3e International School vs The British School of Beijing Sanlitun
3e International School and The British School of Beijing Sanlitun are both in Beijing, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes. 3e International School also offers Chinese National, American and Singapore, and The British School of Beijing Sanlitun also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are close, at RMB 220,800 - 247,200 for 3e International School and RMB 165,000 - 311,400 for The British School of Beijing Sanlitun. 3e International School takes pupils from 2 to 12, and The British School of Beijing Sanlitun from 1 to 11. The British School of Beijing Sanlitun is the larger school, with around 700 pupils to 3e International School's 200. Typical class sizes are 18 at 3e International School and 10 at The British School of Beijing Sanlitun.
Chinese National Curriculum, American Curriculum, British Curriculum, Singapore Curriculum
Curriculum
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
200
Pupils
700
Typical class size
Typical class size
18
Typical class size
10
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Mandarin
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2005
Opened
2003
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
3e International School is located at No. 9-1, Jiang Tai Xi Lu in Chaoyang District, Beijing (postal code 100016). Jiangtai is in the northern part of Chaoyang and is served by nearby subway connections (Jiangtai station on Line 14), and Chaoyang is a major international/diplomatic and business district of Beijing.
Location
The school is in Beijing's Chaoyang, District Sanlitun at 5 Xiliujie, Sanlitun Road, in downtown Beijing. Many families in Sanlitun and Dongzhimen live within walking distance. The school also notes surrounding roads are generally quiet for drop-off/pick-up and provides guidance on parking and access.
Stages
Stages
The school runs an Early Years and elementary program: Nursery, Pre‑Kindergarten (younger and older), Kindergarten, and Elementary (Grades 1–5). Age cutoffs use a September 1 birthday rule (e.g., 2 years for Nursery, 6 years for Grade 1).
Stages
BSB Sanlitun is an Early Years and Primary campus: Early Years (ages 1–4) and Primary / Key Stages 1–2 (ages 5–11, Years 1–6). Students typically transfer to the sister BSB Shunyi campus for secondary education from Year 7.
School type
School type
3e is a co‑educational, bilingual (English–Mandarin) day school focused on dual‑language immersion; the website describes its curriculum and daily program but does not list any boarding provision.
School type
Day school, co-educational international school that follows the English (National) curriculum. It is part of the Nord Anglia Education group. The Sanlitun campus serves ages 1–11 and does not offer boarding.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Children with special educational needs are considered for enrolment on a case‑by‑case basis by the Admissions Committee and Administrative Team; the school may not be able to accommodate significant needs. If additional support (for example an aide or outside therapies) is required, those arrangements and associated costs are expected to be managed in cooperation with parents.
Additional learning support
The school runs an English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) programme and has an Inclusion team that provides targeted support, small-group interventions and dedicated sensory spaces for regulation. The school describes itself as academically inclusive and handles additional learning needs on a case-by-case basis; parents are advised to contact Admissions or the Inclusion team to discuss specific provisions and assessments.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is based in China and its Elementary program is recognised by Chinese authorities as a foreign school for children of non‑Chinese nationality; the website does not state an official affiliation to another country's national school system.
Country affiliation
BSB Sanlitun follows the National Curriculum for England and identifies as a British international school. It is operated within the Nord Anglia Education network.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated on the school website.
Religious affiliation
The school is non-denominational / has no formal religious affiliation listed.
School day structure
School day structure
A typical day shown on the website runs approximately 8:30–4:30: English classes 8:30–11:30, lunch/outdoor time 11:30–12:30 (with naps for Nursery and younger Pre‑K), Chinese classes 12:30–15:30, and optional after‑school activities 15:30–16:30.
School day structure
Daily routines are age‑specific. For Primary the published timetable shows arrival from 08:00–08:25 with lessons from 08:30, staggered morning breaks and lunchtimes, and a school finish around 15:30 (with After‑School Activities on some days extending the day to around 16:30 / 16:30–16:30 depending on the timetable). Early Years offers half‑ and full‑day options with earlier finish times noted for younger groups. For precise term timetables consult the school handbook or Admissions.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The website does not describe a school bus service. For transport or pickup/drop‑off arrangements, the admissions office (admissions@3einternationalschool.org, +86 10 6437 3344) is listed as the contact and can confirm current options.
