Shrewsbury International School Opens First Campus in India

The official inauguration of Shrewsbury International School in India took place in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on 8 August.

Joining a growing family of Shrewsbury Schools, the international school forms part of a purposeful global community connected by shared values, rich histories, and an unwavering commitment to help every pupil discover their potential and flourish for life.

The occasion also marked a historic milestone for India, as Madhya Pradesh welcomed Shrewsbury’s 473-year-old legacy of academic excellence and whole-person ethos to its educational landscape.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Mr. Hari Mohan Gupta, Chairman of Jagran Social Welfare Society, in the presence of prominent dignitaries from the spheres of governance and education.

Set amidst a thoughtfully designed campus, Shrewsbury International School India features state-of-the-art facilities including specialised laboratories, dedicated language-learning centres and cutting-edge digital education resources. The campus also houses expansive studios for the performing and visual arts, fostering creativity and expression among students.

Headmaster of Shrewsbury School, Leo Winkley, said:

“We are proud to welcome Shrewsbury International School India into our global family of schools. It is exciting to see our unique approach to whole person education extending to India. 

“A Shrewsbury Education lasts a lifetime. Each member of the global Shrewsbury community is united by a mission to empower young people to flourish and make a positive impact on their communities.

“I would like to extend a warm welcome to the school’s first cohort of pupils and my gratitude to all of the staff supporting and leading them in their Salopian educational journey.”

Dominic Tomalin, Shrewsbury India's Founding Headmaster, said:

“It is wonderful to see a great synthesis of ideas that draws both on the rich traditions and legacy of Shrewsbury and the vibrancy of the culture and energy of India, as well as India's own deep educational and philosophical heritage.

“A synthesis of thinking that will see Shrewsbury in India become a beacon of educational excellence, set in Madhya Pradesh but shining its light across the subcontinent and the globe.”

Speaking on the strong Indo-British educational synergy at the heart of Shrewsbury India, Mrs. Carla Howarth, Chair of the Advisory Board of Governors at Shrewsbury International School India, said:

“It is truly rewarding to see the timeless Salopian virtues - rooted in Shrewsbury’s heritage - become part of the educational journey in India.

“The inauguration of our first fully residential campus outside the UK is a milestone moment for the global Shrewsbury family.”

His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner to Western India, Mr. Harjinder Kang also addressed the gathering. He said, “I am delighted to join the launch of Shrewsbury International School in India - a proud milestone in the wide-ranging UK-India partnership, underpinned by mutual growth.”

Shrewsbury International School India is set to welcome its inaugural cohort of pupils on August 18. With a proud legacy spanning 473 years, this new school brings to Bhopal a distinguished educational philosophy that places each child at the centre of a transformative learning journey - seamlessly integrating academic excellence with creative exploration to foster well-rounded development.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Honourable Union Minister of Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India, Mr. Rajendra Shukla, Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Digvijaya Singh, Rajya Sabha MP; along with key members of the parliament and cabinet ministers from the state.

Also present were Mrs. Carla Howarth, Chair of the Advisory Board of Governors at Shrewsbury International School India and Chair of the International Development Committee at Shrewsbury School UK; Mr. Tim Haynes, Former Chair – Advisory Board of Governors at Shrewsbury School UK and a Member of the Advisory Board of Governors at Shrewsbury International School India; Mr. Hari Mohan Gupta, Chairman of Jagran Social Welfare Society; Mr. Abhishek Mohan Gupta, President - Board of Management at Shrewsbury International School India, and Mr. Dominic Tomalin, Founding Headmaster at Shrewsbury India, alongside the school’s leadership team and key members from Jagran Social Welfare Society.