From his recent visits, Mike Buchanan outlines what UK schools should learn from China

 

I recently spent a few days in Tianjin to the southeast of Beijing, where I am providing advice and support on the expansion of a bilingual school, HIKSVS International School, as it opens a senior section in September this year. The last time I visited was more than 18 months ago when the building didn’t exist and the idea was embryonic. The building is now complete, the head is appointed and the first cohort of 250 pupils should arrive in September. The pace of development is impressive and is characteristic of the can-do approach and long-term optimism of the people I met.

Education systems around the world vary significantly, shaped by cultural values, economic and political priorities, and historical developments. The UK has long been recognised for its strong academic traditions, but in recent years, China’s education system has gained global attention for its high performance in international rankings like PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment). While the two systems have fundamental differences, UK jurisdictions and schools could benefit from examining some of China’s most effective educational strategies – particularly in mathematics, behaviour, and the use of technology.

1. Mastery of core subjects – especially mathematics

China’s approach: depth over breadth

One of the most striking differences between Chinese and UK education is the emphasis on mastering core subjects, particularly mathematics. While this approach is taken in some UK schools it is not universal. Chinese students consistently outperform their Western counterparts in maths, and this success is largely attributed to:

• A structured, repetitive learning method – Chinese maths teaching focuses on deep understanding through repetition and problem-solving, rather than rote memorisation alone.
• Early introduction of advanced concepts – topics like algebra and geometry are introduced at a young age, allowing pupils more time to develop fluency.
• Daily practice and homework – Chinese pupils spend significantly more time on homework, reinforcing lessons outside the classroom.

What UK schools can learn

The UK has made efforts, particularly in England, to improve maths education, including the adoption of the ‘Shanghai maths’ approach in some schools, inspired by Chinese textbooks. Yet there is more to do and further to go:

• Greater emphasis on foundational skills – ensuring pupils fully grasp the basics before moving on to complex topics.
• More frequent low-stakes testing – regular quizzes helping to reinforce learning without the pressure of high-stakes exams.
• Teacher specialisation in primary schools – in China, primary maths teachers often specialise only in mathematics, whereas UK primary teachers cover all subjects. Specialisation more generally could improve teaching quality.

2. High expectations and discipline

China’s approach: a culture of academic rigour

Chinese schools are known for their disciplined environment, where high expectations are the norm. Key features include:

• Longer school days – many schools operate from 7.30am to 5pm with additional evening study sessions.
• Strict behavioural standards – respect for teachers and a strong work ethic are deeply ingrained and reinforced.
• Parental involvement – families prioritise education and the culture emphasises and supports this.

What UK schools can learn

While the UK may not want to replicate China’s intense pressure, there are valuable lessons in fostering a culture of excellence:

• Clear academic expectations – setting higher standards while providing support to meet them.
• Structured routines – consistent homework policies and study habits.
• Parental engagement programmes – encouraging parents to take a more active role in their child’s education, without excessive pressure.

3. Effective use of technology in education

China’s approach: ed tech integration

China has rapidly embraced educational technology, with innovations such as:

• Artificial intelligence-powered learning platforms – apps like Squirrel AI provide personalised tutoring based on pupil performance.
• Online homework systems – platforms like DingTalk streamline assignments and teacher-student communication.
• Virtual classrooms – even before the pandemic, China was experimenting with large-scale digital education.

What UK schools can learn

The UK has also adopted ed tech, but China’s systematic integration offers insights:

• AI-assisted learning – using adaptive software to identify and address individual pupil weaknesses.
• Blended learning models – combining traditional teaching with digital tools for more flexible education.
• Teacher training in tech – ensuring educators are skilled in using new technologies effectively.

4. Building personal resilience

China’s approach: emphasising effort over innate ability

While Chinese education is often seen as high-pressure, it also instils a strong belief in hard work. The concept of ‘eating bitterness’ (enduring hardship) teaches pupils persistence.

What UK schools can learn

• Encouraging resilience – teaching pupils that struggle is part of learning, not a sign of failure.
• Reducing grade inflation praise – focusing on effort, rather than just outcomes.
• More challenge – requiring children to attempt increasingly difficult tasks to build perseverance.

5. Balancing wellbeing and achievement

The risks of overemphasis on exams

China’s system has faced criticism for extreme academic pressure, leading to high stress levels among pupils. The UK can adopt Chinese strategies without sacrificing mental health.

Potential adjustments for the UK

• Adopting higher standards and supporting wellbeing using evidence-based proven programmes from positive psychology, alongside rigorous academics.
• Requiring co-curricular balance – increasingly China’s historic focus on academics is now balanced with visual and performance arts, sports and creative opportunities in music, gaming and coding.

China is forging ahead in so many areas and without the need of the West. It is rapidly becoming a highly skilled, affluent and forward-looking society. When I visited 18 months ago, most of the cars I saw were European makes. Now, most are Chinese and the majority are electric. The UK and China have very different educational philosophies, but there are valuable lessons to be drawn from China’s success in maths, discipline and technology integration. By selectively adapting these strategies – while maintaining a focus on creativity and pupil wellbeing – UK schools could enhance academic outcomes without compromising the holistic development of their pupils. The future of education probably lies in blending the best of these worlds – the UK’s emphasis on critical thinking and individuality, with China’s rigorous standards and innovative use of technology.

 

Mike Buchanan is the founder of PositivelyLeading.co.uk