Rugby School Thailand Wins British International School of the Year 2026

British Learning Centre (BLC) is delighted to congratulate Rugby School Thailand, which has been named British International School of the Year 2026 at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards. The winners were announced on the evening of Wednesday 14 October 2026 at a ceremony in The Common Room at The Law Society, Chancery Lane, London. The official winners list shows the title as a joint award, shared by Rugby School Thailand and The British School of Bahrain.

Mr Ash's congratulations

Mr Ash heard the news on the morning of 15 October, Thailand time, in a message from Mr Paul Corr, Director of Marketing and Admissions at Rugby School Thailand. He recorded a short video the same day to congratulate Mr Bruce Grindlay, the school's Principal, along with the teaching team and all of the staff. In the video he calls the result "a fantastic achievement for a school on the Eastern Seaboard in Thailand".

About the awards

The Independent Schools of the Year Awards are now in their ninth year. They are hosted by Independent School Parent magazine, published by The Chelsea Magazine Company, and sponsored by Schoolblazer. This year the organisers received more than 1,000 nominations across 25 categories, and an independent judging panel chaired by Dr Helen Wright selected the winners. More than 280 guests from the independent education sector attended the ceremony in London.

Rugby School Thailand's place on the shortlist was already known. BLC's roundup of the week of 22 to 26 September reported that the school had been shortlisted in this category, with the winners due to be announced in London in mid-October.

What the school has said

In a letter to its community, published on the school's website, Mr Grindlay said he was "absolutely delighted" and described the award as "a tremendous honour". He explained that Mr Neil Hampton, CEO of the Rugby School Group, collected the award on the school's behalf at the ceremony.

Mr Grindlay also connected the award with the school's recent British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection, in which Rugby School Thailand was judged "Outstanding in all areas". He credited the dedication of the teachers and staff, the enthusiasm and achievements of the students, and the support of parents and the wider school community.

The school's earlier finalist announcement explains that this year's entry gave particular attention to outdoor education. Students learn beyond the classroom through Forest School, the Outdoor Education Centre, residential trips, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and a broad co-curricular programme, all on an 80-acre campus. The school also points to two new facilities this year: a Golf Performance Centre and the 750-seat Teepsuwan Theatre, which is to become the home of the Thailand International Youth Orchestra.

About Rugby School Thailand

Rugby School Thailand is a British curriculum day and boarding school for students aged 2 to 18, near Pattaya City in Bang Lamung, Chonburi. It has links with Rugby School in England through the Rugby School Group, and its ethos is expressed in the phrase "The Whole Person, The Whole Point". Mr Grindlay has led the school as Principal since 2021, having previously been Head Master of Sutton Valence School in England for 12 years.

BLC works with the school as a placement partner, and BLC's Sunday Morning English Programme also supports some of its students.

Considering Rugby School Thailand?

Families who would like to know more can read BLC's Rugby School Thailand profile, which covers the school's curriculum, entry assessments and boarding Houses. BLC can also help families compare Rugby School Thailand with other British curriculum schools in Bangkok and on the Eastern Seaboard.

To talk this through, book a free school placement consultation with BLC. The first consultation and BLC's school-matching advice are free.

Frequently asked questions

What award has Rugby School Thailand won?

Rugby School Thailand was named British International School of the Year 2026 at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards. The official winners list records it as a joint award with The British School of Bahrain.

When and where were the winners announced?

The winners were announced on 14 October 2026 at a ceremony in The Common Room at The Law Society, Chancery Lane, London.

Who leads Rugby School Thailand?

Mr Bruce Grindlay has been Principal of Rugby School Thailand since 2021. Before that, he was Head Master of Sutton Valence School in England for 12 years.

Can BLC help with an application to Rugby School Thailand?

Yes. Rugby School Thailand is one of BLC's placement partner schools. Families can start with a free first consultation through BLC's school placement page, where BLC can discuss whether the school is a good fit for their child and explain how the admissions process works.