Pippa’s Annual Conference: Elevating Excellent Service

We recently hosted our annual two day conference for all of our staff members at the Tewkesbury Park Hotel. Our annual conference serves as an opportunity to inspire and motivate our dedicated team, whilst also emphasising the importance of excellent service. With a line up of fantastic guest speakers, the conference aimed to empower the staff, enhance their skills and further encourage our culture of excellent customer service.

Over 40 colleagues, including the Head Office team and our Area Managers from across the country, gathered together fostering a sense of unity among the team with everyone motivated to provide exceptional care and guidance to the students and parents they serve. It also reinforced our commitment to service, empowering our staff to go above and beyond in their roles.

Recognising that service excellence is at the core of our mission to support and guide children, we sought to equip our staff with the tools and mindset required to exceed our customers expectations.

The conference was opened by Pippa’s Managing Director, Ben Hughes, who updated staff on the progress the business has made as well as outlining exciting plans for the future. Whilst excellent Guardianship remains central to all that we strive to achieve, the development of a portfolio of high-quality complementary products and new services will further support the needs of our customers in the coming years.

To infuse the conference with valuable insights and inspiration we also invited a group of esteemed guest speakers who have a wealth of knowledge in their respective fields. These speakers shared their experiences, wisdom and practical advice on achieving and sustaining service excellence.

Andrew McMillan

Presentation: Defining and Consistently delivering a Great Customer Experience

Andrew McMillan started Engaging Service over ten years ago. Prior to that he spent 28 years working for the John Lewis Partnership, starting as a management trainee to becoming responsible for customer experience across the department store division. Since Engaging Service was founded Andrew has spoken at over 300 conferences and events and has consulted for over 40 organisations globally, ranging from well-known large corporates to SMEs

Yoriko Kuroda

Presentation: Why we choose UK Education

Yoriko is Pippa’s Guardians Japan Representative and also a Mother to a student under Pippa’s Guardianship so has first hand knowledge of our service. Yoriko’s professional background is in the luxury products and services sector, with 25 years’ experience of business development and communications. Yoriko was able to explain the options available to Japanese parents considering sending their child to study in the UK, the Japanese education system and what a Japanese family would expect from our guardianship service.

Saskia Nishimura

Presentation: Aiding Acculturation in British Boarding Schools

Saskia Nishimura is an experienced Teacher of English as a foreign language who has taught in independent boarding schools in both the UK and Japan. Combined with a background in art and a dalliance with financial services, her knowledge crosses educational, creative and business spheres. Saskia helped us to improve our understanding and empathy of those integrating into a new culture and how to build ties and strengthen bonds within our global community.

Giles Bell

Presentation: The academic journey and supporting the expectations of students and parents

Giles has been a teacher at Shrewsbury school since September 1989 and was a Housemaster from September 1999-2013. He is currently the Senior Admissions tutor and travels to Africa and Asia. Giles helps to ensure a smooth transition from students at Prep School, on to Senior School and ultimately University applications. This journey was the focus of his presentation.

Upon returning from the conference, many members of our team from across the country got in touch to share their conference highlights and takeaways from the event.

“I had a fabulous time at my first conference. I am proud to be part of the PG team!”

Debbie Simmons, Area Manager for Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire

“It was tremendous to see all you lovely ladies and gentlemen, I feel so inspired again, thankyou”

Caroline Heath, Area Manager for Cheltenham

“A really wonderful and informative two days”

Imogen Trevethan, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Head of Compliance

“So lovely to meet Yoriko in person, a fascinating presentation, certainly the highlight for me”

Touche Hogben, Area Manager for Somerset


加冕庆典

我们怀着激动心情告诉您,我们度过了一个不可思议的周末,一起庆祝了查尔斯国王的加冕礼。

这个周末,住在寄宿家庭的培宝学生们参加了各种各样的庆祝活动,包括:游戏、艺术设计和手工制作,还有烤传统的英式糕点,街头游行和花园派对。这些活动不仅仅是提供了娱乐项目,同时,也帮助了我们的学生了解更多的英国传统和文化。

