QE Global Schools plans more India campuses after Gurugram debut: CEO

CEO Caroline Pendleton-Nash says QE Global Schools will look for more India campuses after its Gurugram school opens in August 2026, while also expanding in West Asia

Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools plans to open more campuses in India after establishing its first one in Gurugram, said Caroline Pendleton-Nash, chief executive officer of Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools.

 

“We don’t have locations yet, but as soon as the Gurugram one opens, we’ll be looking for the next one,” Pendleton-Nash said.

 

The Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, is set to open the Gurugram campus in August 2026, marking the UK grammar school’s entry into India’s K-12 education market. The school, being developed with Gedu Global Education, will offer a British curriculum programme and expand in phases as enrolment grows.

 

While the Barnet, Hertfordshire, campus in the UK is state-funded with zero tuition fees, the Indian campus will charge annual fees starting from ₹7.55 lakh for students aged three to four years, rising to ₹15.65 lakh for Grade 11. The school opened admissions on Monday for grades up to 9.

 

The institution is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools in its operations and is in discussions with Apple Inc on integrating technology into classrooms.

 

“The plan is to become an Apple Distinguished School. We’re already in conversation with Apple on what that looks like,” Pendleton-Nash said. She added that the institution is also considering potential collaboration with Apple on a research hub.

 

Apple Distinguished Schools are institutions recognised by Apple Inc for integrating its technology into teaching and school operations. Schools apply for the designation, which is granted for a limited period and must be renewed periodically.

 

However, Pendleton-Nash said the school intends to adopt a cautious approach to AI in classrooms.

 

“Our institutions are rooted in heritage and tradition, so we believe students need to learn with pen and paper,” she said. “You won’t see a school that has zero technology, but it will be used as an enhancement. We expect teachers to use AI tools as well for administrative tasks, but as additional help rather than a replacement because we must retain soft skills and the human-centric aspects that really matter.”

 

Beyond India, the group is also expanding in West Asia. Pendleton-Nash said the priority markets for Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools in Asia are India and the United Arab Emirates.

 

The group is setting up a fee-paying K-12 British curriculum school in Dubai Sports City, scheduled to open in August 2026.

 

Pendleton-Nash said construction timelines for the Dubai campus have not been affected by the ongoing West Asian conflict; rather, it has helped advance the launch timeline.

 

“Half of the school in Dubai is already finished because it’s a renovation, while the other half is underway. It’s likely our timeline will move forward, and the reason is that schools are closed right now. That school had students there, but it is currently closed, enabling us to complete the work more quickly,” she said, adding that advance orders have prevented possible disruptions to supply chains, reducing potential hurdles the war may have created. 

Queen’s India classroom

• School will offer a British curriculum, expanding in phases as enrolment grows
• Annual fees range from ₹7,55,000 (early years) to ₹15,65,000 (Grade 11)
• School plans cautious use of AI, mainly for administrative support and classroom enhancement