Mandarin Classes in Hertfordshire
Small-group Mandarin classes for children in St Albans and Potters Bar. From beginner level to GCSE Higher Tier, our structured curriculum helps children grow in confidence, communication, reading, and writing through engaging and interactive learning.
St Albans Saturday Classes
📍 Verulam School
Free parking is available directly outside the school.
📅 CLASS SCHEDULE (From September 2026)
🕘 Morning Classes
9:00-9:50 Toddler Mandarin Community
Starter · Ages 2-4 for toddlers and their parents
08:55 – 09:55 Learn to read Chinese characters
Level 2 · Ages 5+
09:55 – 10:55 Levelled Reading
Level 3 · Ages 6+
11:00 – 12:00 Intermediate Mandarin learning
Jinbu 2 · Ages 9+
🌞 Afternoon Classes
13:40 – 14:40 Levelled Reading
Level 3 · Ages 6+
14:45 – 15:45 Foundation stage Mandarin learning
Jinbu 1 · Ages 8+
16:00 – 17:00 Sing-along and read-aloud in Mandarin
Level 1 · Ages 4+
Potters Bar Wednesday Classes
📍Dame Alice Owen’s School
Free parking is available directly outside the school.
🌱 Herts Mandarin Early Years Pathway
The Herts Mandarin Early Years Pathway is designed for children aged 2+ guiding them from early language immersion to confident reading, writing, and communication in Chinese.
Through stories, songs, reading, and interactive learning, children gradually build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
🌱 Starter (Ages 2–4)
Parent-child immersion through songs, stories, and play, building confidence and interest in Chinese.
🎵 Level 1 (Ages 4+)
Develop listening skills, language awareness, and early speaking through songs and picture books.
📘 Level 2 (Ages 5+)
Learn around 180 high-frequency Chinese characters and begin reading and simple writing.
📚 Level 3 (Ages 6+)
Build reading comprehension, speaking confidence, and expression through graded readers.
✍️ Level 4 (Ages 9+)
Develop structured writing skills and deeper reading understanding through stories and written expression.
🎓 GCSE Chinese (Ages 11+)
Prepare for Edexcel GCSE Chinese (9–1) while developing academic Chinese skills across listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
📚 Herts Mandarin 7+ Learning Pathway
The Herts Mandarin 7+ Learning Pathway is designed for children aged 7+ starting from beginner level, guiding them step by step from phonics-based learning to character-based reading, writing, and confident communication in Chinese.
Through structured progression, interactive teaching, and cultural learning, students build strong foundations in speaking, reading, and writing, and gradually progress towards academic Chinese and GCSE success.
🌱 YCT Level 1 (Ages 7+)
Beginner pre-foundation stage focusing on pinyin, basic vocabulary, simple sentences, and early character introduction through songs, games, and interactive learning.
📘 Jinbu 1 (Ages 8+)
Foundation stage introducing character-based learning, basic reading (50–100 words), simple writing (30–60 words), and everyday communication skills.
📚 Jinbu 2 (Ages 9+)
Intermediate stage developing fluent basic conversation, extended reading (100–200 words), and structured writing (80–150 words) with growing independence.
🎓 GCSE Chinese (Ages 11+)
Academic Chinese programme aligned with Edexcel GCSE (9–1), developing exam skills across listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with progression towards Grade 6–9.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sheryll
We have been very happy to have found Herts Mandarin. This was exactly what we needed to start our bilingual journey with our child. The classes are very well structured, and Jenny is an amazing teacher with plenty of activities for the little ones.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Victor
Superb, engaging classes in a warm and friendly environment — can thoroughly recommend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nick
Jenny & the team are incredibly thoughtful and supportive, making sure the kids enjoy learning while progressing. It’s also a great community for bilingual families.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Michelle
Jenny is a patient and attentive teacher. My children really enjoy their Saturday Mandarin classes.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Poppy
Amazing Mandarin class — my daughter loves it. Jenny is a very talented teacher who makes learning enjoyable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Paul
Our son leaves lessons calm and confident. His Mandarin has improved significantly in a structured environment. Highly recommended.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Joyce
My son enjoys every lesson. Jenny is supportive and creates a welcoming environment that builds confidence.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jing
Very happy with Herts Mandarin. My child loves the class and has already learned to read and write Chinese characters.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tina
Highly organised teaching with a tailored approach. My son has made great progress in reading and writing Mandarin.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Theodora
Highly supportive programme with immersive Chinese teaching and strong resources for both children and parents.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ching
Practical teaching focused on speaking and reading. Reasonable workload and helpful resources for parents.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Leiden
My daughter has made remarkable progress. She always looks forward to class and feels motivated.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nigel
Modern teaching methods and excellent resources. My son enjoys every lesson and is progressing well.
More Than Just a Mandarin Class
We believe learning Mandarin should be engaging, structured, and meaningful. Our programme supports children not only in class, but also at home, helping them grow in confidence step by step.
Small Class Sizes
Children receive personalised support in a warm and encouraging environment.
Interactive Learning
Lessons include games, stories, speaking activities, projects, and cultural experiences that keep children engaged and motivated.
Strong Reading Development
Our structured reading curriculum helps children become confident and independent Mandarin readers.
GCSE & YCT Pathway
We provide clear long-term progression from beginner level to YCT and GCSE preparation.
A Supportive Community
Families join a welcoming Mandarin learning community through festivals, workshops, and cultural events across Hertfordshire.
Online Library
A digital learning platform with 5,000 Chinese picture books to support reading development and enjoyment (online app access)
Online App
Homework Learning App with audio, vocabulary, and structured practice to support children’s Mandarin learning at home.
