Exclusive Interview with Ben Keeling, Founding Principal of Highgate International School Thailand

Introduction

As the landscape of British international schools in Thailand grows increasingly competitive, the arrival of Highgate International School Thailand has drawn widespread attention. Rooted in a top-tier independent school from London with a 460-year heritage comparable to Harrow School, it has quietly settled near Pattaya and will officially open its doors this August. I paid an on-site visit and held an in-depth conversation with Founding Principal Ben Keeling. From his decision to leave his established career in Hong Kong, the school’s admission philosophy and boarding plans, to its educational stance amid the era of digital screens and AI — this article covers all key details.

I. About the Principal: Why He Is Trustworthy

Before diving into the school, let’s get to know Ben Keeling.For a new school, its principal largely shapes its development over the next decade.

Ben has nearly 20 years of experience in international education across Asia. He has worked at Jakarta Intercultural School (JSI), one of Asia’s oldest international schools, and Kellett School in Hong Kong. For the past eight years, he served as Principal of Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong, elevating it to one of Asia’s leading British international schools when he departed at the height of its success.

He earned his degree in Graphic Design and worked as a professional designer before stepping into education. This unique background has given him a distinctive insight: Education is communication, and so is design; education solves problems, and so does design. Essentially, they are one and the same.

When asked why he left Hong Kong to build a new school from scratch in Thailand, Ben cited two major reasons. First, the profound heritage of Highgate London and its direct, in-depth partnership with no intermediaries. Second, the long-term vision and reputable family background of local partner Siam Motors Group.

II. The Legacy of Highgate

Many parents may be unfamiliar with this name. Let’s break down its background.

Founded in 1565, Highgate School London boasts a history of over 460 years. Ranked among the UK’s most elite independent schools alongside Harrow and Wycombe Abbey, it enjoys an outstanding academic reputation and widespread recognition across Britain.

The Thailand campus is Highgate’s first and only overseas branch. This is far more than a franchise or brand licensing model. Ben explained:

"There are no third-party organisations between us and the London campus. I hold direct calls with Principal Adam Pettitt every other week. The London Principal and Chair of the Board sit on our governing council, conducting operational reviews and providing guidance three times a year. Our primary and early years curricula are co-developed with our London colleagues."

Such close collaboration sets Highgate apart from other British-affiliated schools in Thailand.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Highgate International School Thailand

• Location: Near Pattaya (outside central Bangkok)

• Opening Date: August 2026

• Curriculum: National Curriculum for England → IGCSE → A-Level

• Student Age Range: Nursery to Senior School (Boarding launching in 2028 for students aged 11–18)

• Local Partner: Siam Motors Group

• Elite Sports Partnerships: Manchester City Football Club, On-site Golf Academy with full-size courses, Professional Swimming Programme

III. Quality Always Comes Before Quantity

This was the most memorable quote from our talk.

Established British schools like Harrow and Shrewsbury have long dominated the Thai market, while Dulwich has also newly entered the region. As a newcomer, Highgate faces notable pressure. What’s more, Ben adheres to selective admission policies, rather than accepting every applicant.

I asked him if he worried about lower enrolment as a result.

"We will not prioritise filling places first and improving quality later. Our approach is to build excellence first, and full enrolment will follow naturally. A great school pursues quality as its core goal; a full student body is merely a positive outcome."

This unconventional mindset truly reflects the school’s sincere commitment to education.

IV. Three Standout Elite Sports Programmes

While strong academics form Highgate’s foundation, its premium sports resources are an unexpected highlight.

 Manchester City Football Club

Highgate has secured an official partnership with Manchester City Football Club. A full-time professional football coach will be stationed permanently on campus as a formal member of staff, rather than just delivering occasional guest lessons. Young football enthusiasts will get to learn authentic professional training concepts and methods from an early age.

Golf Academy (Full-Size Courses)

The school runs a dedicated Golf Academy supported by four full-size golf courses owned by the SMG Group. Such facilities are extremely rare among international schools in Thailand and even across Asia. In elite education circles, golf is more than a sport — it acts as a social language and a valuable extracurricular credential recognised by top universities worldwide.

Professional Swimming Programme

Unlike most schools that simply equip a swimming pool and hire casual coaches, Highgate operates its swimming programme as an independent specialised project, supported by a dedicated team and systematically designed courses.

