MALVERN College has signed a landmark deal putting it on course to open its sixth international school in seven years, writes Tom Banner.
A deal was struck with local authorities in Chengdu, China to open the college’s sixth campus abroad.
The brand new state-of-the-art campus is set to open in 2019 and, together with the existing campus in Chengdu, which opened in 2015, will provide education for more than 1,000 students between the ages of three and 18.
International Trade Secretary Liam Fox was on hand to witness the signing of the agreement during his trade visit to China last week.
Headmaster Anthony Clark, said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to further expand the Malvern College family of schools through this exciting development in Chengdu.
“Malvern College Chengdu will retain the values of traditional Chinese education while helping pupils to adapt to a Western-style learning environment.
“Its vision is to create a pathway to English-speaking universities around the world.”
Additionally, this September will see the opening of Malvern College Hong Kong, a follow-on from Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong which opened in 2017. The college also has campuses in Qingdao, China and Cairo, Egypt.
Allan Walker, Malvern College’s director of international schools, said: “The success of these schools overseas has a direct positive impact on a wide range of UK manufacturers and suppliers ranging from examination boards, architects and engineers through to furniture and textbook suppliers.
“The opening of schools overseas also supports the development of educational opportunities available for children in the UK, both through enhancing our facilities and by widening access.”
Malvern College’s campuses in mainland China are predominantly for Chinese nationals, with around 35 per cent of leavers going on to study at UK universities.
