Surrey & Abu Dhabi, Tuesday 6th January 2026
Cranleigh International and Cranleigh School UK are pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Sarah Matthews to the role of Principal at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi. Mrs Matthews will take up her post in August 2026.
Mrs Matthews is a hugely accomplished and highly regarded school leader, with significant experience in senior management at K-12 schools internationally and in the UK. She is currently the Headmistress of the multi-award-winning Truro High School.
Sam Price, Head at Cranleigh School said: “Sarah is an outstanding leader in education with an impressive CV that includes high performing schools in the UK and abroad. She’s a great fit for Cranleigh Abu Dhabi. Sarah was the standout candidate amongst an exceptional field of educators interviewed during the recruitment process. I look forward to introducing her to the Cranleigh Abu Dhabi team in person later this month.”
Sarah Matthews is a graduate in Philosophy and Religious Studies and has won national recognition for her engaging teaching style and awards for the excellent examination results attained by her students. Her current school has been recognised by Fortune as being in the top 250 boarding schools in the world, as well as being named as a winner in the National Independent School of the Year Awards and winning national awards for Science and Technology and Early Years education.
Sarah Matthews said: “Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is a wonderfully successful school and I am honoured to have been appointed as Principal of such a vibrant and forward-thinking institution that is so committed to the holistic development of the students and unashamedly ambitious for each and every one.
“I look forward to continuing the commitment to excellence in everything that has been established at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi over the founding decade and building on the firm foundations forged by the exceptional team there. I’m grateful to outgoing Principal Tracy Crowder-Cloe for the strong position she leaves the school in for me. I look forward to spending time at the school next week and also at Cranleigh School in the UK in the coming months as I prepare for my move in August.”
After three successful years at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Mrs Crowder-Cloe will be leaving in July. We will take time later in the year to acknowledge Tracy’s outstanding work and celebrate her achievements.
Cranleigh UK and Aldar Education worked closely with recruitment specialists Odgers on this executive appointment. Mrs Matthews has worked in leadership roles in prominent UK independent schools , Harrow International School, Hong Kong, one of Asia’s top schools. She has an excellent understanding of the cultural nuances that can impact on education. Sarah is a governor for a foundation of co-educational schools and she also serves the Girls School Association at Director level as Honorary Treasurer.
