The British schools selling out to Beijing: Not only are private institutions being bought by Chinese firms but some are giving communist-approved lessons that are a threat to free speech

The British schools selling out to Beijing: Not only are private institutions being bought by Chinese firms but some are giving communist-approved lessons that are a threat to free speech 

Hundreds of independent schools left in dire financial straits by the coronavirus pandemic are being targeted by Chinese investors, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. 

Experts anticipate a ‘feeding frenzy’ as firms, including some run by high-ranking members of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, seek to expand their influence over Britain’s education system. 

Seventeen schools are already owned by Chinese companies, but that number is set to rocket. Amid rising concern about Beijing’s tentacles reaching into British classrooms, an investigation by this newspaper can reveal: 

Nine of the 17 schools under Chinese control are owned by firms whose founders or bosses are among China’s most senior Communist Party members; 

Princess Diana’s preparatory school is owned by a Chinese group that openly trades on her name; 

Schools are using educational tools for teaching children a ‘whitewashed’ view of China; 

One firm admitted its acquisition of British schools is aimed supporting China’s controversial Belt And Road strategy, which aims to expand Beijing’s global influence.