Mr Jianqing Liu and our Head Teacher

 

Kingsford Community School was honoured to welcome Mr Jianqing Liu, Deputy Director General of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), Department of Education in China, during his visit to the UK with senior ministerial colleagues. Having read extensively about Kingsford in the international press, Mr Liu expressed his deep appreciation for the school’s outstanding international outlook and commitment to personal development. 

Mr Liu praised the school’s renowned international welcome, where our global ambassadors warmly greeted him in multiple languages, calling it an experience he would "remember for a very long time." A highlight of the day was a stellar five-minute speech in Mandarin by Year 10 pupil Paula, which left a lasting impression on Mr Liu and led to a standing ovation. In recognition of her achievements, he offered to support her in applying for prestigious international scholarship opportunities. 

Mr Liu expressed his wish to support Kingsford as a beacon for sharing with others across the world the benefits that an international education can offer, enhancing the school’s status as a pioneering and award-winning Confucius Classroom. The visiting delegation also commended Kingsford’s personal development and CEIAG (Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance) programme in which the learning of Mandarin is recognised as an essential 21st century skill, highlighting the valuable insights they would take back to China. 

Head Teacher Joan Deslandes OBE welcomed the visit and thanked Mr Liu for extending the arm of international friendship, stating, "This visit marks a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to provide a globally enriched education for our pupils. We are committed to empowering them to thrive as confident and well-prepared global citizens, and our international exchanges and connections are a vital part of ensuring that they have access to the best opportunities both at home and abroad." 

 

The delegation and Kinsgford's leadership team.

Mr Liu and Kingsford pupils