Britannica International School vs Harrow International School Shanghai

	B Britannica International School Shanghai, China	H Harrow International School Shanghai Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 252,300 - 356,700	Fees / year RMB 273,800 - 385,300
Age range	Age range 1½ - 18 years	Age range 1½ - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 450
Typical class size	Typical class size 10	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2013	Opened 2016
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Britannica International School is in Gubei (Puxi), at 1988 Gubei Road near Wuzhong Road — a centrally located site about 10 minutes from Xujiahui CBD and roughly 15 minutes from the former French Concession. The school is inside the city (easy for downtown accommodation) and is served by multiple school-bus routes and short commute times.	Location Harrow International School Shanghai is located in Pudong New Area at No. 588 Gaoxi Road, Shanghai (east of the Huangpu River). The school website gives the full address and a ‘How to find us' / map link for visitors; it is reachable by Shanghai's road network and by the school's dedicated bus routes.
Stages	Stages The school covers Early Years through Sixth Form: Early Years (18 months–5 years), Primary (Key Stage 1: ages 5–7; Key Stage 2: 7–11) and Secondary (Key Stage 3: 11–13; Key Stage 4 / IGCSE: 14–16; Sixth Form / A-Level: 16–18).	Stages The school serves pupils aged 18 months to 18 years and is organised into Early Years, Pre-Prep, Prep, Senior and Sixth Form phases (Early Years 1.5–5; Pre-Prep 5–9; Prep 9–13; Senior 13–16; Sixth Form 16–18).
School type	School type Britannica is a British international day school delivering the English National Curriculum; students are educated together (co-educational). The school's materials and handbooks describe a day-school model (no boarding provision is listed on the school website).	School type Harrow Shanghai is a co-educational international day school for ages 18 months–18 years; the school's public pages describe the Harrow curriculum and pupil age range but do not advertise on-site boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school runs a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme and reports specialist EAL teachers and withdrawal sessions where needed. For additional learning needs the Primary handbook describes an inclusive approach: pupils are supported in mainstream classes by qualified teachers and teaching assistants and, where necessary, follow individualised programmes. Pastoral care and regular assessment are used to identify and plan support.	Additional learning support The school runs an Academic Support programme that includes English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision and a Learning Support department for students with mild or time-limited learning needs; support is described as bespoke and coordinated with parents. The site also lists a named SENCO and related policies (e.g., SEND policy).
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is British in curriculum and ownership: it delivers the English National Curriculum, prepares students for IGCSE and A Level, and states it is British‑owned and British‑managed.	Country affiliation Harrow Shanghai is part of the Harrow family of schools and its curriculum is rooted in the English National Curriculum — the school describes itself as connected to the Harrow (UK) tradition.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is listed on the school's public pages; the school presents itself as a secular British international school.	Religious affiliation The school does not state any religious affiliation on its public information pages; its materials focus on a British international curriculum and school values rather than a faith designation.
School day structure	School day structure The published school hours list the day school as 08:20–15:00 with After School Activities 15:00–16:00; the FAQs note buses start arriving from about 08:00, a registration period around 08:20, and formal lessons beginning at 08:40, with a morning break and lunch.	School day structure The school follows an academic calendar with term dates and a published school calendar; lessons are organised into the usual taught day with breaks and a lunchtime (school-provided lunch is offered). Exact start/end times and break times are set by year group and are published in the school calendar or provided by Admissions on request.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates a comprehensive door‑to‑door bus service with many routes across the city; routes and pick‑up/drop‑off times are updated as families join. Buses meet local safety regulations, and each bus is supervised by a bilingual bus monitor who is also a school teaching assistant; the service is optional and charged separately. Specific route stop lists are published on the school site.	Bus service details An optional school-bus service is available and run for many residential areas in Shanghai; the school names Peixing as a regular transport provider, notes that each bus carries an escort, and that parents of Early Years pupils must provide car seats if they use the bus. Routes and stops change each term to accommodate parents' requests. Bus fees and distance rules are listed on the fees page (service is optional and priced separately).
