English school opens new institution in Abu Dhabi

Belvedere Academy has opened up a new school in Abu Dhabi. The institution  based in the English city of Liverpool, will teach the English syllabus to a mix of students both Abu Dhabi nationals and British ex-pats at the new facility. According to the Liverpool Echo, Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson officially cut the ribbon alongside Middle Eastern royalty, and British diplomats earlier this week. "As one of our most well known schools I am delighted to support Belvedere’s ambition in creating strong international partnerships in Liverpool’s name. "In Liverpool, the school has a reputation for high quality teaching and turning out young people who are ready to take on the world and Belvedere can become a beacon of excellence here in Abu Dhabi," Anderson told the media. Belvedere began as an independent, fee-paying school for girls called Liverpool High School in 1880, and achieved Academy status in 2007. Its secondary school is now state-funded, with an “inclusive, comprehensive intake”. The Abu Dhabi school is first to cater for infants and juniors, but will expand to take on Year 7 and Year 8 pupils next year. Belvedere principal Peter Kennedy said: "It’s great for the image of the city and the school that we are now exporting our expertise overseas. “They want to learn the GCSE syllabus out there. That’s what they want. "It’s not costing us anything, what we are putting in is more about our expertise and support, really," he added.