Shrewsbury School, one of the UK’s most revered educational institutions with over four centuries of legacy and an illustrious alumni list including Charles Darwin, is now setting foot in India. The new chapter opens in Bhopal as Shrewsbury International School India—a fully residential campus, marking its first-ever franchise in the country.
In an exclusive conversation with Free Press Journal, Dominic Tomalin, the founding Headmaster of the Indian arm of Shrewsbury, speaks about the school’s unique educational philosophy, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the transformative potential of boarding education in the 21st century.
Q&A with Dominic Tomalin, Founding Headmaster, Shrewsbury International School India
Afrida Rahman Ali: Shrewsbury has a 472-year-old legacy. What does it truly offer?
Dominic Tomalin: At its core, Shrewsbury nurtures the whole individual. The philosophy is built around four key dimensions—intellective, active, expressive, and reflective. It’s not just about academics. We monitor each pupil’s growth in these areas to create a balanced, self-aware learner ready for the complexities of the modern world.
Afrida: Why did you choose India—and Bhopal in particular—for Shrewsbury's first campus here?
Tomalin: India offers a rich educational heritage, and Bhopal presented the unique opportunity of a 150-acre site through our partners, the Jagran Social Welfare Society. Their experience of running institutions in Madhya Pradesh makes them ideal collaborators. The space allows for a campus that encourages discovery, talent mastery, and true educational breadth.
Afrida: You're opening from Grade 6 to 12. What curriculum will be followed?
Tomalin: We’ll follow the British curriculum—Cambridge International’s Lower Secondary Programme, IGCSEs, and A-Levels. This, combined with our co-curricular and pastoral systems, ensures holistic development, not just exam results.
Afrida: Coming from the UK, what was it like to relocate to India?
Tomalin: Honestly, not tough. I’ve always sought challenges. After careers in the British Army, business, and boarding school leadership, this felt like the perfect blend of personal and professional experience. India offers a vibrancy and openness that’s both welcoming and inspiring.
Afrida: What’s your take on residential schooling in today’s world?
Tomalin: Residential schools allow for focus. In today’s distracted world, boarding offers children the space to find themselves—without constant digital bombardment. With facilities on campus, students save time on logistics and gain more for learning, sports, arts, and friendships.
Afrida: And how do you address concerns from parents hesitant about sending children away from home?
Tomalin: We keep parents engaged as part of the school community. Love and care don’t disappear because of distance. Also, as educators, we often have the advantage of neutrality—free from familial baggage—so we can foster open, honest, learning-focused conversations.
Afrida: You're handling teenagers—often from privileged backgrounds—at a delicate age. How do you approach that?
Tomalin: Teenagers are at a critical developmental phase. It’s about empathy. Our class sizes will average 1:8, max 16. Every student will have a personal tutor who monitors their academic, co-curricular, and emotional wellbeing. We want every child to feel seen and heard.
Afrida: Are children today more resistant to rigid schedules and authority?
Tomalin: That’s why our model encourages self-discovery. Yes, the timetable is full, but it’s designed for students to try new things. Over time, they get to choose based on informed preferences. It's not about boxing them in—it’s about opening doors.
Afrida: What is the "Shrewsbury philosophy" exactly?
Tomalin: It’s twofold—Floreat (meaning “to flourish”) and the Silopian Way. The first focuses on developing the whole person across the intellective, expressive, active, and reflective domains. The second emphasizes virtues like wisdom, courage, integrity, and above all—kindness.
Afrida: How important is emotional intelligence (EQ) compared to traditional intelligence (IQ)?
Tomalin: Crucial. EQ determines how we handle ourselves and relate to others. It includes self-awareness, empathy, and resilience. At Shrewsbury, we actively teach metacognition and the neuroscience behind learning—so children understand how their brains, emotions, and actions intersect.
Afrida: What do you say to critics who argue boarding schools are outdated?
Tomalin: I’d say boarding has evolved. It’s no longer about rigid regimentation. It’s about community, exploration, and reflection. At Shrewsbury India, students will have adults around them ready to listen, guide, and grow with them. Discipline will exist, but so will dialogue.
Afrida: With AI and instant knowledge access, what should education now focus on?
Tomalin: Learning to learn is the future. Education must instill habits, skills, and attitudes for lifelong learning. It's not about having all the answers, but knowing how to seek them, adapt, and keep growing.
Afrida: What will respect and authority mean in your leadership?
Tomalin: Respect is earned—especially from the young. If you give them time and genuinely listen, they respond. My door will always be open. We will be firm but fair. The foundation will be mutual understanding—not fear or distance.
Afrida: Thank you so much, Dominic, and all the best for this bold new chapter.
Tomalin: Thank you, Afrida. It’s a privilege to begin this journey in India.
