The headteacher of a school in Ellesmere has shared his expertise with Chinese officials.

Brendan Wignall, long standing headmaster of Ellesmere College, was personally invited to address a select group of Government ministers while they were in Britain.

He spoke at a British International Education Association event about the benefits of extra-curricular activities in British schools.

“We have offered advice to a number of Chinese bodies over the years about broadening the education system that they have and addressing the development of people who can become leaders in their own country, very much modelled on what Ellesmere has to offer. It was a great honour to be asked to share our experiences to such an elite audience. I was very proud to share Ellesmere’s wide range of achievements with the teachers from China, including those in Academic pursuits, Music, Drama, and sporting achievements; they were thoroughly impressed.

“Children in many Chinese schools have very little time for arts, sport, leadership opportunities or further global engagement activities.

“The heavy focus on academic results means children may study until midnight with just a few hours of sleep. The Chinese teachers thought the students at Ellesmere are very lucky to have access to such a well-balanced and coordinated set of opportunities.”

Mr Wignall addressed the group on a variety of important themes, including safeguarding, academic rigour, curriculum development, pastoral support and boarding school management.

Government ministers Mr Xu, Minister Counsellor of Chinese Embassy, and Mr Ho, of UKCBA, were among the audience at the event in London last month.

There were also other Chinese dignitaries there and a large group of teachers from Shanshayuan Shangyou School in China, who were attending a 10-day intensive teacher program with BIEA to learn best practices in UK schools.

“The best questions were those that really made you think, but at the same time were easy to answer; ‘What makes a successful school?’ being one,” Mr Wignall added.

“The answer is a committed leadership team, an excellent set of professional teachers, a globally recognised set of qualifications and a broad approach to pupil development via an expansive co-curricular programme. At Ellesmere we believe that developing the whole pupil is much more than just passing examinations; a philosophy which is paramount to the continued success of nurturing our students.”

Following the talk Ellesmere College will have the opportunity to host, and take a key part in, teacher training programs with BIEA and visiting teachers from global schools.