Welcome to the Wellington College International Newsletter
Edition #2 Summer Snapshot Featuring the latest news from our international schools as we pioneer education to serve and help shape a better world.
Meet Our New Staff
New Members of the WCI Team
Paresh Thakrar Managing Director
Paresh earned first-class honours at Cambridge, then worked in investment banking and held senior Government roles across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. After completing an MBA at LBS, he advised financial institutions at McKinsey and became Chief Operating Officer at Hiscox. At Winchester College, he was a bursar and led coeducation, internal reforms, and delivered £100M in transformative campus development.
Joel Worrall International Director
Joel joins WCI with 25 years of experience in UK independent schools across England, China, and the Middle East. He has led three schools, helped establish Fettes and King’s College School, and holds degrees from Auckland and in Educational Leadership. A qualified inspector and former governor, Joel is passionate about holistic, values-driven education. A keen sportsman, he promotes teamwork and student growth through academic and co-curricular excellence.
Jayne Dann PA to Managing Director
Jayne joins WCI as PA to Managing Director Paresh Thakrar, bringing over 10 years of experience at the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship site, RHS Garden Wisley, where she led the planning and delivery of major public programmes. A Tourism Management graduate from UWE, she’s passionate about travel and the environment, with strong skills in coordination, organisation, and relationship-building— strenghts that will be invaluable in her new role.
Programmes and Connections
Collaboration Across the Community
UUPP Programme 2025
For 10 days in July, Year 11 students from across the WCE family of schools, and including students from British International School Ukraine, participated in the 1st UUPP programme.
UUPP is an academic initiative led by International Academic Director, Rachel Loaring. Assisted by WC staff and visiting lecturers the UUPP offered students a unique opportunity to challenge their preconceptions about university life, offering a platform to express their aspirations, concerns, and any perceived barriers to applying.
Watch the UUPP video
Read Rachel’s summary
Summer School 2025
This July marked 5th year of the family of schools Summer School, bringing together 100, Year 8 and 9, students from across the WCE network for 2 weeks of learning and exploration.
Led by David Wilson, International Academic Director, and hosted on campus, the programme combined classroom sessions, outdoor activities, and cultural trips. Thank you to all the staff, wellington students and alumni who worked during the two weeks on the delivery of the programme.
Watch the Summer School video
Student Exchange with WCIB
The 2024/25 exchange programme between Wellington College UK and WCIB, united 8 Yr 10 students from each campus. Facilitated by, David Wilson and supported by staff across the network 8 students enjoyed building lasting friendships and experiencing life as a Wellingtonian in a different global location.
Watch a recap of the exchange
Listen to Jetstream episode 20
Introducing the Eco Tournament
In June, facilitated by Ana Romero, the first WCE network Eco-Tournament was launched —an innovative, student-led online event designed to raise climate awareness through themed daily quizzes. The tournament’s flexible and inclusive format encouraged both collaboration and friendly competition across campuses.
WCI Tianjin emerged as the overall winner, earning top honours and a £500 grant to implement a student designed climate initiative with support from the sustainability committee.
Wellington College won the inaugural Wellington College World Quiz—a five-week online competition that brought together pupil teams from five schools across our international network.
Facilitated by Physics teacher Mike Yuan, the quiz featured fast-paced rounds in STEM, World Affairs, Arts & Culture, and Wildcards. Teams from Shanghai, Tianjin, Nantong, and the UK competed across two time zones in a lively and engaging challenge.
It was a fantastic showcase of global learning and friendly competition, with planning already underway for Round Two.
Read about the quiz
Wellington College World Quiz
Read about the Eco Tournament
Intergenerational Climate Dialogues
Ana Romero has brought The Big Gold Box back to the College for another year.
The Big Gold Box is a dynamic portal linking pupils to global communities live. Created with Shared Studios, it uses immersive video tech to spark conversations on climate, human rights, and identity—encouraging student-led inquiry, deeper cultural awareness, and a forwardthinking approach to global citizenship.
Read aout WCI’s experience
As part of the College’s Action for Climate Empowerment commitment, students led the Intergenerational Sustainability and Climate Dialogues Series—an online initiative hosted by Ana Romero , Head of Sustainability, and facilitated by Sustainability Ambassadors Jessy and Rosie.
The series brought together 280 participants from 25 schools across 10 countries, including four Wellington College Schools. Students (Years 7–13) and educators took part in themed sessions exploring nature, sustainability education, and climate action.
It showed how students can take the lead and work together globally on climate issues.
Read about intergenerational climate dialogues
BaCoN Magazine
The latest edition of BaCoN Magazine, facilitated by Caroline Evans, Head of Chemistry, and produced by the L6th pupils, showcases the depth and creativity of student-led inquiry across the WCE network. This issue features contributions from students in Bangkok, Tianjin, and Shanghai. Centred on the theme The Future of Science, the magazine explores emerging scientific ideas, celebrates cross-campus engagement, and amplifies student voice.
Read the latest issue here
The Big Gold Box
Prep’s Tour to China
Earlier in the year, 18 pupils from Years 7 and 8 at Wellington College Prep School took part in a ten-day tour of China.
