On 21 September the Deputy Secretary-General of Shanghai Municipal Party Committee, Deputy Secretary of District Party Committee and District Mayor of Pudong Mr Weng Zuliang, in the company of Deputy District Mayor Ms Xie Yumin and Head of District Education Bureau Mr Wang Xiaoke, met with Ms Helen Kavanagh and Ms Joy Qiao. Helen Kavanagh is the International Business Director of Wellington College and the Deputy-Chair of Governors in Wellington College China and Joy Qiao is the Chair of the Executive Board of Wellington College China. The district leaders extended a warm welcome to Ms Joy Qiao, Ms Helen Kavanagh and Mr. Li Jinzhao, Chairman of Shanghai Lujiazui (Group) Co. Ltd.

Mr Weng Zuliang, District Mayor of Shanghai Pudong met with Ms Helen Kavanagh, the International Business Director of Wellington College and the Deputy-Chair of Board of Governors at Wellington College China

Mr Weng Zuliang, District Mayor of Shanghai Pudong met with Ms Joy Qiao, the Chair of Executive Board of Governors for Wellington College China

Ms. Kavanagh introduced the heritage of Wellington College in the UK, its 157 year history, and its continuing strong links with the British Royal family. She also noted the successful development of Wellington schools in China, with specific reference to Wellington College International Shanghai that lies in the heart of the Pudong New Bund International Business District. Helen explained that the Wellington College International Shanghai provides a world-class Wellington education to international pupils. Likewise, Wellington College Bilingual Shanghai offers equally high standard education to Chinese pupils which meets the growing expectations of Chinese parents for their children, especially those accessing early years education. Both Wellington Colleges in Shanghai are fully committed to continuing to working closely with Pudong government and to develop the rich educational landscape in the district.

Mr Weng stated that because of continued economic growth and the opening up of the entire district, Pudong is further promoting international exchange and attracts an increasing numbers of professionals from across the world. Pudong’s educational development has been driven by several high-standard international education groups. Mr Weng said that Pudong government will give great support, within the framework of local laws and regulations, to the bilingual education cooperation between Wellington College and Shanghai Lujiazui Group, and expected Wellington College International Shanghai be a greater success for the pupils and communities in Pudong and beyond. Following the meeting, all parties gathered for a commemorative photograph.

Photo from left to right: Mr Li Jinzhao, Ms Joy Qiao, Ms Helen Kavanagh, Mr Weng Zuliang, Ms. Xie Yumin, Mr Wang Xiaoke, Mr Liu Yuqing