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition fees (Academic Year 2025–26) - Pre-Nursery: Autumn RMB 100,900 • Spring RMB 75,700 • Summer RMB 75,700 • Total (3 instalments) RMB 252,300 • Paid in full (by 1 Aug, 3% discount) RMB 244,700. - Nursery: Autumn RMB 105,700 • Spring RMB 79,300 • Summer RMB 79,300 • Total RMB 264,300 • Paid in full RMB 256,400. - Reception: Autumn RMB 112,700 • Spring RMB 84,600 • Summer RMB 84,600 • Total RMB 281,900 • Paid in full RMB 273,500. - Year 1–2: Autumn RMB 124,000 • Spring RMB 93,200 • Summer RMB 93,200 • Total RMB 310,400 • Paid in full RMB 301,100. - Year 3–4: Autumn RMB 124,000 • Spring RMB 93,200 • Summer RMB 93,200 • Total RMB 310,400 • Paid in full RMB 301,100. - Year 5–6: Autumn RMB 127,600 • Spring RMB 95,800 • Summer RMB 95,800 • Total RMB 319,200 • Paid in full RMB 309,700. - Year 7–9: Autumn RMB 135,700 • Spring RMB 101,800 • Summer RMB 101,800 • Total RMB 339,300 • Paid in full RMB 329,100. - Year 10–11: Autumn RMB 139,100 • Spring RMB 104,400 • Summer RMB 104,400 • Total RMB 347,900 • Paid in full RMB 337,500. - Year 12–13: Autumn RMB 142,700 • Spring RMB 107,000 • Summer RMB 107,000 • Total RMB 356,700 • Paid in full RMB 346,000. Application, registration and deposit - Registration fee (non‑refundable on acceptance): RMB 2,500. - Enrolment deposit payable on acceptance: RMB 20,000. The RMB 20,000 deposit is credited against the next term's tuition; a place is not guaranteed until the deposit is paid. Billing schedule and payment terms - Autumn term and annual fees are due by 1 August. Parents may pay termly in advance or pay the full annual fee by 1 August to receive a 3% discount. - Overdue fees may incur a 2% monthly surcharge, compounded monthly. - If fees are unpaid, the school may withhold attendance and may reallocate the place at latest two weeks before term starts. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are listed. There is no boarding provision indicated in the school fee schedule. Other costs and optional charges - School uniform and PE kit: required and sold at the uniform shop (costs borne by parents). - School lunch (mandatory): RMB 31 per meal and RMB 4 per snack; invoiced by the school caterer and paid directly to the caterer. - School bus (optional): RMB 160 per day — payable termly or annually. - EAL or additional learning support: charged separately as required (dependent on individual needs). - Tuition for Year 10 and above includes public examination entrance fees. Refunds and withdrawal - Before 18 May: full refund. - Before 1 July: tuition refund less the RMB 20,000 deposit. - After 1 July: six weeks' tuition fee from the Autumn term payment is payable (no full refund). - Leaving mid‑year: six weeks' notice is required or six weeks' fees payable in lieu of notice. - Mid‑year refund calculations are based on the standard fee (early‑payment discount not considered). Sibling discounts - Second child: 5% discount; Third child: 5% discount. Payment methods and bank details - Payment is accepted in RMB or USD at the prevailing exchange rate. Parents are responsible for all overseas transfer charges and should ensure the pupil's name is quoted on transfer details. - RMB and USD bank account details and beneficiary/SWIFT information are provided by the school's finance office (see the school fee schedule for the account and SWIFT fields).	Fee details Application fee - A non-refundable, non-transferable application fee of RMB 3,000 is charged for each application. Resources fee - A refundable Resources Fee of RMB 25,000 is payable after acceptance and is held by the school for the duration of the pupil's enrolment. It is non‑interest bearing and will be refunded in RMB when the pupil leaves, subject to deduction against any outstanding sums or costs (for example outstanding tuition, exchange losses, charges for academic materials, transport, lost or unreturned books/equipment, courier fees). Tuition fees (per year group) — amounts shown as Annual / Autumn term / Spring term / Summer term - Cubs & Pre‑Nursery: RMB 273,800 / RMB 113,480 / RMB 85,110 / RMB 85,110. - Nursery & Reception: RMB 282,400 / RMB 117,040 / RMB 87,780 / RMB 87,780. - Year 1 – Year 5: RMB 328,600 / RMB 136,200 / RMB 102,150 / RMB 102,150. - Year 6: RMB 335,500 / RMB 139,070 / RMB 104,300 / RMB 104,300. - Year 7 – Year 9: RMB 358,500 / RMB 148,590 / RMB 111,450 / RMB 111,450. - Year 10: RMB 384,800 / RMB 159,500 / RMB 119,620 / RMB 119,620. - Year 11: RMB 384,800 / RMB 159,500 / RMB 119,620 / RMB 119,620. - Year 12: RMB 385,300 / RMB 159,710 / RMB 119,790 / RMB 119,790. - Year 13: RMB 385,300 (no termly payment option). - Annual payment is available only