Epsom College, one of the UK's most prominent independent schools, is set to open two new branches in the UAE in partnership with Nema Education. This move is expected to further strengthen the UAE's position as a leading international education hub in the region.

Opening Schedule

According to the announced plans, the first Epsom College branch will open in Abu Dhabi in September 2028. The Dubai branch is scheduled to begin admitting students two years later, in 2030.

Capacity and Educational Levels

Both schools will be co-educational, offering education from early years through to Sixth Form. Once fully operational, each branch is expected to accommodate between 2,000 and 2,500 students.

Epsom College Background

Founded in 1855 in Surrey, UK, Epsom College provides day and boarding education for students aged 11 to 18. The school has already established a presence in Malaysia and is scheduled to open a branch in Tokyo next year.

Abu Dhabi Campus Facilities

The Abu Dhabi branch will be constructed on a dedicated campus with a design inspired by the school's original UK site. The facilities will include a sports center, a 50-meter swimming pool, sports halls, a multi-purpose hall, floodlit football pitches, a cricket ground, and courts for tennis, basketball, and netball. The campus will also feature dedicated buildings for pre-school, primary, and secondary education, along with specialized spaces for music, dining, and the performing arts.

Tuition and Educational Model

Tuition fees for the UAE branches have not yet been disclosed. However, Epsom College has stated its intention to bring its British educational model to UAE families, with a focus on academic excellence, pastoral care, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Growth of British Schools in the UAE

The entry of Epsom College is part of a broader expansion of prestigious British schools into the UAE. Institutions such as Harrow School, King’s College School Wimbledon, and Rugby School have also recently announced or established branches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This trend highlights the increasing demand for international education and growing competition within the UAE's private school sector.