A school that boasts UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as one of its former students is gearing up to launch its inaugural campus in the UAE in September 2026. Starmer, who assumed the role of British PM this month, studied at Reigate Grammar School in London between 1974 and 1981. The school's new campus in Sharjah will occupy a 450,000-square-foot site within the Masaar master community in the Suyoh district. Sean Davey, the global business director of Reigate Grammar School International, revealed to Khaleej Times that the strategic goal is to establish three or more schools across the UAE. "Just as Sir Keir did, all students will receive training in leadership and communication skills... Ensuring that every student becomes an effective communicator and collaborator, public speaking and teamwork will be explicitly taught."
Established in 1675, the school has a presence on three continents. Reigate Grammar School - Masaar will deliver both the English National Curriculum and the Cambridge curriculum, "adapted to suit the needs of our students and our context in the UAE". The campus will feature a performing arts center, a library, a STEM center, multi-purpose halls, sports facilities, and swimming pools. Davey emphasized the UK Prime Minister's ties to the school, noting that Starmer was the captain of the school football team, a member of the school orchestra, and a school prefect.
"As a respected member of the Reigatian professional community, Sir Keir has kept in touch with the school and provided mentorship and guidance to students aspiring to enter the legal profession. He has also served as an Ambassador for the Reigate Grammar School Foundation, speaking at various events to support our charitable initiatives. He has returned to his old school several times, delivering the Henry Smith Lecture to Reigate students and speaking in honor of one of the most long-serving and distinguished teachers."
The school places a strong emphasis on leadership and character development, according to Davey. "Students will participate in various committees and groups where they acquire the skills needed for problem-solving, teamwork, and project delivery." They will receive training in communication and public speaking; explore leadership and management; engage in entrepreneurial activities and gain business insights. Although Davey cannot confirm whether the British Prime Minister is aware of the school's UAE expansion, he would be "surprised if he were not, given his connections to our community and regular updates".
He is optimistic that Starmer will visit the Sharjah school during an official state visit to the UAE. "He will receive an official and personal invitation from Reigate Grammar School." Starmer has previously acknowledged that the school provided him with an "ideal platform" to explore his potential. "I was fortunate to have inspiring teachers and a broad range of opportunities and experiences that nurtured my passion for academia, sports, and music. We were encouraged to debate, think creatively and critically, and to find solutions to problems."
Esref Temel, managing director at Bright Capital Investment, which will operate the school, stated that the Sharjah campus will enable students "to excel in real-life situations, pushing their boundaries to become leaders of the world".
