Shanghai 2025 Visit – The Wait is Finally Over!
We are delighted to share the exciting news that the wait is finally over! Our friends from Shanghai Yangjing Juyuan Experimental School have begun their journey to the UK. Having left their school earlier today, they are now on board their flight to London Heathrow Airport.
On arrival, they will be warmly welcomed by our Headteacher, Mr. Deri O’Regan, alongside Miss Doxon, our School Business Manager and International Coordinator. This marks the beginning of what promises to be a truly memorable and enriching cultural exchange for both schools.
We look forward to updating you over the coming days as we celebrate this unique partnership, strengthen international friendships, and provide our students with unforgettable learning experiences.
Day 1 – Saturday – Arrival Day!
Day 2 – Sunday – Tour of Bury St Edmunds
The group had a tour of Bury St. Edmunds with a member of staff.
Day 3 – Monday – Welcomed with Open Arms at King Edward VI
Monday was bursting with excitement as we officially welcomed our Shanghai 2025 guests with a vibrant morning celebration. The day began in style with warm greetings from Mr O’Regan, Year 9 students, Ms Sweny, Mr Elliot, Miss Doxon, and our wonderful Year 9 teaching team. The atmosphere was electric as our brilliant String Quartet and the talented Ms Zoë de Turberville filled the Foundation Room with uplifting music to set the tone for the day.
Our Prefects once again shone, leading engaging tours of the school and showcasing the very best of King Edward VI. Student Buddies went above and beyond, accompanying our visitors to two exciting lessons and helping them feel right at home.
The Shanghai students enjoyed a feast of refreshments throughout the day – with special thanks to Mr Punchard, our Chef, and his dedicated team, whose culinary creations received glowing praise. The sense of community was everywhere, as our students made sure the visitors experienced a true taste of school life. The sunshine even made a welcome appearance, perfect for capturing memorable photos!
To round off a truly special day, the group gathered in the lower hall for a wonderful evening meal with staff – a warm and joyful conclusion to their first official day at King Edward VI.
Day 4 – Tuesday -The Cathedral Tour and a Day by the Seaside!
Tuesday was another fantastic day for our visitors from Shanghai Yangjing Juyuan Experimental School. The day began with a visit to the breath-taking St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds. Our guests enjoyed a fascinating tour, discovering the Cathedral’s rich history and marvelling at its stunning architecture. A highlight of the visit was hearing the Director of Music play the magnificent organ – a truly unforgettable experience that filled the whole space with awe-inspiring sound.
Afterwards, the group made the most of the glorious sunshine with a trip to Felixstowe Beach. The Shanghai students embraced the sea breeze, waves, and seaside atmosphere, enjoying the chance to relax, laugh, and experience a classic English coastal visit.
In the evening, the students returned to school to be collected by their host families for dinner, while the visiting staff were treated to a delicious three-course meal generously hosted by our Deputy Head, Ms Tucker, with Mr O’Regan also in attendance.
It was, without doubt, a marvellous day – one full of history, music, sunshine, and friendship. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Day 5 – Wednesday – London was unforgettable
Wednesday was all about London calling for our visitors from Shanghai Yangjing Juyuan Experimental School, joined by some of our lucky King Edward VI students. The capital city put on a dazzling show, and our guests soaked up every moment!
The adventure began at Tower Hill, where history came to life against the backdrop of the iconic Tower of London. From there, it was straight onto a River Thames boat ride – gliding past the skyline and arriving in Westminster in style.
No visit to London would be complete without the big sights, and our visitors ticked them all off in one incredible day: St James’s Park, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Leicester Square, and Trafalgar Square. A picnic in the park was the perfect way to refuel before heading back into the bustle of the city.
The afternoon offered a mix of culture and excitement – from the treasures of the British Museum to the buzz of Covent Garden. And of course, there was time for a little shopping and soaking up the city’s vibrant energy.
As the sun began to set, the group strolled along the South Bank, enjoying riverside views and dinner together in one of London’s most atmospheric locations. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day, filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories.
A huge thank you to our fantastic King Edward VI staff who accompanied the group and made the day seamless: Miss Doxon, Mr Grey, Ms Trueman, and Ms Sweny.
From royal palaces to river views, world-class museums to iconic landmarks – our visitors experienced London at its very best. What a truly epic day in the heart of the UK!
Day 6 – Thursday – Cultural Exchange and New Friendships
Thursday was another wonderful day of connection and learning as our visitors from Shanghai Yangjing Juyuan Experimental School spent time with the pupils of St Edmundsbury Primary School and Risby Primary School.
