Good Shepherd International School
Parent InsightsGood Shepherd Knowledge Village M. Palada P.o. Ootacamund Tamil Nadu - 643 004 India
- ✦Offers IB Continuum (PYP–MYP–DP) alongside Cambridge and ICSE/ISC — rare in India.
- ✦150-acre hill campus at 7000 ft with a focus on outdoor learning.
- ✦Recognised as a Google Reference School.
Summary for Parents
Overview
- •Good Shepherd International School (GSIS) is a long-established, premium international boarding school in Ooty offering multiple global curricula and a beautiful, expansive campus.
- •The school is best suited for families seeking a structured, globally focused residential education and who are comfortable with the high fees.
Best Fit For
- •Independent and mature children who can adapt to boarding life.
- •Students aiming for international university pathways.
- •Children who enjoy both academics and extracurricular activities.
Strengths
- •Wide curriculum options (IB, IGCSE, ISC).
- •Excellent infrastructure and sports facilities.
- •Strong extracurricular and leadership programs.
- •Diverse student community.
Trade-offs / Things to Check
- •High fees and additional costs.
- •Mixed reviews about boarding discipline and bullying.
- •Teacher turnover in some departments.
- •Administrative responsiveness.
School Information
Board / Curriculum
ICSE
Grades offered
Nursery - 12
Medium
English
Type
Co-ed
Students
Around 800 (approximate, based on third-party listings)
Student–Teacher Ratio
Not publicly available
Boarding
Yes
Pincode
643004
Leadership & Staff
- • Founded by Dr. P.C. Thomas and Mrs. Elsamma Thomas; current Principal & Director is Dr. Madhav Deo Saraswat. Recognised as a Google Reference School.
Fees & Admissions
| Class / Category | Fee (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | ₹30,000 | Non-refundable |
| Caution Deposit | ₹3,00,000 | Refundable on exit |
| Establishment/Enrollment Fee | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 | Varies by grade |
| Miscellaneous Advance Payment | ₹1,50,000 | Payable to Landmark Study Junction Education Services Pvt Ltd |
| Annual Term Fees (approx.) | ₹11.8 – 19.5 Lakhs | Varies by grade and curriculum |
• Fees vary by programme (IB, IGCSE, ICSE/ISC) and payment plan.
• Confirm inclusions (laundry, excursions, exam fees, travel, insurance) before paying.
• Transport is limited since GSIS is primarily residential.
Admission Process for Interested Parents
Admission Steps
- 1.Fill the online inquiry form on GSIS Admissions.
- 2.Pay the non-refundable registration fee of ₹30,000 and upload past academic records.
- 3.Schedule a campus visit (available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays).
- 4.Attend the aptitude test and interviews during the visit.
- 5.On acceptance, pay the caution deposit, establishment fee, and term fees to confirm admission.
Documents Required
- 1.Birth certificate
- 2.Previous 2–3 years’ mark sheets
- 3.Passport (for international students)
- 4.Medical and immunisation records
- 5.Parent ID and contact details
What Parents Say
Aggregated from parent reviews across platforms. Ask these questions during your school visit.
Academics
Positives
The school offers a wide range of international curricula (IB, IGCSE, ISC) and strong university guidance. Students benefit from exposure to global teaching methods.
Watch out for
Some parents mention that the academic pressure can be intense and that teacher turnover occasionally affects continuity.
Ask: Ask about teacher retention rates and how academic support is provided for struggling students.
Boarding & Pastoral Care
Positives
Many families appreciate the 24/7 supervision, medical officer on campus, and structured boarding life.
Watch out for
Several reviews mention bullying and strict discipline. These concerns have appeared repeatedly over the years.
Ask: Request the school’s anti-bullying policy and details of recent wellbeing initiatives.
Fees & Value
Positives
Facilities and campus quality are top-notch, matching the premium fee bracket.
Watch out for
Fees are among the highest in India, and some parents feel the value doesn’t always match the cost.
Ask: Ask for a written breakdown of what’s included in the fees and what’s extra.
Extracurriculars & Campus Life
Positives
The school hosts TEDx events, sports tournaments, and leadership programs, giving students a well-rounded experience.
Watch out for
Some parents feel administrative responsiveness could be better when issues arise.
Ask: Ask how the school handles student grievances and feedback.
Campus & Facilities
~150 acres
Reviews from Other Platforms
Aggregated from public sources for reference. These are not verified by SchoolCompass.
What parents liked
"Quality courses - Highly experienced - Reasonable fees - Clean facilities - Adequate security."
— Vincent
"My school is the best school in Ooty!"
— Pradeesh Nair
"The teachers of the school are very warm and take the role of a parent when the child is in need and provide a nurturing environment."
— Edustoke/Ezyschooling
Concerns raised
"It is a very very bad school. My daughter was being harassed... They bullied her. I never recommend this school to anyone."
— Mahesh
"Worst place to enroll your child!! Loads of bullying, foul language in the school! Children go through mental trauma..."
— SchoolMyKids user review
"Many reviewers described the school as money-minded and accused it of prioritizing profits over education."
— Justdial summary
What Kind of Peer Group?
Age Range
From early years (pre-nursery) to Grade 12, with most boarders aged 8–18.
Family Backgrounds
A mix of Indian and international families, including expatriates and professionals.
Socio-economic Profile
Predominantly upper-middle to affluent families due to the high fee structure.
Child Profiles
Academically motivated, globally oriented, and often independent children who thrive in structured boarding environments.
Verified Parent Reviews
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