A year of collaboration with Riyadh Schools Group’s Education Leaders Institute
News and Events
A year of collaboration with Riyadh Schools Group’s Education Leaders Institute
This month marks the end of Cambridge’s first year supporting the school leaders, teachers and teaching assistants training at the Education Leaders Institute (ELI) in Riyadh.
Research has long shown teachers and school leaders are the most important classroom factors in a child’s learning. Yet, globally, we’re seeing huge challenges in teacher recruitment, training and retention, and not enough investment.
So, when the Riyadh Schools Group (RSG) approached Cambridge to design, develop and deliver bespoke professional development programmes for their new ELI, we drew on our expertise to help equip educators with the skills they need.
The Education Leaders Institute (ELI) was launched in 2023, a strategic initiative of Riyadh Schools Group, a subsidiary of the Misk Foundation. ELI contributes to the enhancement of the nation’s educational landscape by investing in the professional growth of its teachers.
Developing a leading programme
The new professional development programmes draw on Cambridge’s experience in delivering teacher and leader training qualifications around the world. The programmes help educators develop their leadership skills, supporting the country’s Vision 2030 goals and following Misk’s Leadership Competency Model.
ELI and Cambridge experts have collaborated to design the course, from learning outcomes to assessment plans. We’ve developed programme content, including workshops and self-study activities. We also host an online platform for trainers and educators to share materials, assignments, and connect as a community.
Designing seven training pathways
Together, Cambridge and ELI have developed seven training pathways designed to support educators in various roles across all levels of the education system. The variety of tracks caters to directors general, principals, vice-principals, teachers, and teaching assistants.
On successful completion of the programme, trainees will receive a joint certificate from Cambridge and ELI.
The seven training pathways are:
- School leadership training for Director Generals
- School leadership training for principals
- School leadership training for vice principals
- Teacher training in specialist subjects
- Nursery school leadership training
- Teacher training for nursery teachers
- Teaching assistant training.
The live programme: From study to the classroom
For several pathways, the full programme runs for two years. The first year focuses on full-time face-to-face training in Riyadh. In the second year, educators work in schools, with mentoring and coaching support as part of the programme. Each educator also completes a capstone project. For other pathways, length and format vary.
Trainees study in English, with a separate Arabic track for national subjects. The Arabic track is delivered in partnership with local experts Stellar, formerly Emkan Education.
One year of collaboration and graduations
From day one, Cambridge has partnered with ELI’s second cohort of 70 teachers and leaders. We’ve supported their intensive English instruction and targeted professional development. Alongside this, we’ve provided coaching and mentoring to ELI’s inaugural cohort of 60 trainees - who completed their initial training before our partnership - to support their transition into teaching in schools.
Last month, we marked the first cohort’s programme completion and the second cohort’s preliminary-year graduation. Both groups now head into classrooms to make an impact. This month, we are welcoming the third cohort of educators to the programme. The third cohort will be starting their training in September and October this year.
Cambridge’s Director of Studies at ELI, Radwan Chahrouk, said: “The commitment of the educators at ELI is inspiring, as is what they have achieved. We’re looking forward to supporting them on their ongoing journey as they apply their expertise to create engaging learning environments for children and young people.”
Dr Amal AlAmoudi, Director, Education Leaders’ Institute, said: “Every trainee who walks through our doors carries the promise of transforming a classroom and a community. This partnership with Cambridge is more than professional development — it is about igniting a journey of purpose, where educators discover their strength, embrace their leadership, and step forward as catalysts of change for generations to come.”
Lauren Harris, Head of Professional Development at Cambridge, said: “Congratulations to all ELI school leaders and teachers on completing this year! I know you’ll leave an impact that lasts in the classroom. Thank you for your dedication, day in and day out. It’s been a pleasure to work together. Thank you also to our partners for your collaboration that’s made this possible.”
Cambridge and ELI are gathering feedback on the programme as it progresses and will continue to refine the approach.
We are also working together to plan the management and delivery of the programme locally by ELI for cohorts beyond 2026.
New office manager for Cambridge University Press & Assessment
We've also recently welcomed Turki Alkhalifah as our new country manager. He will be based in Cambridge University Press & Assessment's office in Saudi Arabia. Turki works closely with the wider Cambridge team to support our partners across the nation and beyond. Turki has led work in the education and training sector in Riyadh for half a decade. He shared: “It is an exciting time to be part of Cambridge. Supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious 2030 Vision and seeing the positive impact of our work on learners, educators, and institutions is truly rewarding. I’m proud to contribute to this journey and look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
