- PLC Armidale hosted the first-ever PES Global Education Symposium, uniting 24 education leaders from Australia, China, Vietnam, and India.
- The event highlighted the success and expansion of PLC Pathways, preparing international students for academic and cultural success in Australia.
- Key discussions included cross-border education, immersive study tours, and the 2026 launch of a digital learning platform with Vivedus.
Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) Armidale has reinforced its role as a national leader in international education by hosting the inaugural Pathways Education Solutions (PES) Global Education Symposium on Friday, 20 June, at its Astra Arts Centre.
The landmark event brought together 24 influential figures from the education sector, including principals from top Independent Schools across Australia, education agents from China, Vietnam, and India, and representatives from Investment NSW (Study NSW). The symposium spotlighted the growing global reach of the PLC Pathways program, a partnership between PLC Armidale and Pathways Education Solutions, dedicated to preparing international students for success in the Australian education system.
In her opening remarks, PLC Armidale Principal Mrs Nicola Taylor welcomed attendees and reaffirmed the College’s commitment to global collaboration and student-focused learning.
“As a regional girls’ school, we are proud to offer high-quality, future-focused education supported by strong values and community”, Mrs Taylor said. “Through PLC Pathways, we empower international students especially those from non-English-speaking backgrounds to thrive in Australian schools and beyond”.
Pathways Education Solutions, launched in 2021 by PLC Armidale and the Sydney College Council, began by facilitating the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) in China. Since then, it has expanded to Vietnam and other parts of Asia, with plans to reach Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea in the near future.
PES Chairman Mr Tim Catterall praised PLC Armidale for its foundational role in reshaping international education.
“PLC Armidale’s leadership in English immersion programs has created real opportunities for international students to not just learn the language, but to integrate fully into Australian school life”, Mr Catterall said. “This symposium represents a key step toward forming deeper, more impactful global partnerships that support both students and schools”.
Attendees engaged in strategic discussions on key topics, including cross-border education partnerships, HSC delivery overseas, immersive study tour models, and the development of international education technologies. A significant highlight was the announcement of PES’s new digital learning engagement platform, set to launch in 2026 in partnership with education technology provider Vivedus.
The symposium also featured a keynote address by Mr Toshi Kawaguchi, Director of Investment NSW (Study NSW), who spoke on expanding education pathways into emerging global markets.
Another focal point was PLC Armidale’s International Study Tours program. These short-term, immersive experiences allow international students to participate in everyday school life, from wearing the school uniform and attending classes to engaging in cultural and outdoor activities easing their transition into full-time education in Australia.
“Our mission is to inspire and connect students with pathways that lead to success, not just academically but in life”, Mrs Taylor said. “Through PLC Pathways and PES, we are building a future where regional schools are at the forefront of global education”.
The symposium was widely hailed as a milestone in international education, with participants expressing enthusiasm for future collaborations and the continued growth of PLC Armidale’s global vision.
