Haileybury Almaty

Seventeen years in the foothills of the Tian Shan, 180 pupils at the start — and a new chapter with Wellington College Education ahead.

In the foothills of Almaty, where Kazakhstan’s cosmopolitan character meets the dramatic Tian Shan landscape, Haileybury Almaty has spent more than 17 years building a distinctive British international education. Founded in 2008 in association with Haileybury in the United Kingdom, the school began with 180 pupils and has since grown into one of Kazakhstan’s established British international schools. Its educational philosophy goes beyond examination success, combining academic ambition with creativity, communication, confidence and community engagement. Pupils are encouraged to become curious, independent thinkers who can adapt to an increasingly interconnected world. Senior students follow A Levels, preparing them for higher education in Kazakhstan and universities internationally. The same philosophy extends to younger pupils, where learning is active, collaborative and exploratory. A recent example was the Junior School HPL Oscars, where pupils produced eight films during the academic year. The red- carpet celebration showcased their creativity while developing confidence, teamwork and communication skills. Such initiatives demonstrate the school’s belief that meaningful learning happens not only through study, but also through creating, collaborating and applying knowledge across academic, artistic, technological and sporting experiences.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The school’s Summer STEM Camp 2026 offered another window into this approach. Designed for children aged five to 13, the programme ran from 22 June to 17 July and was built around practical Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics experiences. In partnership with RoLab Academy, the programme brought together engineering, programming, computer science, robotics and digital technologies. The camp was structured around four themes: Smart Eco-School Lab, Green Tech & Plant Systems Lab, Sustainable City Lab and Future Makers Innovation Lab. Through these themes, children explored questions surrounding energy, air quality, plants, water, automation, sustainable transport, recycling and urban design. The emphasis was firmly on making ideas tangible. Participants were encouraged to build, design, programme, experiment, test and present their solutions. Game development, digital art and programming were complemented by sport, creative activities, excursions and project demonstrations, creating a programme that connected technology with imagination and teamwork. This combination of disciplines is increasingly important for a generation growing up in a world shaped by rapid technological change. The ability to understand technology is valuable, but so too are creativity, communication, collaboration and the confidence to approach unfamiliar problems. At Haileybury Almaty, these qualities are developed as part of a wider educational experience rather than treated as separate skills.

The Spirit of Participation

Sport forms another important dimension of the school’s all-round educational philosophy. Recent success at the FOBISIA Games demonstrated the enthusiasm and commitment of Haileybury Almaty’s younger athletes. The school’s U11 pupils finished first overall in Swimming with 706 points and third overall in Athletics with 869 points. Across the two competitions, pupils competed in individual and relay events, demonstrating not only athletic ability but also teamwork, focus and sporting character. The significance of such occasions extends beyond medals and rankings. Competitive sport gives children an environment in which persistence, preparation and cooperation become practical experiences. A relay race teaches the importance of trust; training develops discipline; competition teaches pupils how to respond to challenge; and team participation builds a sense of belonging. These are qualities that complement classroom learning and contribute to the school’s broader ambition of developing confident young people who can participate positively in the world around them.

“Preparing pupils for universities around the world requires more than academic knowledge — it requires independence.”

A Global Outlook, Rooted in Almaty

A British Education in the Foothills of the Tian Shan

Haileybury Almaty’s international character is also reflected in its outlook towards higher education. Preparing pupils for universities around the world requires more than academic knowledge. Students need to develop independence, cultural awareness, communication skills and the ability to navigate different environments. That global perspective is central to the school’s educational identity. At the same time, its location in Almaty gives pupils the opportunity to grow up within Kazakhstan’s distinctive cultural landscape, creating a setting where British educational traditions and local identity can exist together. The result is an educational model that seeks to prepare students for both the opportunities and responsibilities of an international future. Haileybury Astana, the sister school in Kazakhstan, similarly follows an international educational model and has developed its own distinctive identity within the country’s capital. Together, the two schools have contributed to the development of British-style international education in Kazakhstan.

Where Legacy Meets the Future

Haileybury Almaty is now approaching another significant moment in its story. From the 2027–28 academic year, the schools in Almaty and Astana are scheduled to begin a new strategic partnership with Wellington College Education. The formal relationship with Haileybury UK is due to conclude in summer 2027, following the transition period. The school presents the change as the beginning of a new chapter built upon the foundations established over more than 17 years. Its stated core values — academic ambition, kindness, community and personal growth — are intended to remain central, while the new partnership is expected to provide additional opportunities for international collaboration and educational exchange. For pupils and families, the significance of this next stage lies in continuity as much as development. The school has made clear that its educational programmes and university preparation will continue during the transition, while its wider international network is set to expand. Looking ahead, Haileybury Almaty’s story is therefore not simply about a change in institutional partnership. It is about an educational community continuing to evolve while retaining a clear sense of purpose. From the first cohort of pupils in 2008 to today’s achievements in academics, creativity, STEM and sport, the school’s journey reflects a broader transformation in Kazakhstan’s international education landscape. Its classrooms are places for knowledge, but its ambitions extend further: towards curiosity, confidence, character and a willingness to explore what comes next. In that sense, Haileybury Almaty represents an idea of education that is both traditional and forward- looking. British educational values provide the foundation; Kazakhstan provides the setting; and the students themselves provide the energy and imagination that carry the story forward. As a new chapter approaches, the central aspiration remains remarkably clear: to give young people the knowledge, confidence and character to step beyond the school gates and make their mark on a changing world.