希望我们和您分享的照片能让您一览英国各地举行的精彩庆祝活动。

我们怀着激动心情告诉您,我们度过了一个不可思议的周末,一起庆祝了查尔斯国王的加冕礼。

这个周末,住在寄宿家庭的培宝学生们参加了各种各样的庆祝活动,包括:游戏、艺术设计和手工制作,还有烤传统的英式糕点,街头游行和花园派对。这些活动不仅仅是提供了娱乐项目,同时,也帮助了我们的学生了解更多的英国传统和文化。

希望我们和您分享的照片能让您一览英国各地举行的精彩庆祝活动。

Uppingham学校的Tiffany 和 Denise是好朋友,周末住在了她们各自的寄宿家庭。这两个寄宿家庭也是很好的朋友,于是,她们欢聚一堂,一起庆祝加冕典礼。

Oundle学校的学生Maxine很喜欢游览本地小镇的庆典装饰。Oundle小镇的编织社团制作了一些精美的手工展示品,包括放在邮筒顶部的皇家马和马车。

来自Uppingham学校的Jason,和寄宿家庭还有他们的邻居们一起在绿色花园吃午餐庆祝。

Wycombe Abbey学校的学生Sky和她的培宝区域经理Michelle,还有Michelle的女儿一起参加了一个村庄野餐和街头派对。

来自Godstowe学校的Bikman和Wycombe Abbey学校的Ashley在伊顿度过了一个精彩的加冕周末。他们避开温莎的拥挤人群,在甜品咖啡馆里吃了华夫饼。他们也很享受和寄宿家庭的朋友一起度过的时光,包括烤棉花糖。

Uppingham学校的Tiffany 和 Denise是好朋友,周末住在了她们各自的寄宿家庭。这两个寄宿家庭也是很好的朋友,于是,她们欢聚一堂,一起庆祝加冕典礼。

Oundle学校的学生Maxine很喜欢游览本地小镇的庆典装饰。Oundle小镇的编织社团制作了一些精美的手工展示品,包括放在邮筒顶部的皇家马和马车。

来自Uppingham学校的Jason,和寄宿家庭还有他们的邻居们一起在绿色花园吃午餐庆祝。

Wycombe Abbey学校的学生Sky和她的培宝区域经理Michelle,还有Michelle的女儿一起参加了一个村庄野餐和街头派对。

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来自Godstowe学校的Bikman和Wycombe Abbey学校的Ashley在伊顿度过了一个精彩的加冕周末。他们避开温莎的拥挤人群,在甜品咖啡馆里吃了华夫饼。他们也很享受和寄宿家庭的朋友一起度过的时光,包括烤棉花糖。

Cothill House 学校的Yanbo和他的寄宿家庭一起参加了他们村庄上的庆祝活动。他为村里的聚会做了一个很棒的皇冠蛋糕,尝起来和看起来一样好吃!

很多学校都布置了他们自己的庆祝展示和庆祝装饰。负责Brighton学院的培宝区域经理Elaine在去拜访学生时,看到了这些漂亮的装饰。

很多学校都布置了他们自己的庆祝展示和庆祝装饰。负责Brighton学院的培宝区域经理Elaine在去拜访学生时,看到了这些漂亮的装饰。

Shiplake 学院的Austin Mi同样和他的寄宿家庭参加了本地村庄举办的派对,邻居们在家里做了精选的美食,然后带到派对上和大家一起分享。

周末,我们培宝的很多员工都在为庆祝加冕周末烤一些传统的点心。有帕夫洛娃饼、乳蛋饼、纸杯蛋糕,和为乡村派对准备的令人惊叹的150个派对烤饼。

Shiplake 学院的Austin Mi同样和他的寄宿家庭参加了本地村庄举办的派对,邻居们在家里做了精选的美食,然后带到派对上和大家一起分享。

周末,我们培宝的很多员工都在为庆祝加冕周末烤一些传统的点心。有帕夫洛娃饼、乳蛋饼、纸杯蛋糕,和为乡村派对准备的令人惊叹的150个派对烤饼。


A standing ovation

Bryan joined Pippa’s Guardians for his last year at College and has required the stability of great local host families.  During his Upper Sixth he built good relations with two host families who have marvelled at his dedication to his piano, his academics and sports.

