Harrow International School Beijing vs The British School of Beijing Shunyi

	H Harrow International School Beijing Beijing, China	T The British School of Beijing Shunyi Beijing, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 228,600 - 356,600	Fees / year RMB 165,000 - 361,100
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 1½ - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, Australian Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), German Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,500	Pupils 1,100
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 11
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, German
Opened	Opened 2005	Opened 2009
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Harrow Beijing's main (Hegezhuang) campus is in Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang, Chaoyang District, Beijing (No. 287 Hegezhuang Village). The school publishes a separate City Campus for very early years; admissions materials list campus addresses and practical travel information.	Location The school is situated at No. 9 An Hua Street in the Shunyi District, a popular suburban area approximately 25 kilometers northeast of central Beijing. This neighbourhood is often described as an "expat oasis," known for its family-friendly residential compounds and proximity to the Capital International Airport.
Stages	Stages The school accepts students aged about 2–18 and is organised into Kindergarten/Lower School (Pre‑Prep), Prep (Years 2–6) and Upper School (Prep, Senior and Sixth Form / Years 7–13).	Stages The school is divided into Early Years (ages 18 months to 5 years), Primary School (ages 5 to 11), and Secondary School (ages 11 to 18). The Secondary stage culminates in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for students aged 16 to 18.
School type	School type Harrow Beijing is an international, co‑educational school for Chinese and foreign pupils (ages 2–18). The school's public pages describe day programmes across the phases; boarding is not described on the Harrow Beijing site (note: some other AISL Harrow schools do offer boarding). For confirmation about boarding options contact admissions.	School type The British School of Beijing, Shunyi is a co-educational day school. It does not offer boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Harrow Beijing has a Learning Support Department with a full‑time Learning Support Coordinator in both Lower and Upper School, dedicated intervention teachers, and access‑arrangement support for external exams; the team works with families, teachers and external specialists including an educational psychologist.	Additional learning support The school offers dedicated assistance through its Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) departments. The EAL programme helps students access the English-taught curriculum through personalised support, which can range from one-on-one tutoring to integrated in-class assistance.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Harrow Beijing is part of the Harrow family and the AISL Harrow Schools network; it traces its heritage to Harrow School in London.	Country affiliation The school is affiliated with the British education system, following the English National Curriculum and offering IGCSEs. Uniquely, it also provides a German Primary Programme for native German speakers to study core subjects in their home language.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school's public information does not identify a religious affiliation; pastoral provision is presented as non‑denominational and focused on wellbeing and safeguarding.	Religious affiliation The school does not have a religious affiliation and welcomes families from all cultural and religious backgrounds.
School day structure	School day structure Morning care (Breakfast Club) is available; a parent newsletter notes breakfast‑club drop‑off from about 07:05 with students heading to class shortly before 08:00. Typical published school‑day times used in school listings are roughly 08:00 to mid/late afternoon (around 16:30), but exact start/finish times and after‑school activity schedules vary by year group and are given in the school handbook.	School day structure The school day typically begins with registration around 8:25 am, with lessons starting at 8:40 am. The day concludes at 3:30 pm, after which students may depart or attend optional co-curricular activities.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers a school‑bus service; route maps, timings, fees and the transport provider are described in the Admissions Information Centre and the school handbook (the admissions team handles route allocation). For current routes, pick‑up points or to register for transport contact admissions by phone or email.	Bus service details An optional bus service is available for students, covering major residential compounds in Shunyi and downtown Beijing. Regular buses depart the school at 3:40 pm, and a late bus service is available for Secondary students participating in after-school activities.