Top UK independent school breaks new ground with expansion into Vietnam

The RGS, crowned Tatler School of the Year for 2020-2021, signed contracts this week at an official ceremony kindly hosted by the Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK, Nguyen Hoang Long and First Secretary, Huong Ly Tran.

They were also joined via video link with their new educational partners with Chairman Bich Thuy Mai and the British Consul General to Vietnam Emily Hamblin.

A global epidemic isn’t the best time to enter complex international negotiations, but despite delays and disruption wrought by Covid the top independent school has succeeded in establishing a new educational partnership in Vietnam. It is the first of its type between a British school and Vietnam.

Reigate Grammar School, founded in 1675, is also planning to open an International Sixth Form college in the city in 2023 and, potentially, a third school soon after.

The ISV, in Hanoi, is a not-for-profit which caters for children from pre-kindergarten to sixth form and serves both the international and local communities. It was founded nine years ago. Under the terms of the agreement, ISV will be renamed Reigate Grammar International School Vietnam. A strong IGCSE and A-Level programme will accompany the current International Baccalaureate.

RGS International Managing Director Sean Davey said: "This is a great opportunity for us, and a privilege to be able to take our school brand and the outstanding education RGS provides to a vibrant part of Asia. We have built a strong bond with our partners at ISV and we are all very excited about this collaboration and the promotion of British education and international education. So many life-changing opportunities will be created for pupils and staff.".

According to Shaun Fenton, Reigate Grammar School Headmaster, This is an opportunity to create a new paradigm, blending the best of two cultures and two education traditions to create a unique school environment focused on personal development, high achievement and supporting children into world-class universities.

The RGS already has three school projects in China and in agreement to open another in Morocco.