Victoria School has become a strategic partner of UNESCO and Sovico Group in implementing the “Happy School” initiative in Vietnam with a view to promoting sustainable and inclusive education nationwide.
A cooperation agreement between UNESCO and Sovico was signed recently in central Da Nang city, marking a major step toward fostering a student centred and positive school environment. As a leading advocate for liberal and globally connected learning, Victoria School also drew attention at the 2025 Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF III), where its original musical The Enchanted Crossbow highlighted the school’s efforts to bridge education, the arts, and national heritage, thereby contributing to Da Nang’s emergence as a regional hub for culture, creativity, and innovation.
Building a National Framework for “Happy Schools”
The “Happy School” initiative seeks to establish a national framework in line with UNESCO’s global guidelines for safe, inclusive, and positive learning environments. The pilot phase will take place at no fewer than 20 schools across the country.
As a pioneering partner, Victoria School plays a central role in translating international education principles into local practice. Participating schools will incorporate local cultural elements, promote green and humane campuses, and prioritise mental well being for students, teachers, and the broader school community.
The initiative also involves close coordination with the Ministry of Education and Training to develop supportive policies, with happiness embraced as both a goal and a driving force of quality education.
A Holistic Education Approach
Guided by the belief that “happy students become the best version of themselves,” Victoria School is the first bilingual Cambridge international school in Vietnam to adopt the Happy School model under UNESCO’s 12 criterion framework. The school has built a nurturing and inspiring learning environment, underpinned by modern, sustainable infrastructure and an integrated curriculum combining international and Vietnamese programmes.
It also strengthens supportive relationships between teachers, students, and families, while cultivating a culture of respect, collaboration, and shared purpose. Victoria has launched a broad range of activities focused on mental wellness, arts, sports, and character development.
These include the Enchanted Crossbow musical, the STEAM for Girls competition, student led field trips, fundraising initiatives, and experiential learning programmes that empower students to explore individuality while building empathy and community spirit.
The Enchanted Crossbow on the International Stage
Performed entirely in English by more than 50 students, The Enchanted Crossbow was featured at DANAFF III on July 2. The production blends Vietnamese cultural motifs with Broadway style stagecraft, marking the first time a school musical has appeared at an international cultural event of this scale in Vietnam, underscoring the creativity, confidence, and global outlook of the country’s youth.
Strengthening UNESCO Collaboration and Teacher Development
As UNESCO’s strategic partner, Victoria School is also playing a key role in scaling up the Happy School model nationwide. Its teaching staff will participate in advanced training programmes led by UNESCO and contribute practical insights to the development of the project’s monitoring and assessment tools. The school will also help mentor and support other institutions adopting the model.
Christopher Bradley, Chief Academic Officer of the Victoria School System and Head of School at Victoria School – Saigon South, said that happiness is more than a goal, it is a journey nurtured in each classroom by every teacher and student. He emphasised that with UNESCO’s support, Victoria School is committed to fostering learning environments where students feel joyful, respected, and empowered to grow into kind, responsible global citizens.
Founded in 2022, Victoria School is a bilingual K–12 education system in Vietnam that combines the national curriculum with the Cambridge International Programme. With a focus on holistic development, it integrates UNESCO’s Happy School framework and emphasises student well being, sustainability, and innovation. Its Saigon South campus was the first in Vietnam recognised as a UNESCO Happy School.
