On April 25, a delegation led by Ms. Geraldine McCafferty, Deputy Ambassador of the British Embassy in China, accompanied by Chris Butland, Head of North China Outreach, and Mathew Bonnon, Deputy Ambassador’s Chief of Staff, paid a working visit to our school.

Ms. McCafferty and her delegation first toured our music and academic teaching facilities. They were genuinely impressed by our School's advantageous geographical location, beautiful campus environment, world-class teaching facilities, and especially the well-designed acoustic spaces. They also observed ongoing music classes and inquired about the School's curriculum system, teaching models, as well as students' further education and career development prospects. Ms. McCafferty remarked that the teaching at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao combines the rigor and professionalism of British education with Chinese cultural characteristics. The School tailors its teaching to different learning stages and even the individual characteristics of each student, which is a highly valuable practical experience and a testament to the full implementation of the "holistic education" philosophy. She noted that the School has achieved remarkable results in just three years, serving as a model in the field of China-British cultural and educational cooperation. The British Embassy in China will continue to fully support The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao in accessing broader international resources and achieving greater development.

During the welcome concert held on the same day, Ms. McCafferty delivered a special speech, stating, “The story of Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao is an inspiring one and illustrates the power of people-to-people connections between our countries. Your School is an important part of the broader relationship between the UK and Qingdao. As Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao continues to attract some of China’s most talented young musicians, I wish you all the best for the School’s future development and growth.” After the performance, Ms McCafferty also took great interest in having friendly chats with the students who participated in the concert, looking forward to the day when they become international musicians.

As the only overseas branch of the renowned Yehudi Menuhin School in the UK, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao has not only achieved excellent educational outcomes since its inception but has also continuously contributed to international folk music and cultural exchanges. Earlier this year, a delegation of teachers and pupils, led by President Siqing Lu, and Director of Music, Thomas Rosenkranz, embarked on a week-long study tour to the UK for the first time. This was a comprehensive and in-depth face-to-face interaction between the two schools in areas such as teaching and research, student development, and public welfare activities, becoming an important part of China-British friendly exchanges. As Director of Music Thomas Rosenkranz put it, "Standing on the grounds of the Menuhin School in Cobham, where Lord Menuhin’s spirit seems to linger in every note, was nothing short of magical. Our young musicians performed at Mansion House, exchanged ideas with peers at the Royal Academy of Music, and glimpsed the vitality of Britain’s musical education—a system that has inspired generations, including our own.”

Relevant leaders and officials from Office of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the CPC Qingdao Municipal Committee, and West Coast New Area Foreign Affairs Office, accompanied the delegation during the visit.