Bryan started playing the piano at the age of 4 when his parents signed him up for piano lessons. Bryan never had a huge interest in the piano at a young age, until he was introduced to Chopin’s Nocturne No.2 in C sharp minor for his grade 7 piano. From then on he continued to complete his Grade 8 piano and worked on various different pieces by Beethoven, Brahms, Scarlatti and Gershwin before starting the Tchaikovsky Piano concerto.

On 2 May 2023, Bryan performed Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto no. 1 as part of Cheltenham College Great Piano Concertos.  Bryan was one of three talented Upper Sixth soloists performing with Cheltenham College Sinfonietta.  Both host families and Bryan’s Area Manager, Sarah Davies were able to support him and attend this concert and proudly witness the standing ovation he received for his performance.

He entered the Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year Competition in 2022, gaining a place in the final; though sadly had to withdraw due to illness. Bryan also enjoys playing the bassoon in the College orchestras and singing in College’s Schola Cantorum as a bass. In addition to music, Bryan is Deputy Head boy, has a keen interest in Engineering and Philosophy, and enjoys rowing as his College sport. He has a place to study engineering at Imperial College, London next year, where he also hopes to continue his study of the piano at the highest level.

Bryan with Head of Music David Mckee


Coronation Celebrations

We are thrilled to share with you the incredible weekend we all had to celebrate the coronation of King Charles.

Throughout the weekend, the students who were staying with Pippa’s host families were able to take part in a range of activities, including games, arts and crafts, baking traditional British dishes, street parades and garden parties. These activities not only provided entertainment but also helped the students to learn more about British culture and traditions.

We hope that the photos we are sharing with you will give you a glimpse into the wonderful celebration that took place across the country.

We are thrilled to share with you the incredible weekend we all had to celebrate the coronation of King Charles.

Throughout the weekend, the students who were staying with Pippa’s host families were able to take part in a range of activities, including games, arts and crafts, baking traditional British dishes, street parades and garden parties. These activities not only provided entertainment but also helped the students to learn more about British culture and traditions.

We hope that the photos we are sharing with you will give you a glimpse into the wonderful celebration that took place across the country.

School friends Tiffany and Denise from Uppingham School both stayed with their host families during the coronation weekend. Their two host families are also friends and got together to celebrate the coronation.

Maxine from Oundle School enjoyed exploring the coronation decorations in the local town. The Oundle knitting group had made some fabulous displays, including the royal horse and carriage on top of the post box.

Jason from Uppingham School celebrated with his host family at the village lunch on the green along with his host family’s neighbours.

Sky from Wycombe Abbey School joined her Pippa’s Area Manager Michelle and her daughter (pictured) for a village picnic and street party.

Bikman from Godstowe School and Ashley from Wycombe Abbey had a wonderful time in Eton over the coronation weekend. They escaped the crowds in Windsor by having waffles in a dessert cafe. They also enjoyed spending time with their host family friends including toasting marshmallows.

School friends Tiffany and Denise from Uppingham School both stayed with their host families during the coronation weekend. Their two host families are also friends and got together to celebrate the coronation.

Maxine from Oundle School enjoyed exploring the coronation decorations in the local town. The Oundle knitting group had made some fabulous displays, including the royal horse and carriage on top of the post box.

Jason from Uppingham School celebrated with his host family at the village lunch on the green along with his host family’s neighbours.

Sky from Wycombe Abbey School joined her Pippa’s Area Manager Michelle and her daughter (pictured) for a village picnic and street party.

Bikman from Godstowe School and Ashley from Wycombe Abbey had a wonderful time in Eton over the coronation weekend. They escaped the crowds in Windsor by having waffles in a dessert cafe. They also enjoyed spending time with their host family friends including toasting marshmallows.

Yanbo from Cothill House School embraced the weekend with his host family attending their village celebration events. He made an amazing royal crown cake for the village party which tasted as good as it looked!

Lots of schools also had their own coronation displays and decorations too. Elaine the Pippa’s Area Manager who looks after Brighton College, saw these fantastic displays whilst visiting her students.

