Queen Elizabeth school India is moving closer to its first international opening with the appointment of senior leadership for its new Gurugram campus. The development marks a significant step for the UK state grammar school as it expands its model beyond Britain into India.
The announcement matters for parents and educators because it reflects how high-performing UK schools are beginning to explore international fee-charging provision while retaining academic structures such as GCSEs and A levels.
Leadership Appointed for Queen Elizabeth School India
Dr Craig Cook has been named founding principal of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Gurugram. The school is scheduled to open in August 2026. Dr Cook brings more than 30 years of experience across the United States, Asia and South East Asia. Most recently, he served as principal and head of school at Woodstock School in Mussoorie, one of India’s oldest international boarding schools. He said,
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of founding Queen Elizabeth’s School in Gurugram. The opportunity to build a school that combines historic educational excellence with contemporary global relevance is deeply compelling.”
He holds a BA degree in intercultural studies from Biola University, California and a PhD in sociology from Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. His doctoral research examined edu
Sonal Chatrath has also been appointed founding head of prep school. Together, they will lead the early development of the campus and its academic culture. She said,
“I am honoured to join Queen Elizabeth’s School at such a formative stage. Early education shapes not only academic pathways but also confidence, values and well-being. I am committed to creating a nurturing, aspirational and inclusive environment where every child is known, supported and inspired to achieve their full potential.”
Queen Elizabeth’s School, a high-performing state grammar in Barnet, North London, is working with partners GEDU Global Education to establish the school under its commercial division, QE Global Schools.
It is expected to launch alongside another international branch in Dubai Sports City, which will be led by founding principal Dan Clark.
Vision for Queen Elizabeth School India in Gurugram
The new Queen Elizabeth school India campus will be based in Gurugram, a rapidly developing satellite city of Delhi known for its finance and technology sectors. The location has become a growing hub for international schools and global education brands.
Speaking on the appointments, Caroline Pendleton-Nash, CEO of Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools, said,
“The appointment of Dr Craig Cook and Ms Sonal Chatrath reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence as we establish Queen Elizabeth’s School in India. Both Dr Cook and Ms Chatrath bring exceptional experience, integrity and vision, and we are confident that they will create an environment where children are challenged academically, supported socially and nurtured as well-rounded young people.”
The school is expected to join a wider group of UK independent and state-linked institutions that have established overseas branches in India in recent years. Additionally, the UK government has identified India as a focus country in its international education strategy, signalling stronger educational ties between the two nations.
What This Means for International Schooling
The expansion of Queen Elizabeth school India highlights a wider trend in global education, where established UK schools are exploring hybrid and international delivery models.
Moreover, the approach reflects increasing demand from families seeking British curriculum pathways in regional education hubs such as India and the Gulf.
As a result, the Gurugram campus is expected to play a role in shaping how UK state-linked schools expand internationally while maintaining academic standards and selective traditions.
