\u201cSaudi Arabia is undergoing one of the most significant national transformations in modern history. Education and human capability development are at the heart of this change.\u201d\u202f<\/p>Ihab Osman, CEO of Maarif<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n For Maarif, Sherborne School Jeddah was never just another project. \u201cOur ambition is to set a new benchmark for learning, leading by example and helping shape the future of the sector in line with the country\u2019s bold objectives,\u201d adds Osman.<\/p>\n Inspired by Saudi Arabia\u2019s Vision 2030, Maarif set out to create a school that would unlock every child\u2019s potential \u2013 not just academically, but in whatever field excites them. \u201cIt\u2019s a place where children can discover what drives them, what they excel in, whether they want to be a top scientist, an Olympic champion, an executive chef or a radio host,\u201d says Osman. \u201cWe hope the school will help uncover that, develop it, nourish it, and instill the required skills and confidence in students to pursue what really drives them.\u201d<\/p>\n Steelcase was brought in from the earliest stages, working directly with the CEO and project team. \u201cFrom the very beginning, we were welcomed as true collaborators,\u201d says Claudia Rus, Regional Business Manager & Design Consultant at Steelcase.<\/p>\n \u201cBeing involved at such a strategic level meant we could really listen, understand the vision, and help address the challenges together.\u201d\u202f<\/p>Claudia Rus, Regional Business Manager & Design Consultant at Steelcase<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n Product availability may vary by region.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n Designing a school that blends international best practices with local needs was a challenge that required innovation at every step. The team faced the task of transforming a building abandoned for 20 years into a vibrant, sustainable learning environment.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were lucky to find a building that we could completely remodel and bring back to life,\u201d says Osman. \u201cSustainability was a priority for us. We made a conscious effort to preserve as much of the original structure as possible, minimizing waste and reducing our environmental footprint.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy designing the space efficiently and reusing existing elements, we\u2019ve created a building that\u2019s energy efficient and future ready.\u201d\u202f<\/p>Ihab Osman, CEO of Maarif<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n But the real innovation was in the educational approach. Sherborne Jeddah draws inspiration from the long-standing traditions of Sherborne schools in the UK, yet it was designed to meet the specific needs and aspirations of students and classrooms in Saudi Arabia. \u201cWe\u2019re proud to be part of the Sherborne family,\u201d says Joe Paget, Founding Head of School. \u201cBut this project gave us complete freedom to create something new.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe could design every aspect of the school to reflect our vision for learning and community in Jeddah. There\u2019s no way to replicate a 500-year-old school with its own history and traditions; instead, we\u2019re building something for the future.\u201d \u202f<\/p>Joe Paget, Founding Head of School<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n The curriculum and pedagogy focus on flexibility, collaboration and lifelong learning. \u201cWe worked closely with Sherborne to co-design spaces that truly support the curriculum and teaching methodologies \u2013 integrating active learning, flexibility and team-based learning at every step,\u201d explains Claudia Rus. One of the most distinctive features of Sherborne Jeddah is the abundance of learning commons: open, shared areas throughout the school where students and teachers can gather and explore beyond the traditional classroom. This innovative approach strengthens a dynamic culture where learning is constantly in motion.<\/p>\n Reinforcing this idea, the school\u2019s design emphasizes how learning extends into every corner of the campus. \u201cI didn\u2019t want people to be confined within four walls,\u201d explains Joe Paget. \u201cI wanted the corridors to become part of the classroom.\u201d Glass partitions allow students and teachers to see into adjacent spaces and learning commons, creating a sense of openness and connection. The result is an environment where students are empowered to learn in ways that suit their individual needs and interests.<\/p>\n Product availability may vary by region.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n Sherborne Jeddah stands as a campus that redefines what a school can be in Saudi Arabia. Steelcase delivered a comprehensive design package, from co-developing the pedagogical approach to classroom space planning<\/a>, furniture selection, and finishes. Every element was chosen to support flexibility, peer-learning and wellbeing. It\u2019s a place where collaboration and creativity are part of everyday life.<\/p>\n \u201cWalking into Sherborne Jeddah, there\u2019s an immediate sense of energy and possibility. You notice how the open, light-filled spaces encourage students to interact, experiment, and take ownership of their learning.\u201d <\/p>Joe Paget, Founding Head of School<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve made use of every square meter to create bridges between classrooms and age groups,\u201d adds Rus. \u201cWe designed a mix of settings: soft seating, flexible tables, and even standing areas with natural elements. These spaces encourage connection and allow students to experience different postures and activities appropriate to their stage of learning.\u201d<\/p>\n The school\u2019s approach to furniture is as progressive as its pedagogy. \u201cWe moved away from traditional teacher desks to create a more dynamic role for educators,\u201d Rus notes. \u201cClassrooms feature mobile setups and storage units, with ergonomic seating tailored to each age group. Every element was selected to support learners, from scaled seating to soft, reconfigurable pieces that educators can adapt throughout the day.\u201d<\/p>\n The design team opted for a calming, neutral palette that helps children feel grounded and focused. Soft, light tones reduce visual overstimulation, support concentration, and create brighter, more open spaces that feel inviting and comfortable throughout the day.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_fill,dpr_auto,q_70,h_656,w_1166\/v1771405662\/26-0269092.jpg\")
Vision Meets Opportunity<\/h3>\n
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Breaking the Mold<\/h3>\n
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A School Designed for the Future<\/h3>\n
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