V. Q&A: Top Concerns from Parents

Q1: Is the new school reliable? What about faculty quality, building safety and community development?

These are common doubts for all newly opened schools. Ben responded openly:

• Experienced founding team: Ben has extensive experience launching schools and oversees the entire development process from the ground up.

• Seasoned educators: Teachers are recruited from top international schools in Bangkok and across the globe, who chose to join this initiative voluntarily.

• Time-honoured brand: Backed by 460 years of history of Highgate London, serving as a solid credential.

• Stable investor: Siam Motors Group is a well-established Thai family conglomerate. Ben described the group as long-minded, fully committed to sustainable long-term development.

Q2: British vs American Education. Which is better for students aiming for US universities?

This is a major dilemma for many Chinese families. Ben gave a clear answer:

The A-Level curriculum is fully recognised by top US universities, and an increasing number of American institutions actively welcome A-Level applicants. The core differences between the two systems lie in:

• British Education: Helps students identify their strengths early and achieve in-depth expertise in specialised fields.

• American / IB Education: Encourages broader learning for a longer period, with a slower pace of academic specialisation.

Neither system is superior. The choice depends on children’s learning styles and families’ long-term education plans.

Q3: Will gifted students receive advanced teaching arrangements?

Students will not skip grades, but will be offered extended and in-depth learning opportunities.

Ben explained that grade skipping would place children among peers at different mental, emotional and physical developmental stages, which may create more challenges than benefits.

"Education is not a race. Being the first to finish does not mean victory. Wisdom takes time to grow; it is a gradual and nurturing journey."

Q4: The school’s stance on electronic devices and AI?

Highgate adopts a cautious but not resistant attitude towards technology.

All classrooms are fitted with large interactive touchscreens, and students may use tablets — only when digital tools genuinely enhance learning, not as a mandatory part of every lesson.

A thought-provoking remark from Ben:

"Intellect comes before Artificial Intelligence. Character building and intellectual growth will always outweigh technological tools. Having survived two World Wars and the global pandemic, Highgate views AI as just one milestone in its long history."

Q5: What is the core purpose of boarding?

Highgate will launch its boarding programme in 2028 for students aged 11 to 18. According to Ben, boarding is not just about supervising students. Its core values are:

• Providing round-the-clock guidance and mentorship beyond regular classroom hours (8:00 – 16:00).

• Fostering independence, self-awareness and interpersonal skills through communal living.

• Preparing students mentally and practically for the rigorous life at university and in future careers.

VI. Core Values: Curiosity, Rigour and Right Attitude

Ben summarised Highgate’s educational philosophy with three sets of core values:

Curiosity & Rigour

The cornerstone of the school’s academic ethos. As a selective school, Highgate seeks capable students and ambitious families.

Engagement & Enthusiasm

"Your achievements rely heavily on your ability — and equally on your attitude. The two carry almost equal weight."

Community & Kindness

Genuine connections with others are essential to lifelong happiness and fulfilment, which is why the school prioritises interpersonal skills development.

When asked to name one single most important quality for children’s future success, he smiled and replied:

"May I pick two? It is attitude, always attitude."

Closing Thoughts

After the interview, I realised Principal Ben is nothing like the stereotypical British educators who move to Pattaya for a relaxed lifestyle.

I asked him: "Is life here much more laid-back than in Hong Kong?"His answer was simply "No".

Where he resides never changes his work ethic. Even based in Pattaya, he maintains the same busy schedule as he did in Hong Kong. I could truly relate to his mindset.

This is an educator with profound professional knowledge, who holds exceptionally high standards for himself and educational quality. He never belittles competitors, makes overpromises, or evades the challenges facing a new school. His confidence comes from his rich experience, Highgate’s long-standing heritage and strong financial support from the SMG Group.

Scheduled to open this August, Highgate is now open for enrolment. It is a worthy option for families exploring schools in Pattaya and the greater Bangkok area.

If you have children in nursery or primary school, plan for long-term British education in Thailand, and aim to apply for top universities in the UK and the US via the A-Level pathway within your budget, Highgate is well worth in-depth exploration.

Taylor | 7 Years of Experience | Serving 1000+ Families | On-site Support in Bangkok & Chengdu