Britannica International School vs Nord Anglia International School Shanghai Pudong
Britannica International School and Nord Anglia International School Shanghai Pudong are both in Shanghai. Both schools offer British and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Britannica International School also offers Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, and Nord Anglia International School Shanghai Pudong also offers EYFS and IB. Published annual fees are close, at RMB 252,300 - 356,700 for Britannica International School and RMB 271,600 - 385,090 for Nord Anglia International School Shanghai Pudong. Britannica International School takes pupils from 1.5 to 18, and Nord Anglia International School Shanghai Pudong from 2 to 18. Typical class sizes are 10 at Britannica International School and 9 at Nord Anglia International School Shanghai Pudong.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Curriculum
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils
Pupils
—
Pupils
1,800
Typical class size
Typical class size
10
Typical class size
9
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2013
Opened
2002
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
Located in Pudong New District at 2888 Junmin Road, the school sits in a suburban area of east Shanghai (postcode 201315) with easy taxi access and a downloadable taxi card to help drivers find the campus. It is about 20–30 minutes from central Pudong areas such as Jinqiao and Lujiazui, and serves families from nearby neighbourhoods including Kangqiao; the school publishes directions and contact details for visitors.
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
NAIS Pudong is divided into Early Years (ages 2–5), Primary (ages 5–11), Lower Secondary (ages 11–14), IGCSE (ages 14–16) and IB Diploma (ages 16–18). Admissions and curriculum pages list these phases and the associated programmes.
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
The school is a co‑educational day school for ages 2–18; NAIS Pudong does not offer boarding. It follows an international/British school model and operates as a private international school.
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 provides EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes and a dedicated Learning Support Coordinator who oversees additional learning needs; individual cases may lead to an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Additional or specialist SEN support is considered case‑by‑case and any extra provision and costs depend on the student's needs—families are asked to discuss requirements with Admissions.
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
NAIS Pudong is a British international school by heritage and curriculum (English National Curriculum, IGCSE and IB Diploma) but it is an independent international school rather than formally affiliated to a national government.
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 have a religious affiliation; it welcomes families of all nationalities and backgrounds.
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
Gates open at 08:00 with supervised play; registration is typically between 08:15–08:30 and lessons usually start around 08:40. The taught day normally finishes at about 15:15; the school runs compulsory after‑school activities (ASAs) on Monday–Wednesday (buses depart ~16:15) and optional ASAs on Thursday–Friday (bus departures at ~15:15 and 16:15).
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
The school operates a dedicated fleet of school buses serving families across Shanghai; each bus is supervised by a bilingual monitor (a school teaching assistant) and buses are fitted with seat belts which students are required to wear. Routes are adjusted annually to meet community demand and the service is optional (there is a published school‑bus fee). Admissions can provide current routes and pick‑up information for your address.
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
Tuition (per term and annual) - Pre‑Nursery / Nursery / Reception: Term 1 RMB 112,000; Term 2 RMB 84,000; Term 3 RMB 84,000; Annual fee RMB 271,600. - Years 1–6: Term 1 RMB 131,600; Term 2 RMB 98,700; Term 3 RMB 98,700; Annual fee RMB 319,130. - Years 7–9: Term 1 RMB 146,000; Term 2 RMB 109,500; Term 3 RMB 109,500; Annual fee RMB 354,050. - Years 10–11 (IGCSE): Term 1 RMB 156,000; Term 2 RMB 117,000; Term 3 RMB 117,000; Annual fee RMB 378,300. - Years 12–13 (IB): Term 1 RMB 158,800; Term 2 RMB 119,100; Term 3 RMB 119,100; Annual fee RMB 385,090.
One‑off and refundable fees - Application fee: non‑refundable RMB 3,500 (payable on submission of application). - Enrolment fee: non‑refundable RMB 4,000 (payable on acceptance of an offer). - Resourcing fee: RMB 16,000. This resourcing fee is refundable if the student leaves provided all accounts are settled, school property is returned without damage, and six weeks' written notice (holidays excluded) is given.
