Cuff delighted to be appointed NAS Abu Dhabi’s founding principal

DUBAI: Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi has announced the appointment of founding principal Jonathan Cuff, who will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the new school slated to open its doors in August 2023.

Having formerly presided as managing director of three of Nord Anglia’s prestigious schools in the UK, there is nobody better placed than Cuff to drive forward the growth and excellence of NAS Abu Dhabi.

As well as overseeing outstanding results as managing director at Oxford International College, d’Overbroeck’s Oxford, and Oxford Sixth Form College, Cuff was also previously principal of d’Overbroeck and has been an independent school inspector since 2015. His experience also includes a tenure as deputy head and housemaster of two HMC schools in the UK.

Jonathan Cuff said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the founding principal of Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi, marking an incredibly exciting new chapter for the education sector in the capital of the UAE. My passion lies in providing an excellent, unrivalled education experience for both students and parents delivered through outstanding teachers and facilities, and I am looking forward to bringing this to life at NAS Abu Dhabi.”

The new school in the capital is located on Al Reem Island, a prime residential and commercial area of the city. Its opening marks Nord Anglia’s third school in the United Arab Emirates alongside The British International School Abu Dhabi and Nord Anglia International School Dubai.

With a 2,600-student capacity, NAS Abu Dhabi will work to the UK curriculum, teaching students all the way from Early Years to Year 13. It will also offer up to 25 A-level options for Years 12 and 13. The purpose-built campus includes an Early Years building, specialist classrooms, a sports hall, competition swimming pool, and auditorium. It will include over 100 classrooms, 12 science labs, art studios, music rooms, and a large design technology and maker space.

Cuff added: “At Nord Anglia, our mission is to inspire young people to achieve more than they ever thought possible through personalised learning and that is exactly what we will be bringing to our new school. Personalised learning is really the key to unlocking a child’s potential alongside prioritising student wellbeing, fostering positive relationships between staff, students and parents, and giving students enough options to ensure they can explore their passions and most importantly, that they are equipped with everything they need when they graduate.”

The international reach of Nord Anglia Education means students can also expect extraordinary global learning experiences. As well as enjoying exclusive collaborations with The Juilliard School (the world’s most renowned arts institution), UNICEF and MIT, Nord Anglia students can also look forward to extraordinary expeditions to Tanzania, Switzerland and the US and beyond.