Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, a leading school in Abu Dhabi and part of Aldar Education, continues to set new benchmarks in academic and sporting excellence. With record- breaking GCSE and A-Level results alongside outstanding sporting achievements, the school reinforces its commitment to a holistic approach to education, nurturing students in academics, athletics, and personal development.
Recognised as one of the top-performing schools globally, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi achieved outstanding results in A-Level, GCSE, and BTEC qualifications, alongside exceptional international benchmarking scores in OECD and TIMSS assessments.
The performance at both A-Level and GCSE were exceptional, demonstrating significant value-added progress from the CAT4 baseline.
Damien Ward, Head of Senior School, commented, “We are incredibly proud of our academic achievements and the dedication of our teaching staff. Our students managed exam pressures with calmness and determination, addressing challenges head-on. Our goal is to build confidence, and these results should further empower our students to succeed in any future endeavors.”
Record-Breaking Examination Success
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi students continue to perform at the highest levels across all qualifications:
· A-Level: 72% of all grades achieved were A*, A, or B, representing the highest results in Abu Dhabi. Our Head Girl, Zayna M, earned an outstanding five A* grades at A-Level, including achieving the highest mark globally in A-Level Psychology and A-Level English Literature.
· GCSE: 86% of grades were between 9 and 6, while 70% of the grades were between 9 and 7, reaffirming Cranleigh’s reputation for academic excellence. For the second consecutive year, the school achieved the highest grades in Abu Dhabi, with Laura B attaining the highest mark in the world in GCSE English Literature.
· BTEC: The school’s BTEC students also delivered exceptional results, with 80% achieving
Distinction to Merit*.
Global Academic Recognition
Beyond these outstanding results, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi students have been recognised for their academic excellence on a world stage:
· Four students achieved the prestigious award for the highest marks globally in their respective subjects:
o A-Level Biology
o A-Level Psychology
o GCSE English
o GCSE Mandarin
· 32 students achieved highest marks in regional and national categories, showcasing exceptional academic success across various disciplines.
International Benchmarking Success
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s commitment to global academic excellence extends beyond Board examinations, with exceptional performances in leading international benchmarking assessments, including the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).
PISA (The Programme for International Student Assessment) evaluates students’ proficiency in Reading, Mathematics, and Science at the age of 15, typically during Year 9 or 10. The students have attained an impressive cohort average score of 572, which:
· Exceeds the OECD average score of 478.
· Outperforms Singapore’s national average of 560, recognised as the highest globally.
· Surpasses all international country and school categories, including UK private curriculum schools in the UAE.
TIMSS (The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) evaluates the skills of Year 5 and Year 9 students in Mathematics and Science. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi students achieved a cohort average of 619 for Maths and 628 for science, exceeding:
§ Singapore’s world-leading national averages of 610 for Maths and 607 for science.
§ All other countries and school category benchmarks worldwide
A Culture of Excellence
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s success is not just a reflection of its outstanding students, but also of its exceptional academic provision. The school’s holistic approach to education ensures that every student is supported, challenged, and equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resilience to succeed at the highest levels.
Kevin Doble, Executive Director of Education at Aldar Education, commented: “At Aldar Education, our objective is to prepare students for the future. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s exceptional results reflect a curriculum that integrates academics, leadership, and personal development, underscoring our commitment to cultivating young minds who will excel in an ever-evolving world.”
Alongside its academic success, Cranleigh is renowned for its prowess in sports, with students achieving national and international accolades. This year, the school secured multiple first-place finishes in the ADISSA Leagues and the BSME Games. The U15 and U19 teams earned top honors, with several students named Athletes of the Tournament.
A number of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi students are distinguished representatives of the UAE at the national level. Layal Z and Salma A train with the UAE Football squads, while Hamza H demonstrates exceptional skill in swimming, and Vihaan C competes in cricket. Feli U and Alex H are perfecting their abilities at Al Jazira Football Academy. Meanwhile, Mila M, Millie M, and Sophie N are making significant progress in the UAE U17 Netball team. Thomas N participates in golf at a national level.
Alumni Sara A, Zurich K, and Maya G have received esteemed US golf scholarships, with Maya notably winning the Drive, Chip, and Putt world final at the Masters, which was broadcast live globally.
The school’s sports partnerships with Manchester City FC, 4th Lane Swimming Academy, Wildcats Basketball, and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club have been essential in creating top athletes through comprehensive professional training, scholarships, and excellent coaching.
Tracy Crowder-Cloe, Principal of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, commented: “At Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, our focus is on preparing students comprehensively for life, rather than solely for examinations. The success of our students in academics, sports, and leadership roles underscores the efficacy of our holistic education approach. Their achievements exemplify their resilience, determination, and the steadfast support provided by our dedicated teachers, coaches, and parents.”
As Cranleigh Abu Dhabi continues to expand its campus, strengthen its partnerships with elite sports academies, and focus on student well-being and leadership, the school remains committed to fostering future global leaders. With its forward-thinking approach, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi ensures that graduates are ready to make meaningful contributions in an ever-evolving global landscape.
