Two UAE private schools named among top 100 in the world in new rankings

A school in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi have been included on the international list

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi has been selected as one the world's top 100 private schools. Courtesy: Cranleigh Abu Dhabi

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi and Dubai College have been named among the best 100 private schools in the world in a new league table.

The inaugural Spear's Schools Index compiled the rankings based on academic results, preparation for university and how well pupils are prepared for life beyond academics.

The list was devised by Spear's, a luxury and wealth management magazine, in partnership with Carfax Education, a UAE-based international education consultancy.

Brummana High School in Lebanon, Doha College in Qatar and Kings Academy in Jordan, were included on the list of the top five schools in the Middle East.

It is wonderful to hear this news after a six-month period in which we have moved from fully physical to fully digital to fully blended learning

The aim of the index is to help parents navigate school admissions and choose the school best suited to their child.

"We know that finding the right school can be a daunting experience and we hope that this comprehensive list will assist many families through what can be a confusing time," Fiona McKenzie, head of Education at Carfax Education UAE, said.

The authors of the index said Dubai College successfully focused on innovation, even though it was one of the oldest not-for-profit schools in the region.

They also hailed Cranleigh Abu Dhabi's focus on pupils' wellbeing, sustainability and community.

Both schools follow the British curriculum.

Michael Lambert, headmaster at Dubai College, was delighted that staff and pupils can share in the accolade following a challenging year disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Dubai College has strived for excellence in each of its 42 years and we never take our success for granted," he said.

‘We Miss You’ banner posted on the boundary wall of the building. Pupils are being welcomed back after more than five months.

The Dubai British School in Jumeirah Park will welcome back 1,230 pupils on August 30. 'The National' takes a look at the Covid-19 precautionary measures taken to ensure staff and pupil safety. Campuses are beign reopened after more than five months of closure. All photos by Pawan Singh / The National

The entrance of the school will soon include thermal scanners. There are dedicated entry and exit points for primary and secondary sections.

Storage units have been placed at a distance to prevent gathering.

Tables in the canteen area are distanced by two metres.

Markings have been placed in hallways throughout the school to encourage social distancing.

A total of 130 automatic hand sanitisers have been fitted across the school.

Desks inside classrooms have been distanced and only two pupils per table will be allowed.

Posters promoting good hygiene are placed in hallways and different areas of the school.

Partitions are placed in Year 1 classrooms.

“It is wonderful to hear this news after a six-month period in which we have moved from fully physical to fully digital to fully blended learning."

Michael Wilson, principal of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, was also pleased that the school's achievements had been recognised.

“With so many excellent schools in the Middle East, we are delighted to be listed as one of the top 100 private schools in the world according to Spear’s Schools Index 2020," he said.

The index included schools in the UK, Switzerland, Europe, USA, Middle East, China and, Southeast Asia.

Among the top 20 senior schools in the UK were Eton College, Charterhouse and Cheltenham Ladies College.

The United States had 15 representatives, including The Brearley School in New York and Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut.

Europe's entrants included The International School of Monaco and Letovo School in Moscow.

The list is divided into regions, with the 100 chosen schools not placed in a specific ranking.