On 22 October 2026, the University of Manchester China Centre and Shanghai Arete Bilingual School signed a memorandum of understanding on talent development. The agreement was signed by Dr Sherry Fu, Founding Director of the China Centre, and Gloria Gong, Principal of Shanghai Arete Bilingual School, and witnessed by Weiping Li, Secretary-General of the International Education Association Shanghai. The MoU formalises the two organisations' intention to work together on talent development.

From left: Weiping Li, Sherry Fu, Gloria Gong, Vincent Xu

The MoU follows a school visit on 17 September, when Dr Paul Armstrong and Dr Bee Hughes of the Manchester Institute of Education visited Shanghai Arete Bilingual School with Dr Fu and Senior Course Counsellor Crystal Cheng. Organised by UoM alumni, Arete’s Vice Principal Vincent Xu, the visit included a discussion with Principal Gong on school development, AI and teacher leadership.

From left: Dr Sherry Fu, Dr Bee Hughes, Gloria Gong, Dr Paul Armstrong

The discussion focused on applying theory to real problems, using technology with care and helping students connect with their communities and adapt to change. Principal Gong also described how the school's Professional Development Centre supports staff development and collaboration with families and the wider community.

Dr Fu said the China Centre would continue to connect the University's academic resources with education practice in China. Under the MoU, the two organisations will develop exchanges in teacher development, school leadership and professional development for international educators.