Highgate International School Thailand Officially Opens Its New Campus

On Wednesday 7 October 2026, Highgate International School Thailand held the official Grand Opening Ceremony of its new campus in Chonburi Province. Mr Ash, Owner and Head of School at British Learning Centre (BLC), was invited to attend, and he filmed a short video on the day for families who follow BLC's school visits.

From building site to working school

The day carried particular meaning for Mr Ash because he had seen the site long before it was finished. In January 2026 he visited the Highgate Visitor Centre to meet the Founding Head, Mr Ben Keeling, and members of the senior leadership team. Construction was still under way just across from the centre, and the school was preparing to open its doors in August 2026.

Standing outside the finished buildings on opening day, Mr Ash recalled that on his previous visit "this whole area was a construction site" and that it had not been possible to get much further than the entrance. This time he walked past wide lawns and rows of palm trees towards the school buildings, registered as a guest and went inside to join the ceremony.

For families who have so far known Highgate Thailand only through the Visitor Centre and early announcements, the two videos side by side give a useful sense of how far the project has come in a matter of months.

The ceremony

The ceremony was held in a hall in front of a large screen reading "Grand Opening, Wednesday 7 October 2026". Guests gathered for speeches, and a line of guests of honour then cut a ribbon on stage, followed by a shower of paper confetti. Mr Ash had been told the programme would also include a tour of the school, and his video offers brief glimpses of the new interiors.

Mr Ash described the invitation as "a real honour". BLC has followed Highgate Thailand closely during its preparation, and it was a pleasure for him to return and see the campus open and in use.

About Highgate International School Thailand

Highgate International School Thailand is the Thai school of Highgate, the independent school in London, and draws on Highgate's 460 years of educational history. According to the school's official website, the campus is in Chonburi Province, close to Siam Country Club. The school lists journey times of about 30 minutes to Pattaya and around an hour and a half to Bangkok.

The school is opening in phases. Its Pre-Prep (Pre-Nursery to Year 2) and Junior School (Year 3 to Year 6) are now open. Pupils began lessons in August 2026, and on 31 August the school published a report marking the end of its first full school week, which mentions whole-school facilities including a football pitch and an aquatics centre.

In the early years, Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception classes follow a programme that closely references the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. From Year 1 onwards, teaching is based on the English National Curriculum, shaped by Highgate's own approach to challenge and carefully sequenced learning.

Looking ahead, the Senior School is due to open in August 2027, and applications for the 2027/28 school year are already open. Boarding is planned for Senior School students from the 2028/29 school year, so it is not yet available.

Why this matters for families

A new school is always easier to judge once it is open. Parents can now see classrooms in daily use and ask how the first term is going, rather than relying on plans alone. Families who are thinking about entry later this year or for August 2027 may find it helpful to visit while the founding years are still taking shape.

Mr Ash has also recorded a series with Highgate's leadership, including conversations with Mrs Jo Smith, Head of Junior School, about the curriculum. These are available on the British Learning Centre YouTube channel.

How BLC can help

Highgate International School Thailand is one of BLC's placement partner schools. Families can read more on BLC's Highgate International School Thailand profile and then book a free school placement consultation with BLC. The consultation is a chance to talk through whether Highgate suits your child and what the school's admissions process involves.

Frequently asked questions

Can BLC help us apply to Highgate?

Yes. Highgate International School Thailand is a BLC placement partner. Families can start with a consultation through BLC's school placement page, where BLC can discuss suitability and help with the introduction to the school's admissions team.

Is the BLC consultation free?

Yes. The first consultation and BLC's school-matching advice are free.

Which year groups does Highgate Thailand accept at the moment?

The Pre-Prep (Pre-Nursery to Year 2) and Junior School (Year 3 to Year 6) are open now, and the Senior School is due to open in August 2027. Families can talk through which year group would suit their child in a free BLC school placement consultation.

Does Highgate Thailand offer boarding?

Not yet. According to the school's website, boarding is planned for Senior School students from the 2028/29 school year.