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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 OxfordCambridge 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

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