As August draws to a close, our campus is getting ready for the start of the new academic year.
On Friday, 21 August, ahead of the start of term,
Malvern College Chengdu will host the 2026-27 Academic Year Launch,
welcoming current families, families joining MCC in the new academic year, and families considering the school to our campus.
The event will provide an opportunity for families to meet with us in person, learn more about our academic direction for the new academic year, meet our new members of the leadership team, and hear about learning and exploration beyond the classroom through the experiences of our pupils.
A Summer of Exploration
This summer, MCC pupils have embarked on their own journeys of exploration in many different ways.
H12 pupil Jenny attended a summer programme at the University of Cambridge, experiencing a different learning environment on a university campus. Some of our G8 pupils took part in AI-related competitions, turning their interest in technology into real-world challenges and practical experiences. Others participated in iGEM and other biology-related projects, while pupils in our Prep School took part in the ASDAN Business Competition and the 2026 UK Young Performers Speech Competition (YPSC) Final.
Each experience reflects a different interest and choice, together forming the rich and varied Pupil Journey at MCC.
As the new academic year approaches, our pupils will return to campus bringing with them the interests, experiences and ideas they have developed over the summer.
A Team Ready for the New Academic Year
In 2026-27, Malvern College Chengdu will continue to build on its British educational heritage, while welcoming new educators and new academic perspectives.
Michael Urquhart, Headmaster, will continue to lead the school, carrying forward the Malvern educational tradition and our school culture.
Larry Liu (Director of Studies) will oversee academic development across the school, with a particular focus on the IGCSE and A Level years, while gradually extending this focus on teaching and learning into the younger year groups.
The Prep School will also welcome new leadership. Ian Barnes will take on the role of Head of Prep School, bringing extensive experience in international education in both the UK and China, with a particular focus on pupils’ learning experiences, development and school life.
Alongside the leadership team, our academic team for the new academic year will bring together a range of educational backgrounds and professional experience. From a Business teacher with a Cambridge University background to Lance Baguley, who previously worked at Malvern College Qingdao and brings extensive experience in international education and boarding, the new team will work alongside our existing teachers to offer pupils a rich and varied academic and school experience.
From Academic Development to Richer Learning Experiences
Academic development will remain an important focus for MCC in the new academic year.
At IGCSE and A Level, we will continue to focus on curriculum learning, teaching quality and the connection between academic development and pupils’ future pathways. At the same time, strong foundations in learning, positive learning habits and subject interests in the Prep and Middle School years will remain an important part of pupils’ long-term development.
Learning also extends beyond the classroom. Competitions, research, the arts, sport, summer programmes and a wide range of practical experiences give pupils opportunities to understand the world, discover their interests and broaden their horizons.
From the classroom to the wider world; from one experience to the next stage of exploration.
21 August｜A New Chapter Begins at MCC
For our current families, the event is an opportunity to return to campus before the start of term, learn more about the new academic year and reconnect with the school team.
For families joining MCC in the new academic year, or those considering the school, it is an opportunity to meet our team, experience our learning environment and learn more about the Pupil Journey at MCC.
The campus is ready, and our teachers are looking forward to welcoming our pupils back.
A new chapter for the 2026-27 academic year is about to begin. See you on campus on 21 August.
The Next Chapter of Malvern
