Ben Keeling on Launching Highgate's First Overseas Campus
When Highgate International School Thailand opens its doors in August 2026, it will do so under the leadership of Mr. Ben Keeling, the school’s Founding Head. No stranger to launching schools in Asia, Mr Keeling brings two decades of experience and a clear ambition: to establish a serious, academically minded school on the Eastern Seaboard that balances rigour with joy.
Speaking about why he chose to take on this role, Mr. Keeling explains that location was not the driving factor. He went on to describe the promise of establishing Highgate Thailand as ‘compelling’, a sentiment I have heard echoed by other members of his leadership team. Having led Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong through political unrest and the challenges of COVID-19, he was looking for a new challenge and a chance to help shape something extraordinary. Thailand, already familiar to his family, became the right fit once this opportunity arose. Although, Mr. Keeling is new to Pattaya, he is already finding its diversity appealing. For him, the city’s internationalism and community spirit hold promise. With a young family he looks forward to exploring the region once he no longer needs to spend each weekend furniture shopping!
A Distinctive Vision
With so many well-regarded international schools in the Pattaya area I have to ask Mr Keeling how Highgate plans to stand apart? He points to the DNA of its London counterpart. “Highgate London sits at the top of the league tables…their results are exceptional! Academia really is at the heart of what it strives to achieve, and the same will be true here” he tells me. Yet this will not be a place where study is joyless, as he adds. “In order to drive high standards, you need to enrich and develop the lives of young people. Hard work can be fun. There’s a joyousness to academia at Highgate, and that’s what we’re bringing here.” This clarity of purpose, he believes, is critical. “We know what we’re here to achieve, and we’re super clear on our priorities.”
Building for the Future
The school will open initially up to Year 6, before expanding gradually to Year 9 and then to Sixth Form and boarding. This phased approach is deliberate. “It’s about ensuring we don’t lack an academic foundation to achieve what we need at the top end. All of our decisions come down to providing an environment where we can inspire the best outcomes for our children.” Going forward, Highgate Thailand plans to follow the IGCSE and A Level pathway, in line with its London partner. For Mr. Keeling, the depth and specialisation offered by A Levels makes sense. “Both A Levels and the IB are valuable, but the natural alignment with Highgate London, and the focus on depth of study, makes this the right route for us.”
Recruiting the Right Team
Mr. Keeling has a full year in post before the school opens, something he views as essential. It allows him to influence not only the design of facilities but also, crucially, the recruitment of teachers. “We are placing a significant amount of focus on getting the teaching recruitment right. Great teachers make a great school.” What qualities does he look for? “A joy in academia, curiosity about the world and a mischievous glint in the eye. We’re looking for people who jump out of bed on a Monday morning because they can’t wait to teach. Of course, they need deep subject knowledge, but also a sense of fun and inquisitiveness.” Partnership with Highgate London will play an important role, with many staff expected to be recruited directly from the UK. Mr. Keeling himself was appointed with involvement from Highgate’s longstanding Head, Mr. Adam Pettitt, who remains closely engaged with the project.
Looking Ahead
For Pattaya, the arrival of a school with Highgate’s pedigree represents a significant milestone. While some may question whether the city needs another international school, Mr. Keeling is convinced there is space for one with a clear academic focus. “We’re bringing a big city-oriented academic mindset to the East Coast. Young people are always capable of more than they think, and our job is to inspire them to realise that.” As our conversation drew to a close, Mr. Keeling reflected on the long view. “I’d like to think that in a few years’ time, the extraordinary building we’re creating here is the least interesting thing about us. The real story should be the students, the teachers, and the joy of learning.”
By James Kemp
Deputy Head of Mooltripakdee International School