More than 1,000 pupils across 60 schools in England will travel to China for a language learning experience this week.
As part of the Mandarin Excellence Programme, 1,160 pupils and 157 teachers will attend this year’s trip where they will take part in intensive language and cultural activities across China.
From 30 June, students will be hosted by 18 institutions across 11 Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Dalian, Shenyang, Tianjin, Xi’an, Kunming, Hangzhou, and Wuhan.
This trip – which coincides with the 10-year anniversary of the programme – marks a milestone in supporting more than 18,000 pupils on their Mandarin language journey.
It follows news that funding for the programme has been extended for another year from August.
Professor Zhu Hua, Director of the Centre for Chinese Language Education at UCL Institute of Education, said:
“In 2026 we are delighted to be celebrating 10 years of delivering the Mandarin Excellence Programme. The MEP is a transformative programme that has contributed towards the diversity of languages that are offered by schools in England.
“The intensive study in China is a key component of the programme providing a unique and unforgettable experience, ensuring that students who participate in the MEP are on track to fluency and achieving excellent exam results as well as better intercultural understanding”.
Fiona Iglesias, the British Council’s Head of UK Schools, said:
“2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the Mandarin Excellence Programme which has seen more than 18,000 pupils take part over the years.
“These trips are vital for students to immerse themselves in China’s vibrant and dynamic culture as well as practising their Mandarin and intercultural skills.
“This experience will stay with them for life and will motivate them to continue their studies as well as building lasting friendships between people in the UK and China.”
The Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) is delivered by UCL Institute of Education on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) in partnership with the British Council and with the support of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC).
Since 2016, the programme has played a key role in building a sustained pipeline of Mandarin speakers contributing their skills to the UK workforce, including in diplomacy and security.
Mandarin is the second most widely spoken language globally and is considered a highly valuable skill for young people in the UK to learn.
According to British Council research, Mandarin ranks as the second most important foreign language for the UK's global influence.