One of the best known names in UK independent education has signed a deal to launch operations in Abu Dhabi next year.
Evolvence Knowledge Investments Limited (EKI) and Sorouh have announced the launch of Repton School Abu Dhabi due to open in September 2013 on Reem Island.
The new school will be spread across two campuses, the first of which is a 7,000 square metre site for 520 children from Nursery to Year 2.
Facilities including two multi-purpose halls and a swimming pool will see the delivery of British education synonymous with tradition, expertise and experience. The second campus will open in 2014 for children in Year 3 and over, a statement said.
Investment firm EKI partnered with Repton School in 2006 and commenced operations of its first campus when it opened Repton Dubai in September 2007.
The new Abu Dhabi school, located within Sorouh’s residential and business community development Shams Abu Dhabi on Reem Island, has been designed by Dewan Architects and is being built by System Construct.
It will be the first school to be built on Reem Island and will play an integral role in the vibrant community being created.
“The launch of a new Repton School in the UAE capital is a significant measure in offering world class education, steeped in rich heritage, in the Middle East,” said Khaled Al Muhairy, founder and CEO, Evolvence Capital.
Abubaker Seddiq Al Khouri, managing director at Sorouh Real Estate, added: “Education is a key component of the overall vision of Abu Dhabi and this represents Sorouh’s first project in this important area.
“It is a great honour to be able to announce our first education partnership with the leading British institution Repton School. This world renowned school will significantly enhance the thriving community on Shams Abu Dhabi and the wider Al Reem Island, by offering the highest standards of education to families in Abu Dhabi.”
Repton Dubai now has more than 2,200 pupils, aged three to 18 on a purpose-built campus across 126,000 sq m.
Sir Henry Every, chairman of the Repton Board of Governors, said: “I am confident that the success of Repton Dubai will be replicated in Abu Dhabi and pupils will enjoy high educational standards in a friendly, family atmosphere.”
When completed, Shams Abu Dhabi will house approximately 53,000 residents. It features landmark projects such as Gate Tower and the Sun & Sky Towers, which is already home to more than 1,000 families.
The announcement comes just weeks after it was reported that Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) has signed a partnership with top UK independent school Cranleigh to open an elite campus on Saadiyat island.
The developer of major tourism, cultural and residential destinations in the UAE capital said the campus would open in the third quarter of 2014.
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