Nord Anglia Acquires Swiss International School Dubai
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, a Tier 1 premium K-12 day and boarding school, is, with a campus extending to some 70,000m2, the largest Swiss school outside of Switzerland. Its role currently extends to some 2,150 students, including 100 boarding students. The school has a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM); is, with Repton School Dubai, the best known boarding school in Dubai;- and, this year has developed powerful and unique BTEC links with the Swiss hospitality sector.
Benefits will flow to existing students and those joining the new Nord Anglia school. These include collaborations with world-leading institutions such as UNICEF, The Juilliard School, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and IMG Academy. Unique experiences around the world include global expeditions to Tanzania and Les Martinets in Switzerland, as well as regional events.
Nord Anglia has confirmed that the school’s existing 300+ teachers will now benefit from world-class professional development through Nord Anglia University, training programmes through Nord Anglia’s collaborations, and access to an Executive Master’s in International Education from King’s College London.
In July 2023 it was confirmed that Swiss International Scientific School Dubai had achieved being made a Finalist in the Top Schools Awards 2023 – 2024.
Writing about the school, Johnathan Westley, Managing Editor of SchoolsCompared wrote:
“One of the most ambitious school launches in the UAE for a decade, the aspiration to deliver a cutting edge, Tier 1 premium, Swiss education in the heart of the UAE, one that would compete with the best of Swiss Schools (the most expensive in the world) on their own terms, was, for many, mind boggling. When the plans were announced, it’s fair to say there were plenty of detractors, not because of the ambition, but simply because the belief was that the ambition would never be met. However, it’s fair to say that from Day One the critics were pretty much silenced – the investment in this school to make sure it delivers is almost unmatched. Everything is here to deliver a world class IB education. Add an exceptionally strong boarding offer, attracting children from across the emirates, and this is a school that is mapping its own destiny without any easy comparisons.
For us, the school became an outstanding one when it introduced the Career-programme and developed its expertise in Hospitality in a very clever move to build links between a key Swiss industry and the UAE. In turn, a school operating in a richly inclusive culture of education became one able to meet in full the needs of all its students. A second option in business will hopefully meet a third, and then fourth…, technical stream options in the years to come.
The impacts of ever growing commitment to child welfare and happiness is showing dividends – today SISSD is a very different school to the one that opened – warmth abounds, and creativity and innovation flourishes. It’s inevitable perhaps with all schools, as a culture develops and there is less worry about adhering rigidly to structures, generally to avoid the risk of error, that schools find their true voice. That voice today has surrounded its children with extraordinary levels of investment, world class teachers, a huge level of ambition, and a commitment to care that now spreads to its qualification and subject pathways.
SISSD today stand alone in its own unique space, building an IB powerhouse school with no small amount of courage and very few manuals. That alone makes it stand out and deserve to be supported. In a way this is a twist on IB schooling that in its inherent innovation in landing here in the UAE celebrates the IB by simply existing. That it does so today with very significant ongoing investment, innovation and care for its students makes this a school that may well have an impact in the years to come way beyond the walls of its buildings.”
Andrew Fitzmaurice, Chief Executive Officer of Nord Anglia Education, told SchoolsCompared:
“As the world’s largest provider of the International Baccalaureate, our focus on bilingualism is a cornerstone of our educational offer. The cultural and educational fit between SISD and Nord Anglia is a very strong one, and we’re delighted to welcome our new students, their families, and colleagues to our global family.”
Ruth Burke, Principal of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, continued:
“Our shared educational philosophy was a key factor in us choosing to become part of Nord Anglia Education and today’s announcement is another major milestone in our school’s history. We’re looking forward to our students and colleagues benefiting from all the incredible opportunities being part of Nord Anglia creates for our day and boarding school provision.”
Omar Danial, Founder of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, summarised:
“As the school’s Founder I am very proud of what we have all achieved as a community.
Joining the Nord Anglia family, as part of their global network with access to multi-lingual and boarding expertise, will enhance the next era of development for SISD as well as ensure the school’s legacy for the generations to come.
Becoming part of Nord Anglia will build on SISD’s many successes, while upholding our school’s values.”
Further information
Read our review of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai here.
Read our review of Nord Anglia International School Dubai here.
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