[T]he MP for Copeland has attended the official signing of a major educational contract between St Bees School and China-based education providers, Full Circle Education Group.
The partnership between the St Bees School Trust and its new Chinese investors was formally signed at a ceremony in Westminster last week.
Trudy Harrison MP joined Full Circle representatives, Rt Hon Nick Gibb, MP, Minister of State for School Standards and Minister for Equalities, Antonia Romeo, Permanent Secretary of Department for International Trade for the contract signing at Westminster School.
The ceremony, which formed part of the UK-China High-Level People to People Dialogue event – a Government led initiative celebrating the successful partnership of UK-China relations, also welcomed more than 100 distinguished guests from both the UK and China.
Mrs Harrison, said: “I was honoured to witness the official signing of contracts between the Full Circle Education Group and St Bees School Trust this week which will provide a British Chinese fusion curriculum with a focus on personal development.
“This incredibly exciting opportunity is to the absolute credit of the community and an innovative approach to learning and international investment that the doors to this beautiful and historic school will reopen to students next year.”
The partnership will combine Eastern and Western approaches to education, with a Fusion curriculum at the centre of the school.
Headquartered in Shenzhen China, Full Circle Education Group was one of the first private education providers in China.
Danny Wang, Managing Director of Full Circle: said “Tremendous goodwill and support from the local government and community have paved the way for this historic moment. We are extremely grateful to Trudy Harrison who witnessed our contract signing in London and followed up with a visit to the school shortly after. Her genuine care and support are a great encouragement to us.”
The Chinese education providers were chosen by the St Bees School Trustees as a partner for the expansion and growth of the school.
Mark George, Chair of St Bees School Trust, added: “The contract between Full Circle and St Bees School Trust is not simply a commercial agreement, but a commitment to our shared vision of building a new generation of education that integrates the best elements of East and West. I am very pleased that Trudy is fully in support of our vision.
“As the fastest growing economy in the world, China offers abundant business opportunities. Our investment in St Bees School will be a model to inspire other businesses in Copeland, and we look forward to working with Trudy in bringing new development of this kind.”
Rt Hon Nick Gibb Minister of State for School Standards, said: “The contract between the Full Circle Education Group and St Bees School will provide an important opportunity for the school, integrating the best educational elements of both Eastern and Western culture. Having spoken to Trudy, I know she is supporting it 100 per cent.”
In May, the school announced the appointment of its new Head Teacher, Jeremy Hallows, who took up the post in September 2018, ahead of the reopening next year.
