UK’s Wellington College International comes to Pune
Pune, 20th September 2023: Wellington College International ( WCI ) , one of the top UK schools with a 170-year-old heritage, has opened it’s campus in Pune at Wagholi . WCI Pune is a coeducational day and boarding school for 800 pupils between the ages of 2-18,established on a campus designed by MICA, an award-winning and leading British architectural firm. The School follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and the English National Curriculum culminating in International Studies, for which Wellington College UK is among the leading academic schools globally.
Wellington College International Pune is intended to be the first of several schools planned across India in partnership with the Unison Group. The vision for Wellington College International Pune (WCI Pune) is to offer a world-class education, coupling excellence in academic achievement to a progressive holistic outlook.
The campus was inaugurated in presence Mr. Anuj Aggarwal – Co-Founder and chairman Board of Governors, Mrs. Meghna Aggarwal, Mr. James Dahl – Master, Wellington College UK, Ms. Resham Chordia- Director, Panchshil Reality & Member of Board of Governors (WCI Pune), Dr. Murray Tod- Founding Master (WCI Pune). The other guests in attendance were Mr. Aditya Burman- OW Representative of India and member of the Board of Governors (WCI Pune), Mr. Scott Bryan- Managing Director (WCI, UK) & Board of Governors (WCI Pune). They were accompanied by Ms. Felicity Kirk- BOG Member (WCI UK) and Ms Helen Stevenson- BOG Member (WCI UK).
The Grand Opening involved the schools’ parents, pupils, governors, staff, teachers, colleagues a host of dignitaries and guests, the board of governors, dignitaries and most importantly all the pupils who have secured admission at the school.Wellington College International Pune is intended to be the first of several schools planned across India in partnership with the Unison Group.
The Early Years and the Junior School have dedicated outdoor activity areas serving as further learning spaces, providing meaningful outdoor experiences to support the physical and
cognitive development of our young pupils. The Early Years studios are equipped with ensuite
washrooms and are connected via learning villages. Each studio is 60 sqm and comfortably
accommodates 15 to 20 pupils.
The Senior School Block houses learning studios, a dedicated Design and Technology Centre, and
myriad facilities such as a Robotics Lab to let them potter and invent before heading to our specially curated Innovation Lab, Science Centre, and other specialist learning spaces.
The school also has an Arts Centre for Performing and Fine Arts with a dedicated Arts Gallery and a Black Box Theatre. In addition to the 400-seat auditorium, there will be a central multi-purpose hall for Indoor Sports, Assemblies, and Examinations.
The Central Dining Hall, with separate seating for the Junior and the Senior Schools and a specifically appointed dining hall for the Early Years, is being designed as per HICAAP
standards. Menus crafted by qualified nutritionists and chefs will aim to incorporate taste, health, and nutrition into each meal catering to diverse taste buds.
Mr James Dahl took the stage talking about the excitement of WCI Pune being the eight school in the Wellington College family of schools. He spoke highly about the reputation of Pune city as the “Oxford of the East”. He said “Pune is full of life and ambition and the children educated here within this great city at this great school, will become the leaders of tomorrow, serving and helping to shape a better world.
We could not be more excited about the journey ahead, a journey of genuine partnership which we start together today; a partnership so genuine, in fact, that many of the staff here have been assembled from Wellington schools around the world.”
Mr Anuj Aggarwal highlighted the various new age facilities that the school will offer and the team is putting their best foot forward to deliver the remaining areas of the building at the earliest possible. He also said I am absolutely delighted to have reached this point, opening up our first school in India, with Wellington College as partners – they are world-leaders in educational provision and where they lead, others always follow. Correctly, they are very protective of their heritage and exceptional reputation, and we are all excited by how involved they are in the school’s development and how committed they are to quality assurance in every facet of our delivery. I find this very reassuring and I am sure all parents and pupils will too.”.
Dr Murray Tod delivered the vote of thanks. He mentioned, “Parental involvement must always be at the centre of our community and I look forward to working with you all, to develop the school and drive our progression forward.
