Driving from the city past Lake Mabprachan, and up towards the imposing grey cliff sides of Khao Mai Keao, I must admit to feeling excited. As I have mentioned in previous articles, I always enjoy spending time at Rugby School Thailand. Since returning from Bangkok to Pattaya, I have been keeping a watchful eye on developments at Rugby and was keen to hear about them firsthand.

Those of us living in and around Pattaya with an interest in education will know all about Rugby School. Simply put, it is an exceptional institution; the facilities, the staff, the leadership and the ethos all epitomise excellence. However, this was not what sparked my curiosity on this visit. After achieving so much in a relatively short space of time, how do you keep things fresh and moving forward? Where does the school’s Principal, Mr. Bruce Grindlay, find his inspiration and drive to ensure Rugby continues striving to do even more for its students?

Before exploring this, it would be remiss of me not to highlight some of the school’s recent achievements and developments. Rugby School Thailand has recently gained significant recognition in the field of international education. In October, 2024, it was selected as a finalist for the ‘British International School of the Year 2024’ at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards, underscoring its commitment to excellence in British education abroad. Additionally, it was ranked as the ‘Best Boarding School in Thailand’ for 2024 by The Thaiger, reflecting the outstanding quality of its boarding facilities and student care. These accolades reaffirm Rugby School Thailand’s dedication to providing a holistic and high-quality educational experience for its diverse student body—they would say, The Whole Person, The Whole Point.

Looking ahead, Rugby School Thailand has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art auditorium on its expansive 80-acre campus. Scheduled to break ground in May, 2025, and expected for completion in November, 2026, the auditorium will feature a generous seating capacity of 750, ensuring ample space for audiences to experience the remarkable events it will host. This addition aims to enhance the school’s performing arts facilities, providing students with a dedicated space for performances, examinations, and other significant events. The new auditorium will complement the school’s existing facilities, which include a Performing Arts Centre, a recording studio and various theatres, all designed to nurture students’ artistic talents.

But once a school reaches these heights, how does it maintain its momentum? I put this question to Mr. Grindlay, who explained that it all comes down to ambitious, structured school improvement plans—plans that are continuously reviewed, developed and driven forward by an empowered team of experienced senior leaders. These leaders are given the time, trust and the autonomy to make meaningful changes. He also highlighted the role of the school’s governing body and owners, the Teepsuwan family, a group of experts and leaders from a range of fields who guide and advise the school’s direction, often bringing fresh perspectives that might not occur to educators.Overwhelmingly, I was left with the impression that Rugby School recruits great teachers and leaders, then provides them with the support they need to succeed. As a senior leader in education myself, this was music to my ears. All too often, teachers are micromanaged, stifling innovation and sapping them of their love for the profession.

Our conversation then turned to Mr. Grindlay himself. What keeps him passionate about education and Rugby School? What drives him to want to improve? I was impressed to hear that he still sees significant areas for growth within the school, particularly in the Sixth Form, where he has ambitious plans for both student numbers and provision. He spoke enthusiastically about the breadth of sports students are participating in and competing in, as well as the large FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia) events the school is hosting. We also discussed his role as a member of the ISAT Executive (International Schools Association of Thailand) and the opportunities this has given him to advise on and influence policy at a national level. He clearly relishes working with the school’s owners to sustain and build upon all they have achieved so far.

Rugby School Thailand rightly has high expectations placed upon it—it is an expensive school, and it must justify that cost. To my mind, it absolutely does. Not only because of its academic rigour and outstanding teachers but also because of the breadth of opportunities available to students. From the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to LAMDA qualifications, from its journey towards becoming a fully accredited forest school to its international trips and exchange programmes with their sister schools in both the UK and Japan, Rugby offers an unparalleled range of experiences. So, if you are looking for something truly exceptional, I encourage you to visit. I can assure you of a warm welcome and the chance to explore a world-class school in action.

https://www.rugbyschool.ac.th/