After the British era, it’s Chinese apparently that is propelling the economic expansionism forward given the growing Chinese interests and investments in British Private school education.
Chinese investors have been acquiring or buying British private schools since 2017. According to one report, China has bought out over 30 private schools over the last 10 years. The count doesn’t stop there. Many British independent schools are reportedly going to Chinese hands over the next few years.
Talking to media, a British government official highlighted that China is “playing the long game” and doing what the British did as an empire.
Calling it “ideological warfare”, the official added that Chinese interests have shifted their focus from universities to younger students.
The Sunday Times quoted Labour MP Phil Brickell saying, “China is targeting Britain’s education system to exert their influence”. The MP urged protection of “British interests”.
Statistically, from 2017 to 2020, China had acquired around 17 schools in Britain. 30 British schools had come under Chinese ownership in 2024 alone.