where the full annual tuition is prepaid by the school's specified prepayment date. Sibling discount - 2nd child: N/A; 3rd child: 5%; 4th child: 10%; 5th and subsequent child: 15%. Transport and catering - School bus (optional, within 30 km): RMB 22,670 per year or RMB 9,070 (Autumn) / RMB 6,800 (Spring) / RMB 6,800 (Summer). Lunch: RMB 8,100 per year (approx RMB 45 per day for lunch + two snacks). Catering provided by Sodexo; payment may be annual, termly or via top‑ups. Boarding - No boarding fees are listed (the school does not list a boarding provision or boarding charges on its fees page). Billing schedule, payment terms and methods - Payment may be made by bank transfer (RMB or USD) or by cash in RMB. For bank transfers, provide a copy of the remittance with pupil name and year group to the finance office. The school uses the official Bank of China middle rate for foreign‑currency transfers; any shortfall must be covered on demand or carried forward to the next invoice. Bank account details (RMB account) are provided by the school for payments. Late payment, withdrawal and refunds - Late payment: administration charge of RMB 2,500 plus interest at 1.5% per month on overdue balances; all administration and legal costs for recovery are payable by the parent/guardian. Withdrawal requires one term's written notice or a term's fees in lieu of notice. On timely withdrawal, the Resources Fee and any surplus funds will be refunded after outstanding amounts are settled and required documentation is returned. The school publishes a withdrawal/refund schedule with notification cut‑offs that determine termly tuition and bus refunds. Refunds of tuition are made after return of the Official Tax Receipt (Fapiao); refund of the Resources Fee requires an approved leaver form.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Britannica International School, Shanghai follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through Sixth Form; its Early Years programme (18 months–5 years) uses the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In Primary (Key Stage 1–2, Years 1–6) the school delivers the English National Curriculum with specialist teaching beginning in Reception (including languages, swimming and music). Secondary is organised as Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), with Key Stage 4 leading to externally examined IGCSE qualifications. The Sixth Form (ages 16–18) is a two‑year programme preparing students for AS/A2 and A‑Level examinations, typically taken in 3–4 subjects for university entry. Alongside the core curriculum the school provides an extensive World Languages programme (Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew) and English-as-an-additional-language (EAL) support.	Curriculum details Harrow International School Shanghai bases its programme on the English National Curriculum, combining an examined strand (preparation for public exams) with a broader non‑examined curriculum for wider skills and enrichment. Early Years (18 months–5 years) follow a bespoke early years programme with dedicated facilities, moving into Pre‑Prep (ages 5–9) and Prep (9–13) which build knowledge and skills toward the Senior curriculum. The Senior School (ages 13–16) delivers IGCSE courses, normally taken in Years 10–11, and the Sixth Form (ages 16–18) runs a two‑year A‑Level programme (AS in Year 12, A‑Level in Year 13) with students typically studying three to four subjects. Mandarin is taught as a core language from Pre‑Nursery to Year 9 and becomes elective in Upper School with IGCSE and AS/A‑Level pathways available. The school also provides specialist music and drama lessons, performing and creative arts, and a broad extra‑curricular activities programme to complement formal qualifications.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquiry and school tour — Start by contacting the Admissions team to request an enquiry, book a tour or join an open day so you and your child can see the campus and meet staff. During this visit the admissions staff will discuss your child's needs, explain the curriculum, transport and routines, and introduce you to the Principal or Head of Phase; use the visit to check whether the school's organisation and timetables fit your family logistics. If you are overseas the school can arrange a virtual tour and a meeting with the relevant head of phase. 