CASE STUDY · 21–29 MARCH 2026
China: learning together,
building partnerships
A GSE school leadership visit connecting Hampshire educators with schools in China — opening conversations about teaching, culture and lasting international partnerships.
CHANGSHA → JINAN → QINGZHOU → BEIJING
New perspectives on school life
In March 2026, Global School Exchanges brought a Hampshire school leader delegation to China for a programme of school visits, professional dialogue and cultural learning. The aim was to give educators first-hand insight into another education system and create opportunities for schools to learn from one another.
The programme combined school tours, lesson observations, discussions with school leaders, pupil performances and opportunities for UK delegates to share teaching. Across primary and secondary settings, it invited participants to reflect on their own practice and explore future collaboration.
School leaders sharing experiences and ideas during the visit.
PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK
Support that delegates valued
5/5
Pre-trip support
5/5
Support during the trip
10/10
Recommendation score
All five respondents gave these scores. Based on five completed post-trip feedback responses; these results describe the respondents, not every delegate.
A programme across four cities
Changsha · Exploring school life
Visits to schools in Changsha offered opportunities to explore school life through tours and conversations, compare approaches and begin building relationships.
Jinan · Sharing practice
The programme included primary and secondary schools in Jinan. Planned activities ranged from lesson observations and cultural experiences to English, science and rugby teaching, with time for leadership discussion.
Qingzhou · Developing connections
School visits in Qingzhou focused on educational dialogue, teaching and partnership discussions, alongside opportunities to explore the city’s cultural heritage.
Beijing · Cultural context
The final stage of the itinerary allowed time for cultural exploration, with optional visits to the Great Wall or the Forbidden City before returning to the UK.
Exploring the cultural setting beyond the classroom.
Ideas to bring back to the classroom
Feedback highlighted the breadth of school life delegates encountered: cultural clubs, arts, daily exercise, outdoor cooking and growing food. Participants reflected on how movement, creativity and wellbeing might be woven into everyday routines at home.
Other responses focused on looking at teaching with a more open mind and finding ways to bring British and world cultures into lessons. These were individual reflections and intentions for future practice, rather than measured changes across the delegation.
LEARNING IN ACTION
Moments from the school visits
Sharing teaching and learning in the classroom
Learning together through a hands-on cultural activity
Taking part in sport together
Sharing an outdoor teaching activity
BEYOND THE VISIT
A connection already continuing
One respondent reported that a new school partnership had already led to an exchange of teaching resources, with a pupil project planned as a next step. This offers a concrete early example of a connection continuing after the visit.
“A well curated but thrilling insight into the Chinese educational experience.”
— Trip participant, quoted anonymously
Introducing UK school life as part of the professional exchange.
In participants’ own words
“Incredible experience that is once in a lifetime, not only getting to visit a new country but explore their education system.”
— Nicole Tofte
“An all go yet invigorating and eye-opening trip to educational establishments in China that broadened my perspective and left me inspired.”
— Roxanne Pearce
Explore what an exchange could mean for your school
From professional learning to school partnerships, GSE helps educators start conversations that can continue well beyond a visit. Speak with our team about opportunities for your school.