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A New Chapter for Our Schools in Kazakhstan
Since opening in 2011, Haileybury Astana has built a reputation for academic excellence, strong values, and outstanding university destinations. Over more than a decade, we have grown into a thriving international school community, recognised for delivering a world-class British education and preparing students for success at leading universities around the world.
Today, Haileybury Astana stands among the most respected international schools in Central Asia, combining academic ambition, exceptional pastoral care, and a commitment to developing confident, well-rounded young people.
Now, we are preparing for an exciting new chapter.
From Summer 2027...
Our schools in Kazakhstan will begin a new partnership with Wellington International — one of the world’s most established and globally respected educational groups.
This partnership builds on the strong foundations created with our current partner, Haileybury, over many successful years in Kazakhstan and marks the next stage in the growth and development of our schools.
What This Means for Families
This transition is designed to strengthen opportunities for students, teachers, and the wider school community, while protecting the values and culture that make our school special.
Most importantly, throughout this journey:
• Your child’s teachers and tutors remain the same
• Academic programmes and examinations remain unchanged
• University pathways continue as planned
• Pastoral care and wellbeing remain central
• House communities, friendships, and school culture continue
• Scholarship and bursary programmes remain in place
• The schools remain proudly not-for-profit
This is a collaborative and mutually beneficial partnership focused on long-term educational excellence.
What Becomes Stronger
This next chapter allows us to think bigger.
Together with Wellington International, we aim to become two flagship schools within one of the world’s most innovative and inspiring educational groups.
Our vision for our schools is not only to remain as leading establishments in Central Asia, but to become globally recognised schools that prepare young people to thrive anywhere in the world.
Opportunities for Students and Staff
Festivals of Education and professional learning
Internship and leadership opportunities
Cultural programmes and collaborations
International university pathways
Collaboration across a global network of schools
Global exchanges and competitions
Students and staff will also benefit from increased opportunities for international partnerships and educational exchange across countries, including the UK, China, Thailand, and Kazakhstan.
Our own Wellington story
Timeline of the Project
Frequently Asked Questions
What has been announced?
The formal relationship with Haileybury UK will conclude in Summer 2027.
From the 2027–2028 academic year, the schools in Almaty and Astana
will enter a new strategic partnership with Wellington College.
When will the change take place?
The transition period will run until summer 2027.
The Wellington College partnership will formally begin from the 2027–2028 academic year.
Will my child’s education be disrupted?
No. There will be no interruption to curriculum delivery, examinations, timetables,
or university preparation.
Will teachers and leadership remain the same?
Yes. The Headmasters, Leadership Teams, Teachers, Tutors, and House Leaders
will remain in place.
What happens to examination-year students?
Examination-year stability is a priority.
• Subject choices remain unchanged.
• Examination boards remain unchanged.
• Predicted grades and university references will be managed by the current Heads of Sixth Form and their teams.
There will be no academic disadvantage to students in Years 10–13, in fact, opportunities will be enhanced.
Are current pupils guaranteed places?
Yes. All current pupils will have guaranteed places as the school moves into the Wellington partnership.
Sibling priority arrangements will also continue.
What new opportunities will this bring for pupils?
Pupils will benefit from:
• Exchange opportunities across Wellington’s international network
• Expanded co-curricular collaboration
• Global competitions within the group and beyond, and enhanced leadership initiatives
• Tailored UK university preparation opportunities at the University Pathways Centre in Wellington UK.
• Access to world-leading educational research and innovation
How will parents be kept informed?
We are committed to transparent communication.
Next steps include:
• PPP events focusing each time on specific issues
• A dedicated webpage
• Regular written updates
Parents are encouraged to contact school leadership with any questions.
How will the school benefit from this new partnership?
The Wellington partnership strengthens professional development opportunities for staff through:
• “The Bridge” – Wellington’s international professional learning hub
• The Global Heads’ forums
• International teacher collaboration
Will the curriculum change?
There are no plans to change curriculum pathways. These will continue to be regularly reviewed to ensure the best opportunities for pupils
We will continue to offer:
- IGCSE
- A Levels (Almaty)
- IB Diploma (Astana)
- Haileybury Diploma (via WASC or NEASC)
Any future enhancements would be carefully phased and clearly communicated.
Will fees increase?
There are no immediate changes to fees as a result of this announcement.
Any future fee adjustments would follow the normal annual review process and be communicated with appropriate notice.
Will scholarships and bursaries continue?
Yes.
Our commitment to recognising excellence and supporting access remains unchanged.
Scholarship and bursary programmes will continue, and the aim is to expand provision as school numbers grow.
Why are we ending the relationship with Haileybury UK?
This is a strategic decision agreed between the respective organisations.
In global school partnerships, structures sometimes evolve as institutions pursue different strategic directions. This transition has been planned collaboratively and responsibly.
The focus now is on ensuring long-term strength and opportunity for our schools to develop into the world’s leading educational group.
Will the school culture change?
Our core values — academic ambition, kindness, community and personal growth — remain central.
This transition builds on our excellent existing culture rather than replacing it.
Wellington College shares our view of a whole-person education philosophy, placing equal emphasis on character, wellbeing and academic excellence.
Who governs the school going forward?
Governance structures and shareholders will continue to provide strong oversight.
The partnership with Wellington College introduces additional global educational expertise while maintaining strong local operational leadership.
Further details will be shared during the transition period.
What happens to uniforms and branding?
There will be a phased brand transition.
- No immediate changes to the uniform are required.
- The new uniform will be adopted in September 2027
- Any future changes will be announced well in advance.
- A soft co-branding period is expected to ensure continuity and ensure no unnecessary replacement of existing uniform items.
How does this affect university applications?
There is no impact on university applications.
Universities assess applicants based on:
• Academic performance
• Examination results
• References
• Personal statements
Our on site university counselling structures remain unchanged. However, we will also have access to specific UK university specialist advice from the Universities Pathways programme in Wellington.
What should parents do now?
At this stage:
• There is no action required.
• Your child’s education continues as normal.
• We strongly encourage attendance at upcoming parent forums where you will hear all about the exciting opportunities for your children.
We also remain available for individual discussions should you wish to speak directly with school leadership.
This new partnership represents a carefully planned and forward-looking evolution to ensure the continuity of excellence, while also building on it to allow the school to truly develop into a world-leading educational provider.
Our commitment to you remains unwavering. We will ensure:
• Stability
• Academic excellence
• Pupil care
• Exciting global opportunities
We are confident that this next chapter not only strengthens our position as one of the leading British international schools in Central Asia, but places us in a position to become one of the foremost schools in the world.
A Future Full of Possibilities
For our pupils, this means broader, more exciting horizons.
For our families, it means confidence that their children are part of a global school community connected to some of the most exciting developments in world education.
And for our schools, it means entering a new era with ambition, optimism and purpose.
This is an exciting new chapter — built on everything we have achieved together, and inspired by everything still ahead.