October 2025
Letter From the Head of College
The beginning of a new school year always feels like turning to a fresh page, full of promise, energy, and possibility. At Brighton College Vietnam, it has been wonderful to see our pupils return with such enthusiasm, making the very most of the fantastic opportunities available to them both in their lessons and through our rich programme of co-curricular activities.
This year is particularly exciting for us as we open the doors to our very first Sixth Form. It has been inspiring to watch these young pioneers take their first steps in shaping the traditions and spirit of Sixth Form life here in Hanoi. At the other end of the school, we are equally delighted to see our youngest learners thriving in our Bright Start playgroup, with preparations well underway for our Early Years programme that will welcome more children into our community next year.
Our whole-college theme for the year ahead is Challenge for All. Whether it is a child discovering a new talent in sport, persevering through a complex problem in mathematics, or stepping onto the stage for the first time, we want every pupil to embrace challenge as a pathway to growth. We know that the moments when we step outside our comfort zones are the ones that truly help us to become the best version of ourselves.
It is a privilege to see the spirit of curiosity, confidence, and kindness alive in our community each day. I look forward to sharing many more successes with you as the year unfolds.
Warmest wishes,
Carly Barber, Head of College Brighton College Vietnam
UPCOMING EVENTS
BRIGHT START:
Weekly Parent & Toddler Early Years Sessions for ages 0-4
Thursdays | 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Ages 2–4
Fridays | 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Ages 0–2
These weekly sessions are age-appropriately designed as a gentle yet inspiring introduction to the wonders of learning, while giving families the chance to discover more about our Early Years programme.
OPEN HOUSE
Entrance & Scholarship Assessment
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM 29 November 2025
Taster Class, School Tour & Meeting with Leadership
Entrance & Scholarship Assessment (including free test for Year 12 applicants for the 2026–27 academic year) Admissions & Scholarships Consultations
OPEN MORNING
Admissions Info Event
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM 6 November 2025
Taster class experience School Tour & Meeting with the College Leadership Team Admissions & scholarships consultations
SMALL-GROUP VISITS
(Every Thursday)
School Tour & Meeting with the College Leadership Team Admissions & scholarships consultations
Admissions News
EARLY YEARS WELCOMING AGES 3 UPWARDS IN 2026
We’re excited to expand our offering following growing demand - with our Early Years programme welcoming its very first pupils in 2026. The programme will offer a caring, playful, and purposefully designed environment for your child’s early learning journey.
Rooted in the British EYFS, the programme features experienced teachers and joyful, play-based learning to nurture kindness, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning – ensuring a smooth transition into Year 1.
EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP
Excellence Scholarships: Covering 50%–100% of tuition fees for exceptional pupils.
IGCSE Scholarships: Covering 100% of tuition fees for pupils joining Year 10 (aged 14).
Sixth Form Scholarships: Covering 50%–100% of tuition fees for outstanding pupils enrolling in Year 12 (aged 16).
A Joyful Weekly Beginning With Bright Start
We were delighted to welcome our youngest visitors, aged 0–4, to the very first Bright Start sessions –weekly gatherings for parents and toddlers. Here, parents and children are encouraged each week to take part in a joyful introduction to life at Brighton College Vietnam.
Each week unfolded a new theme for the children to explore, blending storytelling, music, creative play, and sensory discovery. In the recent sessions, children developed imagination and early language through storytelling and built physical strength and flexibility with music and movement. The younger ones immersed themselves in sensory activities with colours and textures. In the warm and welcoming atmosphere of our school, there was never a dull moment.
It was a heart-warming beginning, filled with laughter, curiosity, and connection, and we look forward to welcoming more families to share in the Bright Start journey ahead.
Open House
Discover The Spirit Of Brightonians
In September, Brighton College Vietnam was thrilled to open our doors for a truly unforgettable Open House! Families immersed themselves in our vibrant community, enjoying engaging classroom experiences, creative challenges, and magical moments woven from the wonder of the Night’s Sky. The day was enriched with inspiring talks, heartfelt pupil stories, and guided tours that offered a genuine glimpse of life on campus. The atmosphere was alive with curiosity, laughter, and connection - and we are deeply grateful to every family who joined us on this special journey!
Duc Minh
9 A*/A equivalent
“Having to study a wide range of subjects at once definitely helped me to be more familiar with the rigorous curriculum that is to come."
9 A*/A Equivalent
"The most important lesson is perspective. It is important to accept things that we cannot change just the way life goes."
