From Hiba to The World: Our Inaugural Graduation Ceremony

2026-06-17

In 2022, we founded Hiba Academy Nantong with an ambitious vision of nurturing global talent. This year, that vision has become a reality as we celebrate our very first cohort of graduates.

On the afternoon of 16 June, we held our inaugural graduation ceremony in the Theatre. The event brought together officials from the Nantong municipal government and Su-Xi-Tong Science and Technology Industrial Park, Joy Qiao, Chair of Wellington College Education (China), our school’s leadership team, faculty, pupils and parents. Our entire community lined the pathways to cheer on Hiba Academy Nantong’s pioneering graduates as they embark on their next chapters.

This milestone event was not just a historic moment for the school, but a profound celebration of love, growth, and the journey of ‘becoming’.

Outstanding University Offers for the Pioneering Cohort

Since its inception, Hiba Academy Nantong has been dedicated to cultivating an inclusive, holistic and top-tier bilingual learning community. Over the past four years, our inaugural graduates have exceeded all expectations by securing an exceptional suite of university offers.

To date, the cohort has received 24 offers from leading global universities. Notably, 87.5% secured places at elite institutions ranked in the QS World Top 20. These achievements include an offer from University College London (ranked 9th globally), a full scholarship to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and placements at world-renowned institutions such as the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, the University of Manchester and the University of Warwick.

The graduates' chosen fields span diverse disciplines including mathematics, advanced computer science, international relations, economics, sciences, literature, finance, education and communication studies.

These results reflect Hiba Academy Nantong's holistic development philosophy, individualised university pathways and academic rigour. Beyond academic excellence, we develop versatile talents with global perspectives and international competitiveness.

Inspirational Messages:

A Lifelong Journey of ‘Becoming’

During the ceremony, Master, Head of Secondary, Head Boy and Head Girl delivered stirring speeches centred on the theme of ‘Becoming’.

Daniel Gibbons

Head of Secondary

"Becoming is about moving forward, growing, learning, adjusting, modifying, adapting, innovating and essentially being agile—an important life skill. You have learnt how to face uncertainty. Remember that you are our first graduating class so there is no tradition to follow; you have started the tradition. "

Class of 2026’s pupil leaders echoed these sentiments in their remarks as well.

Filipe

Head Boy

"Our lives are never defined by initial assumptions or the labels others place on us. Embrace pressure, welcome the friction and never let a temporary setback dictate the shape of your future."

Lynn

Head Girl

"True fulfilment in life does not lie in how many medals you display, but in how much room you leave in your heart for the things that cannot be measured. Thank you to this campus, which never demanded perfection, but instead nurtured complete and authentic souls."

This commitment to authenticity lies at the heart of the school's culture.

Simon Kenworthy

Master

"The most meaningful moments are not the ones where we declare ourselves complete but the ones where we realise we are still growing. Still learning. Still surprising ourselves."

Staying True to the Mission:

Building Bilingual Bridges to the World

To conclude the ceremony, Joy Qiao, Chair of Wellington College Education (China), delivered an inspiring address that looked ahead to Hiba Academy Nantong’s next 30 years.

"At Hiba, we remain unshakably anchored to our core educational philosophy: Human Flourishing. The purpose of education is not to manufacture useful components for a machine, but to empower every single soul to achieve their own radiant, fully realised life. In the age of Artificial Intelligence, this philosophy is no longer just progressive; it is absolutely imperative.

As Hiba pupils, equipped with fluent bilingualism and a sophisticated cross-cultural perspective, you possess the innate strength to serve as bridges between East and West. As you scatter across the globe to enter different universities and diverse fields, my hope is that you will travel far yet always remember who you are. I hope you achieve great things, yet always guard your innate kindness, alongside your capacity to empathise with others and respect unfamiliar cultures. Over the past few years, you have been far more than mere supporters; you have been co-builders of this institution."

Today, Hiba Academy Nantong boasts a diverse pupil body. A full 25% represent 16 different countries and regions. We are a vibrant, global community. Moving forward, we are seeking even more exceptional talent from around the world, solidifying our position as a world-class school with global influence.

For our 2026 graduates, this the journey of becoming has only just begun. This fall, they will begin their studies at some of the world’s top universities, and they are bringing the core Hiba values with them. As their teachers reminded them, an elite education does not mould individuals into rigid shapes; it gives them wings to ride the waves and define the future.

We look forward to seeing these trailblazers light up the world with the warmth of their alma mater, and we welcome future generations of Hiba pupils to take root here and step out onto the global stage.

Congratulations to the Hiba Academy Nantong Class of 2026! The world awaits you.