92 Excellence in Schools
Education UAE: How does the physical environment reflect your educational philosophy? Abigail: We bring the outside in, colour palettes echo the local environment and design for learning as the most exciting thing in any space. For younger years, we favour loose-parts play outdoors so students build the den rather than inherit one. For older learners, we’re reimagining the library as both an indoor and shaded outdoor reading oasis. Senior students will have a three-room lounge suite: university and careers guidance, independent study, and practical life-skills. Education UAE: As founding principal, how do you see your role in shaping culture and reputation? Abigail: To make sure we live what we say. No marketing spin, practice. If we claim to be environmentally responsible, you’ll see it in operations; if we say we partner with families, you’ll feel it in every interaction. It’s also my job to listen carefully, this is the community’s school. Education UAE: What milestones would you like to see in the first five years? Abigail: Happy, thriving students and families; staff who know exactly what they’ve joined and are proud of it. External validations where they matter; and crucially, our first graduating cohort securing the right first-choice pathways for who they are and what they love. Prestige is meaningless if the fit isn’t right.
Abigail: Academic learning and life learning are intertwined. Our international, inquiry-led approach emphasises interdisciplinary links, how subjects connect to real decisions, real problems, and real audiences. Enrichment is wide-ranging: from music in the amphitheatre to chess, from swimming to service. We teach practical independence, too, everything from study skills and digital citizenship to everyday life skills that many students don’t practise until they leave home. Education UAE: From uniforms to the school logo, every element has been designed with intention. How do these reflect your vision? Abigail: I co-designed the uniforms with my sister, UK childrenswear designer Rachel Riley. We focused on comfort, durability, and inclusion, stretch fabrics, non-scratch embroidery backs, elasticated waists. The crest unifies us, while trims in green, purple and gold differentiate age groups. Education UAE: How important was it to communicate both tradition and innovation in the school’s identity? Abigail: Hugely. We use the phrase local heart, global mind. Children should feel at home here, rooted in place and culture, while thinking ambitiously and compassionately about the wider world.
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