THIMPHU, BHUTAN -
Media OutReach Newswire
- 26 May 2026 - In a landmark collaboration between the Ministry of
Education and Skills Development (MoESD) of Bhutan and the EtonHouse
International Education Group, EtonHouse Bhutan International School
will open its doors as the nation's first international K–12 school in
Academic Year 26/27, marking a milestone that underscores Bhutan's
commitment to building human capital for a rapidly evolving global
economy.
Founded in Singapore over 30 years ago, EtonHouse today operates over
100 schools across eight countries, and is widely recognised for its
inquiry-led approach to international education.
The partnership positions EtonHouse as a long-term education partner to
Bhutan, focused on listening, learning, and co-creating a school
experience that honours Bhutanese culture and strengthens capability
within the region. Professional development and education conferences
will support collaboration among educators across Bhutan, enabling
professional exchange and high-quality practice, contributing to a
strong, future-ready pedagogical landscape.
A shared vision for Bhutan's future education landscape
EtonHouse Bhutan aligns with the Royal Government's vision to nurture
world-class talent through greater access to high-quality international
education. The school is designed to develop globally competent learners
rooted in Bhutan's cultural heritage and the principles of Gross
National Happiness. This partnership reflects Singapore's enduring
contribution to international education, sharing a model that harmonises
academic rigour with Asian values, creativity and innovation, advancing
Bhutan's long-term educational aspirations.
The school will offer a seamless K–12 pathway for over 500 students. In
the Early Years, children will experience the EtonHouse Inquire. Think.
Learn curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Primary
students will engage in the International Primary Curriculum alongside
Singapore Mathematics and UK-aligned core subjects, progressing to the
Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE and International A Level
qualifications from Cambridge. Bhutanese History and Dzongkha remain
integral, complemented by a multilingual language programme offering
English, Dzongkha and Mandarin, alongside a strong emphasis on STEM,
sustainability and holistic wellbeing.
“The Ministry of Education and Skills Development has entered into a
landmark partnership with EtonHouse International Education Group to
establish an international school in Bhutan, a significant milestone in
the nation's ongoing education reform, guided by His Majesty's vision
for a future-ready and globally competitive education landscape.
The initiative will provide Bhutanese students with access to
internationally benchmarked learning opportunities while ensuring the
deep integration of local knowledge, culture, and values into the
curriculum. It seeks to create a dynamic platform for young Bhutanese to
experience world-class education within the country, reducing the need
to pursue such opportunities abroad and thereby strengthening Bhutan's
human capital for the future.
Beyond enhancing access to quality education, the partnership aims to
strengthen national education capacity and bolster Bhutan's
attractiveness to skilled professionals and international institutions,
positioning the Kingdom as an emerging hub for world-class learning,” said
Mr Tshewang C. Dorji, Secretary of the Ministry of Education & Skills Development.
“Establishing Bhutan's first international school marks a defining
moment for education in the Kingdom. As a global education group, we
bring internationally recognised standards and access to a worldwide
learning network that connects students and educators across countries.
Through the EtonHouse Global Classroom, students engage with peers
across our international network, gaining global perspectives through
shared learning and cultural understanding. Our ambition is to build a
globally engaged school in Bhutan that expands opportunities and
contributes to long-term national development.” said
Mr Ng Yi-Xian, Group CEO of the EtonHouse International Education Group.
Creating Opportunities for Students and Advancing Educator Excellence
A dedicated scholarship scheme will provide full tuition sponsorship to
up to ten outstanding Bhutanese students, reinforcing the school's
commitment to accessibility and national talent development.
EtonHouse will leverage its membership in the Reggio Children
International Network to provide preschool educators in Bhutan with
access to internationally recognised Reggio Children expertise,
professional learning and regional educator exchange, strengthening
teaching practice across the region.
A campus that celebrates Bhutanese identity and global perspective
“The design and curriculum of EtonHouse Bhutan pay homage to Bhutan's
cultural roots while opening doors to the world. Every space has been
conceived to inspire curiosity, reflection, and innovation, echoing the
nation's aspiration to educate its youth for both local contribution and
global engagement.” said Evelyn Tay, CEO of EtonHouse International Education Group, Singapore and EtonHouse Bhutan International School.
The purpose-built campus reflects a thoughtful fusion of traditional
Bhutanese craftsmanship and contemporary collegiate design. Learning
environments are designed in calm, neutral tones, reflecting the
EtonHouse approach to inquiry-led, child-centered learning.
Students will have access to facilities including:
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Research and Innovation Centre, integrating the Library, STEAM and ICT to support inquiry, experimentation and interdisciplinary learning
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Dedicated Science Laboratories, designed for hands-on learning across Biology, Chemistry and Physics
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Cultural Learning Spaces, honouring Bhutanese History and Dzongkha as integral parts of the curriculum
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Multipurpose Sports Hall, supporting physical development, teamwork and wellbeing
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Dedicated Performing Arts Studio, enabling expression through music, drama and movement
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Reggio-inspired Ateliers, where children explore ideas
through the hundred languages of expression, including light, sound,
clay, mark-making and natural materials
Next steps
With enrolments opening for Nursery 1 to Year 5 (from 3 to 10 years) and
plans to expand progressively to serve students aged up to 18 years,
families interested in discovering more about EtonHouse Bhutan
International School are warmly invited to attend our
Experience Day on 30 May. This special event offers an opportunity to find out more and experience what defines the EtonHouse approach.
For more information, please visit etonhouse.edu.sg/bhutan.
https://www.etonhouse.edu.sg/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/etonhouse-international-education-group/
https://twitter.com/EtonHouseGroup
https://web.facebook.com/EtonHouseInternational/
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https://www.youtube.com/user/EtonHouseEducation