Lots of schools also had their own coronation displays and decorations too. Elaine the Pippa’s Area Manager who looks after Brighton College, saw these fantastic displays whilst visiting her students.

Austin Mi from Shiplake College also experienced local village parties with his host family. The neighbours all made a selection of dishes at home and brought them to the party to share with each other.

Many of our Pippa’s staff spent their weekend baking some traditional treats for the coronation weekend. From pavlovas, quiches and cupcakes to an impressive 150 scones for a village party.

Austin Mi from Shiplake College also experienced local village parties with his host family. The neighbours all made a selection of dishes at home and brought them to the party to share with each other.

Many of our Pippa’s staff spent their weekend baking some traditional treats for the coronation weekend. From pavlovas, quiches and cupcakes to an impressive 150 scones for a village party.


复活节2023

今年,很多我们的学生都非常幸运地返回了家里过复活节假期。培宝的旅行团队帮助了他们预定交通,让他们安全地前往机场。此外,在出行高峰期,我们还有培宝的区域经理们在机场为学生提供现场的支持和帮助。

对于那些留在英国过假期的学生们,我们为他们安排了优秀、好客的寄宿家庭,确保他们度过一个宁静而愉快的复活节假期。

这是我们学生在复活节假期里的一些精彩生活照,在这个和您一起分享。

培宝区域经理Julie Rose在机场帮助学生顺利登机

Cici和Mico都在Shrewsbury学校上学。她们回家过了复活节假期,但在假期结束的前几天返回了英国,所以在寄宿家庭住了几天。她俩很喜欢烘焙,学会了如何做糕点,还做了一个苹果蛋糕。

Millfield学校的Sophia在复活节假期和她的寄宿家庭住在一起。他们带Sophia去了伦敦,参观了伦敦自然博物馆,还去了中国城。他们度过了一段美好的时光,并且互相帮助,学习如何在伦敦市内搭地铁。

在King’s College Taunton读书的Jenny,她的愿望是去看她最喜欢的乐队之一的现场表演。这个复活节,她的区域经理Gemma陪着她一起实现了这个愿望,她俩在伦敦观看了演出。

Shrewsbury的学生Andy , 很幸运能有时间和来英国看望他的爸爸妈妈一起过假期。他们邀请了Andy的寄宿家长Polly一起在伯明翰的火锅店用餐,火锅店里可以点餐现场做面条。


Easter 2023

Many of our students were fortunate enough to be able to travel home for the Easter holiday this year. The Pippa’s travel team helped coordinate their safe journeys to the airport and we have Pippa’s Area Managers at the airports during busy periods to support and assist students when needed.

For those who remained in the UK, we arranged some wonderful Pippa’s host families to welcome them and ensure they had a restful and enjoyable Easter break.

Here are a few photos of what some of our students got up to over the Easter holidays.

Julie & Rose (Pippa’s Area Managers) at the airport

Cici and Mico both attend Shrewsbury School. They travelled home for Easter but returned a few days before school started so they stayed with a host family for a few days and enjoyed baking. They learned how to make pastry and made an apple cake.

Sophia spent her Easter break from Millfield school with her host family. They took her to London where they visited the Natural History Museum and China town. They had a wonderful time and helped each other learn how to navigate the London Underground around the city.

Jenny studies at King’s College Taunton. Her dream was to go and see one of her favourite bands perform live. Accompanied by Gemma, her Pippa’s Area Manager her dream came true this Easter as she watched them perform in London.

Andy from Shrewsbury School was able to spend time with his parents who were visiting the UK. They invited Polly, Andy’s host family, to join them for dinner at a hot pot restaurant in Birmingham where they had their own noodle maker.


Sarah的工作周年纪念

Sarah Davies在2017年加入了培宝监护人,成为了一名负责照顾在切尔滕纳姆学院(Cheltenham College)和切尔滕纳姆大学预备学院(Cheltenham College Prep)学生的区域经理。

今天我们一同祝贺Sarah在培宝监护人工作五周年,在此期间,她一直为切尔滕纳姆读书的学生提供支持和照顾。

在与学校合作的五年中,她非常熟悉这些学校,与学校的教职人员建立了友好融洽的工作友谊。

我们收到了大量来自学生家长,学生和学校老师夸赞Sarah的信件,我们很荣幸她是我们团队中的一员!