Vi Khoi
9 A* Equivalent
“Relax. Don’t spend all your time only on studying. If you do, you might miss out on valuable opportunities to grow, on unforgettable moments with friends, and on precious time with your family.”
Minh
9 A*/A equivalent
"Patience is the key. Learn smarter, not harder.
Celebrating Our First IGCSE Results
At the very start of this academic year, we were delighted to celebrate the IGCSE results of our pioneering Year 12 cohort. In this inaugural year of entries, almost half of all grades awarded were A or A*, while an impressive 91% of pupils achieved at least one A-grade equivalent across 18 subjects - an outstanding foundation for our trailblazers. What distinguishes this achievement is not only the results themselves, but the journey that led to them. Over two years of IGCSE study, our pupils engaged with a wide breadth of subjects, discovered new interests, and developed the resilience and independence to thrive in unfamiliar disciplines, all whilst maintaining a healthy balance and sense of wellbeing. These experiences now form a strong foundation for the IB Diploma Programme in Sixth Form – a prestigious and holistic pathway to the world’s leading universities.
Building Strong Foundations in Senior School Science
In Senior School, Science builds the strong foundations pupils need for the IGCSE and IB Diploma. At IGCSE, pupils follow either separate or coordinated Science as a core programme, exploring how the natural world works from the molecular to the macro. The course not only deepens their scientific knowledge but also equips them with analytical and critical skills that connect across disciplines. These skills are then extended in the IB sciences, where pupils take a more inquiry-based approach, developing independence, problem-solving, and higher-order thinking.
Beyond the classroom, their learning is enriched through masterclasses, Olympiads, and international challenges, offering opportunities to apply knowledge, nurture passion, and excel at the highest levels.
Learning from the World’s Leading Universities
A defining feature of our Higher Education programme is the series of university-run workshops, delivered in person by distinguished admissions officers from around the world. This September and October, our Year 12 pupils had the privilege of welcoming representatives from New York University, the University of Calgary, the University of British Columbia, the University of Cambridge, the University of St Andrews, and Imperial College London to our campus. These workshops rocesses in the UK, USA, and Canada - from ning how to strengthen personal statements, nctive benefits of Canada’s co-op
e look forward to welcoming many more
Discovering Language and Culture in Mandarin
Mandarin lessons at Prep School are always buzzing with excitement, filled with energy and creativity as pupils discover something new. In Year 3, children recently explored numbers and simple characters through lively games with mascot Bing Dwen Dwen and playful clay activities, turning writing practice into joyful, hands-on fun. Year 5 pupils rose to the challenge of a spirited Chinese idioms competition, working in teams to read and explain expressions, their classrooms alive with laughter and teamwork.
Pupils begin learning Mandarin from Year 3 through a curriculum that blends structured language study with cultural discovery. Alongside developing a foundation in vocabulary, grammar and key radicals, they explore modern and traditional Chinese culture, the geography and people, and the vibrancy of festivals across China and other parts of Asia where Mandarin is spoken.
Science At Prep School: Question, Test and Discover
Science in the Prep School is a dynamic journey of discovery where curiosity is nurtured through practical, hands-on experiences. Rather than simply reading about concepts, pupils explore them directly, experimenting, questioning, and learning by doing - developing not only knowledge but also confidence in their own ability to think like young scientists.
Year 1 began their science journey by learning about the human body, tracing outlines of one another and modelling playdough faces to bring new vocabulary to life.
In Year3,pupilsbecamegeologistsinthePrep laboratory,observing, sketching,andclassifying rocksampleswith impressiveaccuracy.
Year 5 reached beyond our planet, working together to design and build solar system models that sparked both imagination and scientific inquiry.
Year 4 ventured into AncientGreece,combiningscience andcreativityasthey exploredmythsandlegends, comparedAthensand Sparta,andcraftedpapier mâchévasesinspiredby history.
One Shared Heart Beat For 80 Years Of Vietnam’s Independence
In the spirit of National Day, Brighton College Vietnam came together in a celebration woven with pride and gratitude. The campus shimmered in red and gold - a sea of flags, traditional áo dài, and the quiet strength of pupils carrying kindness and knowledge as their compass.
Guided by Year 12, the Senior School led us back through time, with questions that stirred reflection, the timeless words of 1945, and melodies that honoured generations past. Our younger pupils, wide-eyed with curiosity, discovered Vietnam’s story through lively exchanges that made history come alive. In those moments, the whole community beat as one — united in memory, hope, and the richness of shared heritage.
