Bengaluru: The King’s School Canterbury, one of the world’s oldest schools, has formally announced the launch of its Bengaluru campus in partnership with Vidyashilp Education Group, with the new school set to welcome its first pupils in the 2027–28 academic year.
Founded in 597 AD, The King’s School Canterbury brings more than 1,400 years of educational heritage to the partnership. The Bengaluru school will combine the values and educational philosophy of King’s Canterbury with Vidyashilp Education Group’s experience and knowledge of the Bengaluru education landscape.
The partnership was formally marked through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Dr Kiran Pai, Managing Director, Vidyashilp Education Group, and Nina Hunt, Managing Director, The King’s School Canterbury International, in the presence of senior representatives from both institutions.
The launch event was held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru and brought together leaders from both institutions, education leaders, dignitaries, founding partners and members of the Bengaluru community. Owen Richards, Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission, Bengaluru, and Tony Puri, CEO, Minerva International Education Ltd., were among those present.
Speaking about the partnership, Dr Kiran Pai, Managing Director, Vidyashilp Education Group, said: “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.”Owen Richards, Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission, Bengaluru, said: “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.”
The Bengaluru school will initially open with Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, welcoming children from the age of three. Additional year groups will be introduced progressively as the founding pupils move through the school. The campus is planned to eventually offer a complete school pathway.
Leigh Holmes-Hill, Founding Head of Prep, The King’s School Canterbury, Bengaluru, introduced the educational vision for the new campus and presented the first detailed look at the planned campus through rendered films and images.
The school said its early-years approach will focus on building strong academic foundations alongside curiosity, creativity, relationships and character development. Children will be encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, take appropriate risks and develop confidence and independence.
Camilla Webster, Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery, The King’s School Canterbury, also spoke at the event about the importance of the early years and how relationships, culture and expectations established during childhood can shape a child’s later educational journey.
The school will draw on the heritage and educational experience of The King’s School Canterbury while adapting its approach to Bengaluru. According to the institutions, the aim is not to reproduce the Canterbury school in another location, but to create a school that retains the King’s ethos while responding to its local context, students and families.
The launch marks the beginning of The King’s School Canterbury’s presence in Bengaluru, with the first cohort of pupils expected to begin their education at the new campus in 2027.