Ben Hughes,培宝董事总经理和Sarah见了面,祝贺她工作五周年纪念,他说“ Sarah接手工作时,我很伤感,因为她接手的是我以前在切尔滕纳姆学院负责的学生。我记得我带着一丝不舍把学生交给了她,但我特别想说的是,学生们被Sarah照顾得非常好,而且,学校把Sarah当作自己的一员对待。谢谢你Sarah,谢谢你把学生们照顾得这么好!”

Sally Tyler Short 是英格兰南部的大区经理,她评价说“Sarah是团队中非常有价值的成员,总是乐于分享她的经验并支持其他区域经理。她有很多奇思妙想的 ‘有价值’的 想法,例如:考试好运包、美妙的照片拼贴画等等”

祝贺你Sarah!请收下来自你的同事和学生的祝贺!


Sarah's work anniversary

Sarah Davies joined Pippa’s Guardians in 2017 as the Area Manager for students studying at Cheltenham College or Cheltenham College Prep.

Sarah is celebrating her 5th year working for Pippa’s and supporting students through their education in Cheltenham.

Having worked with these schools for five years now, she has an excellent knowledge of the school and developed good relationships with the staff there.

We have had numerous letters of thanks from parents, students and schools staff about Sarah and we are proud to have her as part of our team!

Ben Hughes, Pippa’s Managing Director met with Sarah to mark her anniversary “Sarah’s appointment is particularly poignant as she took students I was previously responsible for at my old school, Cheltenham College. I remember handing the students over to her with a tinge of sadness, but they’ve been incredibly well looked after and she is treated like a staff member at the school which I think says it all really. Thank you Sarah for taking such good care of your students.”

Sally Tyler Short is the Regional Manager for the South of England, and Sarah’s Line Manager “Sarah is a very valued member of the team, always happy to share her experience and support other Area Managers, She has the most wonderful “added value” ideas, always completed with an extra flourish from exam good luck packs, to wonderful photo collages.”

Congratulations Sarah from all your Pippa’s colleagues and students.


支持我们的学生

我们的每一位学生都会被指定一名学校附近的区域经理来照顾他们。他们的区域经理会亲自去了解学生,无论是学生在学校的事情,还是学生私人的事情,区域经理都会为他们提供支持和建议。培宝的中文联络官Eden也随时在线,为家长、区域经理、学校和寄宿家庭提供翻译支持。

我们的学生从我们广泛的寄宿家庭网络那里得到了大力的支持,他们也为学生提供了更多的帮助,就像帮助自己的孩子一样。

最近,我们Badminton学校的学生Cherry需要去伦敦的签证中心办理签证。我们的一名寄宿家长Trilby陪同Cherry去了签证中心,确保她安全出行,顺利参加预约,并成功取得了签证。

她们早上6:25乘火车出发,未了防止火车延误或临时取消,Trilby的丈夫Andrew也在车上待命。她们按时抵达了签证中心,但不幸的事,Cherry的文件出了些问题。Trilby马上和签证官沟通,并说服签证官同意在当天晚些时候再给她们一次预约,这样她们就有机会补齐遗漏的文件。在Trilby、Cherry的妈妈和Charlie(Cherry的培宝区域经理)的帮助下,所有遗漏的文件都被及时补齐并打印出来,然后,她们成功地参加了第二次预约。

最后,她们乘坐晚上4点的火车返回了Bristol,Andrew早已在火车站等着她们,送Cherry回了学校。

感谢您一直以来的帮助,您安排好了每一步流程,早上625接到我女儿,然后准时抵达了签证中心。那么多的突发情况,, Triby全程帮Cherry沟通,当发现我女儿的银行对账单不完整时,Triby陪同她去复印文件,并在汇丰银行打印对账单。没有您的努力和帮助,Cherry这次不可能在签证中心成功办理签证。EdenCharlie在这个过程中都帮助了我。我真的很欣赏您们团队的负责态度,您们团队的每个成员都非常优秀。谢谢大家!

