#Kazakhstan #Astana #STEM Education #Haileybury Astana #Kazajistán

Haileybury Astana's Groundbreaking Science and Technology Center

On October 10, 2025, Haileybury Astana, a prestigious British international school located in Kazakhstan, celebrated the inauguration of its new Science and Technology Center. This state-of-the-art facility, overseen by Headmaster John Coles, marks a significant advancement in educational infrastructure dedicated to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The opening ceremony was attended by notable guests, including Zhuldyz Suleimenova, the Education Minister of Kazakhstan, and Sally Axworthy, the new British Ambassador to Kazakhstan, among other prominent figures from the education and business sectors.

The center spans over 3,000 square meters and is designed to inspire students through innovative learning methods. It integrates cutting-edge laboratories, flexible classrooms, and collaborative spaces, all tailored to enhance hands-on experiences in STEM education. Features of the facility include modern robotics and mathematics labs, 3D visualization classrooms, and interactive learning environments, all built to international standards.

Ian Hunt, Chairman of the Board at Haileybury Astana, highlighted the center's dual purpose as a hub for the school community and a venue for national and international competitions for gifted students from across Kazakhstan. He stated, "The Science and Technology Center will not only serve our school community, but will also host national and international competitions for talented students throughout Kazakhstan. Through our scholarship program, we aim to broaden access to high-quality education and nurture the next generation of scientists and innovators."

Remarkably, the completion of the Science and Technology Center took just ten months, with a total investment of 3.4 billion KZT provided by Verny Capital. Aidan Akanov, the CEO of Verny Capital, remarked on the historical significance of this initiative, stressing the company’s commitment to social business practices and the advancement of education in Kazakhstan. Together with their key partner Bulat Utemuratov, they plan to continue investing in projects that enhance the country's human capital and create sustainable opportunities for youth.

In the coming years, the Science and Technology Center aims to establish partnerships with leading international research and educational institutions. This collaboration will provide students the opportunity to engage in real-world scientific challenges while being mentored by experts in the field. The center represents not just an infrastructural development but a transformative step in enriching Kazakhstan's educational landscape.

To cement its role in the community, the center is poised to become a beacon of advancement and innovation, aligning local talent with global standards in education. As education systems around the world continue to adapt to the evolving demands of society, Haileybury Astana's new initiative underscores a forward-thinking approach to fostering scientific inquiry and technological proficiency among its students.

The establishment of such a cutting-edge facility exemplifies the progressive direction of Kazakhstan's educational reforms, contributing significantly toward developing skilled professionals equipped to tackle the complexities of the modern world.