As of 31 January 2025, Wycombe Abbey School Changzhou (WASCZ) graduates have secured an impressive 135 offers from some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Notably, this includes the school’s first Oxford and Cambridge offer of the year. Other offers have been extended by institutions such as University College London, the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Manchester, and New York University. Beyond the fields of music and art, over 30% of these offers are from QS Top 50 universities, with more than 70% from QS Top 100 institutions.
The university offers span a diverse range of countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Switzerland. Their intended disciplines reflect a broad spectrum of students, from natural sciences and humanities to social sciences, data analytics, aerospace, music, and art. This diversity of opportunities is a testament to the comprehensive education WASCZ provides.
Additionally, students pursuing music and the arts received offers from top-tier institutions such as the Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, further showcasing the school’s commitment to nurturing talent in all fields.
Hear From Our Scholars
Michael Slotema – WASCZ 2025 Graduates University of Oxford Pre-admission Economics and Management Offer International Scholar
The journey of Michael Slotema, an international scholar at Wycombe Abbey Changzhou, to Oxford, is a testament to the transformative power of education. In his two years of study at Wycombe Abbey Changzhou, he has used his first-hand experience witnessing China’s rapid economic and social development to differentiate himself from his UK-based peers. In his university application essays, Michael eloquently analyzed how China’s advanced infrastructure has driven its economic growth. His distinctive cross-cultural insights and academic excellence culminated in an offer from Oxford University, a journey that inspires us all.
For Michael Slotema, the scholarship program has been a life-changing experience. Moving far from home was initially daunting, but it quickly became a journey of self-reliance. He found support in his fellow scholars and the school’s pastoral staff, forming strong, lasting friendships that made the adjustment easier.
The language barrier was challenging at first, but through conversations with local students, Michael gained a deeper appreciation for Chinese language, values, and culture. These personal connections helped him truly understand the country beyond what he had learned in books.
City breaks to Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing brought China’s rich culture to life, offering his new perspectives on urban development and history. These experiences have fuelled his growing interest in urban planning and cultural preservation.
One of his most rewarding experiences was learning to row. With no prior experience, Michael joined a team of dedicated athletes and gained the opportunity to compete in the Henley Royal Regatta. The discipline and teamwork required for this sport taught him valuable life lessons.
“My experience in China hasn’t come without its challenges. Balancing international A-levels with the demands of living halfway across the world and mastering a foreign language has been a struggle, yet with help from the teaching staff and other students, I have found myself thriving academically, even receiving a pre-admissions offer from Oxford University. Overcoming hurdles like these filled me with determination, feeling stronger and more confident in my academic and extracurricular pursuits. I see the same in other students here, too.”
Looking back, Michael believes this scholarship program has been a transformative experience, one that has expanded his worldview and opened doors to many opportunities.
Charlie Poulton – WASCZ 2025 Graduates University of Cambridge Pre-admission Natural Sciences Offer International Scholar
Charlie Poulton’s A-Level subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Further Maths. He is particularly interested in exploring the interactions of drugs and other chemicals within the human body, which led him to choose the topic “What are the differences in fentanyl use between the UK and China” for his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). As a recipient of a Wycombe Abbey International Scholarship, he spent a fulfilling and enriching period of study at Wycombe Abbey Changzhou. There, he achieved excellent results in the Biology and Chemistry Olympiads, gaining a wealth of knowledge beyond the A-Level curriculum. He also represented the school rowing team at the Henley Royal Regatta, the daily training for which built his resilience and spirit. From Wycombe Abbey Changzhou to the University of Cambridge, he is pursuing his ambition to “research synthetic drugs and treat currently incurable diseases”.
“Moving to China at the age of 16 was undoubtedly daunting, but I knew it was an opportunity that would only come once, and I had to take it up.” Attending Wycombe Abbey School Changzhou became a pivotal experience that allowed Charlie Poulton to immerse himself in a new culture and language. This opportunity, combined with a rigorous academic environment, allowed Charlie to pursue his passion for biochemistry, surrounded by inspiring peers and teachers who constantly pushed him to reach his full potential.
For Charlie, Changzhou was a striking contrast to his rural English hometown. The city’s rapid growth provided unique insights into China’s leadership in technology and science, especially artificial intelligence—where China ranks second only to the US. This exposure shaped his academic trajectory and helped him secure a pre-admission offer for Cambridge University’s competitive Natural Sciences course.
Beyond academics, Charlie thrived in Wycombe Abbey’s extracurriculars, including swimming competitions across China and being part of the first Chinese high school boat to compete at the Henley Royal Regatta. He also participated in sports like ultimate frisbee, badminton, and rugby, developing a well-rounded education.
Looking back, Charlie believes his time at Wycombe Abbey School Changzhou was instrumental in shaping his future, providing him with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed to succeed at top universities and beyond.
A Legacy of Excellence
WASCZ has been dedicated to providing a holistic education for over twelve years. This holistic approach, which focuses on academic excellence, personal development, and global citizenship, has been instrumental in the success of our graduates. Across ten graduating classes, 70% of students have gained admission to QS Top 100 universities, and 35% have been accepted by QS Top 25 institutions, including Oxford and Cambridge. These exceptional achievements are a testament to the unwavering dedication of students and educators. They also reflect the school’s commitment to fostering well-rounded, innovative, and socially responsible young leaders.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate the university offers and interview results announced in January 2025, we take immense pride in the achievements of WASCZ students. Each offer represents their perseverance and hard work. These milestones mark the beginning of their academic journeys, and we eagerly anticipate even more success as further admission results are unveiled. Together, let’s look forward to sharing more good news in the months to come.
