Uppingham School partners with Viet Capital Education to open first campus in Asia

Through its exclusive partnership with Viet Capital Education (VCE), Uppingham School U.K.—renowned for nearly five centuries of pioneering holistic education—is expanding its legacy to Vietnam. The decision comes as the U.K. and Vietnam celebrate their newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underscoring a shared commitment to educational and cultural collaboration.

An artist impression of Uppingham School campus in Hung Yen Province, northern Vietnam, upon completion. Photo courtesy of VCE ➤ Customs orders faster clearance for durian, other agricultural exports

Situated on a 4.7-hectare site in Ecopark, Uppingham School Vietnam – Hung Yen campus will accommodate around 2,000 pupils. The K–12 British international school will follow the U.K. national curriculum, offering iGCSE and A Level programs that prepare students for admission to leading global universities. The school will uphold the same academic rigor and international accreditation as its founding institution in the U.K.

Uppingham’s philosophy centers on all-round education, nurturing every student’s unique talents and character. This approach reflects the legacy of its visionary Victorian headmaster Edward Thring, who pioneered the integration of music, sport, and well-being into the British school experience. Carrying forward this spirit, the Vietnam campus will feature state-of-the-art teaching and co-curricular facilities, including a sports complex, performing arts center, football pitch, advanced laboratories, and modern libraries. These spaces are designed to foster creativity, community, and lifelong learning.

Artist impression of the entrance of Uppingham campus in Hung Yen Province.. Photo courtesy of VCE

The entrance of the school includes a convenient, canopied drop-off zone that ensures safe and smooth drop-offs and pick-ups in all weather conditions.

The completion of the campus is being overseen by Broadway & Malyan, one of the U.K.’s most respected architectural firms. Ben Somner, Practice Principal and Design Director, said the campus aims to “weave a nurturing community,” with architecture that inspires creativity, compassion, and connection, embodying Uppingham’s belief in learning through engagement with nature.

Uppingham Hung Yen’s football pitch takes inspiration from the pitched-roof design of Uppingham School U.K., blending tradition with modern architecture. Photo courtesy of VCE

At the heart of the campus, The Great Hall will serve as a multifunctional hub for assemblies, performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings. Meanwhile, kindergarten classrooms will open directly to landscaped outdoor play areas, blending indoor and outdoor learning environments that encourage curiosity, creativity, and collaboration among young learners.

Uppingham Hung Yen campus’s theater will serve as a hub for creativity and performance, embodying the school’s strong tradition in performing music and arts. With its state-of-the-art facilities, it offers pupils opportunities to explore drama, music, and production. Photo courtesy of VCE

At the Partnership Signing Ceremony held on Aug. 8, 2025, His Excellency Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Vietnam, congratulated the partners and emphasized education as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation.

“This year marks the 15th anniversary of the U.K.–Vietnam Strategic Partnership—a relationship built on shared values and mutual ambition,” Ambassador Frew said. “Education has always been central to this partnership, and today’s collaboration exemplifies how we continue to strengthen these ties for future generations.”

Dr. Richard Maloney, Headmaster of Uppingham School UK, added: “Uppingham has always been a pioneer in progressive education. We are delighted to bring our heritage of academic and personal development to Vietnam—a country that deeply values learning and global connection.”

Founded in 1584 under the charter of Queen Elizabeth I, Uppingham has long championed an education that balances intellectual achievement with moral integrity, creativity, and physical well-being. Under Dr. Maloney’s leadership, this holistic philosophy remains central to Uppingham’s ethos, as the School equips its pupils to succeed in the 21st century and to be positive, creative forces for good in their communities.