China’s Communist Party is behind a spate of takeovers of British private schools, officials believe – with more than 30 bought by Chinese investors in the past decade.
Department of Education and security officials are reportedly concerned by the trend – while sources claim they have been hindered by a failure to recognise China as a country which poses a risk to the UK’s national security.
A senior government source said China is ‘playing the long game’ by targeting private schools, adding that the country is ‘doing all the things we used to do as an empire’.
They told The Times: ‘They targeted universities before but have realised it’s easier to start younger. It’s ideological warfare. These children will grow up and be helpful to the Communist Party.’
Labour MP Phil Brickell, who sits on the foreign affairs committee, warned the UK’s ‘world-leading education system is an obvious target for influence’ for China.
He claimed previous governments have ‘misunderstood’ China’s strategic threat, adding the current one must ensure British interests are protected.
Analysis published in 2024 by Beijing-based company Venture Education said the demand among Chinese families for British education was the main reason behind the purchasing of schools.
The schools listed by Venture include Thetford Grammar School, which was founded in 1566 and is now owned by China Financial Services Holdings.
Meanwhile, Wisbech Grammar, founded in 1379 and bought by Access Education, is also on the list.
Some all girls’ schools have begun accepting boys after their acquisition, including Abbots Bromley and Ipswich High School.
Malvern St James was purchased in February, and a month later announced it would accept boys so it would appeal to the ‘overseas international boarding market’.
Venture Education’s managing director Julian Fisher previously said: ‘Surprisingly the application of VAT has increased interest from Asian investors, especially Chinese who generally see rupture as a time for opportunity.
‘But most are wary of the current uncertainty and plan to hold off on any short-term deals; preferring instead to wait and see which are the highest ranked schools that might be available for sale.’
He insisted that the only choices these private schools have is ‘taking Chinese investment, staying open, giving consistent education to its existing students’ or closing.
Sir Keir Starmer has resisted pressure from security services to put China on the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme (FIRS).
The scheme is set up to track people working for hostile states in the UK.
A Government spokesperson said: ‘All independent schools must adhere to the Independent School Standards.
‘This includes to actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
‘The Department for Education is the regulator of independent schools and can and will take enforcement action where the standards are not being met.’
