Shrewsbury International School

A Philosophy Rooted in Character

At the heart of Shrewsbury International School Bangkok lies a deceptively simple guiding principle: 'If the heart is right, all will be well.' This motto, borrowed from the traditions of its UK parent school (Shrewsbury School, founded 1552), frames the school's entire educational philosophy. Academic achievement is never treated as an end in itself — rather, it is understood as the natural outcome of developing young people who are curious, resilient, compassionate, and ethically grounded.

The British Curriculum as a Framework for Excellence

Shrewsbury Bangkok delivers the English National Curriculum throughout, from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) up to A-Levels at Sixth Form. This provides students with a globally recognised and highly transferable qualification set:

• Early Years: EYFS framework with play-based learning
• Key Stages 1–3: British National Curriculum
• Key Stage 4: IGCSE examinations
• Key Stage 5: AS and A-Level courses

The structured British framework is paired with a pedagogical culture that prizes critical thinking, creativity, and independent inquiry over rote memorisation.

Together We Flourish

The school's vision statement, 'Together We Flourish', reflects the community-centred nature of the Shrewsbury experience. Students are not educated in isolation but as part of a vibrant, multicultural community drawn from approximately 40 nationalities. The House System — with six houses — is one mechanism through which this communal identity is fostered, encouraging collaboration across year groups and building lasting bonds.

Wellbeing as a Cornerstone

Shrewsbury Bangkok treats student wellbeing not as an add-on but as a structural pillar of its educational model. A dedicated Counselling and Wellbeing Team, led by professionals such as Lead Counsellor Monika Birimac at the Riverside campus, works alongside academic staff to support students' mental, emotional, and social development. The school also operates a Medical Centre with professional nurses on both campuses.

Values in Action

The core values of Integrity, Compassion, Resilience, Creativity, and Open-mindedness permeate everything from classroom expectations to extracurricular competitions. These values are reinforced through the House System, community service opportunities, performing arts productions, and competitive sports — creating what the school describes as a 'You-Time' ethos where every student's talents and passions are given space to flourish.

Origins: A British School Comes to Bangkok

Shrewsbury International School Bangkok opened its doors in August 2003, established as an affiliate of Shrewsbury School in England — one of the UK's oldest and most prestigious independent schools, founded in 1552 under a royal charter from King Edward VI. The founding vision was to transplant the hallmarks of an outstanding British education — intellectual rigour, character development, and a rich co-curricular life — to Bangkok's growing international community.

The original Riverside Campus, situated along the Chao Phraya River at 1922 Charoen Krung Road in Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok, was purpose-built on approximately 40 rai (around 6 hectares) of riverside land, providing ample space for the world-class sporting, arts, and academic facilities the school envisioned.

Growth and Expansion

Over its first 15 years, Shrewsbury Bangkok steadily grew in reputation and student numbers, becoming widely regarded as one of the leading international schools in Southeast Asia. By the mid-2010s, demand from families living in the northern and eastern parts of Bangkok — particularly the Sukhumvit and Rama 9 corridors — prompted the school to consider a second location.

In 2018, the City Campus opened at 982 Rim Klong Samsen Road, Huai Khwang, Bangkok. Purpose-built specifically for primary-age children (Playgroup/Nursery through Year 6), the City Campus occupies 17 rai (27,200 sq m) and features facilities designed with younger learners in mind, including a 655-seat auditorium, indoor swimming pools, a creative arts complex, gymnastics hall, and outdoor natural turf pitches.

A 20th Anniversary Milestone

In 2023, Shrewsbury Bangkok celebrated its 20th anniversary — a significant milestone marked by the completion of a state-of-the-art Innovation Centre at the Riverside campus. This facility represents the school's ongoing commitment to investing in the learning environment and preparing students for a rapidly evolving world.

By its 20th year, the school had grown to serve over 1,900 students from approximately 40 nationalities across both campuses, with graduates regularly earning places at the world's leading universities including Oxford, Stanford, Imperial College London, and Cornell.

Heritage and Identity

The connection to the UK's Shrewsbury School remains a defining feature of the school's identity. The shared motto, traditions, and educational philosophy bind the Bangkok school to a centuries-old heritage of academic and pastoral excellence, while its location and diverse student body give it a distinctly international, contemporary character.

A Track Record of Academic Achievement

Shrewsbury International School Bangkok has built a strong reputation for academic outcomes, particularly at the A-Level stage. The school follows the English National Curriculum throughout, culminating in IGCSE examinations at Key Stage 4 and AS/A-Level qualifications at Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13).

A-Level Results: Class of 2021

The most recently publicly available A-Level data (Class of 2021) paints an impressive picture:

• 121 candidates sat A-Level examinations
• 86% of grades were A* or A
• 61% of grades were A*
• 100% pass rate
• 95% of graduates were accepted to their first-choice university

These results placed Shrewsbury Bangkok among the top-performing international schools in Southeast Asia for A-Level outcomes in that year.

