Scottish independent school to welcome students from Brazil under exclusive global tie-up

Hamilton College will welcome students from Brazil later this year as part of a “groundbreaking” partnership with an international student exchange organisation.

The move marks the first time that the South Lanarkshire school has linked up with the World Education Programme (WEP), becoming the organisation’s exclusive independent school partner for the wider Glasgow area. The programme is being run in partnership with WEP’s Brazilian counterparts and is sponsored by the Brazilian government.

Students aged between 15 and 18 will join the Hamilton College community for a term from August.

Staff and pupils with Claire Kinloch Anderson, UK country manager at WEP UK.

The international cultural exchange initiative offers UK schools across both the state and independent sectors an opportunity to host students and provide them with “meaningful global experiences”.

Richard Charman, headteacher at Hamilton College, said: “We are so happy to welcome students through our partnership with WEP. It enriches our entire school community, giving our pupils a broader understanding of the world while ensuring every visiting student feels fully immersed in life at Hamilton College.

“Our school is a place where it’s cool to do well, where children can be themselves, and grow in confidence and we are looking forward to our exchange students experiencing this for themselves. I am so grateful to all the team at WEP for joining with us at Hamilton College,” he added.

Claire Kinloch Anderson, UK country manager at WEP UK, travelled to Brazil last month to meet with programme partners, Brazilian government representatives, and the British Consulate.

She spent time with Brazilian schools and host families preparing both to send students to the UK and to welcome UK pupils into their communities, reinforcing the two-way spirit at the heart of the programme.

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“At WEP, we strongly believe in the power of cultural exchange to broaden perspectives, build lifelong connections, and enrich school communities,” she added. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to embracing diversity and creating meaningful opportunities for young people to learn from one another.”

WEP programmes are said to be supported by robust safeguarding processes, experienced local coordinators and established international partnerships, “ensuring a reliable, credible and well-managed experience for schools, students and families”.

Charman added: “This opportunity aligns strongly with our commitment to developing confident, compassionate, outward-looking young people who understand their place in a global society.

“It enhances the school’s international profile and provides meaningful cultural and educational value for all pupils. We are genuinely excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring, not only for the international students who will join us, but also for the lasting benefits it will offer our own pupils.”

Operating across Europe, the Americas and beyond, WEP works with global partners and government-backed initiatives. The international educational organisation has some four decades of experience delivering cultural exchange, language immersion and academic programmes worldwide.

Parents or carers interested in learning more about becoming a host family can contact WEP Education directly.