School Name
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
Category
Middle East Schools
Types
Pre-Prep to Senior School
Pupil type
Co-ed
Boarding-Day
Day
Curriculums
GCSE
A-Level
Pupil age range
3-18
Location
Abu Dhabi
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
Focus
Learning with confidence
Day fees 2024/25
$19,000–$28,100
Pupils
1,800
Ages
3–18
Spear’s Review
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, which opened its doors in 2014, proudly carries the legacy of the renowned Cranleigh School in the United Kingdom. Nestled on the picturesque Saadiyat Island, the school embraces its deep-rooted history while adapting to the dynamic, diverse needs of the modern world.
The institution is firmly dedicated to offering a broad and balanced curriculum, one that fosters cultural understanding and nurtures global engagement, preparing students to navigate an interconnected world.
The school’s motto, Ex cultu robur ("from culture comes strength"), encapsulates its philosophy, highlighting the importance of cultural appreciation as the foundation of strength and personal growth.
At Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, students graduate with a diverse range of flexible, transferable skills – including complex problem-solving, resilience, leadership, tolerance, and the ability to work effectively in cross-cultural teams. These qualities not only equip students for future academic and professional success but also for meaningful contributions to society as thoughtful, globally aware individuals.
Academics
86 per cent of GCSE results are grades 7–9.
43 per cent of A-Level results are A* or A.
University and college destinations
Graduates of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi attend prestigious universities worldwide, including top UK institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London, as well as renowned US universities such as Harvard and Stanford.
Graduates also go on to study at leading universities across Europe, Australia and Asia, showcasing the diverse and ambitious nature of the Cranleigh Abu Dhabi student body.
Head teacher
Tracy Crowder-Cloe is the principal of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi. With extensive leadership experience, she previously worked at Repton School Dubai, where she held senior roles in both teaching and management. She is passionate about fostering an environment of academic excellence, personal growth and global citizenship.
Admissions
Prospective students must complete an online application, submitting academic records, references and any relevant documentation. Following this, students are assessed through an entrance assessment that may include tests in subjects like English, Mathematics and other relevant areas, depending on the student’s age.
Applicants are then invited for an interview to assess their suitability and understand their potential.
Accessibility
Abu Dhabi International Airport: 30 minutes
Location
Click for more information about the research process and expert insight behind the Spear’s Schools Index.
Rank: Recommended

Recommended 2025, Middle East Schools