2. Complete the online application and upload documents — When you decide to apply you must submit the online application form and upload the specified documents: child's birth certificate, child and parent passports, child and parent residence permits/work permits, recent school report, immunisation record, medical insurance card and a passport photo. The admissions portal stays open for your admissions journey so you can upload documents and track progress, but you cannot edit submitted forms after signing. Note: if a year group is already full and you meet entry requirements, the school will place the child on the waiting list only once the registration fee has been paid. 3. Assessment and second visit — After the application and paperwork are received the school arranges a formal assessment and usually a meeting with the Principal (or relevant Head) to evaluate academic readiness, communication and social interaction. Assessment format depends on age: EYFS children have informal observations (and sometimes a trial day), Years 1–9 typically sit a non-verbal reasoning (NVR) test (with additional drawing assessments in early primary), Years 10–11 have NVR plus English and Maths assessments, and Years 12–13 require evidence of prior externally accredited results (IGCSE equivalence). The Admissions Policy says assessment outcomes and any observed support needs will be discussed with parents; if further evidence is needed the school may invite a trial day or ask for more school reports. 4. Offer, registration and deposit — If the child meets the school's entry criteria and passes the assessment, the Principal issues an offer. To accept a place you will be asked to pay a non-refundable registration fee and an enrolment deposit; the standard registration fee and the deposit amounts and terms are published in the school fees schedule (the 2025–26 fees document shows a RMB 2,500 registration fee and a RMB 20,000 enrolment deposit that is credited against the next term's tuition). The admissions documents and the school's admissions policy explain timing: registration and deposit secure the place, the deposit is refundable subject to the school's refund and notice conditions, and full fee payment deadlines are specified in the fees schedule.	Admissions 1. Research and visit the campus. Parents are encouraged to book a campus tour or open day so you can see lessons, meet staff and ask questions; the school's site provides a “book a tour” link for this purpose. Visiting early will help you confirm whether the school's age ranges and curriculum fit your child; check the Age Guidelines for Entry page to confirm the correct year group for your child. 2. Complete the online application (one form per child). Applications are submitted through the school's OpenApply portal (the site links to “Apply Now”); each application must be accompanied by the required supporting documents and the non‑refundable application fee. The school specifically notes that because many year groups have waiting lists, it is best to apply early to avoid disappointment. 3. Pay the application fee and await assessment scheduling. A non‑refundable application fee of RMB 3,000 is charged prior to the assessment date; after you submit the OpenApply form and fee, the Admissions team will contact you to schedule the appropriate assessment and/or interview depending on your child's age. Be prepared for differences in assessment format by age (Early Years screening is different to academic testing for older children) and check communications from Admissions for precise instructions. 4. Attend the assessment and interview. The school will run the assessment(s) and interviews with the child (and sometimes with parents) as part of the selection process; older applicants will have formal academic assessments and interviews, while younger children will have age‑appropriate activities and observations. Make sure you bring or have uploaded any requested documents (previous school reports, identification and any materials the school asks for) and arrive prepared for things to take the scheduled time; the Admissions team will tell you what to expect for your child's year group. 5. Offer, acceptance paperwork and fees after an offer. If the assessment and interview are successful, the school will phone you and follow up with a formal offer letter from the Head Master. To accept, you must sign and return the Acceptance Form, the Terms and Conditions, the School Bus form (if required) and the Medical Form; after accepting an offer a refundable Resources Fee of RMB 25,000 is payable and held by the school for the duration of the pupil's enrolment. Review the Fees page carefully for the Resources Fee, tuition schedules and the school's withdrawal/refund rules before returning paperwork. 