On Wednesday 20th November, Mr Softley (Assistant Head, Sixth Form and Futures) set off on his journey to China to introduce prospective families to the opportunities awaiting them at Woodhouse Grove School.

Covering just short of 8000km allowed Mr Softley to present in 8 different cities, sharing the fantastic opportunities offered at Woodhouse Grove School. Hopefully, this has inspired prospective students to want to become a ‘Grovian’.

We asked Mr Softley some questions about his experience and here is what he had to say.

1. What was your favourite part of the experience?

Travelling to 8 different cities in such a fascinating country gave me a unique opportunity me experience the diverse cultures sand gain valuable insights into what it was like to live in China. Being able to present to prospective parents and students about the outstanding opportunities they could experience at The Grove was a privilege and allowed me to explain how our school can help shape the lives of students from all corners of the globe.

2. Why do you think these trips are beneficial for the school?

These trips allow for the Woodhouse Grove name to be spread far and wide and means that as a school we can continue to welcome students from around the world. We are very fortunate to have boarding houses which enables us to offer students the opportunity to experience living and learning away from home, which, in turn, allows us to have a wider and more diverse population that only enhances the school and the people within it. Additionally, the trips also allow staff to immerse themselves in the cultures of the students we welcome, helping us better understand some of the challenges they may face when transitioning to school life in the UK. By gaining an understanding, we can ensure that any concerns or challenges are addressed, ensuring students feel supported and comfortable during their transition.

3. What was your day-to-day schedule?

It was an extremely busy schedule, covering nearly 8000km within China. Each day involved traveling to the venue, preparing presentations, and engaging with local staff, followed by delivering talks to parents and students, hosting Q&A sessions, and conducting one-to-one meetings with prospective families. Afterward, it would be time to pack up and travel to the next city by to repeat the process. Despite the pace, there was always the opportunity to experience the local cuisine which was a fascinating experience.

4. Did you see any familiar faces?

Yes, I had the opportunity to reconnect and travel to several cities with Old Grovian Simon Xi. Simon was in the Sixth Form and a boarding house student during my early years as a teacher at Woodhouse Grove, and it was wonderful to catch up with him after so many years. His hospitality and local knowledge were invaluable, allowing me to experience as much of the culture as possible. The trip would not have been as successful if it was not for him.

5. Do you wish to go back if you get the chance?

This was certainly an experience I will remember for a long time and feel privileged to have been able to showcase the wide range of excellent opportunities available at Woodhouse Grove. This is certainly something I hope to have the chance to do again in the near future.