A Day of Classical Inspiration with Pianist Tran Le Bao Quyen
In September, music filled the campus when pianist Tran Le Bao Quyen, lecturer at the Vietnam National Academy of Music, joined us for a very special day of learning and performance. With her passion for inspiring young people, she guided our IGCSE pupils through an engaging workshop, then worked closely with budding musicians in masterclasses that moved from the grandeur of Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata to the personal expression of pieces chosen by the pupils themselves. The day drew to a wonderful close with a whole-school assembly, where Ms Bao Quyen performed alongside our talented young pianists, creating a shared celebration of creativity, confidence, and the timeless beauty of classical music.
Visits like this reflect Brighton College Vietnam’s commitment to bringing distinguished experts into our community, giving pupils experiences that extend far beyond the classroom and open windows to the wider world of knowledge, culture, and inspiration.
CCA Spotlights
Our Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) programme offers pupils a remarkable breadth of choice, with 69 clubs available in each school covering arts, sports, leadership, and innovation. Every child has the opportunity to discover passions, develop skills, and grow in confidence beyond the classroom. With no additional cost for participation, pupils enjoy a rich programme of activities running from Monday to Thursday.
Academic Enrichment & Languages
These clubs extend learning beyond the classroom, helping pupils sharpen thinking and broaden horizons. They can take part in the World Scholar’s Cup, Chess, Debate & Oracy Olympians, or build language skills in Mandarin, Italian, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese.
Creative Arts & Performance
A place for imagination and creativity to flourish. Pupils explore their talents through Magnificent Art, Comic Book Making, Digital Story Books, or shine on stage in Junior & Senior Choirs, Musical Theatre, and Drama Improvisation.
Sports & Physical Development
Sport develops teamwork, resilience, and a love of healthy competition. Choices range from Basketball, Football, Swimming, Badminton, and Table Tennis to Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Dance, and Yoga, ensuring something for everyone.
STEM, Innovation & Competitions
For those who love discovery and problem-solving, STEM clubs provide exciting challenges. Pupils take part in VEX Robotics, Lego Clubs, and Chemistry Masterclass, join the Eco Team, or test their skills in Business & Entrepreneurship Competitions.
Well-being, Citizenship & Service
These activities nurture kindness, leadership, and a sense of community. Pupils can practise Mindfulness, get involved in Volunteering and Model United Nations (MUN), support sustainability in Eco Council, or lead as Library Ambassadors.
Hall of Fame
Our pupils are amazing! Here is a small selection of their remarkable accomplishments outside of school:
Thai Son Year 4
Recently, Thai Son has continued to make his mark with outstanding achievements at international competitions, including Gold Medals at the Hong Kong International Mathematical Olympiad (Hong Kong), the World Mathematics Invitational (Thailand), and the Depth of Knowledge Assessment (Malaysia), along with several other impressive awards at global contests.
An Khanh Year 11
Year 10 pupil An Khanh brought her passion and confidence to the National Finals of the Qingyin Award Vietnam 2025, winning a Special Award for her exceptional musical talent.
Hong Duc Year 5
Year 5 pupil Hong Duc captivated the audience with his performance of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” at the Crescendo International Music Competition, winning the Bronze Prize. He was also awarded Second Prize in the National Finals of the Qingyin Award Vietnam 2025.
Duc Minh Year 11
We are proud to celebrate Duc Minh (Year 11), who represented Vietnam at the World Schools Debating Championships 2025 in Panama, competing alongside outstanding young debaters from over 70 countries.
Passionate about engineering and innovation, Phan Anh has excelled at VEX Robotics competitions worldwide, winning Excellence Awards and qualifying for the World Championship in the US. Beyond personal success, he has mentored younger pupils and donated robotics kits to children in rural provinces, proving that true achievement comes with kindness and generosity.
With creativity and persistence, Year 12 pupil Minh Phuoc and his team transformed rice husks into a sustainable solution for water pollution. Their groundbreaking project won the Gold Medal at the World Invention Creative Olympic (WICO) Korea 2025, showing how science and innovation can make a difference to communities.
For Hoài An (Year 11), mathematics is more than numbers - it is a way of exploring patterns and ideas. His passion and perseverance led him to win a Gold Medal at the International Mathematics Contest in Singapore 2025. This remarkable achievement reflects not only his talent but also his resilience and dedication.
Hall of Fame
Phan Anh Year 11
Minh Phuoc Year 12
Hoai An Year 11
Website: www.brightoncollege.edu.vn
Hotline: 1800 6010
Email: info@brightoncollege.edu.vn
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrightonCollegeVN/
TikTok: @brightoncollegevietnam
Instagram: @brightoncollegevietnam