University Destinations

The Class of 2024 saw 140 graduates gain places at universities across 75 institutions in 40 countries, underscoring the truly global reach of Shrewsbury Bangkok's university placement record. Destination universities included some of the most selective institutions in the world:

United Kingdom:

• University of Oxford
• Imperial College London
• King's College London
• University of Bristol
• University of Bath
• University of Exeter

United States:

• Stanford University
• Cornell University (Ivy League)
• Boston University
• Pennsylvania State University

Australia:

• University of Melbourne (Trinity College)
• University of New South Wales

Oxbridge and Ivy League

For the Class of 2021, 5 students earned places at Oxford or Cambridge, and 2 students were accepted to Ivy League universities in the United States — a significant achievement for a school of approximately 1,900 students in Bangkok.

University Guidance

The school's strong outcomes are supported by a dedicated university counselling programme. Working closely with students throughout the Sixth Form, the team helps students identify appropriate institutions, craft compelling applications, and navigate the often complex requirements of university admissions in the UK, US, Australia, and beyond.

A Tale of Two Campuses

Shrewsbury International School Bangkok uniquely operates across two distinct campuses, each designed to serve specific age groups while sharing the same educational philosophy and high standards.

Riverside Campus: The Flagship

Located at 1922 Charoen Krung Road in Bang Kho Laem, the Riverside Campus sits on approximately 40 rai (6 hectares) of prime Bangkok real estate along the Chao Phraya River. It caters to students from Early Years (Playgroup/Nursery, age 3) through to Year 13 (age 18) and is home to the school's senior academic programme.

Academic and Arts Facilities:

• Three age-appropriate libraries housing a combined 42,000+ volumes
• 18 science laboratories
• Dedicated art, design, and music studios
• 580-seat main auditorium and 130-seat secondary auditorium
• Innovation Centre (opened 2023)

Sports Facilities:

• Sports complex with two swimming pools
• Gymnastics hall
• Elevated tennis and squash courts
• Outdoor sports pitches and running areas
• Indoor sports hall for basketball, futsal, and volleyball

City Campus: Purpose-Built for Primary

Opened in 2018 at 982 Rim Klong Samsen Road in Huai Khwang (Rama 9 area), the City Campus spans 17 rai (27,200 sq m) and is specifically designed for children from Playgroup/Nursery (age 2) through Year 6 (age 11).

Highlights:

• 655-seat auditorium
• Creative Complex (library, music rooms, art studio, black box theatre)
• Dance and yoga studio
• Two indoor 25m swimming pools (including a learning pool)
• Gymnastics Hall (Olympic-standard equipment)
• Technology and media rooms
• Soft play areas for Early Years
• Outdoor natural turf pitch and running track
• Medical centre

Getting There

The Riverside Campus is accessible via BTS Saphan Taksin station (approximately 10 minutes by taxi or river ferry), as well as by the school's contracted bus service operated by Montri. The City Campus is conveniently located near the MRT Phra Ram 9 station and has easy access from the Sukhumvit and Rama IX expressways.

Both campuses are served by the school's extensive bus network, providing coverage across Bangkok's main residential areas.

The House System: Community at the Core

Every student at Shrewsbury Bangkok is assigned to one of six Houses upon joining the school. The House System is a cornerstone of the school's pastoral and community culture, fostering a sense of belonging, healthy competition, and cross-year friendships.

Students earn House points through:

• Academic achievements
• Sports Day competitions
• House Swimming Galas
• SceneFest (House drama competition)
• Cheerleading performances
• Charity and community service initiatives

The system explicitly promotes the school's value of Care and Compassion, encouraging older students to mentor and support younger peers.

Music: From Orchestra to Contemporary Bands

Music is a particularly strong tradition at Shrewsbury Bangkok. The school's performing ensembles include:

• Symphony Orchestra — full orchestral rehearsals and performances
• Choirs — multiple vocal ensembles across year groups
• Contemporary Bands and Ensembles — rock, pop, and jazz groups
• Individual tuition in a wide range of instruments

The school participates in FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia) music events, showcasing students against peers from top international schools across the region. A dedicated Music Scholarship is available for exceptionally gifted instrumentalists (DipABRSM equivalent level required).

Sports: Competitive and Inclusive

Shrewsbury Bangkok fields competitive teams in a wide range of BISA (British International Schools in Asia) league sports:

• Football, Basketball, Netball, Softball, Touch Rugby
• Athletics/Track & Field, Badminton, Tennis, Golf
• Swimming (year-round, two pools per campus)
• Gymnastics (Olympic-standard gymnastics hall)

For elite athletes, the Team Shrewsbury programme provides a structured pathway for Year 10+ students selected for their exceptional sporting ability.

STEM and Innovation

The Robotics Team has delivered outstanding performances at both national and international VEX Robotics competitions, reflecting the school's growing investment in STEM education. The 2023 Innovation Centre at the Riverside campus further underscores this commitment.

You-Time: Every Student's Passions Valued

Shrewsbury Bangkok's co-curricular philosophy — branded as 'You-Time' — holds that every student should find activities that ignite their passion, whether in the arts, sports, academics, community service, or student leadership. This breadth of opportunity, combined with the House System's team spirit, creates a school community that is lively, engaged, and deeply connected.