Abu Dhabi’s first boarding school set to open on Saadiyat Island

The Cranleigh Abu Dhabi campus on Saadiyat island. Supplied photo

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, the first school campus to open on Saadiyat Island, will start accepting applications for students for the 2014-15 academic year.

Based on the ethos and curriculum of Cranleigh School, a leading UK independent school founded in 1865, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s academic curriculum will emphasise the individual, allowing pupils to pursue fine arts, performing arts, music, sports and cultural activities.

With classrooms operating at an average of 18 pupils per class, the school ensures students make the best of their time in class and get the best attention from their educators.

The school said it was initially looking to enrol pupils signing up for Foundation Stage 1 to Year 9 (ages three to 14).

Built over seven hectares of land — four times the minimum requirements of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) — the school will be one of the largest school campuses in the emirate and will be able to accommodate more than 1,600 pupils.

“We are excited to begin the application process, and look forward to welcoming both parents and pupils to be part of the Cranleigh Abu Dhabi family. We anticipate being busy moving forward with parents who are keen to provide their children with top-quality education,” said headmaster Brendan Law.

The school is scheduled to be delivered in phases, with the first phase to start in 2014-2015, with a separate junior and senior campus.

Part of the school’s plan is to offer boarding facilities — a first for the emirate. Various boarding arrangements in purpose-built houses, separate for males and females, will be offered, including full-boarding as well as day and weekly options.

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