An exclusive coffee morning took place yesterday with one of the most prestigious independent British Curriculum schools in the UK, the Royal Grammar School Guildford (RGS Guildford). The exclusive coffee morning event was held on foot of the announcement that its new campus is opening in Dubai in September, bringing with it a 500-year heritage of academic excellence.
Hosted by Mother Baby & Child Editor, Kay Marham, Founding Principal Craig Lamshed and Head of Prep, Clare Turnbull met prospective parents, who had the opportunity to ask questions about one of the most important decisions a parent can make for their child – the educational path that prepares them for their life and future.
About RGS Guildford
Established more than 500 years ago in 1509, RGS Guildford is globally renowned for its track record of academic excellence and innovative approach to teaching that prepares young people for life, whilst retaining its historic roots. By combining a foundation of heritage with a forward-thinking approach to teaching and learning, RGS Guildford is consistently ranked as one of the top schools in the UK at both A Level and GCSE.
RGS students’ success in attending the world’s leading universities
Each year, RGS Guildford’s pupils routinely secure places on the most competitive courses at leading world universities, with some 325 graduates over the last 10 years attending Oxford or Cambridge Universities. RGS Guildford’s alumni have gone on to have incredibly successful careers in all areas from business to sports, the creative arts and politics.
Dubai is an important milestone in the 500-year history of RGS
The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai will share the same ethos and academic rigour of its parent school in the UK and its expansion to the UAE marks a key milestone in the school’s 500-year history. Headmaster of RGS Guildford in the UK, Dr. Jon Cox, commented: “Investing in the very best teachers, consistently and across the entire school, is a top priority for RGS Guildford Dubai, to ensure that our pupils achieve top-level results, and to build a culture and community that holds our children at its heart.”
Renowned leadership preparing students for the future
He added: “Dubai is a global city which is renowned for its diversity and dynamic mindset – qualities which have inspired RGS Guildford for hundreds of years. To prepare our pupils for the challenges of the 21st century, we must lead by example: staying true to our values, collaborating with others, innovating and striving always to be the very best we can be. RGS Guildford Dubai is a central part of allowing us to realise this vision.”
RGS Guildford Dubai co-education for boys and girls aged three to 18
RGS Guildford Dubai will provide a co-education for boys and girls aged three to 18 and will be led by Founding Principal Mr. Craig Lamshed, who brings over 25 years of education and senior leadership experience to the UAE, including as a Principal in Dubai and also covering the British, UAE, International Baccalaureate, Australian and American curricula. Mr. Lamshed has been a brand leader for Cambridge Schools in Dubai, a member of the Global Education Review and is accredited as a British Schools Overseas reviewer. He brings to RGS Guildford Dubai proven experience of founding a secondary school in the UAE, profound and wide-ranging educational leadership, including in Dubai, and a passion for excellence.
Mr. Lamshed said: “I cannot wait to welcome pupils and parents through RGS Guildford Dubai doors in 2021 to what will be a fantastic school and an amazing educational experience for our community. We have a genuine interest in our pupil relationships as we believe this is what promotes happiness and wellbeing in school. RGS Guildford Dubai’s stellar curriculum is entwined with the school’s core values and will provide a platform for pupils to reach their full potential, irrespective of their passion.”
RGS Dubai location, size & facilities
The new school will be located within Majid Al Futtaim’s flagship Dubai community, Tilal Al Ghaf, adjacent to Hessa Street, between Dubai Motor City and Sports City. On completion, the school will sit on an impressive 40,000 square metres, and will be able to accommodate 2,100 pupils. The light and dynamic building will include a 25-metre competition standard swimming pool and state-of-the-art classrooms and labs that will support science, art, languages, music and more.
Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Communities, Mr. Hawazen Esber, said “Tilal Al Ghaf is located in one of Dubai’s fastest growing freehold residential areas, popular with international families and designed around the integrated principles of placemaking and people. The decision by the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai to be part of Tilal Al Ghaf is a significant endorsement for this exciting community and we’re working closely with the educational team as construction of the flagship international school progresses. We are proud to welcome the school to Dubai, establishing new benchmarks in quality education.”