Transport, uniform and other recurring costs - School bus (optional): Term 1 RMB 9,650; Term 2 RMB 7,350; Term 3 RMB 5,150; Annual RMB 22,150. - Uniform: required for Pre‑Nursery to Year 11; separate PE kit. Items available from the school uniform shop or online. - Annual residential trip fees (compulsory): Years 4–5 RMB 5,000; Years 6–12 RMB 8,100. No refunds are given for absence from trips. - School lunch: payable directly to the lunch provider and loaded onto a lunch card; menu is à la carte with prices typically from around RMB 25–26 up to RMB 48–49 depending on choice. - SEN support: additional costs depend on individual need and are charged separately.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are presented on a three‑term structure (Term 1 / Term 2 / Term 3) with the annual fee shown alongside term amounts. An Early Bird discount of 3% applies when annual tuition is paid in advance. - Application and enrolment fees are explicitly non‑refundable; the resourcing fee has specific refund conditions (see above). Residential trip charges are compulsory and non‑refundable for absences.
Boarding - NAIS Pudong is a day school; boarding is not offered.
Fee payment options - Public fee documentation does not list accepted payment methods. For the available payment channels, invoicing, and payment deadlines, contact the school's Admissions office at admissions@naispudong.com or +86 (0)21 5812 7455.
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
NAIS Pudong's curriculum runs from Early Years to Upper Secondary: Early Years Foundation Stage (ages 2–5), Primary (5–11), Lower Secondary/Key Stage 3 (11–14), IGCSE (14–16) and the IB Diploma (16–18). Early Years (2–5) follows the British EYFS framework with seven areas of learning and purpose-built indoor and outdoor provision. Primary (5–11) is based on the English National Curriculum adapted for an international context using the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Lower Secondary (11–14) is delivered through Key Stage 3 of the English National Curriculum; at 14–16 students follow Cambridge IGCSE courses with core requirements including English, Mathematics, Global Perspectives and a second language (Mandarin, French, German or Spanish). Upper Secondary (16–18) offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), with the six subject groups and the core components: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS.
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. Make an enquiry and book a tour or virtual meeting. Be ready when you enquire to give basic family and child details (name, date of birth, preferred entry date, current school and curriculum) so the school can advise on age placement and documentation you will need. (Source: NAIS Pudong admissions and enquiry pages).
2. Visit the school (in-person or virtually) and meet staff. NAIS Pudong offers in-person tours, Virtual Discovery Meetings and open days so you can see facilities and ask curriculum- and welfare-related questions; parents should use this opportunity to discuss English language support (EAL), any special educational needs (SEN), and school-bus coverage. If you are not in Shanghai you can request a virtual meeting; when you visit, bring up specific start dates and campus logistics (bus routes, lunch menus, uniform shop) so there are no surprises later. (Source: admissions/FAQs).
3. Complete the online application and upload required documents. Applications are submitted through the school's online form (you can save and resume) and the portal lists the documents to upload — passport/ID scans, parents' work permit and household book where applicable, recent school reports, medical information and preferred start date. Note there is a non-refundable application fee (RMB 3,500) payable when you submit the form; keep scans sized within the portal limits and allow time for references to be requested from your child's current school. (Source: online application form and tuition-fees page).
4. Assessment, language screening and references. NAIS Pudong assesses all prospective entrants so the school can place and support students appropriately: Early Years candidates usually take part in classroom observations; Primary and Secondary applicants sit entrance assessments (written or online) and older secondary applicants may be invited to an interview. All applicants are also screened for English as an Additional Language (EAL) needs and possible learning support; if your child has additional needs you should declare them on the application so the Learning Support Coordinator can discuss suitability and any potential Individual Education Plan (IEP). (Source: entry requirements and FAQs).
