Hyderabad : Durham School, one of the UK’s oldest and most distinguished independent boarding schools, is coming to India. It is to set up schools across India including some in Andhra Pradesh and in South India, informed IKC Holdings in a press note issued in city today. The 600-year-old English institution has entered into a partnership with IKC Holdings (Kolkata-based Infinity Group), a multinational conglomerate, to promote “outstanding education” of international standards for boys and girls aged 3 to 18.

Durham Infinity International Schools will work with investors in locations across the world to plan, build and operate leading schools based on the established and recognised Durham School (Day and Boarding School) model.

Durham School has a 600-year-old tradition of academic, sporting and cultural excellence, having been graded as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted (2009) and ISI (2011) and commended by The Good Schools Guide as the best school in England for A level English Language and Literature (2011 & 2012), Design Technology (2010 & 2011) and Sports Sciences (2010).

IKC Holdings (Infinity Group) brings its significant real estate-development expertise to the joint venture, together with a vast international business network. The group is already involved in major projects that aim to facilitate higher education in various countries. Notably, it undertakes a host of CSR activities to enhance educational opportunities across a wide spectrum of society.

Speaking on the collaboration with Infinity Group, Mr Alasdair MacConachie, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Durham School, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that after many months of discussions, we have reached the point where our shared aspirations can become a reality.  Durham School has been providing first-class education to pupils of all backgrounds for centuries. My own children benefitted from what Durham School provides and I am delighted that, through the vision and energy of our Headmaster, this education can now be extended on to a global stage.”

Mr Ravindra Chamaria, Chairman of Infinity Group, said: “The partnership with such a prestigious institution as Durham School provides the necessary expertise to establish outstanding education across the globe. This forms a key aspect of our overall vision to enhance opportunities for tens of thousands of children around the world.  We are excited and proud to have reached this point and look forward to seeing our plans come to fruition.”

The partnership agreement was signed on 30th November, 2012 and plans already exist for the development of schools in a number of sites across the country.  Durham Infinity International Schools has already begun discussions with potential investment partners and hopes to be able to make further announcements in the near future.

Mr Martin George, Headmaster and former pupil of Durham School, said: “In the 21stcentury, businesses and services, including education, will only be truly successful in a global context.  At Durham School, we provide an amazing education to hundreds of pupils. To be able to deliver this to children around the world is not only exciting, but necessary.This venture is going to bring to India and other countries the immense benefits of what is the most highly regarded form of education in the world, and one to which many countries aspire. I am confident that the new global Durham School community will provide extraordinary opportunities for pupils in Durham and overseas. From the moment I met Mr Chamaria, I was captured by his vision for education.  I am grateful to him and Mr MacConachie for their energy and enthusiasm, which has driven this project. Now I look forward to the challenge of delivering on our promises.”