Gordonstoun School ends partnership amid espionage allegations

The prestigious school takes decisive action following serious allegations against a business partner.

Gordonstoun School, a renowned private institution located in Moray, Scotland, has made headlines by terminating its partnership with Hampton Group International (HGI), a Chinese-owned business. This decision comes in the wake of serious allegations linking HGI’s majority shareholder, Yang Tengbo, to espionage activities.

The school, which counts King Charles among its former pupils, had initially entered into a deal with HGI in 2019 to establish connections with five new schools in China.

Background of the partnership

The collaboration between Gordonstoun and HGI was framed as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering educational ties between the UK and China.

At the time, a spokesperson for the school described HGI as a “specialist” in bridging the two nations. However, the recent revelations regarding Yang Tengbo’s alleged involvement in espionage have cast a shadow over this partnership. Yang, who has been identified as an alleged Chinese spy known as “H6,” was previously banned from entering the UK after being detained at an airport in November 2021.

Allegations and legal implications

The situation escalated when an anonymity order was lifted, revealing Yang’s identity and his connections to Prince Andrew, another former pupil of Gordonstoun. In a ruling by High Court judge Justice Bourne, it was noted that Yang had established an “unusual degree of trust” with the Duke of York. Yang has vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that he has done nothing unlawful and that the claims against him are unfounded. He has called for transparency, stating that the media’s portrayal of him as a spy is entirely inaccurate.

Gordonstoun’s response and future steps

In light of these developments, Gordonstoun School has acted swiftly to sever ties with HGI. A spokesperson for the institution confirmed that the school was made aware of Yang’s alleged espionage activities and subsequently terminated its contract with the Hampton Group. While the school has refrained from providing further details due to legal constraints, this decisive action underscores the institution’s commitment to maintaining its integrity and safeguarding its reputation.

The implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate partnership, raising questions about the nature of international collaborations in education and the potential risks involved. As schools increasingly seek to expand their global reach, the need for thorough vetting of partners becomes paramount. Gordonstoun’s proactive stance serves as a reminder of the importance of due diligence in safeguarding educational institutions from potential controversies.