Hung Yen, Vietnam
On 7 September 2026, Uppingham School Hung Yen officially welcomed its founding students from Foundation Stage to Primary, alongside their parents, to the Orientation Day for the 2026–2027 academic year. The event not only unveiled a world-class British educational environment, but also reaffirmed the school’s commitment to a holistic educational philosophy through inspiring messages from the Board of Management and the Senior Leadership Team.
A Vibrant and Joyful Opening Day
From early morning, the campus was filled with warm laughter and cheerful conversations as families arrived. Overcoming the usual first-day hesitation, the young learners quickly felt at ease thanks to the warm and caring welcome from the Senior Leadership Team, as well as the international and local teaching staff.
Following the general opening ceremony, families moved to individual classrooms to meet their Form teachers. Gentle interactive activities, dedicated teacher guidance, and the excitement of exploring their personal lockers helped our young students quickly shake off any shyness, stepping confidently into the new school year.
The Senior Leadership Team and teaching staff welcome students and parents on the first day of the 2026–2027 academic year.
When the Learning Environment Serves as a Child's "Second Teacher"
Accompanying their children directly into the classrooms, many parents were deeply impressed by the meticulously invested educational space. Built upon the philosophy that "the learning environment is a child's second teacher," the learning spaces at Uppingham School Hung Yen were advised and interior designed by Broadway Malyan – one of the UK's leading architectural firms, to maximise safety while naturally stimulating children's creative thinking.
In particular, the Foundation Stage classroom area captivated attention with its open-plan design, seamlessly connecting indoor spaces with green outdoor environments. This layout expands learning experiences beyond traditional classroom walls, encouraging children to move freely, engage their senses, and explore the natural world safely. Meanwhile, the Primary classrooms, along with specialised function rooms, the libraries, and sports fields, are state-of-the-art equipped to optimally support project-based learning and physical development.
Learning spaces at Uppingham School Hung Yen
Strategic Vision and Holistic Educational Philosophy
Attending and speaking at the event, Mr Pham Hop Pho – Chairman of Uppingham School Vietnam, shared:
"At Uppingham School Hung Yen, we all share a single objective: to nurture and empower our students to become compassionate individuals who achieve holistic growth. In an ever-changing world, we believe that children can only unlock their fullest potential when learning in a truly happy and safe environment. The parents and students present here today are the pioneers walking alongside the school on this educational journey."
Elaborating on the pedagogical approach, Ms Kirsty Lowery – Headmistress of Uppingham School Hung Yen, delivered a deeply moving address to all parents. She emphasised that the school's holistic educational philosophy is built upon four core values: Curiosity, Community, Character, and Courage.
"We build a school where every student is truly understood, where they are known by name, and where their daily joys as well as their concerns are listened to. Holistic education does not stop within the pages of textbooks; it lives in the places familiar to them every day: on the sports field - where resilience is forged; in the concert hall - where they discover their true selves; and in every joyful moment shared with friends in the school courtyard. Uppingham School Hung Yen strives not merely to be a successful school, but more importantly, a school truly worthy of our children's growth and journey," affirmed Ms Kirsty Lowery.
The First Day of School for the Academic Year 2026–2027 at Uppingham School Hung Yen
Ms D. (an Indian national), a Primary parent working as an expatriate specialist in Hanoi, shared: "Having experienced the learning environment firsthand and listened to the Headmistress's address, our family is deeply impressed by the warm welcome and world-class facilities here. Every small detail reflects a thoughtful understanding of children's needs, giving us complete peace of mind in choosing Uppingham School Hung Yen as our educational partner in Vietnam."
About Uppingham School Hung Yen:
Situated on a 4.7-hectare campus within the Ecopark township, Uppingham School Hung Yen admits students from Kindergarten to High School (Foundation Stage – Year 13). Delivering the National Curriculum for England, combined with rich pedagogical excellence and state-of-the-art facilities, the school is dedicated to developing well-rounded generations of students who excel intellectually, physically, and morally.