SES Celebrates 50 Years of Achievements and Founding Roots

Sharjah English School (SES) was proud to welcome David Eldon back to campus this week — exactly 50 years after he played a pivotal role in founding the school in 1974.

"It is so nice to see that something one believed was needed 50 years ago has blossomed into a world-class facility," he said.

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What began as a modest vision in the heart of the desert has grown into one of Sharjah’s most respected educational institutions. In those early days, the newly formed United Arab Emirates was still finding its footing, and Sharjah was a quiet, undeveloped town. With just 30 students and a single classroom in Al Mahatta Fort - now a museum preserving the Arabian Gulf’s first airport and its aviation history - Sharjah English School took its first steps.

Marie Gladstone, SES’s first headmistress, who celebrated her 100th birthday this year, never imagined the scale of the legacy set in motion half a century ago. From those humble beginnings, the school has grown into a vibrant, inclusive community of learners representing over 50 nationalities. SES alumni have gone on to attend world-leading universities and become influential leaders across the globe.

Today, SES is fully accredited by BSO and BSME and is a proud member of COBIS. The school has earned numerous accolades, including top honours in the TIMSS and PISA global assessments, the prestigious ITQAN Award from the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), and recognition in regional competitions for both academics and sport.

The final round of the admissions cycle for all year groups (Foundation 1 to Year 13) for the 2025–26 academic year is now underway, with limited seats available. With small class sizes and student wellbeing at its core, SES offers personalised pathways in Secondary at I/GCSE and A Level, alongside a robust Sixth Form programme featuring BTECs, the Ivy House Award, and the bespoke SES enrichment programme.

With a proud history and a future-focused vision, SES continues to shape global citizens with heart, intellect, and purpose.