The rise of global classrooms: How world-class education is making its way to India

Time of India

10-06-2025

Over the last decade, the
global education
landscape has undergone a massive shift. Increasingly, prestigious universities from around the world are looking beyond their home countries and expanding their presence into key international markets. India, with its growing demand for quality education and a student population that is both ambitious and globally aware, has emerged as a prime destination for such expansions.
As per a 2024 report
1
by the
British Council
, India is expected to see a 50% rise in demand for international education over the next five years, driven by a surge in middle-class aspirations and the country's rapidly urban population. Major global universities including Imperial College London, Deakin University, and University of Wollongong have announced plans to establish campuses and offshore learning centres across Indian cities. These institutions are responding to a critical shift of reducing the financial and social burdens associated with international study as more Indian students look towards accessing world-class education within their home country.
Bengaluru, in particular, is fast emerging as an international education hub, driven by its cosmopolitan environment, technology leadership, and talent pool. In this context, schools like
Oakridge International School
, Bengaluru are at the forefront of preparing students to thrive in this new era of global-local education. The institution is nurturing globally competent, critical thinkers and its recent
graduation ceremony of the school's Diploma Programme (DP) 2 students
was a powerful reflection of this mission in action. Going beyond academic milestones, the event launched young leaders into a world that is increasingly interconnected and localised at once.
Chandru Iyer
, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and Kerala Inspires
IBDP
graduates
Held on 24th May, the ceremony was graced by chief guest Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and Kerala, whose keynote address resonated deeply with graduates, families, and teachers. Drawing from 25 years of experience, Iyer highlighted ten life principles that he said will serve the graduates well beyond their academic achievements. His first and perhaps most impactful message was to accept the fact that life will not always be fair, preparing students for the realities they will encounter. He encouraged them to try things out, listen to their heartemphasising that the "next 10 years belong to them'.
His words struck a particularly relevant chord as he referenced the evolving global education landscape, specifically mentioning how prestigious institutions like Imperial College London are opening global centres in Bengaluru, creating opportunities for students to access world-class education without leaving their home city.
Kavita Sukhani, Principal, Oakridge International School, highlighted four key motivational drivers that will serve graduates throughout their lives. She emphasised that true fulfilment comes
from the richness of experience,
relationships
and health
.
"Responsibility makes you feel motivated,"
she said, encouraging students to embrace accountability. Recognition, too, plays a crucial role where she highlighted how the
recognition
for a job well done can motivate people. In addition, she also
emphasized on
the importance of reliability as a cornerstone of personal and professional success.
The ceremony showcased the culmination of rigorous academic preparation under the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, known for its comprehensive approach to developing critical thinking, international-mindedness, and academic excellence.
'We, your facilitators, watched the spark you carried from MYP grow into a flame in the Diploma
Programme
'
said Nishtha Srivastava, IBDP Coordinator & Head of Secondary, in her address.
The ceremony featured the presentation of diplomas, recognition of outstanding CAS and academic achievements, and heartfelt reflections from students about their growth during the programme. The valedictorian, Kashvi Srinivasan, in her address to the graduating class, said,
"I know that our time together at Oakridge will serve as the foundation for the many paths we will soon take. The IB learner profiles we thought we
didn't
pay attention to - we
actually did
- and we have become inquirers and risk-takers, albeit unknowingly
'
.
As these graduates move forward to universities across the globe, such as National Law University, Azim Premji University, Duke University, University of Manchester, Georgia Tech, and Purdue University among others, they carry with them the values of excellence, integrity, and service that define the Oakridge community. The timing of this graduation is particularly significant as Bengaluru continues to establish itself as a global education hub, with international universities recognising the city's potential and the calibre of its students.
About the Nord Anglia group
As a part of a leading international schools organisation,
Oakridge
is shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from their school with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life. Their strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, they inspire their students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.No two children learn the same way, which is why Nord Anglia schools around the world personalize learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by high-quality teachers, their students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world's top universities. Currently, the Nord Anglia global family includes 80+ day and boarding schools in 33 countries, teaching over 90,000 studentsfrom ages 2 to 18.
For admissions, you can enquire at
[e-mail]