Five reasons why international boarding schools are gaining popularity in India

Dominic Tomalin, the Founding Headmaster, Shrewsbury International School, India shares the reasons behind this recent trend

Prestigious boarding schools in India are renowned not only for their illustrious alumni but the enriching learning environment and extensive resources that the boarders benefit from. In recent times, many international boarding schools have also emerged to offer global pedagogy right at home to Indian students. Outlining the reasons behind their growing popularity, Dominic Tomalin, the Founding Headmaster, Shrewsbury International School, India says, “International schools bring an entirely new dimension to the boarding experience.  They offer exposure to cultural and linguistic diversity as well as world-class, holistic, whole-person education. They also prepare students for global citizenship by nurturing their potential as well as their leadership and social skills. They teach collaboration on the campus along with the importance of equity and mutual respect. “

Here are some other reasons that, according to him, are attracting Indian parents and students to international boarding schools:

Consistent focus on academics

The well-organised schedules and fixed timetables at boarding schools create a structure that young scholars need in order to make the most of their academic years. Living on their own under the watchful gaze of mentors, they learn the value of time management, self-regulation, punctuality and discipline. They also have access to the extensive infrastructure of the campus and benefit from well-appointed lodging, dining, and academic wings. The availability of mentors on campus and dedicated time to work on their weaknesses also yields rich benefits in the long run. The goal of international boarding schools is to hence provide an experiential learning environment and create active, lifelong learners.

Whole person education

International boarding schools do not just aim to create the next generation of academic achievers but invest in character-building via a whole-person education focused on intellectual, spiritual, and ethical development. On campus, in their day-to-day interactions, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, deepen their emotional intelligence and pursue ethical decision-making in all aspects of life. They are taught social responsibility and the value of empathy, humility, tolerance and inclusivity. They also learn to balance their academic goals with extracurricular activities and sports. Personal initiative at a boarding school also sharpens their problem-solving and decision-making skills.

World-class infrastructure

International boarding schools do not just offer a progressive, modern pedagogy but also thoughtful and capacious infrastructure. Well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, sports facilities, libraries, smart digital/electronic resources and collaborative learning spaces accommodate the learning needs of every child. Whether it is the pursuit of arts, crafts, theatre or sports, the infrastructure at international boarding schools like Shrewsbury offers sprawling performing spaces, diverse indoor and outdoor sports facilities, design and language labs and a lot more.

Pastoral care

International boarding schools offer a home away from home to pupils and provide them with requisite care, support and a safe environment to thrive in. The presence of mentors, counsellors, and house masters guides students in navigating daily life, as well as academic and emotional challenges. They watch over the nutritional intake of each student, and monitor their health, and hygiene and there is also an infirmary that offers immediate and effective medical attention if needed.

Preparation for future success

For students who want to successfully secure admission in leading global universities, international boarding schools are perfect as they help with not just academic preparation but also with adjustment challenges in unfamiliar milieus. The English National Curriculum at Shrewsbury, for instance, prepares pupils to undertake the Cambridge International IGCSE Examinations and facilitates easy entry into A Level courses. Along with this there is a dedicated future department which supports child personal profile building. This then makes higher education in foreign universities easily accessible.

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