Historic County Durham school expands international portfolio with new Dubai location

One of the oldest schools in England has announced it will be opening a new school in Dubai this August.

Durham School, founded in 1414 and re-founded in 1541 by King Henry VIII, will establish its new branch school in Dubai Investments Park (DIP), a 32 million sq m development in the Emirate with commercial, residential, and educational zones.

When full, Durham School Dubai will educate more than 1,700 students and it is strategically located within the catchment area of the populous communities of Arabian Ranches, Damac Hills, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Jumeirah Village Circle, the Green Community, Motor City, and Dubai Sports City.

Durham School Dubai is the latest educational institution in Durham School’s expanding international portfolio. It follows the opening of Durham International School, Nairobi in January 2021 and Durham School for Girls, Doha in September 2019.

Kieran McLaughlin, Durham School headmaster, congratulates Mark Atkinson on his appointment as principal of Durham School Dubai.

Mark Atkins has been appointed as the founding principal of the new school. Mr Atkins has a 35-year pedigree working in schools and, as well as experience in setting up and heading schools in Dubai, has been involved in developing new schools in the Middle East, India, China, Malaysia, and Europe.

Kieran McLaughlin, headmaster of Durham School, commented: “Following the successful opening of Durham schools in Qatar and Kenya, we are delighted to announce the opening of Durham School Dubai in August 2022.

“With its strategic location, excellent facilities, competitive fee levels, experienced leadership team led by Principal Mark Atkins and an uncompromising dedication to the quality of education, we are confident that Durham School Dubai will quickly establish a strong reputation.”

The DIP school property features a dedicated Foundation Stage section, a primary and secondary classroom complex, with specialist science, art and IT labs, an acoustically designed music performance hall, a large auditorium, a multi-purpose sports hall, and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool.