Scottish public school Gordonstoun is planning to open a chain of sister schools in China, with the first due to open in 2022.
Gordonstoun, which was founded in Moray, Scotland, in 1934, will open its first Chinese campus in three years’ time as part of a long-term multi-school agreement.
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Lisa Kerr, the principal of Gordonstoun, said: “Gordonstoun has been leading the way in character education since its foundation by visionary educationalist Kurt Hahn in 1934 and has always been an outward-looking school, building understanding and tolerance between people from diverse backgrounds.”
“Having been the birthplace of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Round Square conference of schools, this agreement cements Gordonstoun’s commitment to growing further the international reach and impact of our unique educational ethos.”
“We have chosen to work with Hampton Group, specialists in fostering closer bonds between the UK and China. The location of the first school will be announced soon and will be chosen to enable access to green spaces and the sea, both key features of a Gordonstoun education.”
One of the school’s most famous alumni is the Prince of Wales, who was sent there by his father the Duke of Edinburgh, who also attended the school.
Prince Charles was reportedly unhappy during his time as a pupil.
The school is notable for its focus on outdoors education and physical exercise. Pupils carry out expeditions, and go sailing, kayaking, mountain biking, orienteering and skiing. They can also develop bushcraft and wilderness survival skills.
Gordonstoun School has over 500 pupils aged 5 to 18. A third are from an international background and more than a third receive some form of financial support. Its schools in China will also charge fees but bursaries will be made available for pupils from less privileged backgrounds.