Bus service details
The school operates a morning and afternoon bus service covering downtown Beijing (the school states there are 20+–25+ buses serving the area). Services can be one‑way or return and are charged by distance.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fee - A non-refundable, non-transferable application fee of RMB 2,800 applies and must be received before the school will process an application.
Tuition fees (annual and per-term breakdowns) - Published annual tuition for the 2025–2026 academic year: - Nursery through Kindergarten: RMB 220,800 per year. - Elementary (Grades 1–5): RMB 247,200 per year. - The school lists tuition as an annual charge. Per-term amounts below are simple equal-installment calculations derived from the published annual tuition (school does not publish a public term-by-term tariff). If the school allows equal instalments, approximate per-term values are: - If billed in two equal instalments: Nursery–K per term ≈ RMB 110,400; Elementary per term ≈ RMB 123,600. - If billed in three equal instalments: Nursery–K per term ≈ RMB 73,600; Elementary per term ≈ RMB 82,400.
Other compulsory annual charges - Annual meal fee: RMB 9,935 per year. - Annual school-bus fees by zone: Zone A RMB 13,500; Zone B RMB 17,500; Zone C RMB 19,500.
Boarding - 3e is an early years and elementary day school (ages 2–12); no boarding programme or boarding fees are published.
Other costs (uniform, activities, deposits, etc.) - No separate uniform price, placement deposit, capital fee, or detailed charges for optional after‑school activities are published on the school's public tuition page. Optional activities are noted as available but without public pricing.
Billing schedule, payment terms, refunds and payment methods - The public tuition page lists annual charges but does not publish a detailed billing schedule, payment terms (due dates, instalment plans), refund policy, or accepted payment methods. These items are not publicly stated on the school's tuition and admissions pages.
Contact for fee arrangements - For confirmation of payment schedules, refund policies, and accepted payment methods, contact the school's admissions office by telephone or email listed on the admissions page.
Fee details
Application and Security Deposit
Application fee: RMB 2,500 (non-refundable).
Security deposit: RMB 16,000 payable to secure an accepted place. Refundable (without interest) when the student leaves provided all accounts are settled, school property returned without damage, and required notice has been given.
Tuition fees (per term and per year by year group)
Tadpoles (Half Day, age 1) Autumn Term: RMB 66,000. Spring Term: RMB 49,500. Summer Term: RMB 49,500. Per year Term: RMB 165,000
Tadpoles (Full Day, age 1) Autumn Term: RMB 99,000. Spring Term: RMB 74,000. Summer Term: RMB 74,000. Per year Term: RMB 247,000.
Pre‑Nursery (Half Day, age 2) Autumn Term: RMB 66,000. Spring Term: RMB 49,500. Summer Term: RMB 49,500. Per year Term: RMB 165,000.
Pre‑Nursery (Full Day, age 2) Autumn Term: RMB 99,000. Spring Term: RMB 74,000. Summer Term: RMB 74,000. Per year Term: RMB 247,000.
Nursery (Half Day, age 3) Autumn Term: RMB 66,000. Spring Term: RMB 49,500. Summer Term: RMB 49,500. Per year Term: RMB 165,000.
Nursery (Full Day, age 3) Autumn Term: RMB 99,000. Spring Term: RMB 74,000. Summer Term: RMB 74,000. Per year Term: RMB 247,000.
Reception (age 4) Autumn Term: RMB 99,000. Spring Term: RMB 74,000. Summer Term: RMB 74,000. Per year Term: RMB 247,000.
Year 1 (age 5) Autumn Term: RMB 117,600. Spring Term: RMB 88,000. Summer Term: RMB 88,000. Per year Term: RMB 293,600.
