This initiative connects Southend High School for Girls and Southend High School for Boys in Essex, UK, with East Shanghai High School in Shanghai, China. The programme aims to bridge the UK-China innovation ecosystems by fostering global talent development through STEM projects, cultural exchanges, and collaborative learning. It is designed to prepare students for a globally connected future while nurturing intellectual curiosity and cross-cultural understanding.
Southend High School for Girls: Academic Excellence
Southend High School for Girls is celebrated for its academic achievements, with 97% of students attaining grade 5 or higher at GCSE and an Attainment 8 score of 73.4. It is an “Outstanding” Ofsted-rated grammar school known for challenging students from Year 7 onwards with rigorous subjects like Further Maths and Latin.
Southend High School for Boys: A Partner in STEM Excellence
Southend High School for Boys is renowned for its exceptional academic achievements and commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity. It consistently ranks among the top-performing institutions nationally, with 99% of pupils achieving grade 5 or higher in their GCSEs and an Attainment 8 score of 75.3. The school is the first globally to receive five consecutive accreditations of the prestigious NACE Challenge Award, highlighting its outstanding provision for gifted and talented students.
East Shanghai High School: Technological Innovation
East Shanghai High School is a hub of modern education located near Dishui Lake in Shanghai’s Lingang New Area. Since 2009, it has collaborated with leading universities to offer advanced courses in drone technology, AI, robotics, and aerospace, boasting state-of-the-art facilities like innovation labs and an aviation engine teaching centre.
A Strategic Partnership
At the heart of this collaboration is the establishment of a sister school relationship. Plans include a joint student and staff exchange in July, which will be co-hosted by Southend High School for Girls and Southend High School for Boys. Mr. J Carey, Headteacher of Southend High School for Girls, and Mrs R Worth, Headteacher of Southend High School for Boys will lead this initiative alongside Lily Lin, CEO of EFEC, supported by EFEC’s Director of Education services, Paul Beashel. Reciprocal visits are planned for 2026. The partnership will explore joint STEM projects in areas such as environmental science and robotics—fields where both schools excel.
EFEC’s Role in Bridging Talent Development Ecosystems
EFEC has been a trusted partner in fostering UK-China collaborations for almost two decades. Through initiatives like this STEM Collaboration Programme, EFEC combines the academic strengths of Southend High Schools with East Shanghai High School’s technological expertise. This approach enables students to tackle real-world challenges while deepening their global awareness through cultural exchanges. EFEC is also committed to developing STEM talent by integrating advanced educational systems with industry needs.
Future Initiatives
This STEM Collaboration Programme focuses on secondary and sixth form students; however, EFEC plans to introduce additional programmes tailored for university students and graduates. These initiatives aim to further enhance the bridge between education and industry. Any UK schools interested in joining this initiative or exploring future collaborations are encouraged to contact EFEC.
Expanding STEM Talent Development: Partnership with Hangzhou Yungu School
EFEC’s commitment to STEM talent development extends further through its partnership with Hangzhou Yungu School—a pioneering institution created by Alibaba. This collaboration aims to expand STEM education into industry and engage broader stakeholders within the talent development ecosystem. By leveraging Yungu’s innovative approach to project-based learning and its integration of science and technology into education, EFEC ensures that its initiatives remain at the forefront of global educational innovation.
Looking Ahead
With summer exchanges and joint projects on the horizon, this partnership marks a significant step forward in international education. EFEC continues to set new benchmarks by fostering innovation and collaboration across borders while paving the way for more exciting projects that bridge education with industry needs.
Image credit: 1 - Photo credit to Southend High School for Girls. 2 - Southend High School for Boys. 3 East Shanghai High School. 4 - A UK study programme organised by EFEC for postgraduate students from Nanjing Normal University.
