Key facts
- British schools are expanding into India due to tighter market conditions in China and a new 20% VAT on private school fees in Britain from January 1, 2025.
- Harrow School, Bengaluru, uses a Cambridge curriculum and has 60% international staff.
- Bedford School Mohali has set its fees at roughly half those charged by other British schools in India.
- Satellite campuses of British schools generated £152.4 million in profit between 2011-12 and 2022-23.
British private schools are expanding their presence in India, establishing new campuses to tap into a growing market of wealthy Indian families seeking international education. This expansion is driven by a slowdown in growth in China, increased regulatory scrutiny there, and the introduction of a 20% VAT on private school fees in Britain from January 1, 2025.
Schools such as Harrow, Shrewsbury, and Wellington College have opened branches in cities like Bengaluru, Bhopal, and Pune. These institutions aim to replicate their traditional British public school ethos, including uniforms, house systems, and extracurricular activities, while also incorporating local customs. The Cambridge curriculum is a significant draw for many Indian families seeking global exposure for their children.
However, the Indian market presents challenges, including intense competition from local schools and greater price sensitivity among consumers compared to other Asian markets. While satellite campuses of British schools have generated significant profits globally, growth in India is expected to be steady rather than explosive.