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - Registration (application) fee: RMB 3,500, payable once at the point of application. Tuition fees (annual and per term, by year group) - Pre-Nursery (Pre-N): Tuition RMB 228,600 per year — approximately RMB 76,200 per term (if split equally into three terms). - Nursery: Tuition RMB 228,600 per year — approximately RMB 76,200 per term. - Reception: Tuition RMB 259,600 per year — approximately RMB 86,533 per term. - Year 1: Tuition RMB 282,600 per year — approximately RMB 94,200 per term. - Year 2: Tuition RMB 295,800 per year — approximately RMB 98,600 per term. - Year 3 & Year 4: Tuition RMB 305,800 per year — approximately RMB 101,933 per term. - Year 5: Tuition RMB 306,800 per year — approximately RMB 102,267 per term. - Year 6: Tuition RMB 309,800 per year — approximately RMB 103,267 per term. - Year 7 & Year 8: Tuition RMB 321,600 per year — approximately RMB 107,200 per term. - Year 9, Year 10 & Year 11: Tuition RMB 336,000 per year — approximately RMB 112,000 per term. - Year 12 & Year 13: Tuition RMB 356,600 per year — approximately RMB 118,867 per term. Note: the per-term figures above are simple equal one‑third divisions of the published annual tuition and are provided for planning purposes; check the school's billing schedule for exact instalment amounts and due dates. Billing schedule and payment terms - The registration fee is payable at application. An Acceptance Form must be returned and a small advance payment of tuition is required to secure a place after an offer is made. Payments are to be made to the school's bank account (Hang Seng Bank Beijing — account: Harrow International School Beijing; Account Number: 531031680020). Boarding fees - Harrow Beijing operates as a day school (no boarding provision listed); there are no boarding fees for this campus. Other costs and fees - English Intensive class: some year groups offer an English Intensive class that incurs additional fees. - School uniform: all students must wear school uniform; uniforms are purchased by parents according to the school's uniform guide. - School bus: a school bus network is available; parents should contact Admissions for bus routes and fees. - Canteen (lunch): the school provides a canteen service; separate meal charges apply (sample lunch menu published by the school). Refund information - The registration fee is charged at application and is stated as payable once; the admissions materials do not specify a general refund of the registration fee. The school's formal fee and refund terms appear in the full fee or parent handbook documents. Fee payment options - Bank transfer to the school's Hang Seng Bank Beijing account is provided (bank details published). The school uses an online admissions portal (OpenApply) for applications and enrolment procedures. For other accepted payment methods and any applicable bank/transaction charges, follow the school's payment instructions.	Fee details Application and Registration Application Fee: RMB 2,500. This is a non-refundable fee required with every application submitted. Security Deposit: RMB 16,000. This is payable to secure a school place once the student has been accepted. Tuition Fees The tuition fees are payable annually or split by term. The termly breakdown is as follows: Pre-Nursery (Mornings): Autumn Term: RMB 66,000 Spring Term: RMB 49,500 Summer Term: RMB 49,500 Full Year Total: RMB 165,000 Pre-Nursery (Full Day), Nursery and Reception Autumn Term: RMB 99,000 Spring Term: RMB 74,000 Summer Term: RMB 74,000 Full Year Total: RMB 247,000 Year 1 and Year 2 Autumn Term: RMB 117,600 Spring Term: RMB 88,000 Summer Term: RMB 88,000 Full Year Total: RMB 293,600 Year 3 Autumn Term: RMB 123,000 Spring Term: RMB 92,000 Summer Term: RMB 92,000 Full Year Total: RMB 307,000 Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 Autumn Term: RMB 124,600 Spring Term: RMB 93,400 Summer Term: RMB 93,400 Full Year Total: RMB 311,400 Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 Autumn Term: RMB 132,400 Spring Term: RMB 99,300 Summer Term: RMB 99,300 Full Year Total: RMB 331,000 Year 10 and Year 11 Autumn Term: RMB 141,400 Spring Term: RMB 105,900 Summer Term: RMB 105,900 Full Year Total: RMB 353,200 Year 12 and Year 13 Autumn Term: RMB 144,500 Spring Term: RMB 108,300 Summer Term: RMB 108,300 Full Year Total: RMB 361,100 Additional Costs EAL Charge: A one-off charge of RMB 20,000 applies to students required to join additional English support lessons. Bus Service: Optional service arranged on request. Annual fees range from RMB 17,000 to RMB 21,200 depending on distance. Uniform: All students must wear the uniform and P.E. kit, which can be purchased from the school uniform shop. Examinations: Fees for Year 10 and above include entrance fees for examinations in accordance with the curriculum. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Due Dates: Tuition fees must be paid on or before the first day of the academic year or term. Early Bird Discount: A discount applies if the full year fees are paid by 6th June 2025. This discount becomes invalid if a student withdraws during the year. Payment Methods: Payments can be made via bank transfer to the school's Bank of China account. If paying in foreign currency, the exchange rate is based on the Bank of China middle rate at the time of payment, and all bank charges must be borne by the remitter. Refund Information Security Deposit: Fully refundable when the student leaves the school, provided all accounts are settled, school property is returned, and required written notice is submitted. Application Fee: Non-refundable.
