New Delhi: The 472-year-old UK-based Shrewsbury School is set to open the doors to its residential campus in India this August, offering the Cambridge curriculum and featuring 50% international faculty, founding headmaster of its India branch, Dominic Tomalin, told ThePrint.
The Shrewsbury International School is launching its India branch—its fifth international campus after two branches in Thailand, and one each in Hong Kong and Cambodia—in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, which will begin operations from August this year.
In an interview with ThePrint, Tomalin explained that Bhopal was chosen because securing 150 acres of land in any tier-one city is practically impossible. “While tier-one cities suffer from heavy pollution, Bhopal is one of the cleanest state capitals in India—and it’s stunning. It’s also centrally located; we are just 40 minutes from Bhopal airport. Many other residential schools in India are also located outside tier-one cities,” he said.
Tomalin said the school will enroll around 650 students across grades 6 to 11, offering the Cambridge curriculum. “It’s worth noting that we’re following the Cambridge curriculum, where grades 9 and 10 are focused on IGCSEs—International General Certificates of Secondary Education—which is a two-year programme. Similarly, in grade 11, students will begin the A Level programme, which is also a two-year course,” he said.
The Cambridge curriculum, developed in the UK, is globally recognised for its academic rigor and focus on critical thinking. Students take IGCSEs in grades 9 and 10, followed by A Levels in grades 11 and 12—both widely accepted for university admissions worldwide. Many popular Indian public schools are already offering the curriculum.
Before this, at least two more UK-based schools, including Harrow International School in Bengaluru and Wellington College International, have come to India.
50% foreign faculty
Tomalin said that the school is deeply committed to ensuring that the school reflects a strong Indian identity.
“While about 50% of our faculty will come from overseas to bring in expertise with A Levels, an equal number will be recruited from India to help shape and guide the school’s cultural ethos. It’s important to me that our Indian setting is clearly visible in the way we operate—particularly through visual and performing arts, where I look forward to seeing Indian influences bring the school community to life,” he said.
When asked about the fee structure, Tomalin said that Shrewsbury International School positions itself at the premium end of India’s school market, but aims to offer a world-class, holistic education at a fraction of what top UK independent schools charge.
“Shrewsbury International School is targeting the premium segment of the Indian market but expects to appeal not just to affluent Indian families. As the school grows, it also aims to attract students from nearby international markets, which are geographically closer to India than the UK or the US,” he said.
The headmaster said that the school is trying to create a space where young people can truly make the most of their educational journey.
“The campus is designed to help them explore their talents and interests, and develop them to mastery—all without the hassle of daily commuting. The residential setting not only saves time but also offers a much richer environment for whole-person development,” he said.
When asked how Shrewsbury planned to compete with India’s established residential schools, Tomalin said, “I believe we will attract many students interested in a more international style of education who want to take advantage of the excellent facilities we offer.”
The school will offer a dedicated performing arts school, and a language centre offering over six languages. Additionally, there are specialised laboratories for Design and Technology, Science, Astronomy, as well as state-of-the-art sports amenities where students can participate in activities such as indoor rowing, scuba diving, and fencing.
This is an updated version of the report.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
Am sure this “school” will produce more Rahul Gandhis. Entitled rich brats from well connected families with their heads up in the clouds will find a true home here.
The Indian upper middle class is flush with money. They can easily spend 12-14 lakhs on tuition and 9 lakhs for boarding. The total yearly expenditure of around 21-23 lakhs is a pittance for most upper middle class Indian families.
The management at reputed UK schools know this well enough. Hence, they are investing in India.
Always trust the British to make the most of an opportunity to earn money.