Primrose Prep was founded by Rachel Couffignals, an Oxford-educated British preparatory-school educator and former Head of Lower School and Head of Gifted & Talented at Wetherby Prep in London — one of the UK’s most respected independent preparatory schools.
Rachel brings to Primrose Prep the academic rigour, structured teaching, and high expectations that define the very best British independent schools. In the UAE, it is uncommon to find this depth of independent-school experience available outside the school system itself — and Primrose Prep exists to make that tradition of thoughtful, academically ambitious education accessible to families who value it.
Having educated her daughters at an independent school in London, Rachel was keen to maintain the standards, expectations, and the academic pace that she (and her children) were accustomed to when the family moved to the UAE. Drawing on her many years of teaching and leadership experience within the UK independent-school sector, she began to supplement and extend their education to ensure continuity in rigour, depth, and momentum.
Today, Rachel leads the academic direction of Primrose Prep, guiding families through educational choices and transitions with independent, experience-led advice grounded in British independent-school standards.
“Rachel helped us understand whether our son was being stretched enough at school in Abu Dhabi. Her advice was clear and reassuring.”
— Parent of Year 5 pupil
“We recently moved to Abu Dhabi from a London independent school, and we struggled to find the same level of academic challenge our daughter was used to. We are so thankful to have found Rachel, she has reignited her motivation and brought back the academic rigour we were used to in London.”
— Parent of Year 4 pupil
“We’re an international family used to London prep school standards. It was difficult to find that same academic rigour here until we met Rachel. Our son is enjoying learning concepts beyond his current curriculum
— Year 5 parent
“We chose Rachel because of her prep-school background, and she delivered exactly what we hoped for - depth, structure, and acceleration. Our daughter was well prepared for her 11+ exams and exam ready”
— Parent of Year 6 pupil, Notting Hill
“Our son was preparing for 11+ entry to St Paul’s and Westminster. Rachel’s lessons were focused, academic, and results-driven - but still full of humour.”
— Parent of Year 6 pupil, Kensington
“Rachel gave us clarity on senior-school expectations as we planned our move back to the UK. It made the process feel far less daunting.”
— Parent of Year 7 pupil