From Gloucester Green, Oxford, to Gloucester Road, Hong Kong!

From Oxford to Hong Kong

 

  The opportunity to meet directly with all current and prospective parents is something most schools can arrange with ease, and has long been one of the most fulfilling aspects for me of working in education. For Oxford International College, however, this can be a rare and significant occasion. Our college is based in Oxford, inhabiting a learning environment drawing on the city around it, but it is shaped by the global perspectives of our students and families. We pride ourselves on an international community that brings together outstanding young people from across the world, united by ambition and a shared commitment to academic excellence. To directly engage with our parent body, we need to get out into the world, and journey out to them to share our support and our values.
 
From the 5 to the 7 December, I had the privilege of meeting families who exemplify the values we hold dear. These meetings build on the trust and shared aspirations that defines OIC. We discussed the evolving landscape of higher education, the importance of strategic preparation, and the ways in which OIC equips students to stand out in a world where excellence is the baseline. From Oxbridge interviews to international applications, our approach combines rigorous academics with personal development and global awareness. In providing an education that is both ambitious and impactful, preparing students for the demands of an increasingly competitive university admissions environment, we know that top grades are only the foundation. Success it means cultivating resilience, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to thrive in complex global contexts. Every conversation we have with prospective parents and students, and current parents in the region, reinforces this vision, and my visit to Hong Kong and Macau was no exception.
 
The experience was deeply rewarding, and the warmth and hospitality extended to me were remarkable, and the insights shared by parents and partners will inform my work in the months and years ahead. I am profoundly grateful to the Nord Anglia Education team for their exceptional organisation and support, emphasising the supreme value of OIC forming an integral part of this global educational grouping. Their efforts ensured that every aspect of the visit ran smoothly, allowing us to focus on what matters most: meaningful engagement with families, both current and prospective. Our alumni played a vital role. Cheri, Sophia, and Beta joined us direct from their undergraduate studies at Hong Kong University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong to share their journeys, offering candid reflections on life at and after OIC and the opportunities that have unfolded as a result of their education. Their stories were inspiring for prospective parents and students, emphasising the importance of community and continuity, as former students return to support the next generation.
 
I also want to acknowledge the agents and parents who guided us through these vibrant cities and made us feel so welcome. Special thanks to Dr Beatrice Wong Pui Yiu, Josephine Pui Ling Kwan, and Anthony Fung, among others, for their generosity and insight. Their contributions go beyond logistics; they help us understand the cultural and educational priorities that shape families’ decisions, enabling us to serve our students better. As I reflect on the visit, one phrase stands out: a simple yet powerful expression of encouragement that I encountered and enjoyed: “Add oil” (加油). It captures the spirit of perseverance and optimism that defines so many of our students and of the families we met. I intend to carry this phrase with me as a reminder of the resilience and determination that underpin success, both for our students and for our college as a whole. Looking ahead, these connections will continue to shape our success. From Gloucester Green to Gloucester Road, the journey is a testament to the shared commitment to excellence that binds our community together.