May 19, 2022
Harrow’s Beijing School Changes Name to 'Lide' After Chinese Government Policy
W With the introduction of the EDB policy, schools in China can no longer use the propriety names of foreign institutions. One of the fallouts of this is Harrow’s Beijing School. The UK based school in China has changed its name to Lide.
Last year, the Chinese government banned the teaching of foreign curricula and the use of foreign textbooks in private schools that admit Chinese students through grade nine. This year, the government introduced new legislation prohibiting foreign institutions from using names like global and international in their local school names.
According to a representative from Harrow, the school will now be called Lide due to local authorities enforcing national rules.
…while there is continued demand for quality international education, particularly from Chinese families, schools and investors need to balance this with their capacity or appetite to navigate the risks and challenges of operating in China…
Research at ISC Research indicates that the name change likely will have no adverse impact on admissions to the school because brand image goes beyond name. Speaking to the press Pia Maske, East Asia research manager at ISC Research said, "Word of mouth is one of the most powerful channels for international school admissions and recruitment.”
According to sources, Harrow's bilingual school, which teaches Chinese students, will change its name, but Harrow's International School in Beijing, which only accepts students from abroad will not. The source said, “If the brand reputation is already strong and the learning provision right for the student, then a name change need not have a significant impact on a school’s admissions success.”
Although the private education sector in China grew by 3.4% over the past two years despite the pandemic, experts fear the latest dictates by the Chinese government might halt further progression. In response to recent changes in Chinese education policy, Westminster School, an English private school, has abandoned plans to build six bilingual schools in China. Experts fear more will follow if correct action is not taken. An education expert was quoted as saying, “While there is continued demand for quality international education, particularly from Chinese families, schools and investors need to balance this with their capacity or appetite to navigate the risks and challenges of operating in China.”
Posted in News and tagged News, Chinese Education, Chinese Government, Harrow's International School, Lide, Schools in China
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