In a landmark move for the UK education sector, a north London state school is set to become the first publicly funded institution to open an overseas branch. Historic Queen Elizabeth's School (QES) in Barnet will launch a fee-paying school in Dubai next August, with profits directed back to support its British operations.
A Pioneering Financial Venture
The 450-year-old boys' grammar school, consistently rated outstanding by Ofsted, has received approval from Dubai authorities to establish Queen Elizabeth's School in Dubai Sports City. The new co-educational institution will charge up to £32,000 per year and will teach the UK National Curriculum to students from nursery through to Sixth Form.
This represents the first successful attempt by a UK state school to tap into the lucrative international education market, estimated to be worth around £100 million. Previous efforts by other state schools, including St Olave's School in Bromley, Kent, which abandoned plans for Chinese campuses, have ended in failure.
Academic Selection and Market Position
The Dubai school will employ academic selection processes similar to those used by UK preparatory schools, with older pupils undertaking academic assessments. QES is effectively entering territory previously dominated by prestigious British private schools like Rugby and Charterhouse, which have established successful overseas operations.
Neil Enright, Head of QES Barnet, stated the initiative would "allow us to generate additional funds which will be invested back into our school in Barnet – improving further our facilities and the breadth of education for our pupils." He emphasized that the partnership represents a first for a state school.
Funding Mechanism and Future Expansion
The financial arrangement involves funds being gifted back to QES Barnet through a subsidiary established by The Friends of Queen Elizabeth's School, the school's parents' association which operates as a registered charity. This structure manages the commercial aspects of the partnership while complying with academy funding rules.
Beyond the Dubai venture, QES is planning to open two additional schools in India through its partnership with international education provider GEDU Global Education. All three overseas institutions will carry the Queen Elizabeth's name and operate as fee-paying establishments.
The new Dubai school will be led by Dan Clark, currently Deputy Head of Marlborough College, the former school of the Princess of Wales. Applications have already opened for the August launch.
Expert Reactions and Cautions
Education experts have noted that while such entrepreneurial ventures could become popular among state schools seeking additional funding, they carry significant risks. Christine Cunniffe, Head of independent school LVS Ascot, commented: "If it benefits UK state schools it could only be positive" but warned that "the brands that would attract investors might not be the schools who need the money the most."
She also stressed the necessity for "a huge amount of due diligence over the partnerships and how that might affect the control the investor might have in the UK."
International education consultant Dr Helen Wright observed that "there continues to be significant demand for English curriculum schools overseas" but cautioned that state schools need proper advice and must invest properly in business development.
The move comes amid ongoing funding pressures across England's state schools, where increased government funding has failed to keep pace with rising costs. Academies are permitted to fundraise to supplement government funding, and many successfully secure tens of thousands through parental donations and sponsorship.
Under academy rules, trusts are allowed to transact with related parties, including charities, provided they ensure "regularity, propriety, and value for money in all financial arrangements." The Dubai school operates separately from the government-funded academy trust, enabling it to charge fees while remaining compliant with regulations.
