Harrow International School Shanghai vs The British International School Shanghai Puxi

	H Harrow International School Shanghai Shanghai, China	T The British International School Shanghai Puxi Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 273,800 - 385,300	Fees / year RMB 271,600 - 385,090
Age range	Age range 1½ - 18 years	Age range 0 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 450	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 21
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2016	Opened 2004
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Located in Huacao Town, Minhang (Puxi), the school's main campus is at 111 Jinguang Road — a residential suburb of western Shanghai with good road links to the city and access by taxi; some local listings note nearby metro access (Xujing Dong is commonly used for this area).
Stages	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).	Stages The school serves children from early years through to the IB/A‑level age range (listed as Early Years 18 months–5, Primary 5–11, Lower Secondary 11–14, Upper Secondary 14–16, and A level & IB Academy 16–18).
School type	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.	School type BISS Puxi is a co‑educational day international school and is part of the Nord Anglia Education group; it does not operate boarding at the Puxi campus.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning 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).	Additional learning support The school runs EAL (English as an Additional Language) programmes with tailored lessons and intensive English options for learners new to English, and provides learning‑support/EAL staffing to work with students in class and in small groups. Nord Anglia schools also describe Learning Support/AEN provision (individual plans and targeted interventions) as part of their approach.
Country affiliation	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.	Country affiliation The school follows a British (English National Curriculum / IGCSE / IB) model and is branded as The British International School, Shanghai (Puxi).
Religious affiliation	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.	Religious affiliation The school is secular / non‑denominational; no religious affiliation is listed on the school's public information pages.
School day structure	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.	School day structure Published campus hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm. After‑school activity transport is arranged separately (see transport notes below) for students participating in extended programmes.
Bus service details	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).	Bus service details The school operates a paid bus service to and from campus; buses are described as fitted with seatbelts and accompanied by a bus monitor. The school also offers transportation specifically for its after‑school activities (noted as a 4:40pm service). For routes, fees and registration you should contact admissions/transport directly as the school arranges and manages routes locally.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Application & enrolment fees - Application Fee: RMB 3,500 (non-refundable, payable on submission of the application). - Enrolment Fee: RMB 4,000 (non-refundable, payable on acceptance of a place). - Resourcing Fee: RMB 16,000 (refundable on leaving provided all accounts are clear and school property is returned undamaged). Tuition fees (per student) — annual and per-term - Pre‑Nursery, Nursery, Reception — Annual: RMB 271,600; Term 1: RMB 112,000; Term 2: RMB 84,000; Term 3: RMB 84,000. - Year 1 to Year 6 — Annual: RMB 319,130; Term 1: RMB 131,600; Term 2: RMB 98,700; Term 3: RMB 98,700. - Year 7 to Year 9 — Annual: RMB 354,050; Term 1: RMB 146,000; Term 2: RMB 109,500; Term 3: RMB 109,500. - Year 10 to Year 11 — Annual: RMB 378,300; Term 1: RMB 156,000; Term 2: RMB 117,000; Term 3: RMB 117,000. - Year 12 to Year 13 — Annual: RMB 385,090; Term 1: RMB 158,800; Term 2: RMB 119,100; Term 3: RMB 119,100. Billing schedule & payment terms - Fees may be paid by electronic bank transfer or cheque in USD, HKD, GBP or RMB; cash payments accepted only in RMB. A copy of the bank remittance with the child's name and year group must be sent to the school. Conversion from foreign currency to RMB is based on the exchange rate at time of payment. - All winter term and annual fees are due by 30 May. Pupils may only attend school once required fees have been paid. Boarding - The Puxi campus operates as a day school; boarding is not provided at this campus. Other charges - Uniform: All students are required to wear school uniform and a separate PE kit; items are purchased from the school uniform shop. - School lunch: estimated set-lunch prices vary by option and age group (examples in the fee information range approximately RMB 34–60 per set meal; specific prices depend on option chosen). - School bus (optional): Term 1 RMB 9,650; Term 2 RMB 7,350; Term 3 RMB 5,150. - Compulsory residential trip charge invoiced with tuition for specified year groups (years 3–10 and Year 12); no refunds are given for absence from trips. Withdrawal & refunds - Six weeks' written notice (via the school's withdrawal form) is required prior to the student's last day. If six weeks' notice is not given, six weeks' fees will be charged in lieu of notice. - If notice of withdrawal is received at least six weeks before the last day, remaining pre-paid tuition will be refunded in full; resourcing fee refundable subject to conditions. A cancellation charge of RMB 16,000 applies for new students who do not attend after a place has been reserved. Fee payment options (summary) - Accepted: electronic/bank transfer and cheque (USD, HKD, GBP, RMB). - Cash: RMB only. - Parents should forward a copy of the bank remittance to the school when paying by transfer; currency conversion uses the exchange rate at payment time.
