Good Shepherd International School (GSIS) is a co-educational residential school founded in 1977 in Ootacamund (Ooty), in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. Set on a 150-acre campus at an elevation of 7,000 feet, GSIS is one of the few schools worldwide authorised to offer the complete IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP), alongside ICSE, ISC, and Cambridge IGCSE curricula. Approximately 800 students from over 30 countries attend Grades 4 through 12 in a fully residential environment. The campus features 56 classrooms, a heated swimming pool, an 80-bed infirmary, equestrian facilities, and extensive sports infrastructure. GSIS holds designations as a Google Reference School, an IELTS test centre, and a Trinity College London exam centre.
Location
Muthorai Palada, Ootacamund (Ooty), Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643 004, India
Stages
Grades 4 to 12 (approximately ages 9 to 18)
Type
Co-educational residential (boarding) international school
Pupil Nationality Mix
Students from over 30 countries, creating a diverse international community
Additional learning support
Career guidance and counselling services are available. The school offers multiple curriculum pathways to suit different learning needs.
Country affiliation
India (ICSE/ISC) with international curricula (IB, Cambridge)
Religious affiliation
Christian foundation. Students of all faiths are welcome.
School day structure
Fully residential programme with structured daily schedules covering academics, sports, activities, and pastoral care
Bus service
Not applicable. GSIS is a fully residential boarding school. Transportation assistance is available for travel to and from Ooty.
Annual fees for 2024-25 range from INR 11.5 lakhs (ICSE Grade 6) to INR 19.5 lakhs (IBDP/IGCSE senior grades). Fees cover tuition, boarding, meals, and activities.
Boarding Arrangements
Fully residential school with separate hostels for boys and girls. The campus accommodates approximately 800 students. Boarding includes pastoral care, structured routines, and 24-hour supervision. An 80-bed infirmary with round-the-clock medical officers and nurses is on campus.
Uniform Requirement
School uniform is required
Food Options
Multi-cuisine dining with vegetarian, egg-vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and Jain meal options available
House System
Contact the school for details on the house system
Governance and Ownership
Privately owned and governed. IB World School with multiple international accreditations.
Curriculum
GSIS is one of the few schools worldwide offering the complete IB Continuum: the Primary Years Programme (Grades 4-5), the Middle Years Programme (Grades 6-10), and the Diploma Programme (Grades 11-12). Additionally, ICSE (Grades 6-10), ISC (Grades 11-12), and Cambridge IGCSE (Grades 6-10) are offered. The school is also an Advanced Placement (AP) exam centre.
Student Teacher Ratio
Approximately 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio across the campus
Exam Results
Students sit IB Diploma, ICSE, ISC, and IGCSE examinations. Contact the school for specific results and averages.
Higher Education Progression
Career guidance and counselling department supports students with university applications worldwide. GSIS is an IELTS test centre and Trinity College London exam centre, facilitating international university admissions.
Gifted and Talented
Multiple curriculum pathways (IB, IGCSE, ICSE) and AP exam centre allow students to pursue the most challenging academic route suited to their abilities
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pastoral care programme supports student wellbeing and personal development in the residential setting
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Contact the school for information on special education needs provision
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Support is available for students who need to develop their English language proficiency
Mental Wellbeing
80-bed infirmary with round-the-clock medical officers and nurses. Counselling services and pastoral care are integral to the residential programme.
Safeguarding
Comprehensive safeguarding with 24-hour supervision, medical facilities, and pastoral care in a secure residential campus
History
Good Shepherd International School was founded in 1977 in Ootacamund (Ooty), in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. From a Christian foundation, the school has grown to become one of India's premier residential international schools, offering multiple world-class curricula on a 150-acre hillside campus.
Community
A close-knit residential community of approximately 800 students from over 30 countries, living and learning together on a hilltop campus in the Nilgiris.
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Dedicated parent portal (parent.gsis.ac.in) and alumni network (gsis-alumni.org) connect families and graduates.
