The following article comes from Worksop College, a co-educational independent day and boarding school set in the grounds of Nottinghamshire, England.
At its best, Worksop College and Ranby House is a healthy, joyful mix of cultures, backgrounds and stories. It is a place where pupils arrive from different corners of the world and quickly find themselves part of something shared: boarding houses that mix pupils from England and overseas, friendships that cross borders, and a community built on curiosity, kindness and belonging.
This sense of belonging is where Worksop College truly thrives.
Founded in 1895 as a school of 44 boys, four Masters and one male founder, the College today could not look more different – and that is very much something to celebrate. Walk around the school now and you might see a boarder from China teaching friends how to write their names in calligraphy, see German pupils cooking food from home for their boarding housemates, or find local day pupils inviting their best friend from Bulgaria home for the weekend to experience a “proper” British roast dinner — proudly declaring, of course, that no one does it better than their mum.
These moments are everyday occurrences at Worksop College, and they speak volumes about the culture that has been carefully nurtured here.
A highlight of the school calendar – and a perfect reflection of this ethos – is International Week, held each year in the first week of November. Organised by the pupil-led International Committee, the week is a vibrant celebration of the cultures represented within the school community.
Throughout the week, pupils and staff come together to enjoy a rich programme of events, including an international football match, speed chatting in various languages, an international cuisine night and, finally, the much-anticipated International Evening. Food plays a central role, with menus throughout the week reflecting the countries being celebrated, from Thai and Spanish to German, English and Chinese cuisine. International Week is led by pupils and teachers working collaboratively, and it is deeply loved by the whole community. It is joyful, meaningful and entirely authentic – a celebration not just of culture, but of connection.
For many pupils, this culture of openness and care makes a profound difference to their experience of school life. Nicki, a recent Year 11 pupil from Hamburg, Germany, reflects on his time at Worksop College:
“As soon as I got to England, the one major thing I noticed right at the start of my exchange year is people genuinely being nice and polite, and caring about you. It didn’t really matter which year group they were in – people came up to me and just talked and asked how I was. All of this made my life as an international student much easier.
Managing school, activities, new subjects and socialising, all not in your native language, can be stressful sometimes, but people around me are constantly helping me in any way they can. Personally, I am grateful to have the chance to get involved in new things such as rugby, which I’ve never played before, as well as the multiple music options. In all of these, you feel like part of a community – and that is so important.”
The International Committee plays a vital role in ensuring this sense of community continues to evolve. Meeting regularly, pupils use the forum to reflect honestly on how the school is doing, share ideas and help shape future initiatives. It gives pupils a voice and a sense of ownership, reinforcing the belief that global awareness begins with listening and learning from one another.
The International Committee plays a vital role in ensuring this sense of community continues to evolve.
This spirit of welcome extends beyond pupils to families as well. The International Welcome Weekend brings families from across the world together for a shared experience, culminating in a beautiful dinner in the Great Hall. It is an opportunity to connect, build friendships and celebrate the diversity that strengthens the school community.
Global learning also begins early at Ranby House, the preparatory school. The Shanghai Immersion Project brings pupils together from England and Shanghai in a truly reciprocal exchange. Earlier this year, pupils from Shanghai travelled to Ranby House, where they lived, learned and played alongside their peers, quickly forming friendships that went far beyond the classroom. During the week, pupils shared aspects of their cultures through activities, performances and the exchange of traditional gifts – moments that were met with huge excitement and genuine curiosity on both sides. The visit concluded with a collaborative assembly showcasing individual talents, cultural songs and martial arts, celebrating the richness of the partnership. Since returning home, pupils have stayed in touch and are eagerly counting down the days until Year 6 pupils from Ranby House travel to Shanghai later in the year, excited to be reunited with friends they now feel truly connected to.
Beyond the building, trips and tours further broaden pupils’ horizons. From the cricket team competing in Sri Lanka to Spanish pupils travelling to Madrid, these experiences allow pupils to engage directly with the wider world, developing confidence, adaptability and a deeper understanding of different cultures.
At Worksop College and Ranby House, global awareness is not a box to be ticked. It is lived daily – in boarding houses, classrooms, dining halls and friendships. It is found in shared meals, shared stories and shared experiences.
Wherever they come from, our pupils are supported and encouraged to explore the world around them – and to discover their place within it.
