Having announced the news that it is to open its first international partnership, Bedford School welcomed distinguished guests to a signing ceremony to mark the planned opening of Bedford School Mohali in India next year.
The new, purpose-built school is set to open its doors next April and marks a historic milestone as the first British international girls’ school in India and the first British brand in North India.
Located on the outskirts of Chandigarh, Bedford School Mohali will provide exceptional education for girls aged 3 to 18, offering both the national and British curricula. The 14-acre site will feature both day and boarding options, promoting academic excellence, character development and personal growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
The official signing ceremony with Doon International Educational Society took place in Bedford School’s Quarry Theatre in April and was attended by guests including His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Susan Lousada, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Camilla King, Mayor of Bedford Tom Wootton and special guest, former England cricket captain and alumnus of Bedford School Sir Alastair Cook.
The event began with a light lunch in the Langham Pavilion, followed by a service in the school chapel and a gathering of guests to welcome Harinder Singh Mann, Charanjeet Singh Mann, Simrita Mann and Sonika Gosal Mann from Doon.
James Hodgson, Head Master of Bedford School, said: “We are incredibly excited to take the Bedford School ethos and values to Mohali. Bedford School Mohali will be a beacon of excellence, nurturing young women to become leaders and innovators in their communities and beyond. Our partnership with Doon International Education Society is a testament to our shared commitment to providing world-class education and nurturing a global community of learners.”
The new state-of-the-art campus has been meticulously designed to support academic and co-curricular excellence. Facilities include:
- Spacious, modern classrooms equipped with the latest learning technology.
- A purpose-built 1,000-seater auditorium for performances, assemblies and events.
- High-quality boarding facilities.
- High-quality sports facilities, including playing fields, courts and a multi-sport complex.
- Dedicated science and technology laboratories to inspire innovation and inquiry-based learning.
- Art and music studios to encourage creativity and self-expression.
- A well-resourced library to encourage a love for reading and research.
Guests at the signing ceremony were shown imagery of the new school, and Lord-Lieutenant Susan Lousada delivered an inspiring speech highlighting the ‘three firsts’ achieved through this partnership: the first British International Girls’ School in India, the first British brand in North India, and the first time Bedford School has lent its reputable name beyond the school in Bedford.
James Hodgson and Harinder Singh Mann also addressed the audience, emphasising the alignment of Bedford School’s values of integrity, endeavour, curiosity, responsibility and above all, kindness with Doon’s own ethos and values.
Guests were also treated to a musical performance by pupils of the school in the form of a string quartet, featuring the first movement of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Rahman’s Agar Tum Saath Ho arranged by Ash.
The ceremony also included an engaging monologue about the history of the town of Bedford, charmingly performed by a Year 5 Prep School pupil, and poetry readings by other pupils.
Head of School, Tanay Rai also gave a speech which offered a poignant insight into what Bedford School Mohali means to boys currently at the school. Tanay explained that not only is this a landmark achievement, but also a source of pride and inspiration, knowing that young girls in India who will attend Bedford School Mohali, will have the opportunity to benefit from a Bedford School education too, embodying the school’s values and developing into intellectually curious, resilient and confident young women, ready for the future.
The official signing moment was followed by the exchange of gifts, including two cricket bats signed by Sir Alastair Cook, who joined the partners on stage for photographs.
James Hodgson said: “I am absolutely thrilled. We knew from pretty much the moment we met Harinder and Charanjeet that this was going to be an amazing partnership and most importantly, we have a shared vision of what good education should look like.
For us to be at the unfolding of this vision for a girls’ school 4,000 miles away is very exciting.”
Harinder Mann Singh added: “As soon we were in touch with the Bedford team, we knew that was exactly where we wanted to be, not only for the fact that we have a very similar vision, ethos and values and our expectations from what a quality institution should be.”
Charanjeet Mann said: “We have been genuinely impressed with what we have seen, there is a great amount of very positive enthusiasm, energy, vibrancy and everything you would associate with a top-quality education institution has been visible to us throughout our visit. Today’s signing marks an extremely important day for us, and we look forward to taking Bedford’s name to India with a great deal of quality assurance and on our part a commitment to ensuring that the Bedford name flies high.”
Find out more about Bedford School on their website.