Chen女士, Cherry的妈妈

对大家来说,这是充满压力和疲惫的一天,但是,感谢Trilby 和 Charlie在面对突发情况时的快速应对,结果是成功的。Trilby和Cherry给我们发了这张她们返程时在火车上拍的照片,她们感到无比的轻松和开心。


February Half Term Camp

Pippa's Camp Diaries

Dear Parents and Guardians...

We are delighted to be hosting another Pippa’s camp. This time at the wonderful Tudor Hall School near Oxford. As students arrived on Friday, it was fantastic to see so many familiar faces as well as some new ones.

My team and I have an exciting programme prepared for your children and will keep you posted with lots of pictures on our social media platforms and through these camp diaries.

Louise Hughes
Camp Director

Day One

As schools closed for the half term break, students were making their way to Tudor Hall for the start of our February half term camp. As students arrived they were shown to their accommodation and spent the afternoon unpacking, relaxing and exploring their home for the next 10 days.

At 6pm, we all headed over to the dining room for supper and a welcome briefing from Camp Director Louise and introductions to the rest of the camp staff.

 Day Two

As the first official day of the half term holiday, there were no compulsory activity or study sessions. Students could therefore choose between studying in their bedrooms, relaxing or socialising in the common rooms.

After lunch, students had the choice of football, netball, gym, basketball and studying.

After supper, our evening social event was a “getting to know you” scavenger hunt. Students were given a series of questions that they had to answer. The answers could only be found by talking to their fellow camp mates and staff as each student unknowingly had one answer.

Questions included; Who is the oldest student? Who is a vegetarian? Who has a Canadian passport? Who was born in September?

This got students talking to each other and was a perfect ice breaker to begin the camp.

Day Three

Sunday morning allowed students another chance to relax and rest before study and tutor sessions commenced.

In the afternoon students chose from a variety of activities including badminton, dance, tag rugby or a walk in the fresh air to the local farm shop and cafe. Classrooms were also open for those students who wanted to spend the afternoon studying or practicing music.

Our evening social event was a music quiz. All of our students were very good at the quiz and determining a winner was very tricky as we had a number of students with the same number of points at the end. After holding tie breakers with fellow students shouting and cheering, we settled on two winners, Anton and Ronit – Well done boys!

Day Four

Study and revision started first thing on Morning morning with tutors in Maths and Science on hand for 1:1 consultations or group revision.

After the lunch break, students could choose further study sessions or from the camp activities which included art, rounders, gym or netball.

In the evening we held a mini olympics event where students competed in teams in a series of fun challenges.

 Day Five

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Our morning started with tutoring sessions in Science, English, Spanish and French alongside self study and revision.

After lunch students could choose to continue their study, or take part in a valentine’s cookie decorating, badminton or dodgeball.

In the evening we held a valentine’s disco with lots of dancing.

Day Six

Tutors in Science joined our morning study sessions to assist students where needed.

After students had completed their self study and revision, some students joined our excursion to Bicester shopping village, others chose to stay on campus and study further or take part in Basketball or Badminton.

Later that day, students relaxed with a movie and pamper night.

Day Seven

Students have now been at the camp a week and very familiar with the routine and the campus.

Tutors in Science, English, Maths, French and Science were available to tutor or assist the students as required.

After lunch, we had a variety of activities available, including art (clay sculpture making) basketball, volleyball, or show practice. Classrooms remained open for those wanting to continue their studies.

In the evening we held a lip sync/ talent show in the hall. Students performed dance routines they had prepared in groups and as solos.

Students watching were very supportive, clapping and cheering on their camp mates as they bravely took to the stage.

Day Eight

Students made the most of their final day with our tutors, booking 1:1 and small group revision sessions.

After lunch we held further study sessions as well as a cookery class, dodgeball and gym activities.

After supper we held a games night for students in the common room.

 Day Nine

Our final day of camp before students depart and return home to their schools. The day started with rest and relaxation in their boarding houses so that students could feel refreshed before restarting classes at school.

In the afternoon we offered study sessions, an outdoor walk and badminton.

Later in the evening, we held a farewell party before students packed their suitcases ready to depart.