Bedford School has formally announced a landmark partnership with the Doon International Educational Society to open its first overseas school – and the first British-branded girls’ school in India.
The new school, Bedford School Mohali, is set to open in 2026 and will accommodate up to 1,500 girls, including 500 boarders, in the fast-growing city of Mohali in northern India.
The signing ceremony, which took place at Bedford School’s Quarry Theatre on Wednesday (23 April), was attended by dignitaries including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada, the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, the Mayor of Bedford and Old Bedfordian and former England cricket captain, Sir Alastair Cook.
A global first for Bedford School
This is the first time in Bedford School’s nearly 500-year history that it has allowed its name to be used outside of the UK.
Head Master James Hodgson said he was “thrilled” and “excited” about the partnership, saying it felt like a natural step for a school with over 100 boarders from more than 20 countries.
“We’re already dealing in a global education, it’s just in Bedford,” he said. “To be able to expand Bedford to some of the areas our children themselves come from… felt like a natural evolution.”
Mr Hodgson praised the shared values between the two institutions. “We have a shared vision for what good education should look like. And while this will be a girls’ school, it’s not about teaching girls or boys, it’s about building character, depth of knowledge and resilience.”
A first for North India
For Doon International Educational Society, this marks the first British-branded school in North India and the first single-gender girls’ school of its kind in the region. Harinder Singh Mann, one of the co-founders, said the response in India has already been overwhelming.
“We have Harrow, Shrewsbury and Wellington in other parts of the country, but not in the north, and not for girls,” he said. “This is a proud moment and a huge responsibility. We’re committed to ensuring the Bedford name flies high.”
Charanjeet Singh Mann, who will oversee the “magical” project in Mohali, added, “We’ve learned so much in our short time here, not just in the classroom, but in the culture, discipline and energy of Bedford School. It’s those practices we want to take back.”
Read: Bedford School announces launch of international girls’ school in India
Bringing two towns together
While the new school will be based thousands of miles away, the partners say it will bring Bedford and Mohali closer through cultural exchange, staff and student visits, and joint projects.
James Hodgson said: “We’ve already learned from the Doon team, their ambition, their achievements, and their commitment to education. This is a partnership in every sense.”
Mr Singh Mann agreed, “We are looking at legacy, quality and connection. We hope to learn as much from Bedford as we give back.”
Bedford’s growing global profile
In her address, HM Lord-Lieutenant Susan Lousada praised both towns as forward-thinking and dynamic, highlighting their shared ambition and educational excellence.
She described the partnership as “the beginning of a new era of excellence,” and noted that “Bedford and Mohali will have much to compare and learn from each other’s experiences.”
Referring to Universal Studios’ recent decision to locate its first European theme park just outside Bedford, she said the region is poised for “extraordinary” growth in education, the economy, and culture.
“This town, this county are going to grow, probably faster than any other part of the United Kingdom,” she said, noting the need for schools and institutions to be “nimble, expansive and reactive.”
This international partnership, coming just weeks after the Universal announcement, adds another chapter to Bedford’s emergence on the global stage.
Reflections and next steps
After the formal signing, guests enjoyed musical performances by Bedford School students and poetry and drama from younger pupils. Head of School, Tanay Rai, spoke movingly about what the partnership means to current pupils.
After the event, Mr Hodgson said Tanay told him, “When I’m old, I’ll remember this day. And when I’m in India, I’ll remember to make sure I go and see the school in Mohali and I’ll be very proud.”
With building work set to begin in India and plans for student recruitment already underway, the partnership enters its next phase, with its eyes on April 2026 for the school’s official opening.
