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Cogdel Cranleigh School Changsha has been recognised for its commitment to building an inclusive school community after winning the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the China Schools Awards.
The school was also shortlisted in two additional categories, Enterprise and Employability and Pastoral Care, highlighting the breadth of work taking place across the campus.
Academic Headmaster Adam McRoy collected the award in person at the gala dinner held in Chongqing on 6 March. Earlier in the day, he also spoke at the China Schools Forum, sharing examples of how CCSC is preparing students for the future through its work on enterprise and employability.
The Diversity and Inclusion Award celebrates schools that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to creating environments where every member of the community feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. At CCSC, we have taken a deliberately proactive approach to ensuring students develop a deep understanding of diversity, empathy, and global perspectives.
“At its heart, diversity and inclusion are about belonging,” said Mr. McRoy. “Every student and every member of staff should feel seen, valued, and respected. In our context, that means designing meaningful experiences that help students appreciate the many ways people can be different – in culture, perspective, identity, and lived experience.”
One example of this approach is the school’s student-led Disgusting Food Museum, inspired by the original museum in Sweden. The project encouraged students to explore how cultural background influences perceptions of food, prompting discussion about how ideas of what is considered “normal” can vary widely across cultures.
Inclusion is also being strengthened through a new school-wide Inclusion Calendar, currently curated by Inclusion Lead Megan Molden. The initiative introduces a different focus each month, helping the community recognise and celebrate the diverse stories, identities, and experiences that shape our world.
The programme has already included “Journey Through Black Excellence” during Black History Month, featuring curated library resources, assemblies, and film discussions. Students also took part in anti-bullying activities, including Odd Socks Day, promoting kindness and celebrating difference across the campus. The current theme, “Women Who Inspire Us,” coincides with International Women's Day, and encourages students to reflect on the achievements and influence of inspiring women around the world. Together, these initiatives reflect Cranleigh Changsha’s commitment to building a culture where students are encouraged to approach differences with curiosity, empathy, and respect.
The China Schools Awards recognise excellence across international and bilingual schools in China, celebrating innovation and best practice in areas ranging from pastoral care to enterprise education. For CCSC, the Diversity and Inclusion Award is both a proud achievement and a powerful affirmation of the school’s commitment to ensuring that every member of its community feels that they belong.
