The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) has outlined plans to establish a premier STEM school at Drukgyel, Paro.
This initiative is part of Bhutan’s long-term vision to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) into its education system. Aligned with the Royal Kasho on education reform, the school aims to introduce a transformative learning approach that promotes student innovation and problem-solving skills.
MoESD in a discussion with The Bhutanese said that the STEM school will cater to students from grades 7 to 12.
“This grade range is chosen to provide a strong foundation in STEM education during the formative middle school years (grade 7-8) while ensuring continuity into higher secondary levels (grade 9-12), where students can engage in advanced STEM subjects, specialized courses, and hands-on learning experiences”, stated MoESD.
This approach, as mentioned by the ministry, aligns with global best practices in STEM education, preparing students for higher studies and careers in STEM.
When asked if a new school infrastructure will be constructed for this purpose or if the existing building in Drukgyel will be repurposed and recognized as a STEM school, MoESD said, “Rather than constructing a new school, the government has decided to repurpose the existing Drukgyel Higher Secondary School campus, with Drukgyel Primary School being upgraded to a middle secondary school.”
The ministry shared that the location was chosen due to its existing infrastructure and its potential to become a center of excellence in STEM education. Additionally, its proximity to Bhutan’s only Super Fab Lab, industries, the Tech Park, and research institutions offers students enhanced exposure and hands-on learning experiences.
To ensure high-quality instruction, MoESD will initially recruit expatriate faculty members with expertise in STEM education to mentor Bhutanese teachers. The ministry said, “Bhutanese faculty will be selected from the existing pool of STEM educators, with a minimum qualification of a master’s degree in a relevant field.” Additionally, the ministry shared, “They will undergo professional development training, including collaborative research initiatives, to align with global teaching standards. Over time, the goal is for the school to transition to a fully Bhutanese faculty.”
MoESD said that initially the school will accommodate a limited number of students, but plans are in place to gradually expand the capacity to 1,000 students.
“The STEM school will accommodate between 500 to 700 students, with capacity to expand further as needed. This aligns with global best practices for ensuring quality education and maintaining manageable class sizes for effective learning and personalized attention,” said a statement from MoESD.
MoESD said that the admission will be merit-based, with students required to take an entrance examination to assess their aptitude in key STEM subjects.
The curriculum will integrate various STEM disciplines, including robotics, artificial intelligence, and environmental science, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Regular curriculum updates will ensure alignment with industry trends and emerging technologies.
The ministry is currently in discussions with international institutions to collaborate on infrastructure, curriculum design, and professional development. MoESD said, “The ministry will also be applying for membership of the STEM school to the International Science School Network (ISSN), which will further enhance the school’s alignment with global standards.”
The STEM school, as said by the ministry, will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories for physics, chemistry, and biology, alongside dedicated ICT labs, a fully functional Fab Lab, and specialized metal and wood workshops. A robotics lab will also be set up to support students in designing, building, and programming robots, fostering creativity and technical skills.
The school’s operation will be phased, with the first batch of grade 7 students expected to begin in 2026. “While the school will begin operations in 2026, some infrastructure development and redevelopment work are anticipated to continue until 2027 to ensure the school meets all its long-term goals and requirements,” said MoESD.
