The head of education from the Chinese Embassy in London says he is ’impressed’ with the island’s educational system.

Minister Counsellor Wang Yongli visited the island for two days to study our high school system.

He began his trip with a visit to Ballakermeen High School in Douglas where Mr Yongli was given a tour by head teacher Adrienne Burnett.

During his tour, he saw the school’s Confucius classroom, where students and the public can learn about Chinese language and culture.

He also sat in on a practice of the school production of Honk.

Mr Yongli later visited the Dhoon School so he could learn more of the island’s primary school education.

At Dhoon School, he was greeted by pupils Thomas Woolley and Abigail Harvey.

After a tour of the school, the school choir performed ’Ellan Vannin’ and pupils from class three presented him with gifts to commemorate his visit to the school.

While in the island, Mr Yongli held talks with the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Graham Cregeen.

During their talk, attended by department officials, they discussed the future educational collaboration between the Isle of Man and China.

Mr Cregeen said: ’It has been a pleasure to host Mr Wang Yongli on his visit to the Isle of Man. He has been keen to learn about our education system and to explore how we can further strengthen relations between the Island and China.

’He has remarked how impressed he has been with what he has seen and how favourably our education facilities and system compare to other jurisdictions he has visited.

’China is a huge economy and an increasingly significant global player. [The Manx] Government is keen to nurture the growing links between our two nations which is why I invited Mr Wang Yongli to visit the island when I met him in London earlier this year.’

The island and China have had a working educational relationship for a number of years. Since 2006, more than 200 pupils have travelled to China as part of an annual exchange programme.

A similar number of Chinese students have also visited the island in that time.

Mr Yongli’s trip also included a visit to the House of Keys where he was welcomed by Speaker Juan Watterson and sat in on Question Time.

Mr Yongli said of his visit: ’I was impressed with the Isle of Man’s education system and I appreciate Minister Cregeen’s hospitality.

’The Confucius classroom is the beginning of our educational co-operation. I look forward to establishing a long-term relationship for educational collaboration between China and the Isle of Man.’