Shrewsbury School’s UK based Governing Body arrived in Hong Kong this week to meet with colleagues to discuss the progress of construction and preparations for the opening of Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong. During their visit, they were able to tour the facility, located upon a 60,000sqm government awarded site in Tseung Kwan O.
During an evening event for enrolled families hosted by the British Consul General on Wednesday, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Sir David Lees, spoke about the importance of school governance and the quality of education shared between the family of schools.
“Drawing from my own personal experience of sending my own children and now six grandchildren to Shrewsbury School in the UK, I can speak first-hand about the rich educational heritage offered to families seeking a renowned British education here in Hong Kong.”
British Consul General, Mr Andy Heyn OBE, also talked about the importance of ensuring quality British education in Hong Kong for ambitious families.
“We are delighted to see Shrewsbury open its doors here in Hong Kong, bringing with it more that 465 years of tradition in academic excellence. It was for this reason that we supported Shrewsbury School in their successful bid to win the license let by the Education Bureau back in 2014.”
“Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong is a purpose built primary school designed solely for young children. There will be an aquatics centre, sports hall with indoor running track, a double storey gymnastics centre and a football pitch on the roof – offering the breadth of opportunity I benefited from during my own school days. Shrewsbury promises to educate the whole child, both through its academic subjects and co-curricular programme.”
Pioneer parents mingled over drinks and canapes and shared their excitement for August, when the school will be open for its first academic year.
One parent, Simon Chow, shared, “I am delighted to have chosen Shrewsbury as the premier choice of education for my child. Your facilities and ideals will greatly benefit my son and he can’t wait to join the Shrewsbury family.”
Another, Raymond Lau, commented, “It was great to meet other like-minded parents tonight. It was also very inspiring and comforting to hear from a Shrewsbury Board member who is so invested in the school – we know that our kids and the school are in good hands.”
Parent, Zhe Padgett, expressed her excitement. “It was great to meet many members of the Shrewsbury community. Shrewsbury already feels like a supportive, nurturing community. We are all looking forward to starting school in August. My son asked if his new teachers would be as nice as Principal Keeling, and when told yes he jumped for joy!”
Unable to attend the event at the Consulate, due to the birth of his first child, Mr Ben Keeling, Principal of Shrewsbury Hong Kong, shared his enthusiasm. “The school is well on schedule and will be ready for visitors in May. We look forward to welcoming families into the facility and then opening our doors for children in August this year. We are also delighted with the incredible teaching staff we have been able to secure and the readiness of the curriculum for the first students. We have received huge interest in places at the school and encourage those yet to do so to make their interest known as soon as possible.”
He also spoke about the fantastic support available through connections with sister schools in Bangkok. “We are hugely fortunate to be able to draw upon great expertise from across the breadth of our school family. This ensures the essential connectivity and consistency of standards between Shrewsbury Schools.”
Shrewsbury School in the UK was founded in 1552. Bangkok Riverside campus was established in 2003 and is now regularly ranked among the best schools in the region, having recently placed a record-breaking eight students at Britain’s prestigious Oxford and Cambridge Universities for the 2019 academic year. Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong will open in tandem with a new Bangkok City Campus, which also offers specialist primary education.