Prize Giving 2026: Insights on Education from the British Ambassador to Vietnam

Our Prize Giving 2026 was made doubly special by our Guest of Honour, His Excellency Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Vietnam. As he joined us in celebrating the achievements of our remarkable pupils, Ambassador Frew delivered a moving address on what education truly means. It is not just about academic success, he noted, but about shaping character, fostering self-belief, and empowering the next generation with the confidence and resilience to thrive on the journey ahead.

“It’s a real pleasure to join you this morning at Brighton College Vietnam for this year’s Prize Giving. This is a wonderful occasion to recognize and celebrate achievements, your hard work, and to reflect on the journey that each of you is taking.

And let me begin by congratulating Brighton College Vietnam on being the only school in Vietnam recognized in the Spear’s School Index as a Top Recommended School. This is a significant achievement and I think a testament to the dedication of your leadership, your teachers and the wider school community in delivering an outstanding standard of education here in Vietnam.

Now, to all of today’s prize winners, we will come to you soon, a big well done. You should be immensely proud of your accomplishments.

But I’d also like to recognize every pupil here, because behind the success of each of you lies persistence, discipline and the courage to keep going even when things are challenging.

And your education is not just about results. It’s about learning and it’s about growth. It’s about building character, developing that confidence and striving to become the very best version of yourselves. That journey, the one that each of you is on, matters far more than any single award.

The values that underpin a British education, curiosity, critical thinking, resilience and a strong sense of integrity, are not just preparing you for exams, but for life. They will open doors of opportunity for you and equip you to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

That’s why Vietnam is such an important partner in the UK’s international education strategy and in the work we do between our two countries. Vietnam stands out as one of the most dynamic and ambitious education markets globally, with a very strong commitment to high quality international learning. And schools like Brighton College Hanoi are a powerful example for me of how UK-Vietnam educational partnerships can flourish and can create lasting impact.

Now, looking at all of you here today, I’m struck by the talent, the ambition and the potential just in this room. You represent a generation that will go on to shape Vietnam’s future and impact the world. Whether your path takes you to universities here in Vietnam, in the UK or elsewhere overseas, you will contribute to Vietnam’s continued success and its global connections. And the values and skills you are building now will stay with you.

So, to the teachers and parents here today, thank you. Your support, your encouragement and your belief in these young people is fundamental to their success.

Education is always a partnership, a team sport, and today’s achievements reflect that shared effort.

And finally, to the pupils, my message to you is simple: Keep striving. Keep asking questions. Remain curious and keep challenging yourselves, not only to achieve, but to grow and to explore.

Your future is in your hands and I’m excited to see what you’re going to do with it. So congratulations once again to all of you. I wish you every success in the years ahead.”