Shrewsbury Boarding International School in the United Kingdom is establishing a new school in Bhopal, India. In an exclusive interview with the Free Press Journal, Headmaster Leo Winkley discusses the vision for the expansion, the school’s unique qualities, and the role of foreign education in the development of future global citizens. From developing life skills to adopting Charles Darwin’s legacy, Winkley discusses how Shrewsbury aims to give an integrated and life-changing learning experience in India.
GPlus: What motivated you to choose Bhopal over tier-1 cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore as an educational hub?
Winkley: Well, Bhopal is the future educational hub! There are a lot of things that distinguish our school—a stunning campus surrounded by natural beauty. Secondly, people—the whole personal education that Shrewsbury offers. You will learn to achieve mastery in academics. You will also learn social interaction and how you get along with other people. We have a special sports and cultural curriculum. All of this makes a distinctive package for the Shrewsbury students.
GPlus: What sets Shrewsbury International Bhopal apart from existing schools in the city?
Winkley: We need skills to put ourselves in new contacts, and those are our life skills. We believe in teaching life skills. These can be learnt by working in communities, like in a boarding school, where you have a chance to get to understand other people. These social soft skills are incredibly important. If you talk to employers abroad, of course, they will say you need to have certain certifications or high-level intellectual mastery, but they will definitely emphasise human skills. And we think you learn faster, better, and more deeply in a boarding community, which is what we are offering.
GPlus: What support systems do you believe are essential for Indian students studying abroad?
Winkley: The world has become more open in terms of respecting different ideas and perspectives of people and how they view the world. It is important how universities and workplaces are becoming more inclusive; they value different perspectives. However, there is another version of reality—a polarised world! And if you are in the middle, you are somehow not listened to. I think educational institutions should educate people to listen and understand people’s perspectives, nuance, and empathy because if the world turns polarised between right and wrong, it will be a dark place for all of us. And we want to educate our children for a bright world, one that is more interested in how other people think rather than how they themselves think.
GPlus: What specific skills do you think Indian students gain from studying abroad that are beneficial in a global context?
Winkley: Studying abroad, in my belief, is just a way of getting out of your comfort zone. Young minds grow the most when they are moved to a new context when they discover other cultures. Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to grow your network, build a strong CV, and become, as I like to call it, a ‘Global Citizen’. Moreover, it is not about the certificates you collect; it is about the network you build in a new context, in a new environment. It is more valuable than a certificate, I believe.
GPlus: How does Charles Darwin’s legacy influence Shrewsbury’s educational philosophy?
Winkley: We are big fans of Darwin. We are fond of him as an icon of intellectual learning and his spirit of inquiry. Our thinking of creating ‘Global Citizens’ stems from Darwin, as he was one of the first, as we call it, Global Citizens. His curiosity-driven approach influences interdisciplinary learning, outdoor education, and global perspectives. At Shrewsbury, we follow his legacy of always learning and moving forward, sort of building an opinion by discovering things yourself. Emphasising STEM excellence and experiential learning, Shrewsbury further nurtures independent thinkers, preparing students for innovation and lifelong discovery.
GPlus: Will Shrewsbury International Bhopal consider offering scholarships or reserved seats for underprivileged students as part of its CSR initiatives?
Winkley: I would leave that to my excellent colleagues at Shrewsbury International School in India. As an educationalist, I agree to provide access to ensure our community is inclusive. We recognise not everyone has the resources to access premium education. For the children, we want society to be broad and reflexive of other societies and be the engine of social mobility.
