Five Wellingtonians have received offers from the #9-ranked University College London (UCL), and we expect to see even more in the coming weeks. We are also seeing offers from the University of Edinburgh, the University of Manchester, Kings College London, the University of Bristol and the University of Warwick.  

We are seeing a lot more representation at great US schools this year as well. Offers have come in from some excellent private institutions, like Emory University, New York University, Boston University and Vassar, as well as widely respected public research schools like the University of Washington, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Wisconsin. 

Not only that, offers are coming in from Hong Kong University and the University of Toronto.  

These offers are the result of our pupils’ focus, hard work and commitment, of course, but they are also a testament to our dedicated Higher Education and Careers team, who help to create a clear and comprehensive pathway to success that starts as early as year 9. 

Our annual University and Careers Fair is an important waystation on this pathway. This year, our sister school Huili Shanghai graciously hosted, and it was a tremendous success. On 15 March, nearly 140 university admissions officers from the UK, North America and Asia were on site for a constructive afternoon of workshops and Q&A sessions. This was a unique opportunity for our pupils and parents to explore the diverse array of future pathways available to them and connect face-to-face with representatives from some great universities.  

This was also a way for them to draw deeper connections between their studies and potential careers and to learn how they can sharpen their focus and develop their skills accordingly.  

For our Higher Education and Careers team, this fair provided valuable external networking opportunities. So, looking ahead, they will be even more effective at helping our pupils find the school that is best for them.  

The 2024 University Fair was special for another reason as well. For three years, pandemic restrictions necessitated virtual fairs. This year, we were fortunate to once again host admissions officers in person, enabling our pupils to build connections face-to-face.  

The fair was an immense benefit to the wider Wellington community too, directly addressing parents' concerns about their children's higher education prospects through face-to-face meetings, discussions and consultations. Our Senior School families were keen to attend afternoon seminars and what today’s universities look for in applicants. The admissions officers also provided highly personalised guidance to Wellington families at dedicated booths.   

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But the University Fair is just one service our Higher Education and Careers provides. From years 9 to 13, every Wellington pupil has regular sessions with their personal counsellor. We think of it as a ‘five-year-dialogue’ in which pupils take the lead in planning their desired pathway through in-depth discussions and activities.