Peter Willett, Deputy Head of Pastoral at Shrewsbury International School India, explains how international residential schools help foster the all-round development of teenagers.
From Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, to Charlotte Brontë’s’ Jane Eyre, and across much of classic cinema, boarding schools have been portrayed as rigid, impersonal institutions where academic achievement is prized above everything else – frequently at the cost of emotional connection, leaving students feeling distant or alone.
The larger picture is not about the boarding schools but the demands of the contemporary world and its impact on mental well-being. According to WHO, one in seven 10-19 year olds experiences a mental disorder, with depression and anxiety among the leading causes of illness. With the rising awareness and concern about emotional wellbeing – both among families and schools – the demand for an approach that nurtures the whole-person, rather than just academic performance, has never been more urgent and essential.
Today, international residential schools are cognisant of this crisis. “Schools such as Shrewsbury aim to redefine the boarding experience to ensure that pupil wellbeing is not just an afterthought, but a central pillar of education,” says Mr. Peter Willett, Deputy Head – Pastoral at Shrewsbury International School India. Built on Aristotelian principles, the 473-year-old institution brings the Floreat model to India – which seeks to develop each individual’s unique potential, and finds ground in its core values of Wisdom, Kindness, Courage, Spirit, Self-Mastery and Integrity.
“With a rich history and value system, Shrewsbury India will weave wellbeing into every aspect of student life,” he adds. From student counselling and personal tutoring to super-curricular offerings – ranging from sports to volunteering – every activity at boarding schools is designed to foster resilience and a genuine connection to the surroundings. “At Shrewsbury India, in addition to the academic faculty, well-qualified residential tutors, boarding house staff and a full-time school counsellor will collaborate seamlessly to make sure that no child ever feels adrift,” Mr. Willett remarks.
He outlines other ways in which boarding schools can impact students positively for life:
A Strong Sense of Community and Belonging:
Living away from home can be overwhelming. It is essential to ensure that the boarding school a child goes to, implements policies and strategies that nurture a vibrant school community where every pupil feels seen and supported. Having structured house systems and activities, staff support for homework assignments can help provide personalised guidance and consistent encouragement, helping them develop self-discipline and mutual respect. Moreover, when teachers actively participate in outdoor learning alongside pupils, they forge deeper professional relationships, empowering them to face challenges with confidence and resilience.
Focus on Health and Wellbeing:
Residential schools aim to offer holistic education that nurtures not just academic progress but ensures growth across all dimensions, including good health and well-being of every pupil – physically and mentally. Providing sumptuous meals has become a vital part of the pastoral and educational experience at schools, as they aim to build healthy habits in a setting that encourages care and togetherness. Moreover, easy access to academic and personal counselling can help them develop the confidence they need during their crucial growing years.
“At Shrewsbury International School India, we will incorporate the Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) programme, where all Salopians will get to learn about a broad range of topics, including relationships, health, safety and emotional well-being,” remarks Mr. Willett.
Reflecting Creative Expression via Super-curricular Activities:
When pupils are given ample time and opportunities to explore their passions, creativity extends far beyond the walls of a classroom. Super-curricular pursuits such as sports and performing arts including fine art, design, music and dramatics are now an equally important part of curriculums at international boarding schools. Moreover, providing state-of-the-art facilities via sports arenas, innovative laboratories and performance studios ignites a lively spirit, fostering curiosity and healthy competition among pupils.
Global Outlook Rooted in Indian Values:
International residential schools in India seamlessly blend the time‑honoured rigour and global outlook of boarding traditions with a profound celebration of India’s diverse cultural heritage. Their curriculum design follows internationally benchmarked standards – enriched by mandatory Indian language courses – so that pupils graduate, fluent not only in English but also in local languages. Moreover, pupil-led cultural showcases, such as classical dance or folk music performances, reinforce pride in their roots. Co-curricular clubs and societies also reflect this dual ethos. In this environment, young scholars emerge with genuine global perspectives, underpinned by respect for the art, language and values that have shaped their homeland.
Inclusivity and Diversity:
In an international boarding school’s ethos, the tenets of inclusivity and diversity are woven into daily learning. “At Shrewsbury India, our curriculum is meticulously designed to reflect research from across India’s regions and the wider world. Moreover, festivals – from Diwali and Eid to Christmas and Easter – will be celebrated with equal fervour and treated as hands-on lessons in culture, faith and community,” says Mr. Willett.
The teaching staff at these schools mirrors this plurality as well, featuring a mix of domestically-recruited to international faculty, whose fresh perspectives to learning enrich classroom dialogue. Underpinning it all are robust anti‑discrimination, anti‑bullying and gender‑respect policies that emphasise restorative conflict resolution, so every pupil feels safe, respected and empowered to explore their full potential.
