Bengaluru, September 30, 2026: The King’s School Canterbury, recognized as one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions, today announced its expansion into India with the formal launch of The King’s School Canterbury, Bengaluru. The announcement was made at a ceremony held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, attended by senior institutional leaders, diplomats, educationists, and key stakeholders.
Founded in 597 AD, The King’s School Canterbury brings more than 1,400 years of academic distinction and cultural heritage to India. The new venture is a collaborative partnership with the Bengaluru-based Vidyashilp Education Group, combining the UK institution’s long-standing educational philosophy with Vidyashilp’s deep local experience and commitment to regional educational standards. The school is scheduled to open its doors to its founding cohort for the 2027–28 academic year.
The formal establishment of the school was solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Dr Kiran Pai, Managing Director of Vidyashilp Education Group, and Ms Nina Hunt, Managing Director of The King’s School Canterbury International.
The launch event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Mr Owen Richards, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Bengaluru, and Mr Tony Puri, CEO of Minerva International Education Ltd.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Dr Kiran Pai, Managing Director, Vidyashilp Education Group, stated:
“The King’s School Canterbury carries a remarkable legacy of more than 1,400 years, and bringing that heritage to Bengaluru marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. We wanted a partnership where the original school would play an active role in shaping and delivering education here, with high standards extending across the institution. Together, we are creating opportunities for students to become part of a truly global King’s network, connecting them with an international community and a distinguished alumni legacy.”
Highlighting the growing bilateral educational ties between the United Kingdom and India, Mr Owen Richards, Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission, Bengaluru, remarked:
“The King’s School Canterbury has come to the right country, the right state, at the right time. India’s immense human potential and thirst for knowledge make it a natural partner for educational collaboration. As the UK and India deepen their partnership in education, institutions such as King’s have an important role in nurturing the next generation of global talent. I am confident that the school will equip its students with critical thinking, integrity, resilience, curiosity and knowledge to navigate an increasingly complex world.”
During the event, leadership representatives presented an overview of the school’s historical roots and its contemporary vision for early childhood and primary education.
Ms Camilla Webster, Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery at The King’s School Canterbury, detailed the foundational aspects of a King’s education, emphasizing how early learning environments and strong personal relationships establish lifelong habits of curiosity, academic scholarship, and holistic personal development.
The operational and design framework for the new campus was introduced by Ms Leigh Holmes-Hill, Founding Head of Prep at The King’s School Canterbury, Bengaluru. Attendees were given a preview of the state-of-the-art facility through rendered films and visual architectural models.
The Bengaluru campus is designed to cultivate:
- Academic Curiosity & Critical Thinking: Encouraging children to ask deep questions, make interdisciplinary connections, and construct foundational learning skills.
- Character Development & Resilience: Providing an environment where young learners develop confidence, navigate challenges, and take measured educational risks.
- Holistic Growth: Blending rigorous academic programs with creative, athletic, and interpersonal development.
The King’s School Canterbury, Bengaluru will open for admissions for the 2027–28 academic year, initially catering to early years and lower primary levels.
This deliberate, phased roll-out allows the school to build its institutional culture, traditions, and administrative expectations alongside its founding families. While the curriculum and ethos remain rooted in the traditions of Canterbury, the educational context will be adapted to reflect the culture, energy, and dynamic environment of Bengaluru.
About The King’s School Canterbury
Established in 597 AD in Kent, England, The King’s School Canterbury is widely regarded as the oldest surviving school in the Western world. It offers a co-educational boarding and day school experience focused on academic excellence, co-curricular breadth, and pastoral care.
About Vidyashilp Education Group
Vidyashilp Education Group is an established educational organization in Bengaluru, India, operating top-tier K-12 institutions and a university. The group focuses on holistic learning, value-based education, and progressive pedagogical models.