Year 2 (age 6) Autumn Term: RMB 117,600. Spring Term: RMB 88,000. Summer Term: RMB 88,00. Per year Term: RMB 293,600.
Year 3 (age 7) Autumn Term: RMB 123,000. Spring Term: RMB 92,000. Summer Term: RMB 92,000. Per year Term: RMB 307,000.
Year 4 (age 8) Autumn Term: RMB 124,600. Spring Term: RMB 93,400. Summer Term: RMB 93,400. Per year Term: RMB 311,400.
Year 5 (age 9) Autumn Term: RMB 124,600. Spring Term: RMB 93,400. Summer Term: RMB 93,400. Per year Term: RMB 311,400.
Year 6 (age 10) Autumn Term: RMB 124,600. Spring Term: RMB 93,400. Summer Term: RMB 93,400. Per year Term: RMB 311,400.
Billing schedule and payment terms
Fees are payable on or before the first day of the academic year (or the student's first day if starting mid‑year). Fees may be paid annually (single payment) or termly.
An early‑payment discount is available for families who pay the full year in advance by the due date stated on the invoice; the early‑payment discount will cease to apply if the student is withdrawn during the academic year.
Boarding fees
Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school
Other costs and optional fees
School bus (optional): annual fees range from RMB 17,000 to RMB 21,200 depending on distance.
School uniform and PE kit: required and purchased from the school uniform shop.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) one‑off charge: RMB 20,000 for students required to join additional EAL lessons (applicable Year 1-6).
Additional optional or ad hoc charges (for example certain trips or services) may apply.
Refund information
Application fee: non‑refundable.
Security deposit: refundable (without interest) when the student leaves provided all accounts are settled, school property returned without damage, and required notice has been submitted and acknowledged.
Early‑payment discount: ceases to be effective if the student withdraws during the academic year. Specific withdrawal and refund provisions are set out in the school's withdrawal and refund policy.
Fee payment options and bank details
Payments accepted by bank transfer. If remittance is made in foreign currency, the exchange rate applied is based on the Bank of China middle rate at time of payment and all bank charges are borne by the remitter.
School bank details (as provided by the school): Account name: 北京英国学校 / The British School of Beijing Account No: 346756009889 Bank: Bank of China Beijing Embassy District Subbranch SWIFT: BKCHCNBJ110. For payment enquiries contact the Finance Department: bsbfee@britishschool.org.cn.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
3e International School operates a dual‑language immersion, project‑based curriculum that splits each school day between English and Mandarin instruction to build bilingual literacy and critical thinking. Core domains taught across stages are English and Mandarin language arts, mathematics, science, creative arts, physical education, and global/cultural/social studies, with explicit attention to social‑emotional (intrapersonal/interpersonal) development and digital skills. The school serves Nursery (age 2), Pre‑Kindergarten (ages 3–4), Kindergarten (age 5) and Elementary (ages 6–12, through Grade 5), with age‑appropriate schedules and half‑day immersion in each language. At elementary level 3e states its curriculum is informed by and aligned with the Chinese National Curriculum, U.S. Common Core, British language frameworks and Singapore Mathematics, delivered through thematic and project work. The school's website presents this as an early years and elementary programme and does not list secondary examination pathways (IB, IGCSE or national secondary qualifications).
Curriculum details
The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun campus serves ages 1–11 and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in Early Years and an adapted National Curriculum for England in Primary (Years 1–6). EYFS is delivered through the seven statutory areas: personal, social and emotional development; communication and language; physical development; literacy; mathematics; understanding the world; and expressive arts and design. Primary teaching uses an interdisciplinary approach based on the National Curriculum covering core subjects (English, mathematics, science), humanities, arts, design and technology, computing and languages (Sanlitun lists English, Chinese and German). Sanlitun is a pre‑ and primary campus and does not operate a secondary phase on site; students typically progress to BSB Shunyi for Key Stage 3–4 and upper secondary. At BSB Shunyi, students continue the National Curriculum into external IGCSE examinations in Years 10–11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Years 12–13; Sanlitun's scope therefore focuses on EYFS and primary curricula, assessment and transition to secondary.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
—
English as an additional language
—
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
—
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
—
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Initial research and contact: Review 3e's admissions pages and curriculum to confirm the school fits your child's age and language needs. If you want to see the campus, book a tour through 3e's OpenApply visit page — families who visit meet the Director of Admissions and receive further practical details about documentation and fees.
