Shrewsbury School's 500-Year Legacy Finds a New Home in Bhopal, India
In a remarkable fusion of history and modernity, Shrewsbury International School India has established its first fully boarding campus in Bhopal, bringing a 500-year-old British educational legacy to the heart of India. Founded in 1552 by King Edward VI in the United Kingdom, Shrewsbury School opened this new international campus in August last year, spanning 150 acres of lush, open land in Bhopal.
A Historic Institution Embarks on a New Journey
Shrewsbury School, originally established in the town of Shrewsbury, UK, rose to prominence under headmaster Thomas Ashton from 1561. The school's charter, signed by King Edward VI, emphasized the education of boys and youths, laying a foundation that has endured for centuries. Today, Shrewsbury India is the fifth campus worldwide, joining others in Thailand, Hong Kong, and Cambodia, and it stands as the only fully boarding international campus alongside the original UK site.
Stephanie Cauvet, Director of Marketing and Admissions, recalls her initial hesitation about moving to Bhopal after a decade at Kodaikanal International School. "I wondered—where in India is Bhopal?" she says. However, a map revealed its central location, right in the heart of the country, prompting her to relocate with her children, who now attend Shrewsbury.
Blending Legacy with Modern Education
The school's rich history includes notable alumni like Charles Darwin, whose atlas from his school days is preserved in the archives. Naomi Nicholas, archivist at Shrewsbury School UK, highlights how records from the 1950s bring the past to life with photographs and notes. At Shrewsbury India, this legacy is integrated with a contemporary Cambridge board curriculum, focusing on critical thinking and experiential learning, as emphasized by Abhishek Mohan Gupta, President of the Board of Management.
Gupta, born and raised in Bhopal, explains that the city was chosen for its central location, strong connectivity, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and favorable climate. "We always wanted to create a world-class residential school in the city," he asserts, noting Bhopal's educational heritage dating back to the era of the Begums, who pioneered nursing institutions and girls' education.
Cultural Integration and Campus Life
At the campus, students enjoy a diverse environment, with meals like kadhi and rice reflecting local flavors. Piers Webb, Head of Humanities, praises Bhopal's cultural depth, citing events like the Literary Fest that showcase the city's global aspirations. Faculty members, many from the UK or abroad, were drawn by adventure and alignment with Shrewsbury's philosophy. Neil Pettitt, Head of Science, returned to India after a solo trip 20 years ago, while Oliver Russell, Deputy Head-Strategy, sees parallels between Shrewsbury town and Madhya Pradesh's understated beauty.
Dominic Tomalin, Headmaster, notes that the campus design preserves a village-like feel, with a central green area mirroring the UK campus. Sports facilities are extensive, including fields, courts, and indoor stadiums, but academics remain core, with language options like French, Spanish, German, and Hindi offered up to Grade 8.
Looking Ahead
With over 50 students initially enrolled in Classes 6 to 11, Shrewsbury India prepares for a busier academic year. Cauvet reflects on the welcoming nature of Bhopal, "Geographically and culturally, it's such a loving place." The school aims to counter stereotypes of boarding schools as punitive, offering flexible schedules and a supportive community. As it grows, Shrewsbury International School India stands as a testament to enduring educational values meeting modern innovation in a historic Indian city.
