Craigclowan agrees deal to found nursery schools in China

Revenue streams and cultural links to follow from new partnership

A Perth school’s name may become familiar across China thanks to a groundbreaking agreement.

Craigclowan Prep School has entered into a partnership to establish a chain of English language nursery schools in mainland China, using the licensed brand Craigclowan China.

“As the global economy expands, an opportunity has arisen for high-quality institutions such as Craigclowan to use their excellent reputation to develop new revenue streams and to forge cultural links with an important global economy,” said a spokesman for the Edinburgh Road school.

The intention is to open one nursery in September this year with plans for four more to be opened in Beijing over a three-year period.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement with Lukec (Leading United Kingdom Education and Culture Limited) Craigclowan will provide the

We are excited that Craigclowan is at the vanguard of forging business and educational links with this vibrant and energetic country

model for the curriculum, policy documentation, quality assurance and ongoing ambassadorial duties.

Craigclowan will benefit financially from the partnership which will support its work in Scotland and enable it to build on the education it provides to its own pupils.

It will also benefit from the cultural links and being able to welcome Englishspeaking Chinese national staff to Craigclowan for visits and exchanges.

An official signing of the partnership agreement between Lukec and Craigclowan was held at the school and attended by Pan Xinchun, Consul General.

Bill Farrar, chairman of governors at Craigclowan, said they were excited by the possibilities of establishing a chain of nursery schools bearing the school’s name in one of the largest economies in the world.

“I am delighted to be announcing this exciting new step for Craigclowan today, which will forge a strong new partnership with China, while also providing a secure and stable future for the education of the 240 pupils already in our care,” said Mr Farrar.

John Gilmour, headmaster of Craigclowan added: “We know China is providing a new focus for our global economy and we are excited that Craigclowan is at the vanguard of forging business and educational links with this vibrant and energetic country.”

From left: Consul General Pan Xinchun, Lukec chairwoman Guifang Lou, Bill Farrar, chairman of the board of governors of Craigclowan School, and headmaster John Gilmour.