Leicestershire's Links with China

Leicestershire’s link with Sichuan Province, China first began in 1984 when the Governor of Sichuan visited Leicestershire to discuss cooperation in business, trade, culture and education.

In November 1988, a newly appointed Governor, Mr Zhang Haoruo, visited Leicestershire to sign an agreement on the establishment of a friendly relationship between the County of Leicestershire and the Province of Sichuan. The agreement referred to exchanges, links and co-operation in the fields of industry, agriculture, trade, science, technology, culture, education, public health and tourism. The purpose of the agreement was to promote the continuous development of economic and cultural links between Leicestershire and Sichuan.

Since then a wide range of activities has taken place between the two regions to promote business, educational and cultural exchange, science and technology.

School links were first established in 2002 and in March 2004 the Leicester Shire – Sichuan Trade Bureau was launched. This is now the East Midlands China Business Bureau      

In 2006 Leicestershire was one of only three regions in the country to be awarded a HSBC grant, administered by the British Council, to support the development of school partnerships with China.

The school partnerships aim to support our young people in becoming successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens. This offers them an opportunity to prepare themselves for work in a global economy. Working together on joint projects they  are developing their awareness of China’s position and influence in the world and learning about Chinese culture and history.  

School partnership projects involve:

Abington High School, Wigston

Ashby Church of England Primary School

Ashby School

Badgerbrook Primary School, Whetstone

Belvoir High School, Bottesford

Bosworth Community College, Desford

Brookvale High School, Groby

De Lisle Catholic School, Loughborough

Dunton Bassett Primary School

The Garendon High School, Loughborough

Gilmorton Chandler Church of England Primary School

Holywell Primary School, Loughborough

John Wycliffe Primary School, Lutterworth

Lutterworth College

Lutterworth High School

Rawlins Community College, Quorn

Redmoor High School, Hinckley

Seagrave Village Primary School

Sketchley Hill Primary School, Burbage

Westfield Junior School, Hinckley

William Bradford Community College, Earl Shilton

Woodbrookvale High School, Loughborough

For detailed information about schools in your area and our partnerships with China please contact The International Links Coordinator