Facilities Overview
A 150-acre campus in the Nilgiri Hills at 7,000 feet elevation, with 56 classrooms, residential houses, and extensive outdoor spaces
Sports Facilities
Cricket ground at 7,000 feet elevation, heated swimming pool, tennis courts, squash courts, basketball courts, football pitches, equestrian facilities, rifle shooting range, and gymnasium
Academic Facilities
56 well-equipped classrooms, science laboratories, IT facilities (Google Reference School), and career counselling centre. IELTS test centre and Trinity College London exam centre.
Extra Curricular Facilities
Archery, basketball, cricket, football, tennis, equestrian training, swimming, track and field, table tennis, squash, rifle shooting, yoga, gymnastics, trekking and adventure programmes, music, and arts
Academic & Intellectual
IB CAS requirements, career guidance counselling, and participation in international examinations (IELTS, Trinity College London)
Arts & Creative
Music and arts programmes with dedicated facilities
Cultural & Language
Students from over 30 countries create a diverse cultural environment. Multiple languages are taught alongside English.
Social & Hobbies
Equestrian training, trekking, adventure sports, and residential house activities
Community & Service
Community service is embedded in the IB programme. Summer camp programmes are also available.
Leadership & Professional
Student leadership through the residential house system and IB CAS projects
Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Yoga, swimming, adventure sports, trekking, and pastoral care in a hillside residential environment at 7,000 feet
Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. Hindi, French, and Spanish are offered as additional languages. The school is an IELTS test centre and Trinity College London exam centre for English proficiency certification.
Bilingual Teaching
English is the primary language of instruction across all curricula. Hindi, French, and Spanish are taught as additional languages.
Immersion Programs
The fully residential, internationally diverse environment provides natural English language immersion.
Awards
Multiple international school awards. One of the few schools worldwide offering the complete IB Continuum alongside ICSE and Cambridge curricula.
Accreditations
IB World School authorised for PYP, MYP, and DP (full IB Continuum). Google Reference School. IELTS test centre. Trinity College London exam centre. Advanced Placement (AP) exam centre.
Admissions
Admissions follow a one-day evaluation process held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with a maximum of five groups daily. Steps include online registration with past three years' mark sheets, an aptitude test in maths, English, and life skills, a campus visit and interview, and fee payment. Only Grades 4 to 8 accept new students in the first term. Grades 10 and 12 do not accept new admissions. Registration fee is INR 30,000 (non-refundable).
Scholarships
Contact the school for information on scholarship and financial aid programmes
Waitlist
Limited seats are available each year. Contact the school for waitlist information.
Hebron School is a co-educational Christian international residential school in the Nilgiri Hills of Ooty, founded in 1899. Set on a 22-acre campus at 7,000 ft elevation, it offers British-tradition education with Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels from Reception through Grade 13. The school serves around 370 students with a strong boarding community, over 43 sports activities, and Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Location
Lushington Hall, Ootacamund (Ooty), Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643001, India
Stages
Reception to A Levels / Grade 13 (ages 4 to 19)
Type
Private co-educational Christian international boarding school (day option available)
Pupil Nationality Mix
Multicultural student body drawn from missionary and international families worldwide.
Additional learning support
Enhanced learning programme available for students needing additional support.
Country affiliation
British curriculum tradition with Indian registration
Religious affiliation
Christian. School motto is "Deo Supremo" (God First). Originally founded by Brethren missionaries.
School day structure
Two-semester academic year: August to December and February to June. Full boarding with structured daily routines.
Bus service
Contact the school for transport arrangements.
Annual tuition fees range from INR 2,02,000 to INR 8,08,000. Annual boarding fees range from INR 2,02,000 to INR 4,04,000. Fee reductions available for SAARC citizens and concessions for families from selected Christian organisations.
Boarding Arrangements
Full residential boarding from Standard 5 onwards (age 9+). Dorm life with pastoral care, dorm parents, and a "home away from home" philosophy. Separate campuses: Lushington and Selborne.
Uniform Requirement
Uniform is required.
Food Options
On-campus kitchen and dining hall providing meals for all boarding and day students. Nutrition services managed by the school.
House System
Blue and Gold House system with six major inter-house competitions throughout the academic year.