The day began with a heart-warming moment at St Edmundsbury Primary, where two lucky pupils were treated to a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” sung in both English and Chinese by our Shanghai guests – an experience they will never forget! The joy in the room perfectly captured the spirit of this cultural exchange.
Our visitors then stepped into the role of teachers, leading interactive sessions in Chinese language and culture. Pupils had the chance to practise key phrases, try their hand at writing characters, and learn how to greet and introduce themselves in Mandarin. The laughter, excitement, and curiosity from the children made it clear that this was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
In the afternoon, the Shanghai students joined lessons at King Edward VI School, including sessions filled with hands-on activities, teamwork, and plenty of fun. These opportunities to learn side by side with our students continue to deepen the friendships and mutual respect between our two schools.
The day ended with our visitors returning to their host families, where more wonderful memories were made over home-cooked meals and relaxed family time. Meanwhile, the Shanghai staff were also able to enjoy King Edward VI School’s Open Evening, experiencing first-hand the pride, energy, and spirit of our school community.
We are deeply grateful to both St Edmundsbury Primary School and Risby Primary School for opening their doors so warmly, and to our host families for the incredible generosity and kindness shown throughout this exchange.
What a day! From songs and smiles to learning and laughter, today was all about sharing, friendship, and unforgettable moments.
Day 7 – Friday – Celebrating international friendship and saying farewell
Friday was bittersweet as it marked the final day of our incredible week with the students and staff from Shanghai Yangjing Juyuan Experimental School. The morning was all about getting ready for the highly anticipated farewell party that everyone was buzzing about! After lunch, it was all about rehearsals.
As the evening rolled around, the excitement continued. From the Music department, our student bands played some cool music. Parallel and Full Circle were amazing! Our Drama students delivered some fantastic performances such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and another called Family Conflict . The talent didn’t stop there – our guests from Shanghai wowed us with their own amazing performances. They sang; they danced. They acted some beautiful pieces. Richard, a Shanghai student also played River Flows in You by Yiroma on the piano. It was an incredible cultural exchange that left everyone in awe.
A big thank you to our Chef Mr. Punchard and his team for the delicious food and refreshments – they really outdid themselves! We were also joined by some of our wonderful staff along with students who helped make the evening extra special.
Mr. O’Regan and Mrs. Yumin gave a heartfelt farewell speech, and we exchanged some fabulous parting gifts with our guests, ensuring they’ll have something to remember us by. In return, we were treated to some thoughtful gifts from the Shanghai staff and students too. It was such a touching moment!
As the evening came to a close, the song of the evening was See You Again – a perfect choice to wrap up this magical week of international friendships, cultures, and unforgettable memories. The farewell party was the perfect way to cap off their visit, and we are already looking forward to the day when we can welcome our Shanghai friends back again – and we are especially excited to see them in May 2026! Until then, thank you for a week we will never forget.
Here’s to an unforgettable week of international friendship, culture, and memories!
Day 8 – Saturday – Farewell and safe travels
On Saturday, 4 October, we said a fond farewell to our wonderful visitors from Shanghai Yangjing Juyuan Experimental School. Their final day in the UK was spent exploring the beautiful and historic city of Cambridge – the perfect ending to an unforgettable week.
The group enjoyed a relaxing day soaking up the sights, taking in the stunning architecture, and doing a little shopping before heading out for a quintessential Cambridge experience: punting along the River Cam! It was a peaceful and joyful way to reflect on a week filled with new friendships, cultural exchange, and shared laughter.
After their Cambridge adventure, our guests made their way to Heathrow Airport, ready to begin their journey home to Shanghai.
We are so grateful that they chose to spend this special week with us at King Edward VI School. From learning in classrooms to exploring cathedrals, beaches, and London landmarks, this visit has been an inspiring celebration of global connection and friendship.
As we waved goodbye, we were reminded that this is not the end but the start of something lasting. We’re already looking forward to the next chapter — when King Edward VI School travels to Shanghai in May 2026 to continue this incredible partnership.
Wishing our friends a safe journey home and every happiness until we meet again. ✈️🌍✨
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me on shanghaivisit@king-ed.suffolk.sch.uk
We would also like to inform you that we have obtained some funding via the Turing Scheme to take 24 students to visit Shanghai in May 2026. Further information will be shared shortly.
Yours faithfully
Rosette Doxon
School Business Manager / International Coordinator
