Welcome from the Heads

Message from the High Mistress

I am delighted with the success of this important and exciting venture for St Paul’s Girls’ School which has seen the launch of a network of schools across China.

St Paul’s Girls’ School is an extraordinary school, occupying a unique place in the UK. Not only does it regularly achieve the best GCSE and A Level results in the country, but it also has a long and proud history of providing a truly distinctive ethos and education. Founded in 1904, the school has always been committed to genuine scholarship, promoting a love of academic discovery.

A joy in learning permeates the school, one of intellectual excitement and creativity in thinking. This ethos will also imbue our schools in China. St Paul’s has long offered its students both a classical yet forward-looking education, encouraging them to take risks, to think ambitiously and to play a leading role in the world beyond school. It is no coincidence therefore that our alumnae count leading scientists, journalists, artists and politicians. Among our earliest students was Rosalind Franklin, whose brilliant pioneering work was so pivotal for the understanding of DNA. She once commented that ‘science and everyday life should not be separated’, a maxim we would truly support.

We are dedicated to enhancing even further our provision for the creative technologies. This will be an important area of collaboration between our school in London and the new sister schools in China. We envisage students problem-solving together and working on exciting intellectual partnerships over time and space, facilitated by the latest technologies.

A St Paul’s education is rich in its co-curricular provision. Music plays an important role. The composer of The Planets, Gustav Holst, was director of music at the school for over thirty years, and his legacy continues. Likewise, the quality of drama and art is very high indeed. We believe that this is crucial to a rich education, and our aim is to provide similar opportunities for students in China. Most importantly of all, however, is our belief that all students should receive the kindest and most individual pastoral care, and this feature is central in our China-based schools.

We have never stood still and are immensely proud of this important new chapter in our history. We work exceptionally closely with our schools in China, and are forging ever deeper links between our students and staff.

Sarah Fletcher
High Mistress

Message from the Head of Junior School

Welcome to the Junior School section of SPGS International School Chengdu.

Our fun and lively Junior School offers students (ages 3-10) an exciting, holistic education that not only allows children to excel as they start their academic journey but also nurtures each child’s interests and talents outside the classroom. Celebrating individuality is a key aspect of our school and we give students the opportunity and confidence to develop to their full potential in all areas.

We combine the rich sense of tradition and strong pastoral care of St Paul’s Girls’ School with a progressive international curriculum and all the benefits of the local culture and Chinese language. Our team of exceptional educators reflect the high standards of an SPGS International School and follow the belief that children are at their most productive when they are having fun, genuinely engaged in the learning process, and fully involved in school life.

At the heart of our school is friendship, integrity and a love of learning. Our diverse, multi-cultural ethos instils boys and girls with a global understanding, kindness and a respect for others – fully preparing them for the world of opportunity that awaits as they progress through the Senior School and beyond.

The health and wellbeing of our students is of paramount importance to us and our Junior School promotes an open and caring atmosphere with lots of interaction between all members of our school. The House System encourages students to make friends outside of their year group and our relatively small size allows for a family-like campus which also upholds strong roots within the wider community.

We are fortunate to have bright, purpose-built facilities in the heart of the city’s Hi-Tech district. Our inviting learning environments and outdoor spaces allow children to explore ideas freely and our location in the city provides ample opportunity for students to experience the busy cosmopolitan life and culture of Chengdu, whilst still being within easy reach of the wonderful nature that Sichuan province provides.

No amount of words can explain the heart and feeling of a school, so we look forward to welcoming you to our Junior School, so you can experience it for yourself.

Phil Farrier-Price
Co-Principal & Head of Junior School

Message from the Head of Senior School

At SPGS International School Chengdu, we pride ourselves on facilitating each student’s passage to becoming twenty-first century citizens equipped for a global society. Being the inaugural school in China, which is inextricably linked to the St Paul’s name, our commitment to educational excellence reflects that of our sister school, where our core values are embedded within our community.

Being inquisitive and having a determination to succeed is palpable amongst our students, where music, drama, and art play as much an intrinsic part as the academic study they pursue. With highly qualified teachers and well-motivated students, we believe that SPGS International thoroughly deserves its recognition of being the ‘Best New School in China’ 2022/2023.

Naomi Edwards
Co-Principal & Head of Senior School