The owners of the Haileybury schools in Almaty and Astana have announced that, following discussions between all parties, the schools will begin a new partnership with Wellington College International from August 2027. The transition will bring to a close a highly successful relationship between Haileybury and the schools that has spanned almost twenty years and helped establish two of Kazakhstan’s leading international schools.

Over that period, Haileybury has played a significant role in developing schools that are widely respected for the quality of their education, their strong academic outcomes and their contribution to the educational landscape in Kazakhstan. Today, both schools are thriving, with strong leadership teams, talented staff, excellent pupils and a clear sense of purpose.

The schools will continue to operate uninterrupted throughout the transition period, with a shared commitment from all parties to ensuring continuity and stability for pupils, families and staff.

Nearly Two Decades of Educational Excellence

A spokesperson for Haileybury said:

“Haileybury is a pioneer in international education, having been the first to establish schools in Central Asia. Haileybury Almaty was established in 2008, followed by Haileybury Astana in 2011. Both schools have grown from strength to strength through their long, close and successful association with Haileybury.”

He said the organisation had recently created the Haileybury Education Group to proactively develop partnerships in the UK and around the world, building on its strong track record and collaborating with organisations and individuals that share its focus on establishing outstanding schools. Following a review of its international portfolio, Haileybury is working closely with its partners in Kazakhstan to support a smooth transition to a new group from August 2027.

The spokesperson added that Haileybury remains fully engaged in the governance of the schools and will continue to maintain strong leadership and operational links throughout the transition period. The organisation also said it was immensely proud of what had been achieved over nearly two decades and of the contribution the schools continue to make to education in Kazakhstan.

Haileybury Kazakhstan schools in Almaty and Astana have announced a new partnership with Wellington College International, beginning in August 2027
Haileybury Kazakhstan schools in Almaty and Astana have announced a new partnership with Wellington College International, beginning in August 2027

Wellington College International to Lead the Next Chapter

Wellington College International will begin working with the schools from August 2027 as they enter the next stage of their development.Wellington recognises both the achievements of the schools and the important role Haileybury has played in their growth and success. Its focus will be on building upon the strong foundations already in place while supporting the schools’ continued development in the years ahead.

Ian Hunt, Chair of Haileybury Kazakhstan, said Haileybury had been a valued and trusted partner for almost twenty years, adding that the strength, reputation and success of the schools today owed a great deal to the commitment, expertise and educational vision Haileybury had brought throughout that period. He said the schools were proud of what had been achieved together and grateful for the role Haileybury had played in helping to establish two of Kazakhstan’s leading international schools. Looking ahead, he added that the schools were excited to begin a new partnership with Wellington College International and believed Wellington’s experience, expertise and international outlook would support the next phase of development while building on the strong foundations already in place.

Building on Strong Foundations

A spokesperson for Wellington College International said:

“These are already highly successful schools with strong leadership, talented staff and a well-established reputation for educational excellence. We have great respect for what has been achieved over the past two decades and look forward to building on those foundations as the schools enter their next chapter.”

Throughout the transition, the priority for all parties remains the continued wellbeing, development and success of the pupils, staff and families who make up these school communities.

The new partnership marks an important milestone for both schools as they prepare for the future while maintaining the high standards and educational excellence that have defined their success over the past two decades.