The Spear’s Schools Index 2024 recognises the world’s 100 leading private schools. Catering to royals and children of UHNWs, the 10 best private schools in the Middle East have all been awarded Top Flight status in this year’s rankings.
These respected institutions are experienced in delivering a world-class education to some of the world’s most discerning families. Among their number are Middle Eastern outposts of British stalwarts like Brighton College and Repton School, while others offer a curriculum rooted in local educational traditions.
Schools in Dubai dominate the list, accounting for four of the top 10. This reflects the Emirate’s major global influence and growing appeal as a hub for internationally mobile HNWs. The Middle East index also features schools from Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. Read on to discover the list in full.
The best private schools in the Middle East: the names to know
There are only two new additions to this year’s list of the 10 best private schools in the Middle East, reflecting how difficult it is to break into a highly competitive education landscape.
Repton School Al Barsha, Dubai, UAE
Formerly known as Foremarke School, Repton School Al Barsha accepts pupils from the ages of 3 to 18 but is known primarily for the quality of its preparatory education. Its commitment to innovation has led to it being recognised as an Apple distinguished school – an award handed out by the American tech giant.
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The International School of Choueifat
Located on the west coast of Dubai, the International School of Choueifat has long had a presence as an educational institution throughout the Middle East. It offers both the UK and US curricula to around 4,000 students; emphasis is placed on teaching style, which values the history and traditions of the region.
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Methodology
Spear’s has worked closely with the expert team at Thuso to refine the methodology underpinning the index, and to convene an expert panel of leading international educationalists to contribute their knowledge and insight to the research and selection process.
[See also: Introducing the Spear’s Schools Index 2024]
The Spear’s Research Unit collected data and information directly from candidate schools, using a combination of online forms and interviews. This was supplemented with additional research and by intelligence and insight from Thuso and the panel of expert educationalists.
The Spear’s Schools Index 2024 has also been underpinned by the following key principles:
- While examination results and academic attainment is a key consideration, it is not the only thing that matters. Leading schools are not necessarily the most ‘academic’: A wide range of social, cultural, and pastoral factors have been weighed in finalising the index. In some cases, some schools with strong academics have been omitted where they fall short in relation to these wider considerations.
- Families are increasingly ‘mobile’, with new ‘global cities’ emerging as key hubs: This is particularly the case for cities such as Dubai, as well as established regional hubs in Europe, Africa, Latin America, South-East Asia, and the Pacific.
- Reputation and standing are not insignificant: The reputation and standing of a school shape and influence its character, the parents and pupils it attracts, and its position both regionally, and internationally.
Building on these principles, Spear’s, in collaboration with Thuso, brought together an Expert Advisory Panel, jointly chaired by Matthew Goldie-Scot, managing director at Thuso Group, and Ian Douglas, Spear’s head of research. Further information about the composition of the panel is available here.
