Welcome to the Wellington College International Newsletter
Edition #3 – Autumn Highlights
Celebrating the latest developments across our international schools as we continue to expand the network that inspires, connects, and prepares students to help serve and shape a better world.
Celebrations
WCI Pune: Champions Mental Health and Wellbeing
WCIP has been nationally recognised for its outstanding commitment to student wellbeing, earning 3rd place in the R. India School Rankings under the Mental Health and Wellbeing category.
Out of 100 participating schools, WCI Pune stood out for its inclusive culture, strong support systems, and dedication to creating a safe and nurturing learning environment. The ranking celebrates schools that go beyond academics—those that prioritise mental health, foster belonging, and build communities where students, teachers, and parents feel supported.
The campus also earned a Highly Commended nod for Project of the Year – International at the 2025 Education Estates Awards, praised for its climateresponsive design by MICA and local partners, blending Wellington’s ethos with Indian context.
WCI Hangzhou: Unveils New Era of Sport
Hangzhou proudly unveils its new Athletic Centre, a major step in Wellington’s pursuit of sporting excellence. Featuring top-tier basketball and volleyball courts with room to grow, the facility will soon host inter-school competitions—empowering future athletes and enriching their dynamic sports culture.
Hiba Academy Nantong: Full Boarding Programme Launch
Led by HAN Master, Simon Kenworthy and supported by Rachel Loaring. The school has launched its full boarding programme, expanding beyond daily and weekly boarding to include weekends, creating a complete residential experience for pupils.
In addition, in 2025 a 6th Form scholarship programme was launched with 6 students from the wider Wellington community being awarded this opportunity. This programme covers tuition, travel, and boarding costs is now being offered for 2026/27.
These launches postion Hiba Academy Nantong as a flagship bilingual boarding school in China.
Boarding programme brochure
1% for the Planet: WCI is Committed to Climate Action
WCI is now an official member of 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate at least 1% of total fiscal year revenue to in-network environmental partners.
This is a collective action aimed at supporting organisations tackling environmental issues globally. This initiative reflects WCI’s belief that academic excellence and global stewardship go hand in hand. Together, we are shaping a future where education empowers not only individuals, but the planet we all share.
Find out about 1% for the Planet
Upcoming Events
Thailand Festival of Education 2025
Wellington College International Bangkok is proud to host the third annual Thailand Festival of Education on Saturday, 8 November 2025.
Now a cornerstone of the region’s professional learning calendar, the festival continues a global legacy that began in the UK in 2010.
It brings together teachers, leaders, and changemakers from across Asia and beyond for a day of impactful dialogue, innovation, and collaboration in education.
Thailand Festival of Education
Recruitment opportunities
All of the WCE schools are actively recruiting for academic and support positions across many departments. From early years to senior leadership, and marketing to boarding, these positions reflect our commitment to gobal mobility and professional development.
WCE encourage the community to share current openings within their professional. networks and help us attract exceptional educators who align with our values and vision.
Explore the latest vacancies
View our recruitment film
Network Visits
Leadership Visits Across the Network
WCI’s MD, Paresh Thakrar, Joel Worrall and Fiona Carter visited WCI Pune to join in the annual celebrations of Founders’ Day. This marks a significant milestone for the school, bringing together pupils, staff, and the wider community in a vibrant celebration to strengthen strategic ties and celebrate the school’s dynamic growth.
Find out more about the visit
WCI Bangkok Head of Technology: visit to Wellington College UK
Saiju Mammen, Head of IT at Wellington College International School Bangkok, visited College campus for a week of collaboration with teams across campus.
His visit included classroom observations, AI-driven projects, and hands-on STEM sessions, alongside strategic discussions with teams across Design Engineering, Digital Learning, Estates, IT, Finance, and Academic Leadership.
A fantastic example of how innovation and connection continue to shape our global network of schools.
WCI Bangkok showcases its new campus developments and prepares for their first alumni!
This term, Wellington College Bangkok hosted Joel Worrall, Murray Lindo, and Phil Mann.
Highlights included a student-led tour of the new Crowthorne building facilities, followed by Murray Lindo’s introduction to Life Beyond Wellington. He also welcomed future alumni from WCI Bangkok and presented the WCE alumni initiatives on Welly Connect Global — showcasing networking events and career pathway opportunities.
