British International School Hanoi celebrates 10th graduating cohort

Established in 2012, the British International School (BIS) Hanoi marked a significant milestone this year by graduating its tenth cohort. The event celebrated the academic accomplishments and personal journeys of students shaped by years within a close-knit, international learning community, one-third of whom have been with the school for over a decade.

British International School Hanoi celebrates the graduation of class of 2025. Photo courtesy of BIS Hanoi

This milestone ceremony provided an opportunity for reflection as graduates concluded a rigorous educational journey combining the English National Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

A highlight of the event was the keynote speech by British Ambassador to Vietnam, Iain Frew, who praised BIS Hanoi's role in developing global citizens.

British Ambassador to Vietnam, Iain Frew, delivers the keynote address at the graduation ceremony. Photo courtesy of BIS Hanoi

"Schools like BIS embody the very best of what international partnership, collaboration, and learning look like," he said. "With rigorous academics, a rich cultural life, and a commitment to shaping a thoughtful, ethical, and empowered generation of young people."

He encouraged graduates to carry BIS Hanoi's values forward as they embark on new adventures at universities around the world, including in the U.K., Vietnam, and other global destinations.

Also returning to the school was Heidy Cho, a 2022 BIS Hanoi alumna and current student at the University of Southern California, majoring in history with a minor in psychology and law. She shared her post-graduation experiences and offered heartfelt advice.

"Change is scary, but it's inevitable," Heidy told the graduates. "Try everything, meet new people, be willing to fail, and be ready for when you undoubtedly succeed." She also emphasized the resilience developed through the IB Diploma, saying, "If we all got through that, we can do anything we set our minds to."

Valedictorian An Bao (Brian) delivers a heartfelt speech at the ceremony. Photo courtesy of BIS Hanoi

Valedictorian An Bao (Brian), one of ten students who spent 13 years at BIS Hanoi, delivered an emotional and humorous address, recalling shared memories and growth. "We started as nervous, clueless kids, but we're leaving as young adults, ready to face whatever the world throws at us," he said.

Having just completed their final IBDP exams, the graduates now await their results, due in early July. Collectively, the Class of 2025 has received more than 150 offers from prestigious universities worldwide, including University College London, the University of Edinburgh, King's College London (U.K.), Boston University (U.S.), the University of Sydney (Australia), the University of Hong Kong (China), and Waseda University (Japan).

 

 

British International School Hanoi celebrates 10th graduating cohort

British International School Hanoi celebrates 10th graduating cohort

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is the world's leading post-16 qualification, recognized by over 5,000 top universities in more than 100 countries. At BIS Hanoi, the IBDP empowers students to thrive academically, personally, and creatively through dynamic teaching and real-world learning.

According to the International Baccalaureate Organization, IBDP graduates are more likely to pursue higher education, gain admission to selective institutions, and complete their post-secondary studies successfully.