Headmaster’s assurance of Cranleigh’s operational independence from Aldar
Cranleigh School Abu Dhabi will remain completely independent under new owner Aldar Properties.
Incoming headmaster of the school, Michael Wilson, said there would be no changes to how the school operates on a day-to-day basis.
“I’ve worked very closely with our chairman, Mohamed Al Mubarak. He has a vision for education and a drive for education and this announcement fills me full of excitement,” Mr Wilson said. “We have an agreement that says we operate the school. We agree on a budget and we get on with it and that’s what will continue.”
Aldar’s agreement with the Tourism Development and Investment Company to acquire its Dh3.7 billion real estate portfolio – with a focus on Saadiyat Island where Cranleigh is based – is thought to be one of the largest property acquisitions in the country’s history.
As reported in The National yesterday, the assets acquired by Aldar range from hospitality to retail and education. Yesterday, in a letter, Mr Wilson reassured parents with children at the school, saying the transfer of ownership had come after “extensive dialogue” with all concerned partners.
He said that while Aldar has its own academies, Cranleigh would maintain its own identity. “Aldar is fully aware that the high standards of teaching and pastoral care that Cranleigh parents have come to expect must not change.”
“They recognise this and value the important role that Cranleigh plays, not only in the Saadiyat Island community but more generally in Abu Dhabi’s education system.”
Mr Wilson, currently headmaster of Cranleigh Preparatory School in the UK, will take on the role in Abu Dhabi in July. His letter to parents also stated that he had been in the city over the past few weeks meeting staff and was looking forward to meeting them all.
Cranleigh School opened its doors in England in 1865. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi opened in 2014 and swiftly gained a reputation for delivering a world-class education in the UAE. The school now has more than 1,000 pupils, has received a top rating from the Abu Dhabi Education Council, the honour of “New British International School of the Year 2017” and SchoolsCompared.com’s “Top School in Abu Dhabi”.
“Acquiring assets on Saadiyat Island presents Aldar with an unprecedented opportunity to add significant value to its portfolio,” said Talal Al Dhiyebi, chief executive of Aldar Properties.
“The opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi has demonstrated the government’s commitment to make Saadiyat Island one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.
“We believe this landmark acquisition will further advance Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector and accelerate the development of Saadiyat Island, taking it to the next level.”