Royal Grammar School (RGS Guildford), is proud to announce our partnership with Sama Educational Company (Sama) a leading education company in the Gulf, to launch one of the most prestigious independent British curriculum schools in Oman, with a cutting-edge campus, set to open its doors in Muscat in September 2023.
Plans were unveiled at a VIP launch event at Al Bustan Palace. Set to transform Muscat’s educational landscape, RGS Guildford, Muscat has been founded with the 500 years of tradition, heritage, and British academic excellence that RGS Guildford is renowned for in the UK, coupled with Sama’s regional expertise in developing excellent schools and nurseries across the GCC. The school will provide an outstanding British education that is based on the traditional values of decency and respect of RGS Guildford whilst also reflecting the cultural values of Oman, which will play a prominent role in the school’s approach to learning and teaching.
Footage from the launch event:
Dr. Jon Cox, Headmaster, RGS Guildford, UK said: “Bringing RGS Guildford to Muscat is an honour and we will stay true to our values of inclusivity, scholarship, integrity, respect, courage and collaboration as we expand into Oman. We look forward to our collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Oman and our partners, Sama Educational Company in offering an exceptional education for the young people in Muscat.”
Located in Al Khoud, Al Seeb, Muscat, this inspiring new home of learning will provide children in Muscat with access to a bespoke curriculum that has been developed by RGS Guildford, Sama for the unique context of Oman, and that meets the demands of a global third-millennium British school. Not only will the curriculum cater to the educational needs of local and international communities, but it has also been designed to develop the next generation of Omani and international leaders who are inspired to become active contributors to the Omani, regional, and global communities.
Mr Badar Al Sayer, Chairman, Sama Educational Company said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Royal Grammar School, Guildford to bring this unique education offering to Muscat. We are committed to the development of excellent learning and teaching in line with our mission, beliefs and educational principles that nurture character, deliver academic rigour, and produce future-ready global citizens.”
Established in 1509, RGS Guildford is recognised for its record of academic excellence and innovative approach to teaching and learning that prepares young people for life, whilst retaining its historic roots. By combining a foundation of heritage with a future-ready approach to teaching and learning, RGS Guildford is consistently ranked as one of the top schools in the UK for both A Level and GCSE results. RGS Guildford’s students routinely secure places on the most sought-after degree courses at leading international universities, with more than 325 graduates over the last ten years attending Oxford or Cambridge University. RGS Guildford’s alumni are an inspiration to current students as they achieved success and secured leading positions in all sectors, from business to sports, the creative arts to politics, and medicine to engineering.
RGSG Muscat blends a broad and challenging curriculum, exceptional pastoral care and a diversity of extra-curricular opportunities that enable each child to nurture their unique character and talents at every stage of their growth, and that reinforce their sense of identity and cultural understanding, whilst equipping them with the skills they need to become skilled and passionate learners and citizens of the world.
RGSG Muscat will be led by Founding Head of School Justin Durling, who has over 20 years of international education experience. Formerly Head of School across a range of highly regarded international schools in Thailand, Ecuador, Egypt and Malaysia, Mr Durling most recently held the position of Founding Principal of Stonyhurst International School, a leading school in Asia, and was Head of Junior School at The British International School, Cairo, which, under his guidance, received an outstanding rating in all areas by the UK Independent Schools Inspectorate.
Justin Durling, Founding Head of School, RGS Guildford, Muscat said: “I am incredibly excited to welcome our young people to Royal Grammar School Guildford, Muscat when we open our doors in September. With our offering of academic excellence, cutting-edge technology and a specially designed school environment, our aim is to turn the dreams and aspirations of the students into reality. We will support each student in their learning journeys to become future-ready global citizens who are driven to help to create a better and more peaceful world.”
RGS Guildford, Muscat is now enrolling founding pioneer students for September 2023 and is currently accepting applications from Foundation 1 (Nursery) to Grade 5. Please visit https://rgsgm.com/ to register your interest or submit an application and discover more about the innovative spirit of the Royal Grammar School Guildford, Muscat.