British-branded schools launch campuses across major Indian cities
Several historic UK schools are opening Indian branches, with Queen Elizabeth's School set to start in Gurgaon and other brands expanding in Bengaluru, Pune, Bhopal, Hyderabad and Uttar Pradesh.
Historic British schools are entering the Indian market through collaborations with local education groups, developers and investors. Queen Elizabeth's School, a state-funded grammar school founded in 1573, will open a Gurgaon campus this month, while Harrow International School already operates in Bengaluru, complete with traditional uniforms. Wellington College International runs in Pune, Shrewsbury International School serves Bhopal, and a partnership between Sagebrook and Whitgift has begun admissions in Hyderabad.
Additional projects include a Royal Grammar School Guildford venture slated for 2028 and Highgrove Education’s plans for Uttar Pradesh. Observers note that the appeal lies in the schools' centuries-old reputations, yet caution that the Indian branches may not replicate the original institutions' selective models. Industry leaders stress the need to respect local culture while delivering a globally recognised education.
Why it matters
The influx of elite British school brands signals a shift in Indian private education toward high-priced, heritage-driven models.
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