A Decade of Excellence
Last week, nearly 1,000 distinguished guests from around the world gathered in southwest China to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Malvern College Chengdu, coinciding with the annual Malvern College Family of Schools Leadership Conference.
A Historic Gathering of the Malvern Family
For the first time in its history, the prestigious Leadership Conference was held outside the United Kingdom, taking place in Chengdu – a testament to the campus’s pivotal role in international education. Heads and Leaders from Malvern campuses worldwide came together alongside business leaders from the British Chamber of Commerce, Southwest China and the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Sichuan.
The gathering represented more than just a celebration – it was a powerful demonstration of the interconnectedness of the Malvern College family. As Keith Metcalfe, Headmaster of Malvern College UK, eloquently stated:
“True educational globalisation lies not in unified textbooks and curricula, but in cultivating a shared culture of values, respect and intellectual curiosity.”
From Pioneering Vision to Global Excellence
Founded in 2015 by passionate Chinese educators – alumni of Harvard, Columbia, NYU and other world-renowned institutions – Malvern College Chengdu was established with a bold mission: to bring the rich 160-year legacy of British holistic education to southwest China. What began as a pioneering vision has flourished into a beacon of educational excellence. The numbers speak volumes: an impressive 67% of graduates have secured admission to universities ranked among the world’s top 50 by QS rankings. But perhaps more importantly, pupils have excelled across diverse fields – from economics and mathematics to the arts and sports – demonstrating the holistic educational philosophy that defines a Malvern Education.
Celebrating Achievement and Community
The anniversary festivities captured the vibrant spirit of the Malvern College Chengdu community and showcased pupil talent. The celebrations featured inspiring musical and theatrical performances, alongside heartfelt speeches from the Head Boy and Girl, that demonstrated the leadership qualities being nurtured within the school.
A highlight of the celebrations was the official opening of the purpose-built C.S. Lewis Sixth Form Centre: a state-of-the-art facility that illustrates the school’s commitment to providing world-class learning environments for its pupils.
Leading the Conversation on Education’s Future
Perhaps the most thought-provoking aspect of the celebrations was the ground-breaking forum titled “AI and the Future of Education.” This wasn’t just another academic discussion – it was a glimpse into the future of learning, featuring unique perspectives from educational leaders, technology experts, current pupils, alumni and even a live AI assistant!
The forum tackled crucial questions such as: How do we prepare pupils for an AI-driven world while maintaining human creativity and critical thinking? How do we ensure technology enhances rather than replaces human intelligence? The diverse panel, featuring representatives from across the Malvern family, demonstrated the collaborative approach that defines our educational philosophy.
Pupil voice was central to the conversation, with Year 8 pupil Mandy Z articulating a perspective that resonated throughout the forum:
“As pupils, we need to hold onto our imaginations, our creativity and our thinking. We should use AI as a tool to develop our thinking and to complete our ideas, not let it do the thinking for us.”
A Global Alumni Network Making an Impact
The celebration brought together outstanding alumni from around the world, creating a powerful reminder of Malvern College Chengdu’s global reach. Graduates now studying at Yale, Imperial College London, LSE, Carnegie Mellon and other prestigious institutions returned to inspire current pupils and demonstrate the international pathways available to Malvern pupils.
Among them was Bill Yang, a 2022 graduate currently at Imperial College London, who skilfully moderated the AI forum and exemplified the critical thinking and leadership skills that a Malvern education cultivates.
Looking Forward: Three Strategic Pillars for the Future
As Malvern College Chengdu embarks on its second decade, the school has unveiled three ambitious strategic initiatives that will further strengthen its position as an educational pioneer:
- Digital Education Ecosystem: Deep integration of emerging technologies into curriculum design, ensuring pupils develop future-ready digital competencies while maintaining ethical awareness.
- Differentiated Learning: Expansion of personalised learning pathways, including enhanced support for diverse learning needs and a comprehensive Gifted and Talented programme.
- Global University Placement Network: Broader international university placement services, preparing pupils for academic success across the UK, US, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions.
The Power of Global Connection
What makes this celebration truly remarkable is how it exemplifies the strength of the Malvern College family worldwide. When schools across different continents can come together to share expertise, celebrate achievements and collaborate on educational innovation, it creates something greater than the sum of its parts.
As Jacqueline So, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Malvern College International (Asia Pacific), reflected:
“The seed sown ten years ago has grown into a vital connection between East and West. The Chengdu campus not only embodies the 160-year legacy of Malvern College UK’s education but has also established a future-looking model of ‘global vision with local practice’.”
A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Innovation
The 10th anniversary celebration of Malvern College Chengdu was more than a milestone – it was a testament to what’s possible when educational vision, global collaboration and unwavering commitment to excellence come together. As the school moves into its second decade, it continues to honour its heritage while forging new pathways in international education.
For families seeking an education that prepares pupils not just for academic success but for global citizenship and ethical leadership, the Malvern College family offers something truly special: a network of schools united by shared values, connected by a common purpose and committed to developing role models who will shape tomorrow’s world.
The celebration in Chengdu wasn’t just about looking back at ten years of achievement – it was about looking forward to a future where education transcends borders, where innovation enhances humanity and where the Malvern College family continues to grow stronger through connection and collaboration.
