On 23 September 2026, Wellington College Education (China) – Tianjin marked its 15th anniversary with a celebration bringing together leaders from across Tianjin, pupils, parents, faculty, staff, partners and members of the wider community. Joy Qiao, Chair of Wellington College Education (China), and Julian Jeffrey, Chief Executive Master of Wellington College Education (China), were among those attending this milestone occasion.
Fifteen years can transform a child from a tentative beginner into a confident young adult. For a school inspired by more than 160 years of educational heritage, the same period represents the foundation of a much longer story. Built on that foundation, Wellington College Education (China) – Tianjin now looks towards its next chapter.
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"As Wellington College Education (China) – Tianjin marks its 15th anniversary, I feel both gratitude and joy. This is more than a school to me; it is where the Group's journey began. Looking ahead, I'm confident this school will continue to help pupils flourish and excel academically, while growing into a bridge that connects cultures and communities around the world."
— Joy Qiao, Chair of Wellington College Education (China)
15th Anniversary
Origins: Tianjin's Founding Role in Wellington College Education (China)
Wellington College Education (China) – Tianjin opened in September 2011. It was the first overseas partner school of Wellington College in the UK and the starting point for Wellington College Education (China). With the subsequent establishment of Wellington College Bilingual Tianjin Nursery and Wellington College Tianjin International Curriculum Centre, the school now offers a complete pathway from Early Years through to university preparation.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for the School
Partnership Signing Ceremony
As the Wellington College Education (China) Group's founding school, it has set the pace for what followed elsewhere in the network. The school's curriculum combines the best of Chinese and British education. It draws on more than 160 years of Wellington College heritage, alongside leading educational thinking and practice from around the world.
Since 2013, 14 graduating cohorts have progressed to leading universities and careers around the world. The school has also received recognition in prominent education rankings published by KingLead, where it has repeatedly been ranked first overall in Tianjin.
Graduating Class Portraits Through the Years
"What we see in a school is its pupils' annual public examination results, their success in securing university places, the awards and recognition it receives and the pupils and staff who carry the Wellington ethos into the wider world. Less visible, but no less important, is what we have built over the past 15 years: an atmosphere of trust, respect and inclusion, shared values, a deep sense of belonging, a culture of excellence and an unwavering commitment to our educational mission."
— Yang Yang, Master of Wellington College Education (China) – Tianjin
15th Anniversary
Connection: A Community Without Borders
A highlight of the celebration was hearing directly from alumni, who sent video messages alongside greetings from Wellington College Education representatives and sister schools around the world.
Supported by Wellington College Education's global network, Tianjin pupils enjoy rich opportunities for learning exchange. A wide range of expeditions and study programmes helps them broaden their horizons, understand different cultures and engage the world with openness and confidence.
Educational Visit to Guizhou
Educational Visit to UK
As increasing numbers of graduates progress to leading universities worldwide, the school's alumni community continues to grow. For many graduates, Wellington remains a source of belonging wherever they live. Drawing on their own cross-cultural experiences, alumni become bridgebuilders in their universities, workplaces and communities, extending the connections formed at school into the wider world.
Global Alumni Events
"What I remember most isn't the headline offers, but the pupils who found their voice in art, music and other creative subjects—and went on to world-class courses because teachers here helped them discover talents they never knew they had. That commitment to celebrating every kind of flourishing, not just the Oxbridge kind, is what makes this school's mission distinctive."
— Julian Jeffrey, Chief Executive Master of Wellington College Education (China)
15th Anniversary
Flourishing: Future-Facing, United in Purpose
In the Seldon Theatre at Wellington College Education (China) – Tianjin, three pupils traced the school's story. They looked back at the earliest architectural models and successive campus renovations, the first university offer letter, and years of admissions success at Oxbridge and other world-leading universities. They also revisited the school's first drama performance and the vibrant community events it hosts today.
Wellington College Education (China) – Tianjin pupils continue to excel in examinations, academic competitions and activities beyond the classroom. In public examinations, 65% of A Level grades were A*–A, with Further Mathematics, Chinese and Textiles each achieving 100% A*–A; at IGCSE, 63% of grades were A*–A, with First Language English, English as a Second Language, History, Music and Drama each achieving 100% A*–A. Pupils have also distinguished themselves in the UK Mathematics Trust, the American Mathematics Competitions, the British Biology Olympiad and the Physics Bowl, as well as winning medals in figure skating, skiing and tennis.
Outstanding Achievements in Academic Competitions
The Class of 2026 achieved particularly strong university outcomes: 45% of graduates received offers from institutions ranked in the QS Global Top 10. The cohort secured 33 offers from G5 universities, comprising two from the University of Oxford, seven from Imperial College London and 24 from University College London.
A thriving school is defined not only by its pupils' achievements but also by the strength of the community around them. Wellington College Education (China) – Tianjin was shortlisted for the Staff Development and Wellbeing Award at the 2026 China Schools Awards, organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in China, recognising its commitment to staff growth and a supportive workplace. Friends of Wellington, the school's parent-teacher organisation, strengthens the partnership between home and school through a year-round programme of workshops and themed events.
Events Organised by the Friends of Wellington (FOW)
The celebration may be over, but Wellington College Education (China) – Tianjin's 15th anniversary programme continues. Throughout this academic year, the school will host a series of events, and the whole community is invited to take part.
15 Years, Connecting Worlds, Shaping Futures.