Highgate International School Thailand
Highgate, a leading UK independent school, plans to open in August 2026 near Siam Country Club in Chonburi, offering high-quality education for students aged 2 to 18.
Highgate’s First Overseas Campus
The first overseas campus of Highgate School, one of the UK’s oldest and most successful schools consistently ranked among the top independent co-educational schools, is set to open its first international campus in August 2026. Initially offering Pre-Prep and Junior School programmes (ages 2 to 11), the campus will expand to include Senior School and boarding facilities in subsequent years, ultimately accommodating up to 1,400 students.
Hear from Adam Pettitt, Head of Highgate, UK
” The opportunity to continue building partnerships with other schools, particularly where you’re founding them, is possibly the most exciting thing that I have ever done within education.
So doing this in Thailand, where there’s a real sense of excitement in education, I can see that our Highgate here will only become stronger and richer, and the opportunity to do that with another school abroad is so exciting, I can’t wait to get started. “
Meet Ben Keeling, Our Founding Head of School
Mr. Keeling joins us following an eight-year tenure as Principal at Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong, where he was instrumental in developing a world-class, purpose-built campus and embedding a culture of kindness and high aspiration. With nearly 20 years of leadership experience, he is renowned for fostering high standards and cultivating respectful, productive relationships. His approach to leadership has been described as ‘outstanding,’ ‘energising’ and ‘compelling.’
“I am enormously excited about the prospect of leading the foundation of Highgate International School Thailand. The strength of our host school and the commitment of our local team to the provision of transformative learning experiences, provide an excellent framework for success. I look forward to meeting with our founding families and to working in partnership to deliver a uniquely ambitious, enriching and affirming programme of study and a wide-reaching legacy for education in the Chonburi province and surrounding area.”
Key Highlights of Highgate School UK
Founded 459 years ago, in 1565, when Queen Elizabeth I granted letters patent to Sir Roger Cholmeley to establish a grammar school.
In 2021, Highgate School was named the London Independent Secondary School of the Decade by The Sunday Times Schools Guide.
Recently featured in The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2024 among the top 10 independent schools in London.
2024 GCSE RESULTS
England average 21.7%
2024 A LEVEL RESULTS
England average of 27.6%
2024 LEAVERS DESTINATION
21 Highgate students have been offered places at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge
Highgate won Independent School of the Year 2019,at the Independent School of the Year Awards 2019, as well as Independent School of the Year for Contribution to Social Mobility.
Highgate School won
Independent School of the Year
2020 at the TES Awards
(Times Educational Supplement).
Highgate School was named
London Independent Secondary
School of the Decade by
The Sunday Times Schools Guide
for 2021
Highgate School was featured
in the Top 10 Independent
School for Academic
Performance in London by The
Sunday Times Schools Guide.
Outstanding Education at Highgate Thailand
Building on Highgate’s nearly 460-year legacy of educational excellence, the Thailand campus will adhere to the core principles of ambitious education, personalised pastoral care, and a rich extracurricular programme. The school aims to cultivate a lifelong love of learning, ensuring each student reaches their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Following the British Curriculum, Highgate International School Thailand is committed to upholding the highest educational standards. We will integrate best practices from British independent schools to ensure our curriculum remains at the forefront of educational excellence.
Our Commitment to Our Students
We are committed to making the most of their childhood and adolescence. Inspired by Adam Pettitt, Head of Highgate School UK, we will prepare our students academically and emotionally for higher studies, future careers, and meaningful contributions to their communities, all while fostering lasting friendships.
Our approach ensures that every child receives the care and support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We are dedicated to upholding these beliefs and values, ensuring they are fully realised at Highgate Thailand.
High-Quality Teaching
To ensure the highest standards of teaching, we will recruit a group of diverse and highly qualified staff, predominantly from the UK. All teachers will be carefully selected by the Highgate UK campus, ensuring they fully understand and adhere to Highgate’s ethos and standards of excellence. This rigorous process guarantees that students receive instruction from educators who are not only experts in their fields but also committed to upholding the high standards of academic and pastoral care for which Highgate is renowned.
Our State-of-the-Art Facilities
Set amongst lush greenery, the school campus has been designed to provide facilities that enhance the pupil experience and foster a sense community. The resources will support a comprehensive curriculum that promotes both academic and extracurricular development, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a FIFA-standard football pitch, a Golf Academy, a Library and Media Centre as well as purpose-built areas for STEM, Music and the Arts including a state-of-the-art auditorium. These resources will support a learning framework that promotes both academic and co-curricular development.
History of Highgate UK
Founded in 1565 by Sir Roger Cholmeley under the letters patent granted by Queen Elizabeth I, Highgate was initially established to provide ‘the most liberal education and instruction of the boys and young men’. By 1829, it had re-emerged as a grammar school, and under the leadership of Reverend John Bradley Dyne in 1838, the school saw significant advancements. Dyne expanded the curriculum to include mathematics and modern languages, established new boarding houses, and acquired a sports field for cricket, athletics, and rugby. Notably, John Venn, who later created the famous Venn diagram, attended Highgate in 1846. In 1916, the acclaimed poet T.S. Eliot taught at the Junior School, counting future Poet Laureate John Betjeman among his pupils. Over the past decade, Highgate has consistently achieved outstanding A level results, securing its position as one of the top independent schools in the UK.
Alumni
Highgate alumni have made significant contributions across various industries, including arts, design, and literature; business and commerce; classical music; film, stage and television; law; military; politics and public service; popular music; religion; science and engineering; and sports. This success highlights the comprehensive and well-rounded education provided at Highgate.
Highgate boasts an impressive list of notable alumni, including:
- John Venn: Creator of the Venn diagram
- Tom Hooper: Oscar-winning director
- Phil Tufnell: England cricketer and TV personality
- Sir Clive Sinclair: Inventor of the pocket calculator
- Murray Walker: Motorsport driver and commentator
- John Rutter CBE: Acclaimed composer, conductor, and musician
