Wellington College China draws strength from the very close partnership with Wellington College. This partnership runs deep, with significant sharing of ideas and practices across the group and numerous exchanges of pupils and staff. The commitment to the China schools by the Leaders and Governors at Wellington College has seen visits by Julian Thomas, the Master, and Peter Mallinson, Vice President and Chair of the Wellington College Board of Governors, in recent months.

The partnership was further strengthened when representatives from Wellington College China were invited to meet with the current Duke of Wellington on 14th July 2016. The Duke of Wellington received guests from China and Wellington College at Stratfield Saye, his country estate, with the intention of learning more about the success of Wellington College China in establishing international schools in Tianjin and Shanghai along with the launch of the bilingual early years setting. His Grace conveyed his full commitment to Wellington College China and displayed great interest in learning about each of the schools, their development and how they serve the communities in Tianjin and Shanghai. Discussions focused on ensuring all Wellington Colleges continue to provide the highest standard of education that upholds the Wellington Values and Identity. The Duke of Wellington will continue his interest and support for the schools in China through his work as a governor of Wellington College.

The meeting concluded with Joy Qiao presenting the Duke of Wellington a traditional Chinese painting and poem by Macey Tian, a Year 8 pupil at Wellington College International Tianjin. His Grace enjoyed learning about the meaning of the poem that expressed the continued influence that Wellington College has across China and globe.

Joy Qiao, Chair of the Board of Governors for Wellington College China was accompanied by fellow board member Helen Kavanagh, International Business Director at Wellington College, along with Peter Mallinson, Chair of the Board of Governors for Wellington College and Ahmed Hussain, Director of Schools for Wellington College China.