The development of the Chinese market for UK providers was discussed at a morning event hosted by New Oriental, the country's largest provider of private educational services. 

Organised by the UK's Department for Business and Trade in Beijing as part of the StudyWorld China Roadshow, the UK-China Cultural Exchange Development Forum included speeches and round-table sessions on optimising language training and educational collaboration, and cultural exchange innovation.  

Speakers included Zhou Chenggang, CEO of the New Oriental Education and Technology Group, Jessica Shuck, chief operating officer of the Department for Business and Trade at the British Embassy in Beijing and Shoko Doherty, chair of English UK.  

Part of the successful StudyWorld China Roadshow 

The event was open to UK education providers attending the three-city StudyWorld China Roadshow event before the group travelled from Beijing to the last leg in Shanghai. English UK's China Roadshow, which returned after Covid in 2023, once again sold out rapidly and has been popular with agents as well as educators.  

Enormous potential 

Mr Zhou Chenggang, CEO of the New Oriental Education and Technology Group, said: 'There is… enormous potential for UK-China cooperation in helping students to better understand and experience the beauty of the English language and culture with such a long and glorious history. To do so, we will further strengthen our cooperation with British education in schools and language schools in the UK. 

'We also look forward to expanding our collaboration with more quality language schools and British education resources in the areas of language training and book publication… I believe our mutual efforts will finally bear fruits and we will start a new chapter in UK and China education and cultural exchange.' 

He added: 'Only when this younger education from different parts of the world better understand each other… and hold dialogues with each other in crisis, can this world and the people living in it enjoy a peaceful and prosperous future. So let's join hands and make this miracle happen.' 

Jessica Shuck, counsellor and chief operating officer of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) at the British Embassy in Beijing, talked about the UK and China's long history of working together in education and through partnerships in research to create a more connected global landscape.  

Gateway to global opportunity 

'ELT, summer training programmes and short-term study exchanges have been key to this collaboration, opening doors for Chinese students, professionals and educators, promoting economic exchange and professional mobility between our two countries.  

'Today, English is more than a skill. It's a gateway to global opportunities, connecting students with institutions, coaches and ideas around the world. At the DBT we are committed to supporting new education approaches and partnerships to open up opportunities for more international exchanges and enhancing education for all.' 

Return to 2019 numbers? 

Kishen Singh, chief operating officer of VFS Global, which streamlines visa processing for applicants in China, said there had been growth in student numbers in 2023 and 2024. 'I personally believe it's going to be back to 2019 levels in 2025,' he said.  

Increasing student numbers 

Shoko Doherty reminded the meeting that China was the UK's seventh biggest source market in 2023 – down from second pre-pandemic. 'It would be great to work with partners like New Oriental and increase the number of students visiting,' she said.  

The round table sessions outlined some of the developments in Chinese education and English teaching, with New Oriental companies running programmes to familiarise young students with aspects of life in the UK before taking short courses or considering long term education at boarding school or university.