2026-2027 Admissions Information
Edinburgh Chinese Education Centre (ECEC) provides a wide range of Chinese language, SQA examination, academic and enrichment programmes for children and young people in Scotland.
Our courses are designed around students’ age, school year and learning level, with a strong focus on long-term development. From early Mandarin learning and independent reading to SQA qualifications, we aim to provide a clear and structured pathway for students to develop their language skills, academic ability and confidence.
Our 2026–2027 Highlights
- A structured learning pathway — Students are placed according to age, school year and ability, with clear learning objectives and progression between levels.
- Experienced teachers — Our teachers have extensive experience in Chinese language education and the Scottish education system, including teachers currently working in Scottish state schools.
- Chinese language and SQA preparation — Students can progress from beginner Mandarin through advanced Chinese and onto SQA National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher preparation.
- Academic and enrichment programmes — Alongside Chinese, we offer English, Science, Python programming, International Chess, Art & Ceramics and other programmes.
- Learning beyond the classroom — We aim to develop not only academic performance but also students’ creativity, logical thinking, concentration, communication skills and independent learning.
- University and future planning support — Our senior students can benefit from alumni sharing sessions, university application guidance, career talks and additional academic support.
1. Mandarin Chinese Foundation Classes
Beginners, Elementary 1, Elementary 2 & Elementary 3
Our Mandarin programme is designed for children aged approximately 5–12 (P1–S2).
Students are grouped according to their age, Chinese language ability and learning needs. Each class follows a structured two-year learning programme, with clearly defined learning objectives and assessment standards at each stage.
We use 《汉语》 (Chinese Language) as our main textbook, supplemented by 《快乐汉语》 (Happy Chinese). The materials are designed for children learning Chinese overseas and cover everyday vocabulary, sentence structures, reading, character recognition and handwriting.
Lessons are interactive and age-appropriate, incorporating games, activities, role-play and situational practice to make learning Mandarin enjoyable and engaging.
Beginners — P1–P2
Students build a strong foundation in Hanyu Pinyin, pronunciation, basic characters and simple vocabulary. Teachers provide structured support in pronunciation and early reading.
Elementary 1 & 2
Students gradually move away from relying on Pinyin and develop independent reading skills. They expand their vocabulary and character recognition while strengthening reading comprehension, sentence construction and handwriting.
Elementary 3
By the end of Elementary 3, students should be able to communicate confidently in everyday situations using standard Mandarin, with a target of approximately 900–1,000 recognised Chinese characters.
Students will also develop the ability to read longer texts, write extended narrative pieces and use resources such as bilingual dictionaries to support independent learning. This provides a strong foundation for progressing to SQA Chinese preparation.
2. SQA Chinese Exam Preparation
For S2–S3 Students
This course is specifically designed for S2–S3 students preparing for SQA Chinese examinations.
Students will use Chinese textbooks including 《进步一》, 《进步二》 and 《GCSE》, combined with targeted preparation based on SQA requirements.
The course focuses on:
- Examination techniques — Understanding SQA question types, assessment requirements and effective answering strategies.
- Communication skills — Developing accurate and confident spoken and written Chinese.
- Reading and writing — Improving comprehension and extended writing through a range of texts and exercises.
- Exam confidence — Regular progress tests, mock examinations and timed practice to build confidence and resilience.
- Independent learning — Developing effective study habits and the ability to identify and address areas for improvement.
3. SQA Chinese Examination Classes
Chinese is an increasingly valuable subject within the Scottish education system. For students from Chinese-speaking backgrounds, taking Chinese as a second language can be an excellent opportunity to build on their existing language skills and strengthen their academic profile.
Our SQA teachers have extensive experience teaching Chinese examination classes in Scottish state schools and are familiar with SQA requirements and assessment standards.
We provide personalised support based on each student’s ability and target grade, with a focus on listening, speaking, reading, writing and examination skills.
Over the years, our students have achieved excellent Chinese examination results and have successfully progressed to leading UK universities, including the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Imperial College London, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow and the University of St Andrews.
The “Success Alliance”
Our examination students proudly refer to the class as the “Success Alliance” — a supportive community where students set ambitious goals, encourage one another and work together towards success.
Additional support includes:
1. Alumni & University Application Sharing
Former students are invited to share their university application experiences and advice, while professionals provide guidance on university applications and academic planning.
2. Subject & Career Planning Talks
Guest speakers from different professional backgrounds help students explore university subjects alongside longer-term career possibilities.
3. Additional Academic Support
Where appropriate, specialist teachers in subjects such as Mathematics and English provide additional support to strengthen students’ overall academic profile.
4. English Classes
Primary English — P2–P6
Designed for younger students who need to strengthen their English foundations or further develop their skills.
Lessons focus on vocabulary, spelling, reading comprehension and writing, helping students build confidence and prepare for future academic learning.
English — P7–S2
A stronger focus on reading comprehension and English writing. Students learn how to identify key ideas, structure different types of writing and express themselves clearly and effectively.
English — S3–S4
Designed for secondary school students, with further development of reading, writing and academic English skills to support their schoolwork and future examinations.
5. Enrichment & Academic Support Classes
ECEC also offers a range of programmes designed to develop students’ interests and broader abilities.
🎨 Art & Ceramics
Students explore drawing, colour, composition and ceramics while developing creativity, artistic expression and practical skills.
♟ International Chess
Through lessons and practical games, students develop logical thinking, concentration, strategic planning and independent decision-making.
💻 Python Programming
Students learn programming through engaging projects, simple games and problem-solving activities. The course develops computational thinking, logical reasoning and creativity, while providing a foundation for future studies in areas such as AI and data science.
🔬 Science & Academic Support
Additional academic support is available for students preparing for secondary school examinations, including subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Why Choose ECEC?
A place to learn, grow and achieve
We believe that Chinese education is about much more than learning characters and vocabulary. It is an opportunity to develop language skills, cultural understanding, confidence and independent learning.
From P1 Mandarin foundations to SQA examinations and university preparation, we aim to provide students with a clear and supportive pathway for long-term development.
At the same time, our English, Science, Art, Chess and Programming programmes allow students to develop their academic skills, creativity, logical thinking and wider interests.
Learn Chinese. Build Confidence. Expand Your Future.
2026–2027 Course Fees
Fee Information
- Mandarin Foundation and SQA Chinese courses are charged annually. Fees are non-refundable once the academic year has started.
- A £50 late registration fee applies to annual courses for payments made after 30 June 2026.
- N5 Science Revision, English and enrichment classes are charged by term.
- The fees for SQA National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher Chinese Exam Classes include learning materials and the SQA examination fee.
- Enrichment classes will run subject to minimum enrolment numbers.
Payment information
Account name: ECEC
Sort code: 40-20-54
Account number: 40639885
References: Please indicate the child’s full name and course name
For class paid by year, the payment time is until June 30, 2026 and a management fee of £50 will apply after July 1, 2026
New students and all current students please fill “Student Registeration” form
Contact information
Contact email: info@ecec.org.uk
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