Hamilton College named exclusive international student exchange partner Hamilton

June 3rd 2026

Hamilton College is to welcome students from Brazil later this year as part of a groundbreaking partnership with the World Education Programme (WEP).

It’s the first time the school has linked up with the international student exchange organisation, becoming WEP’s exclusive independent school partner for the Glasgow area.

The programme is being run in partnership with WEP’s Brazilian counterparts and is sponsored by the Brazilian Government.

Students aged 15-18 will join the Hamilton College community for a term from August, headteacher Richard Charman believing the arrangement will further enrich the educational experience at the school.

“We are so happy to welcome students through our partnership with WEP,” he said.

“It enriches our entire school community, giving our pupils a broader understanding of the world while ensuring every visiting student feels fully immersed in the 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.”

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

Any parent/carer interested in learning more about becoming a host family can contact WEP Education directly. Become a host family.

Claire Kinloch Anderson, UK Country Manager at WEP UK, travelled to Brazil in April 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 students into their communities, reinforcing the genuine two way spirit at the heart of the programme.

“We are absolutely delighted that Hamilton College will be welcoming international students from Brazil from August,” she said.

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

WEP programmes are 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.

Mr Charman added: “This opportunity aligns strongly with our commitment to developing confident, compassionate, outwardlooking 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.”