Durham School, one of UK's oldest, set to open branch in Dubai

English school will set up its third overseas unit in Dubai Investments Park

Durham School in Dubai Investments Park will be able to cater for more than 1,700 pupils. Photo: Durham School

Durham School, one of the UK's oldest, is to open a branch in Dubai in August.

The branch, a 32 million-square-metre campus in Dubai Investments Park, will be able to cater to more than 1,700 pupils when completed.

The new property features a Foundation Stage section, a primary and secondary classroom complex with specialist science, art and IT labs, a music performance hall, auditorium, a multi-purpose sports hall and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool.

Mark Atkins, who has a 35-year career in education that includes setting up and heading schools in Dubai, has been appointed the founding principal of the new school. He has also been involved in developing new schools in the Middle East, India, China, Malaysia and Europe.

Durham School was founded in 1414 and refounded in 1541 by King Henry VIII.

Durham School Dubai will be its third overseas branch, following the opening of Durham International School, Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2021 and Durham School for Girls, Doha, in September 2019.

"With its strategic location, excellent facilities, competitive fee levels, experienced leadership team led by principal Mark Atkins and an uncompromising dedication to the quality of education, we are confident that Durham School Dubai will quickly establish a strong reputation," said Kieran McLaughlin, headmaster of Durham School.