2. Check age and eligibility rules: Confirm your child meets 3e's September 1 cut-off date for the intended intake year (for example, children must be 2 years old before 1 September for Nursery, 6 before 1 September for Grade 1, etc.). Elementary (Grades 1–5) is recognized as a foreign-school program and has passport/visa eligibility conditions; Early Years accepts Chinese and foreign passport holders. If your child's passport/visa situation is atypical (for example, foreign passport without a China visa), 3e may need to apply for authorization from the Beijing Municipal Education Commission on your behalf.
3. Create an OpenApply account and begin the online application: 3e uses OpenApply for applications; start by creating an account and completing the applicant and parent sections online. The online form asks for birthdate, desired entry year/grade and uploads for required documents (child photo, passport, visa, mainland household registration where relevant). Keep your OpenApply username and password and monitor application progress through that platform.
4. Pay the application fee and submit supporting documents: The application is not processed until the non‑refundable application fee (¥2,800 RMB) and required supporting documents are received. Typical required uploads shown on the OpenApply form include a current passport/ID photo, the child's passport, visa, and for mainland applicants the household registration (hukou); Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan applicants are asked to submit passport, travel permit and resident ID card copies. Confirm the exact list of documents with admissions before submission to avoid delays.
5. Admissions interview and assessment: All children are required to attend an admissions interview; for Elementary applicants, previous school records are required and an interview or assessment may also be necessary to determine grade placement and bilingual readiness. If your child has limited exposure to English or Chinese, the admissions team discusses language support options during the interview. Expect the interview to cover language, social readiness and curriculum fit; contact the Director of Admissions for guidance about preparing your child.
6. Special educational needs disclosure and support planning: If your child has special educational needs (SEN), inform the admissions team early and provide relevant evaluations so the Administrative Team and Admissions Committee can assess the application on a case-by-case basis. 3e aims to place only one child with known SEN in a class at intake and may not be able to accommodate significant needs; where additional support (aide, therapy, consultation) is required, this is arranged cooperatively but is generally at the parents' cost. Be prepared to discuss realistic support plans and associated costs before accepting an offer.
7. Offer, enrolment and practical arrangements: Offers are made based on space availability and in accordance with the school's admissions policies; 3e accepts applications throughout the school year but cannot guarantee space. If an offer is made you will receive instructions on acceptance steps (contract/deposit), meal arrangement and optional services such as school bus — note the school provides bus zones with different annual fees. Confirm deadlines for returning signed enrolment paperwork and for paying any deposit to secure the place.
8. Final pre-start checks: Before your child starts, complete required health and enrolment forms, communicate any allergy or medical information to the Director of Admissions and School Nurse, and arrange bus stops if needed (bus routes operate mainly within Chaoyang district). If parental or diplomatic discounts are relevant (see scholarship/discount notes), confirm the documentation needed to apply these discounts during enrolment. Keep the admissions office contact details handy for any late paperwork or visa/authorization follow-up.
Admissions
1. Make an enquiry (initial contact). Parents should be prepared to give basic details (child's name, date of birth, proposed start date and current school) so the admissions team can check current availability for the requested year group. If you have immediate questions about fees or documents, ask at this stage so the team can send the relevant fee breakdown and application links.
2. Discover the school (tour and information). Book an in-person or virtual visit and, where available, request a taster class or meeting with senior staff so you can see how the Early Years/Primary programme is delivered. During the visit ask for specifics you care about (daily routine, class sizes, specialist lessons, EAL/SEN support and how new children are inducted). Make note of who you meet and any follow-up items the school promises (for example curriculum documents or sample reports).