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 Harrow Beijing runs a values‑led programme from Early Years to Sixth Form: Early Years (ages 3–5) follow the AISL Harrow Early Years Curriculum (AHEYC) / Little Lions kindergarten framework. In Primary (Years 1–6) the school teaches the English National Curriculum integrated with the International Primary Curriculum, with daily Mandarin, Expressive Arts and a specialist emphasis on PE and outdoor education. The Prep phase (Years 7–8) provides a broad foundation across subjects to prepare students for Upper School. In the Senior Phase (Years 9–11) students consolidate learning and are prepared to sit GCSE/IGCSE examinations in Year 11. The Sixth Form (Years 12–13) follows a two‑year A‑Level programme (with options for a three‑year pathway) and Harrow Beijing lists A‑Level subjects including Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Economics, Mandarin, Further Mathematics, English Literature, Geography, History, Mathematics, Media Studies, Music, Physics, Psychology and Theatre Studies, plus EPQ and other enrichment awards.	Curriculum details The school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for its youngest students, moving into the English National Curriculum for Primary and Lower Secondary education. Uniquely, the school offers a German Primary Programme that allows native German speakers to study core subjects in their home language alongside the English curriculum. At the Upper Secondary level (ages 14-16), students prepare for and sit the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. For the final two years in the Sixth Form (ages 16-18), the school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as its pre-university qualification.
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. Initial enquiry and visit. During a visit or Open Day you will be shown the facilities, meet admissions/academic staff and have an opportunity to ask about year-group availability and programme detail. Parents who cannot visit can use the school's online resources (virtual tour, prospectus, videos) before applying. 2. Submit the online application and pay the registration fee. Applications are made through the school's online portal (harrowbeijing.openapply.cn) and the school charges a one‑time registration fee of 3,500 RMB payable at the point of application; the application should include required documents such as passport pages, recent school reports (two years), a teacher reference and photos. The Admissions Quick Guide lists exactly which documents are required and confirms the registration fee and online submission URL. Early application is recommended because demand is high and waiting-list priority is based on submission date. 3. School review, consultation and age placement. After you submit the application the Admissions team will review the documents and confirm the appropriate year group using the school's age-placement guide (placements follow dates of birth). Depending on the child's age and the year group applied for, the school may arrange a consultation, assessment or interview with academic staff; details and timing are set by the Admissions Office after they receive a completed application. Note that Harrow Beijing describes itself as academically selective; where academic requirements are not met or spaces are limited, this will affect the decision or placement offered. 4. Specific entry rules for older year groups. The school does not permit direct entry to Year 11 or Year 13 and does not permit entry to Year 10 or Year 12 after the October half‑term for that academic year—parents should plan timing accordingly if applying for those year groups. For applicants seeking direct entry into Year 12 (A Level), the school specifies academic prerequisites (a minimum of five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above and Grade B or above in any intended A‑Level subject). If you are applying for a senior place, confirm the exact subject and examination equivalency requirements with Admissions. 5. Offer, acceptance and deposit timeline. If a place is offered the school will send a formal Offer and an Acceptance Form; parents are asked to sign and return the Acceptance Form and to make the advance payment of tuition fees by the deadline. The school typically guarantees a place for two weeks after an offer is made to allow return of the Acceptance Form and payment; if the acceptance and payment are not completed by the deadline the place may be offered to another applicant. For payment the Admissions Quick Guide gives bank details and requests clear name/year‑group references on transfers. 