Governance and Ownership
Christian educational institution with governance overseen by a board. Supported by the Sheiling Trust.
Curriculum
International version of the English National Curriculum for Grades 1-6. English National Curriculum with PSHE for Grades 7-9. Cambridge IGCSE for Grades 10-11. Cambridge A Levels with International Project Qualification (IPQ) for Grades 12-13. Students choose 3 to 4 A Level subjects.
Student Teacher Ratio
370 students on a 22-acre campus with dedicated teaching staff.
Exam Results
Students sit Cambridge IGCSE and A Level examinations. Results support university entrance worldwide.
Higher Education Progression
A Level qualifications prepare students for university entrance globally. The International Project Qualification provides additional research skills.
Gifted and Talented
Enhanced learning programme, Duke of Edinburgh/IAYP Awards, and competitive inter-school tournaments through AHESSN.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) education from Grades 7-9. Pastoral care system with dorm parents for boarders.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Enhanced learning programme supporting students with additional learning needs.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Contact the school for EAL support details.
Mental Wellbeing
Pastoral care team, spiritual life programme, and health care services. "Home away from home" approach to emotional and social wellbeing.
Safeguarding
Dedicated safeguarding programme. Medical clinic with resident doctor on campus. Health care services for all students.
History
Founded in 1899 by Miss Grace Orlebar as a primary school for daughters of Brethren missionaries in Coonoor. Moved to Silverdale in 1908. In 1961, Lushington Boys' School was established with 60 students. The two schools amalgamated in 1974-75 to form the current co-educational Hebron School. Enrolment peaked at 205 in 1965 before the merger. Now serves 370 students on a 22-acre campus in the Nilgiri Hills at 7,000 ft elevation.
Community
Multicultural boarding community with students from missionary and international families worldwide. Strong alumni network with reunions held in London and India. Partnership with parents programme.
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Partnership with parents programme fostering regular communication between school and families. Alumni reunions and school revisit programmes.
Facilities Overview
22-acre campus at 7,000 ft in the Nilgiri Hills with separate Lushington and Selborne campuses. Facilities include laboratories, libraries, digital learning spaces, art and music rooms, dining hall, boarding houses, and a medical clinic with a resident doctor.
Sports Facilities
Over 43 sports activities including football, basketball, cricket, swimming, tennis, volleyball, hockey, rugby, archery, athletics, badminton, equestrian, golf, gymnasium, judo, karate, shooting, yoga, and aerobics.
Academic Facilities
Science laboratories, libraries, digital facilities, and dedicated art and music rooms across both campuses.
Extra Curricular Facilities
Visual and creative arts, music and performances, drama and theatre productions, Duke of Edinburgh/IAYP Awards, library and debate programmes, cross-country running, and inter-school tournaments.
Academic & Intellectual
Library, literature, and debate programmes. International Project Qualification for A Level students.
Arts & Creative
Visual and creative arts, music and performances, drama and theatrical productions.
Cultural & Language
Multicultural community with students from diverse international backgrounds. Cultural events throughout the year.
Social & Hobbies
43+ sports and activities ensuring every student finds their passion regardless of ability level.
Community & Service
Community service through Duke of Edinburgh/IAYP Award programme and school initiatives.
Leadership & Professional
Student leadership programme, house captains, and prefect system.
Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Yoga, aerobics, outdoor sports on a hill-station campus, and structured boarding life promoting healthy routines.
Language Provision
English medium. Language options available through Cambridge IGCSE and A Level subject choices.
Bilingual Teaching
English is the sole medium of instruction.
Awards
Over 125 years of continuous operation since 1899. Leading Christian international residential school in India.
Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), Pearson Edexcel, and member of TISCA (The International Schools' Curriculum Association). Member of AHESSN.
Admissions
Online application form available at hebronooty.org. A deposit is required upon admission confirmation to reserve a seat. Visits to the school can be arranged through the admissions office.
Scholarships
Fee reductions available for SAARC citizens. Concessions for families employed by selected Christian organisations. The Sheiling Trust provides additional support.
Waitlist
Subject to seat availability. Deposit secures the place.
