As GEDU’s Official Education Ambassador, England cricketing legend Sir Alastair Cook joined colleagues from Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City for an exclusive networking event to showcase the school’s world-class educational offering ahead of its opening in August 2026.
The event welcomed VIP guests from across business, education, sport, and media, along with prominent social media figures. It was also attended by the Headmaster of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, Mr Neil Enright, and members of the alumni community, reflecting the strength of the partnership with the founding campus and the reach of its global alumni network. This initiative forms part of Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools’ international expansion, bringing a distinguished British K - 12 education to new markets where demand for high academic standards and exceptional student outcomes continues to grow.
Speaking at the event, Sir Alastair Cook said:
“Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet has a remarkable heritage of excellence, ambition, and character. To see that legacy now being brought to Dubai is incredibly exciting. This school will give young people the opportunity to thrive, not only academically but personally, developing confidence, ability and responsibility, qualities that are essential for success in any field.”
Sir Alastair will also serve as an advisor to the schools’ planned elite sports programmes, supporting the development of high-performance pathways and strengthening the role of sport within the wider educational experience.
CEO of Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools, Caroline Pendleton Nash, described the event as a significant milestone in the school’s journey.
“Our aim was to bring together key members of the media and the wider business community to introduce the exceptional education that will be available from August 2026 at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City,” said Mrs Pendleton Nash.
“We are gathering real momentum. Admissions have opened to very strong demand for places and earlier this month we announced Dan Clark as our Founding Principal. These are important steps as we build towards launch.”
“Our hope now is that families across the UAE who aspire to a truly world-class K - 12 education will look to Queen Elizabeth’s School as their school of choice.”
Mrs Pendleton Nash highlighted the significance of Sir Alastair Cook’s involvement.
“Having Sir Alastair represent us as an Education Ambassador is a tremendous privilege. His career reflects the exacting values that we seek to instil in every Elizabethan.”
“Our location in Dubai Sports City means sport, health and wellbeing will be central to the student experience, supported by elite facilities and expert coaching. To have one of the most respected figures in world sport advising on our elite sports programmes is both inspiring and fitting.”
“Sir Alastair Cook exemplifies the confident, able and responsible young people we aim to develop. He is an outstanding role model for our future students.”