1,400-year-old King’s Canterbury School to open first India campus in Bengaluru

The King’s School Canterbury, a British institution regarded as one of the oldest schools, will soon open its first international campus in Bengaluru. Bringing its 1,400-year legacy to India, the Bengaluru campus will be set up in partnership with Vidhyanidhi Education Trust.

Established in 597 AD and re-founded under a Royal Charter from King Henry VIII in 1541, the school’s arrival marks a new chapter in cross-border educational collaboration between India and the United Kingdom.

The school is expected to open admissions in 2026 for select classes starting in 2027, with full K-12 structure operational by 2030. It will follow a British curriculum aligned with 21st-century learning needs, nurturing students “who think critically, act ethically, and lead with empathy”, the official statement read.

“The launch of The King’s School Canterbury in Bengaluru marks a rare moment in Indian education — where a 1,400-year-old academic legacy meets the country’s rapidly evolving learning landscape,” it said.

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The initiative is led by Kiran Pai, managing trustee of Vidhyanidhi Education Trust, and Nina Hunt, managing director of The King’s School Canterbury International, supported by Tony Puri, CEO of Minerva International.

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 located within the upcoming Century One World, a 135-acre township in North Bengaluru.

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.”