Founded by one of the UK’s finest schools, Cheltenham College UK, Cheltenham Muscat opened its doors for admission on September 2021 and provides a first-class, all-round education from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to iGCSEs and A-Levels.
Cheltenham Muscat, Oman’s first premium British international school, for boys and girls aged 3 to 18, conducted its official launch at a special ceremony on Sunday March 7.
The event took place under the auspices of HE Dr Madiha Ahmed Al Shaibaniya, Minister of Education, alongside the presence of several VIPs including representatives of the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund, Lord Astor, the British Prime Minister’s special envoy to Oman, a member of the Qatari royal family, members of the school board, faculty and other guests.
Founded by one of the UK’s finest schools, Cheltenham College UK, Cheltenham Muscat opened its doors for admission on September 2021 and provides a first-class, all-round education from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to iGCSEs and A-Levels.
The school is run in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund and is situated in Al Bandar Muscat, a contemporary mixed-use development project.
HE Dr Madiha Ahmed Al Shaibaniya, Minister of Education, said, “The launch of the school stems from the efforts to fulfil the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the National Strategy for Education 2040, which acts as a primary source for the development of policies on the reform of the local educational sector”.
“The government of Oman aims to enable education in its various forms to enhance the spread of knowledge, capitalise and utilise technology as well as encourage research and innovation to build enlightened generations capable of making a positive contribution to the country’s development and to engage effectively in the international sphere. The presence of such an “outstanding” school, based on formal appraisals, reinforces the strong ties between Oman and the UK, further strengthening the bilateral relationship between both countries”, she added
The school is run in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund and is situated in Al Bandar Muscat, a contemporary mixed-use development project.
Commenting on the prestigious launch, Lord Astor of Hever, the British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy stated “Cheltenham College in the UK, is consistently rated as ‘outstanding’ by the British Independent Schools Inspectorate and is part of the prestigious Eton Group of schools. The opening ceremony at Cheltenham Muscat has been a wonderful event showcasing the success of this first-class school. It is a testament to the strong relationship between the UK and Oman that Cheltenham have chosen to locate in the Sultanate, and demonstrates their keen commitment to having the traditionally strong bilateral relationships.”
Claire Adby, Executive Principal at Cheltenham Muscat in her speech said: “At Cheltenham, we believe that the gift of education is vital for children, to enable them to learn more about themselves, the community and the world at large. The educational approach we embody at Cheltenham seeks to develop our students through a comprehensive curriculum with a modern and inspirational touch, aimed at catering to their overall requirements, both in-school and through virtual learning programmes alike. This way, we can fuse the concepts of culture, tradition and heritage with advancements, innovation and technology, allowing all children to develop self-confidence, express their ideas and opinions in every possible way. In turn, it will support efforts to foster in them the capabilities to be leaders of tomorrow, no matter where they may be and pave the way for future generations.”
In a speech during the ceremony, Ahmed Al Busaidi, General Manager Ministry of Defense Pension Fund responsible for the development of Al Bandar Complex, said, “Cheltenham Muscat is the first key component of the Al Bandar mixed-use complex which is an upscale and exclusive destination, made up of modern residential and commercial neighbourhoods that bring together authentic Omani architectural design and sustainable smart urban modernity. It also consists of transportation services and other amenities related to the education, health and entertainment sectors, making it a qualitative value-addition to the capital. Cheltenham’s new state of the art campus ensures that residents of the Al Bandar development will be able to access some of the finest education in the region realising our vision of one of the highest quality developments in Oman.”
Cheltenham Muscat encompasses a building area of 22,000m2, with a capacity for 1,400 students, designed by award-winning architects. Moreover, the premises also includes a Sports Academy with a double-sized sports hall, two swimming pools, two full-size soccer pitches and a junior football pitch as well as basketball, netball and tennis courts. Complementing these facilities is a Performing Arts Centre, Science and Technology Centre and Art and Design Centre.
“Stemming from our long-standing legacy of education, passed down by Cheltenham College, UK, we place a key emphasis on the daily academic curriculum of our students. By placing high importance on the quality of education that will be extended, we strive to encourage and help every child realise and fulfil their fullest potential in their respective fields, whether it is academia, music, sport, or the arts” said Nicola Huggett, Principal at Cheltenham College UK.
Unlike several other schools in the region, children will be taught by specialist staff rather than general class teachers. Starting as early as KG1, specialists will teach across individual subject areas and from Grade 5 across all subjects, which implies that we will have scientists to teach science, artists to teach art and mathematicians to teach math.
This exceptional teaching is delivered via an extended all-inclusive school day to provide the space for learning, growth and extra-curricular activities.
Cheltenham Muscat is Oman’s first premium, British international school, for boys and girls aged 3 to 18 to be founded by one of the UK’s finest schools, Cheltenham College UK which in turn is part of the prestigious Eton Group of schools.
Cheltenham College UK, was founded in 1841 and is regarded as one of the foremost independent, co-educational boarding schools in the UK. The school has built an enviable reputation for both academic achievement and the breadth of activities offered outside the classroom. Cheltenham is passionate about education in the broadest sense of the word and promotes genuine personal enquiry and intellectual appetite, providing each pupil with innumerable opportunities for success and ensuring they leave College fully prepared for life beyond school.
Cheltenham has a long and distinguished connection with the military, dating back to 1863. It is one of only three schools in England to have its own military colours. This connection continues to exist at Cheltenham Muscat whose partner is the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund.
For further information about Cheltenham Muscat, please contact the admissions team: Cheltenham Muscat: Telephone (Arabic): +968 98555397 Telephone (English): +968 98555264 or send an email to: admissions@cheltenhammuscat.com.
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