6. Tuition, payment and practical arrangements. The school publishes a tuition schedule and payment options for the 2025/26 year (tuition varies by year group) and accepts payments by bank transfer in RMB or USD; the Fees page also shows optional charges (bus, lunch) and sibling discounts. Take note of the payment deadlines, the school's late‑payment penalties and the bank account details on the Fees page if you plan to make a transfer; if you need fee clarification or an invoice, contact the Finance Office. 7. If you have questions or need help at any stage, contact Admissions directly. If you expect to request bursary support or to apply for a scholarship, notify Admissions at the application stage so they can explain the additional application steps.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school has run scholarship opportunities in the past (examples published on the school website include a 2019 Secondary Scholarship Day offering up to 100% scholarships for some secondary entry years and a 2019 announcement of a 50% tuition scholarship for certain Year 10 and Year 12 entrants). Those items are event/news postings from 2019 and describe specific, time‑limited scholarship campaigns rather than a standing, published scholarship programme. The current Admissions and Fees pages do not present an ongoing, school‑wide scholarship scheme, and there is no separate, regularly updated scholarships page on the site; therefore, if you are interested in any scholarship or fee‑assistance options you should contact the Admissions office directly (admissions@britannicashanghai.com or +86 21 6402 7889) to request the latest information and to ask whether any assessments or scholarship days are being offered at the moment.	Scholarships Harrow Shanghai operates a scholarship programme and a separate bursary process. The scholarship programme is open to applicants for entry into Year 9 up to Lower Sixth (Year 12) and can provide remission of tuition fees of up to 100%; applicants undergo formal academic assessments, an online cognitive ability test and interviews with senior staff including the Head Master. Scholarship applications are made via the OpenApply form (tick the scholarship item) and the school says the application window remains open throughout the year, with awards made when suitable candidates are identified. Bursaries: The school also offers means‑tested bursaries to help talented students whose families have low household income. All prospective pupils may request consideration for a bursary at the application stage; parents who indicate they require assistance are asked to complete a confidential financial form and decisions are discretionary and reviewed annually. Bursary candidates must meet the school's academic entrance requirements; when demand exceeds availability, bursaries are awarded with reference to performance in the entrance examinations. For the bursary application form and details about the financial information required, contact Admissions or download the bursary form from the Scholarships & Bursaries page.
Waitlist	Waitlist Britannica operates a waiting list if a year group is full: applicants who meet the entry requirements are placed on the waiting list provided the registration fee has been paid. Priority on the waiting list is explicitly set out in the Admissions Policy: siblings of current students, returning students, sister‑school children, staff children and native first‑language English speakers receive priority, followed by other applicants based on completion of the admission process. The Admissions Policy and fees documents also state that an enrolment deposit (paid on acceptance) guarantees a place once paid and that families may register up to a year in advance subject to completing the full admissions process. For exact position on the list and timing you should confirm with the Admissions team, as places are reallocated if fees are unpaid before term start.	Waitlist The school's Admissions page explicitly states that there are waiting lists for many year groups and therefore advises parents to apply early; that is the only direct information about a waitlist on the public pages. The site does not publish a detailed public description of how the waitlist/pool is ordered, how long offers typically take, or whether there are separate priority categories, so the practical mechanics (for example whether positions are offered strictly by application date, by assessment ranking, or by other criteria) are not specified online. For clear, case‑specific information (current queue position, expected wait times for a particular year group, and any paperwork required to remain on the list) the school asks families to contact Admissions directly; they can provide the most up‑to‑date guidance for your child's year group.
	View full profile →	View full profile →