Bengaluru to welcome UK’s historic King’s School Canterbury with 1,400-year legacy

Bengaluru is set to welcome one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious schools as The King’s School Canterbury prepares to open a campus in India, bringing a 1,400-year legacy of education and leadership.

Established in 597 AD and re-founded under a Royal Charter from King Henry VIII in 1541, the UK-based institution has built a global reputation for excellence.

The Indian campus, launched in partnership with Vidhyanidhi Education Trust, will follow a British curriculum shaped by the heritage of King’s Canterbury while addressing the needs of 21st-century learners.

The program aims to nurture students who think critically, act ethically, and lead with empathy.

The collaboration is spearheaded by Dr Kiran Pai, Managing Trustee of Vidhyanidhi Education Trust and Managing Director of Vidyashilp Education Group, alongside Nina Hunt, Managing Director of The King’s School Canterbury International, with support from Tony Puri, CEO of Minerva International.

The partnership seeks to blend centuries-old educational traditions with Bengaluru’s modern culture and the aspirations of local families.

Dr Pai said, “This collaboration draws on centuries of learning and a shared belief in education that cultivates intellect and integrity. When we open in 2027, it will not just mark a new beginning but a continuation of a tradition guided by purpose, excellence, and global outlook.”

“The King’s School Canterbury will be set within the upcoming Century One World, a 135-acre luxury township in North Bengaluru that offers an exceptional environment for families, where elegant design, green spaces, and a sense of community create the perfect setting for learning and living,” Dr Pai added.

Ravindra Pai, Joint Trustee of Vidhyanidhi Education Trust and Managing Director of Century Real Estate, added, “We are pleased to welcome King’s Canterbury. The quality of the King’s campus will be an integral component of the prestigious residential community we are establishing at Century One World.”

Jude Lowson, Head of The King’s School Canterbury, UK, said, “The launch of The King’s School Canterbury, Bengaluru, is not merely an extension of our heritage; it is a bold step towards the future of international education.”

“Dr Pai’s visionary approach and commitment to excellence align perfectly with King’s enduring ethos. Together, we aspire to cultivate globally minded, ethically grounded students, young people equipped to shape a world defined by innovation, understanding, and shared human values,” Lowson added.

Admissions for select grades will open in 2026, with the full K–12 school expected to be fully operational by 2030.

The launch represents a fusion of legacy and innovation, creating a new model for international education in India.