Dubai College Plans UK Expansion

While many big names in education set up branches in the UAE, a Dubai institution is forging ahead with expansion plans for the UK.

According to TES (formerly known as Times Education Supplement), Dubai College is planning to open a new school in England, possibly as early as 2016.

Established in 1978, the British curriculum- not for profit school, has consistently been ranked 'outstanding' by the KHDA, and is considered one of Dubai's best. 

Speaking to TES this week, principal Peter Hill said, “your Sherbornes, your Brighton Colleges, your Reptons, you see they are moving their models to the Middle East. They see there is a really strong market here. It’s great to see, but it obviously started us thinking. If we are a very strong competitor against those schools, why don’t we move our model back to the UK?”

He went on to liken the move to the curry dish, 'chicken tikka masala', something created outside the country of inspiration and yet successfully transported around the globe.

Not only would the new location offer significant expansion for the UAE based school, but it's hoped, will create new options for Dubai based students who relocate back to the UK while still in formal education.

With many of the school's graduates moving on to well respected British universities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Warwick and even Oxbridge, the new location could also be a stepping stone of sorts for students from the UAE.

The school is still unsure at this point as to the model it will implement when launching in the UK. Although currently making plans for an independent fee paying school, developers have not ruled out the possibility of bidding for free school status.

The move comes as independent schools in the UK continue to boom, employing over 100,000 teachers. Colin Bell, chief executive of the Council of British International Schools, said last week, that he knew of numerous other members who were considering setting up branches in the UK. “It just goes to show that if there’s an excellent brand, why not put it in a suitcase and transport it back? We would certainly support what [Dubai College] is planning.”