In a world first, Global Education (GEDU) has joined forces with Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet, a top UK state school in London, to launch affiliated schools in India and the United Arab Emirates. While UK independent schools have previously adopted this model, it marks the inaugural instance of a UK state school engaging in such a partnership. This groundbreaking initiative by GEDU represents a significant milestone.
Founded in 1573 by a royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth's is a state funded school with over 450 years of rich heritage and a pioneering tradition. The school is a UK leader, providing a rounded education to pupils from diverse and modest backgrounds, based on merit. A Queen Elizabeth's School education rivals, and often surpasses, the provision of many UK private schools and QE's results consistently place them at the very top of UK league tables for both the independent and state sector. In 2023, only one school in the UK outperformed Queen Elizabeth's at A Level.
Exceptional examination results provide 'Elizabethans' with a wealth of opportunities. In 2023, 45 students secured spots at Oxford and Cambridge, and 50 pursued studies in medicine or dentistry. By 2024, 55% of graduates received offers from QS World Top Five universities, including 62 at Oxford or Cambridge. Regardless of their chosen field, Elizabethans frequently excel in their professions, particularly in medicine, law, finance, engineering, technology/AI, and media/entertainment.
Global Education Holdings Limited (GEDU) is a UK registered and based education business with a strong track record of establishing, operating and growing successful education brands in both the UK and overseas. There are currently 60,000 students in GEDU educational establishments across the world, though this will be the group's first entry into K-12 education.
Initially, two QE international schools are set to open in India: one in GIFT City, the emerging financial and technology hub in Gujarat, and the other in Gurugram, a satellite city near Delhi. A single school is also planned for the UAE, with Dubai being the anticipated location. Each school will be led by its own headteacher, supported by a senior leadership team and dedicated teaching staff.
In contrast to QE Barnet, which is a boys' day school, the QE international schools will be co-educational and will cater to students from kindergarten through to Sixth Form. Additionally, unlike QE Barnet, the international schools will be fee-paying rather than state funded. The new schools will be overseen by GEDU, which will collaborate with dedicated leadership and staff teams locally. Details of their launch schedule will be revealed in the coming months.
Dr Vishwajeet Rana, Chief Executive Officer of GEDU, said, "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".
Neil Enright, Headmaster of Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet, said, "We are excited to be partnering with Global Education, who bring notable experience and expertise in establishing and developing new educational businesses in the UK and internationally. The alignment in our values and our shared vision for providing young people with an outstanding academic and co-curricular experience is at the heart of this initiative. We look forward to working with GEDU to open and grow QE branded schools in India and UAE, and to the opportunities that students will enjoy both internationally and in Barnet as a result".
