A Legacy of Learning and Social Impact

Sir John Wilson School began its journey in 1995 in Gulshan with just nine students and six teachers. From the outset, the founders, Social Services and Management Trust, envisioned a school that would be more than an academic institution – it would nurture responsible, compassionate and socially aware individuals. 
The guiding mission was clear: education should benefit both students and the wider community.
In its early years, the school pioneered a model in which a portion of its revenue was dedicated to charitable initiatives. 
One of the first projects was the Jibon Tori floating hospital, which provided medical care to remote areas lacking access to quality health services.
Principal Sabrina Shaheed reflects, “Gathering knowledge for livelihood is great. What is greater is when you can impact society with your knowledge.” This philosophy sets the tone for the school’s culture, intertwining learning with meaningful community engagement.
Over time, the school expanded steadily. Today, the Gulshan and United City, Satarkul campuses accommodate more than 2,000 students and over 200 teachers, offering a rich educational experience. 
Despite this growth, the school has retained its emphasis on personalised guidance and holistic development. Every student is encouraged to take part in projects that instil empathy, leadership and social responsibility.
Activities such as vegetable farming, spelling competitions for fundraising, and caring for stray or injured animals teach children that their actions, no matter how small, have real-world significance. 
“Every task, whether big or small, teaches children how to contribute meaningfully and develop leadership skills,” notes Principal Shaheed.

The school’s philosophy extends beyond academics. Wilsoners are trained to lead, collaborate and communicate effectively. They engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of giving back to society, from supporting underprivileged communities to contributing to NGO projects. 
These experiences reinforce the idea that education is not just about knowledge, but also about character and impact. The school’s commitment ensures that children grow into confident, responsible and socially conscious adults.
Managing such a dynamic institution comes with challenges. Coordinating staff, students and parents while sustaining community projects requires careful planning. 
Principal Shaheed acknowledges, “Our challenge now is to ensure that as we grow, every child still receives the guidance, attention and opportunities they deserve.” Despite these hurdles, the school continues to innovate while maintaining its founding vision, balancing growth with quality education and social contribution.
From its humble beginnings with a handful of students to a thriving institution, Sir John Wilson School exemplifies resilience, vision and impact. Its journey is not only about expanding academic excellence, but also about creating a culture of service, empathy and leadership – preparing students to succeed in life while contributing meaningfully to society.

Principal
Sir John Wilson School
Sabrina Shaheed is the principal of Sir John Wilson School in Dhaka, a concern of United Group Ltd. She joined as a primary class teacher during the inception of the school in 1995 and has been promoted as the principal in 2016. She has 33 years of experience in teaching and Education Management. She has done her Diploma in Childhood Education from Worldview Institute of Childhood Education and Diploma in Education Management from The Aga Khan Education, Karachi and School Leadership programme from London, UK. She has worked as a part time consultant for UNICEF, Bangladesh, to develop English Textbooks and Teachers’ Guides for their Project BEHTRUWC (Basic Education for Hard to Reach Urban Working Children) in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and Bureau of Non-formal Education.