The trip included a boarding experience at Hiba Academy Nantong and visit to experience school life WCI Shanghai. Highlights also included visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Disneyland.
Find out more about the Prep’s tour to China
International Visitors
In July we welcomed 6 marketing and academic staff for a week of collaboration and shared learning.
Visitors included Lee Mack (Shanghai), James He (Hangzhou), Ian Steele (Bangkok), Kate Kelly (Pune), Yvette Peden (Tianjin), and Charles Debieux (Shanghai). The week included discussions on marketing for admissions, wellbeing, safeguarding, HR, and school leadership, with each visitor bringing valuable insight from their own context.
The visit ended a shared experience of the Wellington College Speech Day.
Network Visits
Read about our international vistors visit Fostering Collaboration
WCI Tianjin Students Visit the UK
In June students from Wellington College International Tianjin visited campus for a day of cultural exchange, hosted by Academic Director David Wilson.
The visit began at the Prep School, where Tianjin pupils joined Year 6 students for collaborative activities focused on curiosity, teamwork, and connection. The visit highlighted the strength of our global network and the importance of building relationships across cultures.
Read about Tianjin’s visit
WCE Forum 2025: The Power of the Network
In July, Wellington College Education hosted its 2025 Forum entitled “The Power of the Network” which promised a day of reflection, collaboration, and visionary dialogue. The forum united senior leaders from the 10 schools in the WCE network reaffirming WCE’s commitment to being network positive.
Read about the forum
Watch the forum summary video
Staff Induction
In July, the international staff induction afternoon, welcomed new WCE teachers joining the network for an afternoon of inspiring talks, warm hospitality, and campus exploration. The event opened with addresses from James Dahl and Sir Anthony Seldon, followed by a strategic overview from Fiona Carter and introductions led by our global school leaders—setting the stage for a year of shared purpose and collaboration.
Read about the Staff Induction
HR Summit China
Fiona Carter, International Director hosted the HR Summit in China on the Hiba Academy Nantong campus. Over two days, HR staff from across the WCE network gathered to share insights and explore innovative global mobility approaches to human resources to strengthening relationships and shape the future of networks employee value proposition.
Read about the HR Summit
Thought leadership and shared expertise
Driving Innovation Through Collaboration
In Conversation: AJ Stark-Ordish & Jane Sharp
AJ Stark-Ordish, host of the Global Assembly, has been in coversation with Jane Sharp, Head of Senior School in WCI Bangkok. They explore navigating expectations, challenging norms, and trusting instincts for growth. A must-listen for educators seeking inspiration, reflection, and leadership insight.
Listen to episode 7 of the Global Assembly
Leading Sustainability in China
Fiona Carter Joins IPSEF Panel
Fiona Carter, WCI International Director spoke at IPSEF25, sharing insights on Asia’s evolving international schools’ market. Topics included education trends, cross-border collaboration, and global innovation.
Read about the panel
Lessons in Leadership from Chris Woolf
Chris Woolf Senior International Director reflected on lessons learned as a school governor while serving as headteacher. His insights offer practical guidance and valuable perspective for those involved in school leadership and governance, bridging experience with thoughtful advice for educational professionals.
Lessons in Leadership
Ana Romero, Head of Sustainability, went on a recent tour of our schools across China—a visit that placed student voice and environmental action firmly at the heart of every conversation.
Over several days, Ana met with Sustainability Committees and Global Social Leaders at each campus, engaging in thoughtful, forward-looking dialogue. From eliminating single-use plastics in boarding houses to designing carbon-offset initiatives for student field trips, every idea was driven by student inquiry, creativity, and commitment.
Read about Ana’s trip
Watch WCI Hangzhou’s video featuring Ana
Events Spotlight
Connection Through Education
Festival of Education USA
The Festival of Education USA returns for its third year on Saturday, October 4, 2025, hosted at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, Maryland—just outside Washington, D.C.. This vibrant one-day event brings together educators from across the country and beyond for a celebration of learning, innovation, and connection.
Purchase tickets
Ed Fest interview by WCEC
WCE recruitment event in South Africa
Wellington College International is hosting a hiring event in South Africa this October to recruit top-tier educators for our global network of schools.
The sessions will take place in:
Cape Town: Saturday, 11 October 2025 (Morning & Afternoon) Johannesburg: Wednesday, 15 October 2025 (Twilight)
Find out more details
Taisi Leadership Conference
On the 18th-20th September Fiona Carter (International Director) will feature as a speaker at this year’s TAISI Conference in Goa, bringing bold insights on educational leadership. Join top educators for three days of inspiration, strategy, and collaboration by the coast.
Visit the Taisi Conference website
Gess Dubai 2025
Last year, Ana Romero, Head of Sustainability, spoke at GESS Dubai 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Known for her global impact in climate education and wellbeing, Ana shared practical strategies for building sustainable schools and fostering student-led change.
This year Fiona Carter, will be attending on behalf of the WCI team.
Don’t miss this year’s GESS Dubai conference—where innovation meets inspiration.