3. Submit an application (forms and fees). Complete the school's online application form and upload the requested supporting documents (passport, birth certificate, recent school reports and any SEN/EAL assessments where relevant); the site also lists the non-refundable application fee amount. For BSB Sanlitun the published application fee is RMB 2,500 — this is payable when you submit an application — so factor this into timings and any company-sponsorship arrangements. If you are applying from overseas or through an employer, tell the admissions team early so they can advise on invoicing and payment procedures.
4. Assessment and references (age-dependent). Depending on your child's age, the school may require an in-class observation, age-appropriate assessment (English, maths or curriculum-relevant tasks) or references from the current school; these checks are used to identify support needs and appropriate year-group placement. If English is not your child's first language, expect EAL screening or discussion about the school's EAL provision — there is also a one-off EAL charge for eligible children in Years 1–6 noted in the fees information. If your child has existing SEN support, supply any professional reports at application so the school can confirm it can meet those needs before an offer is made.
5. Application review and offer (decision and place deposit). Applications are reviewed by the principal and admissions team; if a place is offered you will receive an offer letter outlining next steps, deadlines and payment instructions. To secure an offered place BSB Sanlitun requires a security deposit (published as RMB 16,000) which is refundable on exit provided accounts are settled, school property returned and required notice given — check the school's fee policy for exact conditions. If you cannot accept the offer immediately, confirm deadlines with admissions because offers are time-limited and the school may release the place if deposit/payment deadlines are missed.
6. Fees payment, induction and first day. Tuition fees can be paid annually or termly and are quoted in RMB; fees are payable on or before the first day of the academic year or on the student's first day if they start mid-term, and an early-bird discount may apply for full-year advance payment. Make arrangements for optional items (school bus service, uniform, premium trips); bus fees and uniform purchasing contacts are listed on the school's contact/fees pages. Before your child's first day confirm induction arrangements (buddy system, contact teacher, medical/allergy details and any EAL/SEN support) with the admissions or class team so the transition is planned.
Scholarships
Scholarships
3e does offer scholarship opportunities specifically for the Elementary program: these scholarships provide a partial discount against Elementary tuition and are awarded depending on space availability, entrance requirements and the admissions assessment. The Elementary page also notes that diplomatic passport holders may be eligible for a discount under the school's diplomatic discount policies. The website does not publish fixed scholarship amounts or an open application form for scholarships; for eligibility details, application timing and how awards are decided you should contact the admissions office directly at admissions@3einternationalschool.org. For reference, 3e's published 2025–2026 fees show annual tuition levels (Nursery–Kindergarten ¥220,800; Elementary ¥247,200), an annual meal fee (¥9,935) and annual school-bus fees by zone (Zone A ¥13,500; Zone B ¥17,500; Zone C ¥19,500) — the admissions team can confirm whether a particular scholarship or discount applies to these published fees.
Scholarships
The BSB Sanlitun website does not publish a scholarship or bursary programme on its admissions or fees pages. There is no scholarship page for the Sanlitun campus that lists application criteria or awards. Because of that absence, parents interested in fee assistance or merit-based awards should contact the admissions team directly to confirm whether any local scholarships, fee reductions or special arrangements are available at the Sanlitun campus.
Waitlist
Waitlist
3e's public admissions materials state that applications are accepted throughout the year and that spaces are offered based on availability, but the school does not publish a formal public waitlist procedure on its admissions pages. The website and OpenApply materials emphasise that places are offered in accordance with admissions policies and space availability; they do not describe a ranked waitlist or a standard wait-pool process. If you are unable to secure a place at application time, contact admissions (admissions@3einternationalschool.org or +86 10 6437 3344) to ask whether the school maintains an internal wait pool, how families are notified if a place opens, and whether the school can hold your application active for future vacancies.
Waitlist
BSB Sanlitun's publicly published information do not explicitly set out a formal waiting‑list policy on the school site.