Wellington and Hiba Schools Honoured at China Schools Awards

2026-03-16

China Schools Awards

On 6 March, the 2026 China Schools Awards were announced in Chongqing. Hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce in China (Southwest China & South China), the ceremony brought educators from across the country to explore the future direction of international and bilingual education in China.

In this high-profile and authoritative awards programme for China’s K–12 international education sector, Wellington College Education (China) schools delivered an outstanding performance, securing two honours. Hiba Academy Shanghai emerged top in the most hotly contested Holistic Education Award, while Wellington College International Shanghai won the highly prestigious Science and Technology Award.

Standing Out

in a Fiercely Contested Field

The China Schools Awards is an annual celebration of excellence and innovation in international K12 education across China. Now in its fifth year, the Awards recognise outstanding achievements from international schools and educational suppliers nationwide. This year marks an exciting milestone, bringing together international schools and education organisations from 10 provinces and over 14 cities.

Amidst fierce competition,

Wellington College Education (China) - Tianjin, Wellington College International Shanghai, Hiba Academy Shanghai and Hiba Academy Nantong—emerged as frontrunners, securing nominations across five of the ten award categories. This recognition powerfully affirms the Group's developmental achievements and its standing within the sector.

AI-Enabled Learning,

Powered by Innovation

Science and Technology Award

This award recognises the school that has most successfully integrated innovative STEM and EdTech into its teaching and learning, elevating and enhancing the broadest range of learning experiences through the intelligent application of technologies.

Wellington College International Shanghai’s receipt of this award reflects the school’s deep and sustained commitment to technology-enabled learning in both curriculum design and classroom practice. Alongside leading-edge STEM provision, the school innovatively incorporates AI and machine learning. It offers flagship programmes such as VEX Robotics and the iGEM Biotechnology, and works in partnership with university research teams, renowned institutions and enterprises—enabling pupils to make multidimensional advances in subject knowledge, technical capability and applied practice.

"This award truly belongs to our pupils. They are the innovators and leaders we are celebrating today. Their passion and curiosity embody the spirit of Wellington College International Shanghai. We hope our story inspires other schools to see what is possible when classrooms are connected to the wider world. Partnerships have been the heartbeat of our success, from universities to industry, and have given our pupils a valuable head start on their futures."

——Julian Jeffrey

Chief Executive Master of Wellington College Education (China) & Master of Wellington College International Shanghai

Holistic Education,

Flourishing Growth

Holistic Education Award

This award recognises the school that provides the most outstanding opportunities for students to develop skills outside the classroom and/or shows the greatest innovation and commitment in providing for their emotional, social, ethical and academic needs.

Hiba Academy Shanghai, winner of the Holistic Education Award, provides students with broad and open opportunities to thrive. Across more than 250 extracurricular activities spanning a wide range of disciplines, pupils are encouraged to explore their interests and develop what they love. Through pupil-led initiatives in charity, environmental action, sport and the arts, they build well-rounded competencies through first-hand experience, come to appreciate the weight of social responsibility, and discover purposeful ways to make a difference in the world. The school places equal emphasis on academic ambition, emotional development and social responsibility, sparing no effort in supporting each child’s all-round growth.

"Our holistic education approach is rooted in the belief that pupils should be more than academically successful. We want them to be Learners, Connectors and Changemakers—not just a motto but the foundation of our school. This award recognises the strong partnership between pupils, teachers and parents."

——Stella Zhou

Master of Hiba Academy Shanghai

CONGRATULATIONS

Holistic education is a shared educational philosophy upheld across all schools within Wellington College Education (China), while technology-enabled learning is a key engine driving our future-focused approach. The two awards received by our schools are not only a source of pride for each individual school, but also an honour for the whole Group.

These honours mark an important milestone, while also setting an even higher bar for the future. All of the Wellington College Education (China) schools will continue to uphold our vision of offering a pioneering education to serve and help shape a better world. As we move forward in step with the times, we will keep nurturing the ability to connect communities and contribute to a better future.