Cranleigh Abu Dhabi

Here’s a glimpse of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s expansive campus on Saadiyat Island—its modern architecture, green landscape, and premier facilities showcase the school’s impressive learning environment.

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi — A Snapshot

Background & Ethos

• Opened in 2014, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi was established in partnership with the distinguished Cranleigh School in Surrey, UK. In 2018, operations were passed to Aldar Education while maintaining a close relationship with the UK school. 

• The school’s motto, Ex cultu robur (“From culture comes strength”), reflects its emphasis on cultural awareness and holistic development. 

• Situated in the Saadiyat Cultural District, near prestigious museums like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, it aligns with a broader cultural vision. 

Student Body & Leadership

• Cranleigh serves approximately 1,700–1,800 students aged 3 to 18, representing over 76 nationalities. 

• Its leadership and staffing comprise mainly British-trained educators, supported by international teachers from diverse backgrounds. 

Curriculum & Academic Performance

• Offers the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels, along with pre-prep, prep, senior, and sixth-form phases. 

• Strong academic results: around 86% of GCSE grades are 7–9, and 43% of A-Levels achieve A*. Many graduates proceed to elite global universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Harvard, and Stanford 

• The school also places emphasis on equipping students with broader skills: critical thinking, resilience, leadership, and empathy. 

Facilities & Campus

• Built across 7 hectares, the school is one of Abu Dhabi’s largest campuses. It includes separate Pre-Prep and Main School sites and benefits from collaboration with Cranleigh UK in terms of curriculum and ethos. 

• Facilities are top-tier, including:

  • Sports: Stadium-length indoor complex (with badminton courts, basketball, cricket nets), two swimming pools, grass pitches, astroturf, tennis/netball courts, running track, and fitness areas. 

  • Performing Arts: A 650-seat auditorium, 150-seat recital/lecture hall, black box theatre, music departments, dance and drama studios. 

  • Academic & Social: Multiple libraries, science and IT labs, art and design workshops, dining areas, recreational and informal social spaces, amenities like a parent café, and even on-campus teacher housing. 

Co-curricular & Well-being

• Sports: Nearly 100 teams across a wide range of sports, including swimming, rugby, tennis, cricket, golf, sailing, martial arts, gymnastics, and more. 

• Performing Arts: Strong extracurricular participation culminating in performances and recognition such as “Performing Arts School of the Year.” 

• Sustainability: Active Eco Committee promotes initiatives like eliminating single-use plastics, improving waste management, introducing vegan options, and embedding eco-awareness into the curriculum. 

Recognition & Fees

• Named International School of the Year (TES Awards, 2019) and featured in the Spear’s Top 100 global schools. 

• Holds an Outstanding ADEK rating, the highest accolade from Abu Dhabi’s education authority. 

• Approximate annual day fees range between $19,000–28,100 (AED 70,000–105,000) depending on grade level. 

Community Sentiment

• Reddit users commonly praise Cranleigh, ranking it among Abu Dhabi's top schools, albeit noting its premium pricing.Reddit+1

“Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is a wonderful school”
— Reddit userReddit

• One parent remarked that while Cranleigh offers a strong academic environment, it demands much from both students and parents and sits at the higher end of tuition. 

Summary Table

In summary, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi offers an exceptional British-style education in a beautifully designed, top-tier campus environment focused on holistic development. If your family values a balanced education—academically, creatively, socially—it's one of the very best options in Abu Dhabi.