Highgate International School Thailand and Manchester City Football Club are pleased to announce a new partnership that will see the launch of the first and only Manchester City Football School in Thailand at Highgate's first overseas campus in Chonburi.
Set to open in August 2026, Highgate International School Thailand will bring over 460 years of educational excellence from the United Kingdom to Southeast Asia. The school will offer a world-class teaching-programme based on the English National Curriculum, for students aged 2 to 18.
This partnership with Manchester City enhances Highgate Thailand's holistic educational vision by integrating world-class football training into the student experience. A certified Manchester City coach will be embedded full-time within the school's sports team and curriculum, delivering a programme grounded in the Club's renowned coaching methodology and playing philosophy.
Aligned with Highgate's commitment to academic excellence, character development, and global citizenship, the football school will offer students in Thailand the same high-performance coaching and development standards found in Manchester, supporting their personal growth, leadership skills, and physical wellbeing.
Located near the prestigious Siam Country Club, the school will focus on academic excellence and wholehearted participation to prepare their students to be fully equipped for future success. The collaboration with Manchester City underlines Highgate Thailand's ambition to deliver transformative learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
Ben Keeling, Founding Head of School at Highgate International School Thailand, brings more than 20 years of international leadership experience. His vision to establish a school of kindness, aspiration, and opportunity aligns closely with Manchester City's own values of development, inclusion and excellence through sport.
Ben Keeling, Founding Head of Highgate International School Thailand, said: "We are thrilled to partner with Manchester City to bring a world-class football programme to our students. This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing an education that nurtures both academic and personal growth. By integrating Manchester City's renowned coaching philosophy with our educational values, we aim to inspire our students to excel not only in sports but in all aspects of their lives."
Commenting on the partnership, Jorgina Busquets, Managing Director - Football Education, Recreation & Partner Clubs at City Football Group, said: "We are delighted to partner with Highgate International School Thailand, a school that shares our vision for holistic development and academic excellence. Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire students to reach their full potential both on and off the pitch, using football as a powerful tool for education, character building, and personal growth."
The Manchester City Football School at Highgate Thailand will launch with the opening of the school in 2026 and will be available to students as part of the school day and through extracurricular and competitive sports programmes.
About Manchester City Football Club:Manchester City FC was initially founded in 1880 as St Mark's West Gorton and officially became Manchester City FC in 1894. Situated on the wider Etihad Campus, the Club's footprint includes the 53,500 capacity Etihad Stadium, the 7,000 capacity Joie Stadium and City Football Academy, a state-of-the-art performance, training and youth development facility home to the Club's men's, women's and academy teams.
Ranked as the Most Valuable Football Club Brand in the Premier League by Brand Finance, Manchester City FC is currently developing a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Campus. The Club is committed to operating in a sustainable and socially responsible manner and ensures that equality, diversity and inclusion is embedded into its decision-making processes, culture and practices. For more information, please visit www.mancity.com
About Highgate International School Thailand: Highgate International School Thailand, drawing upon 460 years of educational expertise, will provide an exceptional education based on the English National Curriculum for children aged 2 to 18. Located near the Siam Country Club in Chonburi, the school will open in August 2026 for Pre-Nursery to Year 6, with Year 7 to 9 opening in August 2027, and subsequent years up to Year 13.
Highgate International School Thailand is dedicated to fostering intellectual passions, encouraging wholehearted participation, and embracing social responsibility. Our students will be intellectually, emotionally, culturally, and practically equipped to make positive contributions to the world as informed and compassionate global citizens.
Our vision of 'learning beyond boundaries' is a shared commitment with Highgate UK, aimed at developing high-calibre teaching practices, academic insight, emotional intelligence, and broadening horizons. For more information, please visit www.highgateschoolthailand.com/mancity or to register your interest email: [email protected]