Bhutan's First International School to Welcome Initial Cohort in August

Bhutan's first international K-12 school, EtonHouse Bhutan International School, will begin admissions in August for children aged 3 to 11, combining global education standards with Bhutanese values and culture.

Bhutan's first international K-12 school, EtonHouse Bhutan International School, will begin enrolling its inaugural cohort in August, with admissions initially open to children aged 3 to 11 years.

The school is being established through a partnership between the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) and Singapore-based EtonHouse International Education Group. The initiative aims to bring internationally benchmarked education to Bhutan while ensuring that national culture, language, and values remain central to the learning experience.

The campus will be developed in phases, with a long-term capacity of around 500 students as additional grade levels are introduced over time.

A New Model for Education in Bhutan

MoESD Secretary Tshewang Chophel Dorji said the project represents more than the creation of another school.

"This initiative is not simply about establishing another educational institution," he said. "It is about creating a high-quality learning environment that nurtures academic excellence, creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and holistic child development."

He added that the institution is expected to become a centre of educational excellence that meets international standards while contributing to wider reforms in curriculum development, teacher training, and education innovation across Bhutan.

Director of School Education Tashi Namgyal said the benefits of the partnership are expected to extend beyond students enrolled at the school.

According to the director, successful practices developed through the collaboration will be shared to support improvements across both public and private schools in Bhutan.

Supporting Bhutan's Human Capital Ambitions

The initiative is closely linked to Bhutan's broader efforts to strengthen human capital development and attract international investment and skilled professionals.

Officials noted that access to internationally recognised education is often an important consideration for expatriate families relocating abroad. This is expected to become increasingly relevant as Bhutan advances large-scale projects such as the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), which aims to attract global talent and investment.

Education options for families moving to Bhutan are considered a key component of that long-term vision.

International Curriculum with Bhutanese Foundations

Founded in Singapore, EtonHouse operates schools across multiple countries and is known for its inquiry-led and play-based approach to learning.

The Bhutan campus will introduce its K-12 pathway gradually, beginning with early childhood and primary education. Higher grades will be added in phases as facilities expand and staffing requirements are met.

The curriculum will draw on internationally recognised frameworks, including alignment with models such as the Cambridge curriculum. At the same time, Bhutanese subjects, including Dzongkha and Bhutan History, will remain compulsory for Bhutanese students.

Officials said the approach is designed to balance global academic standards with strong cultural grounding, reflecting Bhutan's development philosophy of Gross National Happiness.

Both MoESD and EtonHouse emphasised that the school will operate within Bhutan's values framework, including a focus on wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and holistic child development.

Strengthening Bhutanese Identity

Ng Yi-Xian, Group CEO of EtonHouse International Education Group, said the partnership grew from a long-standing relationship with Bhutan rather than a purely commercial objective.

"Long before this school journey started, we had already been influenced by Bhutan. We did not begin this relationship with the intention of setting up a school, but with the intention of supporting Bhutan's journey in human capital development in whatever way we could," he said.

He said the school is intended to serve as a bridge between Bhutan and the wider world, helping students engage internationally while remaining connected to their roots.

"International education should not make children less rooted in who they are; it must strengthen Bhutanese identity and values," he said. "For us, international education in Bhutan means respecting language, culture, community, environmental stewardship, and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness."

Scholarships and Inclusive Access

To improve accessibility, the partnership will introduce a differentiated fee structure for Bhutanese and expatriate families. Bhutanese students will receive significant subsidies compared to international students.

A scholarship programme will also provide full tuition support for selected Bhutanese students.

Officials said the objective is to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent access while supporting the development of future Bhutanese talent.

Shared Learning and Teacher Development

Beyond student education, EtonHouse and MoESD plan to collaborate in areas including classroom practice, leadership development, and curriculum design.

Lessons and experiences from the school are expected to help inform improvements across Bhutan's wider education system.

The school will adopt a blended staffing model, with an equal balance of international teachers familiar with the EtonHouse system and Bhutanese teachers seconded from the Ministry.

The student body is expected to include Bhutanese, international, and bridge students. Detailed admission procedures and eligibility criteria are expected to be announced through official channels in the coming weeks.

As Bhutan expands its education landscape, the launch of EtonHouse Bhutan International School marks a significant step in introducing international learning opportunities while maintaining a strong commitment to national identity and values.

EtonHouse Bhutan International School is located in Thimphu, Bhutan, situated on the campus of the former Kelki School.