Gordonstoun schools to open in China
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GORDONSTOUN has reached an agreement for the first of a number of schools bearing its name to open in China.
The first campus is set open in 2022, with others expected to follow as part of a multi-school project.
The stated aim is to combine the Chinese academic curriculum with key elements of the Gordonstoun approach to education.
Lisa Kerr, Principal of the private school near Duffus whose pupils once included Prince Charles, said: "Gordonstoun has been leading the way in character education since its foundation by visionary educationalist Kurt Hahn in 1934.
"We have 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."
Like their Moray counterpart the Gordonstoun schools in China will charge fees.
However it is being stressed that a "significant" number of bursaries will be available to Chinese children from the most under-privileged backgrounds.
Gordonstoun was established by Dr Kurt Hahn, a Jewish exile who fled Nazi Germany.
He founded the school with the ideal of developing better world citizens equipped to contribute to society.
He was also the driving force behind the Outward Bound Movement and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
A third of the Moray school's pupils are from international backgrounds.
Over a third also receive financial support to attend.
The school recently opened another boarding house to support growing student numbers.