5. Application review, offer and acceptance. Completed applications are reviewed by the school leadership (the site notes principal review) and the school aims to make a decision quickly — in many cases the offer is made the same day as assessment and otherwise within 48 hours. If you receive an offer you will be sent an invoice and asked to accept the place; acceptance requires payment of the non-refundable enrolment fee (RMB 4,000) and other onboarding fees as invoiced (see step 6). Confirm exactly what the invoice covers and the deadline to secure the place so you don't lose the offer. (Source: admissions, application and tuition-fees pages).
6. Fees, deposits and pre-start arrangements. Be prepared for the one-off and ongoing costs the school publishes: application fee RMB 3,500, enrolment fee RMB 4,000 (non-refundable), a resourcing fee (RMB 16,000 — refundable on satisfactory exit conditions), term-by-term tuition amounts and optional services such as school bus or lunch. Full-year tuition fees (2025–26) are listed by year group on the school site, and the school offers a 3% Early Bird discount when annual tuition is paid in advance (available typically in the summer — confirm exact deadline). Before your child's first day you will also usually complete medical forms, order uniforms, sign parental agreements and arrange bus routes or lunch accounts. (Source: tuition-fees page and application form).
7. Starting at school and ongoing communication. After fees are settled and paperwork completed, the school will confirm your child's start date. Expect induction activities: settling-in reports, contact channels with teachers (the school uses platforms such as Microsoft Teams and other parent communications), and termly reporting; if your child needs EAL or SEN support, the school will work with you to set up the required support plan. Keep contact details for admissions and the main school office to hand in case any pre-start issues arise. (Source: FAQs and school contact info).
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
Yes — NAIS Pudong operates a formal scholarship programme and publishes the categories, eligibility and application process on its scholarships page. Key points you should know:
- Who can apply: Candidates must not already be enrolled at NAIS Pudong and scholarships are open to students eligible for entry in Years 1–12. Applications are limited in number each year. (Source: scholarships page).
- Scholarship categories and partners: Scholarships are offered for Academic, Sports, Performing Arts and Leadership. The school emphasises development through its external collaborations (for example with Juilliard, MIT and IMG Academy) within those pathways. (Source: scholarships page).
- Value, duration and review: Awards run for up to three years and provide a variable tuition discount of up to 50% depending on assessment performance; there is an annual review of the scholar's progress and conduct, and continuation of the award depends on that review. (Source: scholarships page).
- How to apply and selection process: You must download and complete the scholarship application form, submit a short personal statement (the school prefers the student to write this where possible), and attach supporting documents (certificates, reports, references). Applications are reviewed by a Scholarship Committee; candidates may be invited for interviews with the Principal and relevant staff, and will be notified of the outcome (the site states notification usually within two working days of the committee meeting). Send completed scholarship applications and supporting documents to the Admissions email listed on the site. (Source: scholarships page and downloadable form).
If you would like, I can extract the exact 2025–26 tuition table, list the one‑off fees and optional charges in a short table, or draft an email template you can send to admissions asking about waitlist status and scholarship deadlines. (Contact details on the pages: admissions@naispudong.com; +86 (0)21 5812 7455 ext.1015).
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
No formal public waitlist policy is published on the NAIS Pudong admissions pages. The school's public admissions and FAQs detail a quick decision process (offers often made the same day as assessment or within 48 hours) but do not set out a standard waiting‑list or pool procedure on the website. Because NAIS Pudong does not publish a waitlist policy, practical outcomes (for example whether you can be placed on a waiting list for a specific year group, any registration fee to hold a place, or the order in which places are offered) are handled case‑by‑case by Admissions — you should ask the admissions team directly for the current position on availability for your child's year group. Suggested questions to ask admissions: “Is there currently a waiting list for my child's year group?”, “If placed on a waiting list, what priority rules do you use (date of application, sibling priority, legacy/Nord Anglia connections)?” and “Is any registration deposit required to hold a place if one becomes available?”. (Source: NAIS Pudong admissions and FAQs — absence of published waitlist details).