Bloom and Brighton College to establish two schools in Abu Dhabi

Bloom Education is a subsidiary of Bloom Properties, the Abu Dhabi-based developer of property and lifestyle solutions. Brighton College is the school with "The best A-level grades of any co-educational school in England," in 2008 according to Daily Telegraph.

Bloom Gardens, the exclusive gated residential development will be housing the first Brighton College school outside of England. Strategically located on the Eastern Corniche on the main island of Abu Dhabi, Bloom Gardens combines 640 villas and apartments all set in a lush landscaped environment. Bloom will develop Brighton College's campus which will be uniquely designed purpose-built school by a world-class renowned architectural firm and benefit from state-of-the-art facilities.

"Brighton College will bring the right social infrastructure to the Bloom Gardens residential community. As bloom provides the finest in first class properties, Brighton College will complete this development with its outstanding academic reputation."

said Dr. Hani Shammah, CEO of Bloom Properties.

Lord Robert Skidelsky, member of the House of Lords and Chairman of the Brighton College board of governors, noted, Brighton College has a history of combining the best elements of both tradition and innovation. Established in 1845, it is the highest achieving co-ed school in England. Hidden within the beautiful gothic revival buildings may be found the latest educational technology, located in the heart of a lively city. No wonder it was recognized as one of the most forward-looking schools in Europe (Le Monde, France)."

Brighton College, "one of England's top schools (The London Times)" will offer its students a high-quality education based on the National Curriculum of England and Wales and will incorporate the strengths of the students' own cultures, and will maintain a low student to teacher ratio providing ample attention to the unique needs of each child.

"The majority of staff will be sourced from the United Kingdom, carefully handpicked by Brighton College UK. All teachers will possess teaching qualifications in addition to their university degrees. In addition, highly qualified teachers from Arab countries, trained in new teaching methodologies, will teach a strong Arabic, AFL (Arabic as a Foreign Language) and Islamic Studies curriculum for Muslim students," said Hani Raydan, GM Bloom Ventures.

"Brighton College succeeds in combining academic excellence with a wealth of extra-curricular opportunities, all underpinned by a deep commitment to the individual needs and enthusiasms of each child,"

added Richard Cairns, Headmaster of Brighton College.

The location of the second Brighton College campus in AD will be announced in the near future. It will cater for children at both primary (age 2 to 13) and secondary level (13-18) and is intended to become the leading high school in the Middle East and a beacon of excellence in the world.

Children from Brighton College Preparatory School in Bloom Gardens will automatically secure entry to the secondary school at Brighton College Abu Dhabi on completion of their time at the prep school. In addition, places will be made available at Brighton College United Kingdom for those students aged 16-18 who wish to complete their education in England. Scholarships will be available to assist families.