Highgate, a leading UK co-educational independent school, recently forged the union with Siam Motors Group to open its first international school outside of the UK in Thailand.
The collaboration aspires to combine the traditions of the 460 year old Highgate school with the modern “dynamism and ambition” of the Thai Motor group, said Highgate in an announcement.
Adam Pettitt, head of Highgate School, said the partnership is “creating new opportunities born of centuries of expertise in conjunction with the strength, dynamism and ambition of the Siam Motor Group is an enormous privilege”.
The international school will be co-educational and will mirror Highgate’s three-part school structure, taking pupils from pre-prep to junior, and culminating at senior school.
The school is set to host 1,400 students, aged 2-18, across day and boarding pupils. Students will follow the English national curriculum and will sit both GCSE’s and A Levels in the senior school.
The purpose-built campus will also offer co-curricular opportunities to “enhance the pupil experience and broaden their education”.
Meanwhile, Siam Motors Group sees the partnership as an opportunity to develop Thailand’s social and educational development. Siam Motors Group has pioneered the country’s automotive engineering industry. Now its founder, Thaworn Phornprapha, looks to leverage the power of education to shape future generations.
The campus will be located in the grounds of the Siam Country Club of the Chonburi province, Thailand. Here, the students will have access to a library and media centre as well as purpose-built areas for STEM to go beyond the curriculum.
The campus also looks to nurture music and the arts by including a state-of-the-art auditorium. For sporting endeavours, this campus will contain an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a FIFA-standard football pitch and a golf Academy.
Tanyaporn Phornprapha Tangcravakoon, chair of the school board, commented: “This project is not just about establishing a school. It’s about shaping the future of education in the region.”
This project is not just about establishing a school, it’s about shaping the future of education in the region.
Tanyaporn Phornprapha Tangcravakoon, Chair of the School Board
Prakasit Phornprapha, SMG President commented: “We are proud to bring Highgate’s rich heritage and educational excellence to Thailand, and we are committed to creating a school that exceeds the highest standards of academic and personal development for our students.”
SMG has looked to educate and raise awareness of environmental issues in their ‘Think Earth’ project for 30 years. This collaboration highlights their dedication to creating a sustainable future as they now look to educate the next generation.
Highgate’s expansion to Thailand follows the recent announcement of Mill Hill’s first international school outside of the UK.