Read more about the visit
Life beyond Wellington
Rachel Loaring introduces the UK University Pathway Programme for 2026
Rachel Loaring made a whistle stop tour to all the schools in the network to promote the UK University Pathway Programme (UUPP) 2026.
Meeting with Year 11 and 12 pupils in each school, Rachel introduced the transformative opportunity of spending 10 days engaging with leading universities and exploring life beyond a WCE education.
She was particularly struck by her first visit to WCI Pune— a school she described as “radiating kindness and curiosity, with students who balance real ambition with thoughtful engagement.
Find out more about Rachel’s visit to Pune
Programmes and Connections
WCE Network Exchange Programme
This term, the annual student exchange between Wellington College and WCI Bangkok is underway.
Facilitated by David Wilson, WCI Academic Director, this annual programme offers Year 9 students a unique opportunity to experience life at another WCE school, build international friendships, and explore shared values across the network.
Over half term, WC students Teddy, Luke, Bella, Nancy, and Chloe are visiting Bangkok, hosted by WCIB students Charlie, Keagan, Wanjai, Grace, and Amp.
In return, WCIB students will be hosted on campus in May 2026.
The exchange continues to foster cultural understanding, shared learning, and a sense of belonging within the wider WCE network and community.
Celebrating 50 Years of Co-education
This year marks a major milestone for the Wellington College community: 50 Years of Co-education.
First introduced at Wellington College UK in 1975, co-education has since 2014 become a defining feature of our student body across our WCE international network of schools — shaping inclusive, forward-thinking environments where all students thrive.
The anniversary is being celebrated across the network as a shared achievement, honouring the educators, leaders, and students who have championed equality and opportunity over the decades.
Among those featured in the Pioneering Women’s Trail were Ms Joy Qiao, Founder and Chair of Wellington College Education China, and Darika Lathapipat, co-founder of WCIB. Their visionary leadership continues to expand access to world-class education and exemplifies the global impact of Wellington’s coeducational legacy.
Leadership in Action: Training at WCI Tianjin
Katy Granville-Chapman, leadership educator and collaborator with our International Office, recently visited WCI Tianjin and WCI Shanghai to lead transformative workshops for student leaders.
Joined by Sam Owen, Housemaster of the Blücher the sessions explored neuroscience, valuesdriven leadership, and legacy-building through Global Social Leaders — sparking powerful conversations and inspiring pupils to make personal pledges for impact.
Visit to Shanghai
Visit to Tianjin
Wellington Spotlight
Sir Anthony Seldon has launched a new podcast series called Wellington Spotlight.
Drawing on his decades of experience as a historian, educator, and commentator, the series explores leadership, truth, education, and public life.
To listen to the podcasts log on or join Wellington Connect where all the podcasts are published.
Thought leadership and shared expertise
Global Assemblies
Our recent Global Assemblies (12–14) brought together students and educators from our family of schools spotlighting leadership journeys, student perspectives, and cross-border collaboration.
In Episode 15, Benjamin Evans, Deputy Head of Academics at WC, reflects on the academic year and the values of toughness and competence.
Also featured:
• Chris Nicholls, Master of Wellington College International School Bangkok, on critical thinking and asking bold questions
• Ed Venables, Head of Wellington College Prep School, on preparing students for a changing world
• Katherine Kelly, Head of Primary at Wellington College Pune, on adapting to new cultures and building relationships
Listen to the podcast
Shanghai is a city that never stands still and home to Hiba Academy and WCI Shanghai — China’s largest metropolis and a global hub for education, innovation, and culture. For international academic staff, it offers a compelling mix of professional opportunity and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Home to world-renowned institutions like Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and a wide array of international schools, the city is a magnet for educators seeking to collaborate, research, and teach in a dynamic environment.
Living in Shanghai means immersing yourself in a city of contrasts: colonial-era architecture alongside futuristic skyscrapers, tranquil parks tucked between bustling shopping streets, and a rich cultural heritage woven into a fast-paced urban rhythm. Popular expat neighbourhoods like Jing’an, Xuhui, and the Former French Concession offer leafy streets, international cafés, and easy access to metro lines, making daily life both convenient and enjoyable.
Expat forums highlight the city’s vibrant social scene, with communities forming around everything from swing dancing and craft beer to language exchange and professional networking. While the pace of life can be intense, many educators find comfort in Shanghai’s well-developed infrastructure, international healthcare options, and the availability of global goods—from imported groceries to Englishlanguage bookstores.