6. Fees, sibling discounts and other cost notes. Harrow Beijing publishes year‑by‑year tuition for the academic year (example: Pre‑Nursery and Nursery 228,600 RMB; Reception 259,600 RMB; Year 1 282,600 RMB; Year 9–11 336,000 RMB; Year 12–13 356,600 RMB for 2025–2026); the school also notes that certain year groups offer an English Intensive class that incurs additional fees. Sibling discounts are applied to the youngest child in order of birth (2nd child 5%, 3rd child 10%, 4th and subsequent 15%). Check the Tuition Fees document and the Admissions Quick Guide for the currently published year, and ask Admissions about any additional charges (bus, meals, uniforms, optional programmes). 7. Final preparation and start. Once the Acceptance Form is returned and the advance payment is processed, the school will confirm the enrolment and provide practical information (timetables, uniform, bus routes, canteen). Ensure that visas/permits (for international applicants) and any medical or other documentation requested are ready well before the start date. If no space is immediately available but your child meets entry requirements, the school will place them on a waiting list (see below).	Admissions 1. Make an Enquiry: Parents are encouraged to start the process by submitting an online enquiry form, sending an email, or calling the admissions team directly to express interest. 2. Discover Our School: Families are invited to visit the campus either in person or virtually to meet the academic team, ask questions, and share their specific educational needs. 3. Apply for a Place: Parents must submit an online application form along with supporting documents; depending on the child's age, the school may also request further references and an assessment to ensure the right class placement. 4. Application Review: The school Principal reviews the completed application, after which the admissions team contacts the family to confirm the admissions status and outline the next steps for enrolment.
Scholarships	Scholarships Harrow Beijing runs scholarship programmes and also participates in larger AISL Harrow scholarship initiatives. The school's admissions pages and the Harrow Scholarship information note that Harrow Beijing has offered scholarships such as the AISL Scholarship, a 20th Anniversary Scholarship, and the 450 Scholarship in recent cycles; the AISL Harrow scholarship rounds have included fully funded (tuition‑free) two‑year A‑Level awards targeted at outstanding Sixth‑Form applicants. Scholarship programmes change from year to year (eligibility criteria, application windows, assessment dates and whether full or partial funding is offered), and the school's announcements give the specific application deadline and assessment/interview timetable for each competition (for example, an AISL Harrow scholarship round listed application and assessment dates for the 2025–27 cycle). For current scholarship offerings, eligibility rules and how to apply, contact the Admissions Office or refer to the Harrow Scholarship pages and the AISL Harrow scholarship portal linked from the school website.	Scholarships The school does not explicitly list academic or talent-based scholarships for incoming students.
Waitlist	Waitlist Harrow Beijing operates a waiting‑list system. If an applicant meets the school's academic and social entry requirements but no places are available at the time of application, the student will be placed on a waiting list until a space becomes available. The Admissions Quick Guide states that priority on the waiting lists is determined by the date the completed application was submitted, which is why the school recommends early application. If you are placed on the list, contact Admissions to confirm your child's position and to update any changed circumstances or documents; Admissions can advise typical wait times for the specific year group.	Waitlist The school does not explicitly detail a specific "waitlist" or "pool" system policy. However, they do note that students are placed in year groups according to their date of birth, academic level, and language ability, and that they accept applications throughout the school year.
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