SQA Hosts Chinese Delegation for Educational and Cultural Exchange

Monday 25 August 2025

Earlier this month, SQA was honoured to host a delegation from its partner institution in China, Beijing Yinhong.

More than sixty teachers and students visited SQA’s offices in Glasgow with a view to strengthening international collaboration and foster cultural exchange and celebrate the success of a partnership that has now been running for over 20 years.

China remains SQA’s biggest international market, with 35 approved centres delivering SQA Advanced Diplomas to an increasing number that reached ten thousand students’ entries over the last two years. The visit by the delegation from Beijing Yinhong served as a reminder of our shared commitment to education. The visit also provided a platform to showcase SQA’s work and reflect on the positive outcomes that are contributing to a brighter future for learners in both countries.

The visit marked the conclusion of an exciting UK tour that was part of a broader cultural and educational exchange. The students, all winners of a prestigious English Expression Competition, participated in a five-day summer school at the University of Kent, where they refined their English language and study skills. Their UK trip was packed with memorable visits to London, Oxford, and Edinburgh, before the final stop at the SQA office in Glasgow.

During their time with SQA, the students took part in a lively cultural exchange with members of the SQA Young Talent Network. The morning was filled with insightful discussions about the differences in youth culture between Scotland and China, covering topics from music and social media to lifestyle habits. While the students connected with their Scottish peers, the teaching delegation took part in interactive professional development sessions led by an SQA External Verifier. The morning focused on active learning strategies to boost classroom engagement, while the afternoon explored the use of technology in teaching, with a focus on how it can assist with lesson planning, marking, and student feedback.

‘Through this activity both teachers and students can have a direct dialogue with SQA experts, to understand the latest pedagogic process, experiencing new teaching models, and ultimately share teaching and learning experiences for common development,’ said Ms Haixia Zhang, General Manager at Beijing Yinhong.

The feedback from both students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive. Students greatly appreciated the opportunity to connect with Scottish peers and gain new perspectives, while teachers left inspired by the innovative techniques and practical tools they could use to enhance their classrooms.

Two Decades of Excellence: The SQA Advanced Diploma Programme

The visit underscored the importance of SQA’s centres in China and the wider Chinese market to the organisation. Since SQA’s entry into the market in 2003, it has developed a strong partnership with the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), under the Ministry of Education. This programme was originally established through a government-to-government agreement and continues to directly support the Scottish Government’s international strategy. This collaboration has led to the successful delivery of SQA Advanced Diplomas in numerous Chinese universities, benefiting thousands of students. In 2024, SQA and CSCSE were awarded as ‘Best Education Partners of the Year’ by the British Council for the great cooperation between the two countries.

‘With solid professional knowledge, strong cross-cultural communication skills, and a comprehensive understanding of international issues, our graduates are excelling in their respective fields, driving social progress and international exchanges’, Ms Haixia Zhang, General Manager from Beijing Yinhong said.

She added: "The success of the SQA Advanced Diploma programme not only provides students with high-quality educational resources and development opportunities but also sets a model for UK educational professions and promotes cultural exchange between our two countries.’

‘We were delighted to welcome our friends from China. The continued growth of our partnerships in China is a key part of our global strategy, and we are proud to be a trusted provider of high-quality qualifications," said John Mc Morris, SQA’s Director of Business Development.

Gillian Hepburn, SQA’s Head of International, added, ‘China is a crucial market for SQA’s mission to provide high-quality, internationally recognised qualifications that equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed. Our qualifications are a bridge to advanced university entry and provide the relevant skills and experience for employment. We remain committed to continuing this successful partnership and exploring new avenues to support China’s educational ambitions.

China remains an important market for SQA’s mission to provide high-quality, internationally recognised qualifications that equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed. The visit served as a tangible demonstration of SQA’s dedication to this vital relationship.

‘It was a privilege to host our partners and to see this collaboration in action,’ added Aisling Kelly, SQA’s China Manager. ‘The energy and enthusiasm from both the students and teachers were proof of the strong bond we have built. We are excited to see what the future holds for this partnership.’

If you would like to find out more on the SQA Advanced qualifications, please visit the following page: About SQA Advanced qualifications - SQA.