Reigate Grammar School, the alma mater of the newly appointed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is set to inaugurate its first UAE campus in Sharjah by September 2026. Starmer, who assumed office this month, attended Reigate Grammar School in London from 1974 to 1981.
The new campus will be situated on a 450,000-square-foot plot in the forested Masaar master community within the Suyoh district. Sean Davey, Global Business Director of Reigate Grammar School International, shared that the school plans to establish at least three more campuses in the UAE. “Like Sir Keir, all students will benefit from leadership training and the art of communication … Enabling all students to become great communicators and collaborators, public speaking and teamwork will be taught explicitly,” said Davey.
Founded in 1675, Reigate Grammar School operates across three continents. The Sharjah campus, Reigate Grammar School – Masaar, will offer a blend of the English National Curriculum and the Cambridge curriculum, tailored to suit the local context of the UAE. The campus will feature a performing arts center, a library, a STEM center, multi-purpose halls, sports facilities, and swimming pools.
Highlighting Keir Starmer’s connection to the school, Davey noted that Starmer had been the captain of the school football team, a member of the school orchestra, and a school prefect. “As a valued member of the Reigatian professional community, Sir Keir maintained contact with the school and supported pupils wanting to go into the legal professional with mentoring and advice. He was also an Ambassador for the Reigate Grammar School Foundation speaking at various dinners to support our charitable works. He has also visited his old school on several occasions, for delivering the Henry Smith Lecture to Reigate students, and also speaking in memory of one of the longest serving and notable teachers.”
Davey emphasized the school’s commitment to leadership and character development. “Students will be part of various committees and groups where they learn the skills necessary for problem-solving, working as part of a team, and delivering on projects.” Training will include communication and public speaking, leadership and management skills, entrepreneurial activities, and business acumen.
While Davey couldn’t confirm if the British Prime Minister is aware of the school’s UAE expansion, he mentioned, “I would be surprised if he were not as he is linked to our community news and is well briefed.” Davey is hopeful that Starmer will visit the Sharjah campus during an official state visit to the UAE. “He would receive an official and personal invitation from Reigate Grammar School.”
Reflecting on his time at the school, Starmer has previously said it provided him with an “ideal platform” to explore his potential. “I was lucky to have some inspirational teachers and a wide range of opportunities and experiences which fostered my love for academia, sport, and music. We were encouraged to debate, think in a creative and critical way, and to find solutions to problems.”
Esref Temel, Managing Director at Bright Capital Investment — which will operate the school — expressed optimism about the Sharjah campus, stating it will help students “thrive in real life, pushing their limits to become world leaders.”
