Wellington College International Launches First School in Africa, Aiming for Educational Excellence
Wellington College International, known for its commitment to high-quality British education, is taking a significant step by opening its inaugural school on the African continent. Wellington College International Lagos is scheduled to commence operations in September 2027, situated within the vibrant Alaro City in Lagos, Nigeria. This project represents a collaborative effort between Wellington College and Rendeavour, a company dedicated to developing sustainable urban environments in Africa.
The upcoming institution will be a co-educational boarding and day school that can accommodate up to 1,500 students aged between 3 and 18. Utilizing the English National Curriculum, the school aims to blend Wellington College's renowned academic pedigree with Nigerian cultural insights to deliver a comprehensive educational experience. This approach is expected to foster not only intellectual growth but also personal character development and leadership skills among its students.
The newly constructed campus will span 12.5 hectares and is crafted by the award-winning British architectural firm MICA Architects. Facilities within the campus are designed to support a wide range of educational pursuits, including sports, music, and the arts, while prioritizing student wellbeing. Notably, the school will be the first private educational institution in Lagos to feature a 50-metre Olympic-size swimming pool, complementing its state-of-the-art performing arts theatre, medical center, and integrated STEM laboratories. In addition, recreational amenities such as an indoor sports complex, multiple outdoor courts, a 400-metre athletics track, and a full-size rugby pitch will reinforce the institution's commitment to holistic education.
Paresh Thakrar, the Managing Director of Wellington College International, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that it lays a robust foundation for educational excellence. He noted that the merging of Wellington College's esteemed tradition with Rendeavour's expertise in urban development sets a new standard for education across Africa, aiming to equip future generations with essential skills for a dynamic world.
Stephen Jennings, Founder and CEO of Rendeavour, underlined the pivotal role of education in driving Africa's long-term development. He remarked, “Wellington College International Lagos stands as a monumental investment in the future of Africa, poised to groom the subsequent generations of leaders who will spearhead innovation and inclusive growth on the continent.”
Alaro City, the site of the new school, is designed as a fully integrated urban ecosystem, planned over an expanse of 2,000 hectares. It combines residential, commercial, industrial, and educational spaces with ample green areas for recreation, establishing a model community for future urban developments.
Wellington College International Lagos will not only mark the first Wellington College establishment in Africa but also its eleventh globally, joining a network of schools around the world, including locations in the UK, China, Thailand, Indonesia, and India, which together cater to over 10,000 students. The launch of this school illustrates Wellington College International's ambition to widen access to British education while acknowledging and integrating local characteristics into its learning philosophy. As such, this endeavor is likely to enhance the landscape of education in Nigeria and set an enlightening example for the entire continent.