Reigate Grammar School, the esteemed institution that counts UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer among its alumni, is set to open its first campus in the UAE in September 2026.
Starmer, who assumed office as British Prime Minister this month, attended the school from 1974 to 1981.
The new campus in Sharjah will span a 450,000-square-foot plot in the forested Masaar master community in the Suyoh district. Sean Davey, Global Business Director of Reigate Grammar School International, revealed in an interview with Khaleej Times that there are plans to open at least three more schools in the UAE.
Davey emphasized that all students will receive leadership training and learn the art of communication, ensuring they become proficient communicators and collaborators. Public speaking and teamwork will be integral parts of the curriculum.
Founded in 1675, Reigate Grammar School operates across three continents. The Masaar campus will offer both the English National Curriculum and the Cambridge Curriculum, tailored to meet the needs of students in the UAE.
The school will feature a performing arts center, a library, a STEM center, multi-purpose halls, sports facilities, and swimming pools.
Highlighting Starmer’s connection to the school, Davey mentioned that Starmer was the captain of the school football team, a member of the school orchestra, and a school prefect. As a valued member of the Reigatian professional community, Starmer has maintained contact with the school, offering mentorship and advice to students aspiring to enter the legal profession.
He has also served as an Ambassador for the Reigate Grammar School Foundation, speaking at various events to support the school’s charitable initiatives. Additionally, he has visited his old school on several occasions, delivering the Henry Smith Lecture and speaking in memory of a long-serving teacher.
Davey stressed the importance of leadership and character development at Reigate Grammar School. Students will participate in various committees and groups, learning essential skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and project management.
They will receive training in communication and public speaking, as well as leadership and management skills, entrepreneurial activities, and business understanding.
Although Davey cannot confirm whether Starmer is aware of the new UAE campus, he expressed confidence that the Prime Minister, who is linked to the school’s community news, is well-informed.
Davey is hopeful that Starmer will visit the Sharjah campus during an official state visit to the UAE, where he would receive a personal invitation from Reigate Grammar School.
Starmer has previously praised Reigate Grammar School for providing him with an ideal platform to explore his potential, citing inspirational teachers and a wide range of opportunities that fostered his love for academia, sports, and music. He recalled being encouraged to debate, think creatively and critically, and find solutions to problems.
Esref Temel, Managing Director at Bright Capital Investment, which will operate the Sharjah campus, stated that the school aims to help students thrive in real life, pushing their limits to become future world leaders.
