We are thrilled to share yet another inspiring achievement from our Year 13 students. In this article, we celebrate Ye, whose remarkable journey at LEH Foshan has led to outstanding university offers from the University of the Arts London (UAL) for Creative Robotics and Loughborough University for Product Design.
Ye’s story at LEH Foshan began in August 2022 when he joined as a Pre-A Level (PAL) student. Over the past three years, he has developed both academically and personally, progressing through A Levels and refining his passion for creativity and design. His recent university offers are a testament to his dedication and hard work.
Both UAL and Loughborough are top-ranked institutions for Art & Design. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024,
UAL is ranked No. 2 in the world,
while Loughborough stands at No. 32,
making them among the best choices globally for aspiring designers. Reflecting on this incredible milestone, Ye expressed his excitement, saying,
I felt really happy and relieved. It was a validation of all the hard work I’d put in. I’m incredibly grateful to my teachers for their guidance and encouragement throughout the whole journey, especially during the university application process.
Mrs Kirk, Head of Sixth Form, shared her thoughts on Ye’s journey:
Ye has shown tremendous growth both academically and personally at LEH. His dedication and passion for creativity are evident, and he’s become a confident, capable student and Prefect role model. It’s been a joy to see Ye actively engage in extracurriculars and support his peers. I have no doubt that he will continue to excel in his future endeavours.
Recently we sat down with Ye and invited him to share his journey and experience at LEH Foshan.
The Pre-A Level Programme
Ye’s success did not happen overnight—it began with the Pre-A Level Programme (PAL), which played a crucial role in his transition to A Level studies. “The Pre-A Level programme helped me bridge the gap between different education systems and provided me with the skills needed for A Levels. It also boosted my confidence significantly.”
Transitioning to A Levels came with challenges. The workload increased significantly, and expectations were much higher. Ye recalls that his biggest struggle was the higher level of English required: “The English level required is much higher, and I would recommend pre-reading if possible,” he added.
When asked what advice he would give to current and future PAL students, Ye emphasised the importance of using every opportunity to improve English skills: “If you have a lower level of English, the PAL programme is a great way to prepare for A Levels. Stay focused, work hard, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. But the most important thing is to commit to speaking and reading in English every day—it will make a huge difference.”
and University Preparation
With a strong foundation from PAL, Ye thrived in his A Level studies, choosing Art, Design and Technology, and Maths: “I chose these subjects because I’m passionate about creativity and design, and they align with my university aspirations and future career goals.”
Applying to universities also posed new challenges. From crafting a compelling personal statement to ensuring all requirements were met on time, the process was stressful but manageable with the right support. Ye credits Mrs Kirk and Mrs Stevens for their invaluable guidance throughout the application process: “Applying to universities was a bit stressful. I managed it by staying organised and keeping track of deadlines. Mrs Kirk supported me throughout the process, providing feedback and assistance, and Ms Stevens helped with my personal statement.”
At the UAL Info Session hosted by the school, Ye took the initiative to present his portfolio to the UAL representative, actively seeking feedback and guidance to refine his work.
For Ye, LEH Foshan has been more than just an academic journey—it has been a place of personal growth and discovery. One of the aspects he enjoyed the most was the strong school community: “I really enjoy the sense of community at LEH Foshan. The school events, like basketball and House competitions, are fun and bring everyone together. The teachers are also very supportive.”
Celebrating Birthday with Sixth Form Peers
Beyond academics, Ye actively participated in extracurricular activities, particularly in basketball. “Extracurricular activities and competitions have been important for my growth. Participating in events like MUN and basketball helped me develop new skills such as communication, teamwork and collaboration, and make friends.”
Ye’s journey is a powerful testament to the success of the Pre-A Level programme at LEH Foshan. From adapting to a new academic system to excelling in A Levels and securing offers from top universities, he has proven that with dedication, resilience, and the right support, incredible achievements are possible. As he prepares for the next stage of his journey, we are certain that his creativity and determination will take him far.
Congratulations, Ye! We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the future.
Learn More about LEH Foshan
LEH International School Foshan (LEH Foshan), an exceptional British curriculum day and boarding school, welcomed its first students in September 2021. With a campus and curriculum tailored to the needs of boys and girls, from 6 to 18 years, the school brings together the best of a British boarding school education to Foshan, a dynamic city in the heart of the Greater Bay Area of Southern China. LEH Foshan is a Council of British International School (COBIS) Patron's Accredited Member School.
The programme is a one-year course, with intensive English tuition, designed specifically for students aged around 15 who wish to study for A Levels to help them lay all-important foundations ahead of the 2-year A Level Programme courses.
Years 12 – 13 | Ages 16 – 18
Students in the final two years of school from age 16 - 18 will follow a 2-year programme leading to A Level qualifications and university entrance examinations where appropriate.
If you would like to learn more about our school, the comprehensive support we offer, and how we help our students achieve their academic and personal goals, we warmly invite you to join our upcoming Secondary School Open Day on 22 March.
