Extended Family

With a family of six international schools and four more in the pipeline, Julia Millen spoke with Daniel Lewis, Managing Director of Repton International, about the ambitious growth of Repton

Founded in 1557, Repton is one of the UK’s leading co-educational boarding and day schools. Repton is ambitious for every one of its pupils; it is small enough to ensure that the talents of each individual are nurtured and valued, yet large enough to compete on the international arena across academia, music, the arts and sport. Repton was a leader amongst British schools in the international market with the establishment of Repton School Dubai in 2007. From this, has sprung the Repton Family of Schools, the development of a global community which is key to Repton’s future vision. In addition to its three UK schools, Repton, Repton Prep and St Wystan’s, Repton has schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, China, and Malaysia with plans to open a further four in Egypt, Qatar and Bulgaria over the next two years.

Daniel Lewis explains how Repton has established itself as an important and respected contributor in the global education market: “As the first British independent school in the UAE, we set new standards and raised pupil and parent expectations, paving the way for others to follow. For example, Repton Dubai is rated ‘Outstanding’ by the local education authority (KHDA)and Repton Al Barsha has quickly established itself as Dubai parents’ first choice for academic performance. Repton Abu Dhabi is the new-joiner and is growing across two campuses on Reem Island with the first cohort of Year 11 pupils soon to receive their results at GCSE.

Working closely with their international partners, Repton’s aim is to deliver the best environment for exceptional attainment, inspirational teaching and a learning experience which will be life-enhancing. Being ‘Repton ready’, Daniel explains, means more than achieving outstanding exam results: “Reptonians are intellectually as well as emotionally curious. We offer a rounded education and encourage pupils to develop a global ‘unbounded’ outlook.”

Repton’s international schools do not seek to replicate Repton UK in every sphere, instead they aim to emulate its quality, expectations, ethos and values in each of the overseas settings. Repton International has created a global network of schools that brings together young people of different cultures and nationalities to share their experiences, forge bonds of friendship and develop mutual understanding. All are noted for their vibrancy, enthusiasm and warmth, reflecting the spirit of one of England’s finest educational establishments: Repton School, Derbyshire.

Daniel finished by revealing that the latest addition to the Repton family, Repton Cairo will open in September 2021 as part of the prestigious Mivida development in New Cairo. Repton Doha will follow in September 2022. He said: “Rather than ‘outsource’ involvement in its international schools, Repton seeks to be deeply engaged in the establishment and ongoing operation of its international sister-schools. With links across pupils, staff and alumni, a cohesive ‘group’ identity is very much alive and growing across the international family”

www.reptoninternational.com