With Reigate Grammar School set to make its UAE debut in 2027, the prestigious British school group has appointed Alistair Downs as Executive Founding Principal to lead its ambitious expansion across the Emirates.
The experienced international educator will oversee the rollout of Reigate Grammar School UAE, beginning with the launch of the group’s first campus in Sharjah’s Masaar community. Bringing more than 15 years of leadership experience across the Middle East and Asia, Downs is no stranger to building schools from the ground up, having most recently led the successful establishment and rapid growth of Reigate Grammar School Riyadh.
His appointment marks a significant milestone for Reigate Grammar School UAE as the historic British institution prepares to enter one of the world’s most competitive international education markets.
From Riyadh Success Story to UAE Expansion
Downs arrives in the UAE following a successful chapter in Saudi Arabia, where he led the launch of Reigate Grammar School Riyadh in 2022. The school, which opened as the only Royal Commission for Riyadh City K-12 British school, has since grown to serve more than 1,800 students across two campuses.
His career has focused heavily on new school openings, educational leadership, and school improvement. Over the past 15 years, he has founded and led international schools across Asia and the Middle East, helping schools navigate everything from start-up operations and curriculum implementation to accreditation and long-term growth.
For Reigate Grammar School, that experience will be particularly valuable as the group seeks to establish itself within an increasingly competitive UAE education sector.
A Leader With Deep Accreditation Expertise
Beyond his work as a founding principal, Downs is also a highly respected figure in the international schools sector.
He regularly leads British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspections for Penta International and peer accreditation visits for the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). Throughout his career, he has successfully guided schools through BSO, CIS, COBIS, ISQM, and local accreditation frameworks across multiple countries.
His academic credentials include a BSc in Geography from Loughborough University, a PGCE from the University of Cambridge, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management, and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
Reigate Grammar School Sharjah Confirmed for 2027
The first campus under the Reigate Grammar School UAE banner is scheduled to open in September 2027 within Sharjah’s Masaar community.
Known as Reigate Grammar School Masaar, the campus will be built on a 450,000 sq ft site and is expected to accommodate up to 2,700 students from Early Years through to Sixth Form. The school will follow the National Curriculum for England, culminating in GCSE and A Level qualifications.
Plans for the campus include a range of premium facilities designed to support both academic achievement and co-curricular development, including specialist STEM facilities, performing arts spaces, libraries, sports facilities, swimming pools, and multi-purpose learning areas.
The Sharjah campus is expected to be the first of several Reigate Grammar School campuses planned across the UAE.
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