Connexcel is a company based in the UK with a focus exclusively on the British and Chinese education markets. Originally from China but now firmly rooted in the UK, founders John Zhang and Katie Nie pride themselves on their deep understanding of the cultures and education systems of both nations.
Guided by the principle of providing a professional, tailored service to schools and parents, Connexcel has continued to develop by extending its expertise into different sectors of the independent school market. As one of a limited number of companies to offer summer school, tuition, school placement and guardianship services without any third-party involvement, we provide a high-quality and trustworthy service to our customers.
Meet the Connexcel Team
John Zhang
Founder & Company Director
John, Co-Founder of Connexcel was driven to set up the company to support international students in their UK based education. John has formed partnerships between schools in China and the UK, supporting the former with their curriculum development and senior personnel training, and supporting the latter to extend their reach on an international platform. John is an expert in the field of elite education and takes a holistic approach to creating a supportive programme and resources for schools.
Katie Nie
Founder & Company Director
Katie, Co-Founder of Connexcel is passionate about creating, for Chinese students, a bridge to a better education and has over 20 years’ experience in marketing and education. Katie’s passion for education led her to conduct independent studies into the elite education system in the UK. Using this knowledge and extensive experience, Katie assists individual students in starting their educational journey and uses her extensive expert network in both the UK and China to lead students in their educational development, at all stages.
Vivienne Wells
Head of UK Schools Relations
Vivienne, Head of UK Schools Relations at Connexcel, has over 30 years of experience in private school education within the UK. After working in both Dulwich College and as Admissions Director for King’s Bruton, Vivienne established a new Admissions and Marketing Department recruiting day and boarding pupils from the UK, Europe, Nigeria, Russia, Hong Kong and China. Vivienne has also acted as a boarding inspector for Ofsted and ISI and Head of Overseas Recruitment for King’s Bruton, as well as being a Governor at Perrott Hill Prep School in Somerset. Vivienne actively maintains relationships with our existing partner schools and worked hard to build strong relationships with new schools.
Caroline Nixon
Consultant and Leading Figure in UK Elite Education
As International Director of BSA (Boarding Schools’ Association) and Director of BAISIS (British Association of Independent Schools with International Students), Caroline is a leading figure in the elite education field. Caroline advises schools on opening branches abroad, with regards to recruitment, training, pastoral provision and academic development. Caroline also advises education groups on opening new senior schools i nthe UK and with curriculum development for UK schools looking to accept international students. At Connexcel, Caroline also works to support guardianship, and marketing and admissions.
Peter Wells
Consultant and Leading Figure in UK Elite Education
As a previous headteacher of King’s Canterbury Preparatory School, Peter is an experienced figure, not only with regards to leading and promoting academic success, but also in the field of school relations and admissions. During his tenure as Headmaster, Peter set a record for UK private school admissions. At Connexcel, Peter acts in an advisory role and uses his extensive experience and network to facilitate connections between schools and Connexcel, as well as offering advice on admissions for a variety of elite schools around the UK.
Carole Heritage
Head of Guardianship
Carole has worked in school admissions and marketing for more than 25 years in both the maintained and independent sectors. She built a career as Head of Admissions across several day and boarding prep and senior schools, developing and managing empowered and skilled admissions teams. Carole currently heads up Connexcel’s Guardianship department, providing a supportive framework for student well-being, working with host families and schools to provide the best possible care for our international boarding students.
Julie Ann Morse
Consultant and Leading figure in Elite UK Education
After 20 years of teaching experience in Modern Foreign Languages, Julie Ann advanced to the role of senior tutor and boarding mistress for 7 years in the independent sector, namely at Haberdasher’s Monmouth School for Girls. Julie Ann is currently a senior House Parent at Manchester City FC and has experience as a guardianship officer and in online tuition, specialising in university entry and interview technique development. Julie Ann has also developed provisions for international student camps at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools.
Katie Harben
Head of Study
Previously a teacher in both public and private sectors, namely at King Edward VI School in Birmingham, Katie is responsible for tutor recruitment and management, student progress and specialises in entrance examination preparation for UK boarding schools, and online tuition for EAL students. Katie has experience in organising European international student exchanges and is currently manager of Connexcel’s half-term camps, held at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools.
Dr Andrew Daniels
Consultant and Leading figure in Elite UK Education
With over 30 years teaching and management experience and as the previous Head at Monmouth School and Wellington School, Andrew is an experienced figure in the UK private education sector. Andrew has a proven track record of supporting successful Oxbridge and G5 university applicants and conducting interview preparation support. Andrew uses his expertise and knowledge to advise on and tutor for our University Application Support Programme and specialises in Computer Science and Mathematics.
