In a pioneering move, Global Education Holdings Limited (GEDU) has partnered with the prestigious UK state school, Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet, to establish affiliate schools in India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This collaboration marks the first time a UK state school has ventured into international education by opening new schools overseas, a model typically reserved for leading UK independent schools. This initiative by GEDU is set to bring top-tier British education to new markets, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Queen Elizabeth's School, founded in 1573 by royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I, boasts over 450 years of rich heritage and a distinguished tradition of providing a well-rounded education. As a state-funded institution, Queen Elizabeth's is renowned for its merit-based admission policy, welcoming students from diverse and modest backgrounds. The school's academic performance consistently ranks it at the pinnacle of UK educational institutions, often surpassing both independent and state schools. In 2023, Queen Elizabeth's School was outperformed by only one other UK school in A Level results, underscoring its reputation for academic rigor and success.
The achievements of Queen Elizabeth's students, known as 'Elizabethans,' are extraordinary. In 2023, 45 students secured places at the prestigious Oxford and Cambridge universities, while 50 pursued studies in medicine or dentistry. By 2024, 55% of the school's graduates had been offered places at QS World Top five universities, including 62 students at Oxford or Cambridge. Elizabethans have gone on to excel in various fields, including medicine, law, finance, engineering, technology, artificial intelligence, and media.
GEDU, a UK-registered and based education company, has an impressive track record of establishing, operating, and expanding successful education brands both in the UK and internationally. Currently, GEDU oversees educational establishments with a combined student population of 60,000 across the globe. However, the partnership with Queen Elizabeth's School marks GEDU's first foray into K-12 education, setting the stage for a significant expansion of its educational portfolio.
The new Queen Elizabeth's Schools in India and the UAE will carry the QE name and branding, drawing heavily on the ethos and educational methodology of the Barnet institution. These schools will aspire to match the academic excellence and achievements that have become synonymous with Queen Elizabeth's School. The initial plans include the establishment of two QE international schools in India, one in GIFT City, Gujarat's emerging financial and technology hub, and the other in Gurugram, a satellite city near Delhi. Additionally, one QE school is planned for the UAE, with Dubai being the likely location.
In contrast to the Barnet school, which is a boys' day school, the international QE schools will be co-educational and will serve students from kindergarten through to the Sixth Form. Unlike the state-funded QE Barnet, these international schools will operate as fee-paying institutions, managed by GEDU with dedicated leadership teams and staff on the ground.
The launch timeline for these new schools is expected to be announced in the coming months. Dr. Vishwajeet Rana, Chief Executive Officer of GEDU, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "The remarkable history and heritage of Queen Elizabeth's School, coupled with the industry-leading academic outcomes achieved by its students, makes it a perfect partner for Global Education as we seek to offer first-class British-style schooling in international settings. We are committed to delivering a rounded education that, in the words of the QE mission, produces young people who are 'confident, able, and responsible".
This groundbreaking partnership between GEDU and Queen Elizabeth's School is set to elevate the standard of British education in India and the UAE, offering students in these regions access to a world-class education that rivals the best in the UK.
