Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world with 1.2 billion people in China alone. Chinese parents who migrate to Britain often find difficulty trying to teach their children the language and this was the main reason for establishing the Mandarin School.

The Mandarin classes for children in Gloucestershire were started by a group of dedicated Chinese parents from various backgrounds who were keen to encourage their children to learn Mandarin.

In April 2000, the parents established the Chinese Parents and Children Association, with very limited resources at the beginning. The parents had to raise funds to start the first ever Mandarin class held at Oxstalls School in Gloucester.

Since the demand for the classes was growing rapidly, it was subsequently developed into the Gloucestershire Mandarin School in October 2000.

The Mandarin School has been well developed in Gloucester and Cheltenham and works jointly with 2 language colleges and other educational providers.

The school has been an integral part under the auspice of the Chinese Children and Parents Association and it is the only voluntary school aiming to deliver Mandarin learning for children and adults in Gloucestershire.

The school is self-funded and gratefully receives a small annual grant from the Local Education Authority. We constantly raise funds from different sources to maintain our service. Nevertheless, without long term secured funding we can only sustain our services within a short term.

Founder Members

• C Sharpley
• CM Evans
• Hing Yee Pobjoy

Partners and Funders

AdEd (Adult Education in Gloucestershire)
Awards for All Grant
BBC Children in Need
Cheltenham Borough Council
Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucester City Council
GAVCA (Gloucester Assocation for Voluntary & Community Action)
County Libraries, Information Services
READS (Racial Equality and Diversity Service)
Sir Thomas Rich's School, Gloucester
Pates Grammar School, Cheltenham