School Name
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
Category
Middle East Schools
Types
Pre-Prep to Senior School
Pupil type
Co-ed
Boarding-Day
Day
Curriculums
UK Curriculum
GCSE
IGCSE
A-Level
Pupil age range
3-18
Location
Abu Dhabi
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
Focus
Encouraging learning with confidence
Day fees 2025/26
$19,500-$28,900
Term dates
- Term 1: 25 August to 5 December 2025
- Term 2: 5 January to 13 March 2026
- Term 3: 30 March to 3 July 2026
Ages
3-18
Pupil count
2,600
Spear’s Review
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, which opened its doors in 2014, proudly carries the legacy of the 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 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.
The institution is dedicated to offering a broad and balanced curriculum, one that fosters cultural understanding and nurtures global engagement. Co-curricular activities are similarly varied, from sketching and construction clubs to debating and baking societies. Cranleigh’s dedicated enrichment programme, offered to students in Years 3 to 13, allows pupils to track their progress and build a personal skills profile which retains value beyond life at Cranleigh.
Head teacher
Tracy Crowder-Cloe is the principal of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi. With extensive leadership experience, she previously worked at Repton 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.
University and college destinations
Graduates of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi attend prestigious universities worldwide, including top UK institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London, as well as renowned US schools such as Harvard and Stanford.
Admissions
Prospective students must complete an online application and submit academic records, references and any relevant documentation. Following this, students are assessed through an entrance exam that may include tests in subjects such as 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