Siam Motors Group (SMG) and the Phornprapha family are absolutely thrilled to unveil their groundbreaking collaboration with Highgate School UK. They’re bringing the esteemed English institution’s rich academic tradition to Thailand with the launch of Highgate International School Thailand. This exciting endeavor will open its doors to eager learners come August 2026, nestled in the idyllic setting near Siam Country Club, Chonburi. From the get-go, the school plans to provide an exemplary blend of academic rigor and holistic education designed for youngsters aged 2 to 18. Starting with Pre-Prep and Junior School for ages 2 to 11, there’s an enthusiastic blueprint to expand to Senior School and offer top-notch boarding facilities, eventually accommodating a community of 1,400 students. Students will enjoy the privilege of world-class amenities while embracing the English National Curriculum, capped off with the distinguished IGCSE and A Levels.
Highgate School, with a storied history dating back to 1565, commands respect as one of the UK’s most prestigious learning institutions. A consistent top contender among the UK’s Independent schools, it garners accolades such as being in the top 10 for academic performance in London according to the Sunday Times 2024. Siam Motors Group is buzzing with excitement about infusing Thailand with Highgate’s high-caliber educational ethos, promising a learning adventure defined by excellence, nurtured in a dynamic environment that keeps an eye on the future.
Laying the foundation on Highgate’s nearly 460-year legacy of educational brilliance, the Thailand campus pledges to uphold core principles: aiming high with education, personalized pastoral care, and a treasure trove of extracurricular offerings. The vision is clear—foster an everlasting passion for learning and help every student reach their zenith in a caring and inclusive setting.
No stone will be left unturned in assembling an exceptional teaching cadre for Highgate International School Thailand. Teaching candidates, mainly hailing from the UK, will undergo a meticulous selection process overseen by Highgate UK. This ensures they resonate with Highgate’s esteemed values and standards. Students will thrive under the guidance of educators who aren’t just field experts but also champions of Highgate’s revered academic and pastoral care standards.
The Thailand campus promises to be a beacon of advanced infrastructure. Imagine an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a FIFA-standard football pitch, a state-of-the-art Golf Academy, and a sprawling Library and Media Centre. Purposefully crafted spaces for STEM, Music, and the Arts, crowned by a modern auditorium, will underpin a robust curriculum that champions both academic prowess and co-curricular growth. Students are promised an unparalleled educational journey.
This illustrious partnership spotlights SMG’s pledge to elevate educational standards and nurture well-rounded future leaders. By bringing Highgate’s prestigious educational lineage to Thailand, SMG envisions a transformation in the academic landscape—an evolution with a lasting, positive ripple effect. This venture promises to offer families and students an unmatched, enriching experience while setting a new benchmark for educational quality in the region.
In the words of Adam Pettitt, the Head of Highgate School, “We fondly recall our origins in 1565 under Queen Elizabeth and are deeply honored to inaugurate our very first international school in Thailand—a nation steeped in tradition and fervor for education. Highgate’s commitment to excellence for young people springs from the transformative essence of partnership: it’s a grand privilege creating new avenues born of centuries of expertise alongside the vigor, drive, and ambition of the Siam Motors Group.”
Prakasit Phornprapha, President of Siam Motors Co., Ltd., shared his enthusiasm: “Our union with Highgate School signifies a monumental chapter in Siam Motors Group’s journey. We’re overjoyed to transport Highgate’s storied heritage and exemplary education to Thailand, and pledge to develop a school that surpasses the loftiest standards of academic and personal advancement for our students.”
Tanyaporn Phornprapha Tangcravakoon, Chair of the School Board, chimed in: “Highgate International School Thailand harmonizes tradition with a contemporary educational outlook. We’re ecstatic to bring Highgate’s esteemed educational framework to Chonburi, emphasizing the creation of a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere where students from Thailand and beyond can thrive academically and personally. This initiative transcends merely founding a school; it’s about sculpting the future of education in the region.”
More information can be found at: https://highgateschoolthailand.com
It’s great to see prestigious international institutions coming to Thailand. This can only mean better educational opportunities for our children.
Sure, it sounds impressive, but who can afford this kind of education? It’s only for the wealthy.
That’s a fair point, accessibility will always be an issue. Still, if it raises the standards, it could benefit even public education indirectly.
I’m skeptical. These projects often promise much but deliver little real change for local students’ education.
I think skepticism is needed, but it could drive reform by setting a bar for other schools to reach.
True, competition can be good, but only if it’s inclusive.
It’ll offer opportunities for students to experience international standards without leaving Thailand. That’s a plus.
But will they bring culturally relevant education, or is this another case of neo-colonialism?
A blend of both worlds could be envisioned. Anyway, staying aware of cultural aspects is crucial.
Highgate’s amazing! I visited the UK campus once, it’s like Hogwarts!
LOL, I hope they bring the magic to Chonburi too!
Wow, a FIFA-standard football pitch! This could spark talent growth in Thai youth football.
As long as they don’t forget local teachers and talent, this could be a game-changer.
I’m a bit concerned: will local schools lose their best teachers to this new institution because of higher pay?
I guess that’s a possibility, but a shake-up might encourage overall better practices.
This is obviously a commercial move more than an educational one.
Commercial interests drive change, so it could still benefit education in the long run.
Does anyone know if they plan to offer scholarships? That could change the dynamic and purpose of such a school.
I hope they integrate local traditions and not just impose Western ideals.
Just wondering about the teachings at Highgate UK. Anyone know if it’s all strict academics or more well-rounded?
They do a good mix, from what I’ve read. Emphasize extracurriculars, which is positive.
It’s rigorous but holistic, they say. Preparing for more than just exams.
Sounds promising. Hopefully, they stick to it abroad.
If this institution genuinely collaborates with local educators, it could be a win-win.
I’m more excited about the infrastructure! The idea of having an Olympic swimming pool for students is thrilling.
Sounds impressive, but identical schools in different parts of the world can have very different impacts. Let’s wait and see.
What about environmental impacts of building such a massive campus? Is that addressed anywhere in their plans?
I just hope they don’t ignore the mental health aspect with all their academic rigor.
Reminds me of previous projects that disappeared once the initial hype died down.
Let’s hope it’s not a flash in the pan. Consistency will be crucial.
Highgate’s entry could actually encourage improvements in public schools by forcing them to compete.
If they offer things like coding and robotics early on, this could better prepare students for the future job market.