic ethos, “The Whole Person, The Whole Point,” which will be reflected in Dubai through The Rugby Way and The Rugby Learner Profile.
Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education, said: “This partnership integrates a prestigious educational heritage with a contemporary, nurturing environment tailored to each student’s needs.”
Neil Hampton, CEO Rugby School Global, added: “All the schools in the Rugby School Group share an unwavering commitment to high-quality, holistic education… As we say at Rugby, ‘The Whole Person is the Whole Point’, and we are committed to bringing this ethos to our Dubai campus.”
Rugby School Dubai also aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Education Strategy 2033, supporting the city’s ambition to expand world-class educational opportunities for families.
With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and strong student placement at leading universities worldwide, Rugby School will provide families in the UAE with another world-renowned choice in education.
Rugby School UK: A 450-year educational legacy
Founded in 1567, Rugby School UK is one of the oldest independent schools in the United Kingdom and is recognised for its academics and holistic student development.
It has a strong track record of student placements at leading universities worldwide, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Durham University, Imperial College London and Ivy League institutions in the USA.
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