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 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.	Curriculum details The British International School Shanghai, Puxi offers a continuous British-rooted, internationally adapted pathway for learners aged 18 months–18 years: Early Years (EYFS), Primary (English National Curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum), Key Stage 3, IGCSE and the IB Diploma, and the school notes A‑levels will be available from August 2026. Early Years (18 months–5 years) follows the English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with the seven areas of learning (three prime and four specific areas) and play-based provision. Primary (ages 5–11) uses the English National Curriculum adapted through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), with emphasis on core subjects (English, maths, science), language learning including Mandarin and preparation for YCT/HSK where appropriate. Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3, ages 11–14) follows the English National Curriculum in a subject-focused model with specialist teaching, language options (Mandarin plus other modern languages), STEAM and performing-arts provision to prepare students for subject choices. Upper Secondary (ages 14–16) prepares students for Cambridge IGCSE qualifications (core: English, mathematics, Global Perspectives and a second language with a range of optional subjects) and post-16 students follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (six subject groups plus 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. 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.	Admissions 1. Make an enquiry. Parents should have the child's preferred start year and any deadlines or sponsor (company) billing details ready, because the admissions team will ask for these during first contact. (Source: school admissions pages and contact details). 2. Discover the school (tour / virtual meeting). The school will offer a campus tour or a virtual discovery meeting; for Early Years, Primary or Secondary you may meet a member of the Senior Leadership Team or a relevant phase lead. Use this meeting to ask about class sizes, the curriculum pathway (National Curriculum → IGCSE → IB) and any specific support needs your child may have. Bring a copy of recent school reports and a list of questions about wrap‑around care, transport and extra‑curricular programmes. 3. Complete the application. Parents complete the online application form and upload supporting documents: passport details, medical records, and school reports (the school requests recent reports — commonly the last two years). An application fee is payable at submission (the published non‑refundable application fee is RMB 3,500); keep the payment receipt and include the child's name and year group when you pay. Depending on the child's age, references and additional paperwork may also be requested at this stage. 4. Assessment and references. The school requires an age‑appropriate assessment: Early Years candidates typically join an in‑class assessment with their peer group, while older children sit written or verbal assessments appropriate to the year they join. For specialist scholarships or sports/music places, the school may ask for audition evidence, portfolios or trial sessions; you will be given clear instructions if this applies. Make sure any previous school recommendations or external certificates (e.g., music grades, club records) are ready because they can be requested. 5. Application review and decision. Once the application and assessments are completed, the Head of School and admissions team review the materials and will contact you with the outcome and next steps; the school estimates this process can often be completed within about two weeks but timing depends on how quickly you provide documents. If a place is offered, the offer letter will detail the fees and the deadline to accept. If you are on short notice (for example, moving city), state this to admissions so they can advise on timelines and availability. 6. Accepting the place: fees and deposits. To secure an offered place parents pay the non‑refundable enrolment fee (published at RMB 4,000) and the resourcing/resource fee (published at RMB 16,000). The school's published wording shows the resource fee is refundable when a student leaves (subject to conditions) but also notes a cancellation charge of RMB 16,000 applies to a new student who does not attend after a place has been reserved — parents should confirm how these rules will apply to their specific payment. Read the offer letter carefully and keep copies of all receipts. 7. Payment, start dates and practical checks. The school accepts payment by electronic bank transfer or cheque in USD, HKD, GBP or RMB (cash only in RMB); if paying by transfer, send a copy of the bank remittance with the child's name and year group. Note the published deadline: all winter term and any annual fees are due by 30 May each year — confirm exact due dates on your offer and invoice. Before the first day ensure medical records and any required forms are submitted and that uniform and lunch arrangements have been made. 8. Withdrawal and refunds. If you later need to withdraw you must submit the official withdrawal form in writing (the school requires six weeks' notice) and follow the school's withdrawal procedures to be eligible for any refunds; the resourcing fee is refundable only once accounts are settled and school property returned undamaged. If the six‑week notice is not given, fees are charged in lieu of notice; for new students who do not take up a reserved place the school publishes a cancellation charge (RMB 16,000). If anything in the offer or fee schedule is unclear, request written confirmation from admissions/finance.
Scholarships	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.	Scholarships Overview and eligibility. BISS Puxi publishes a scholarship programme open to new students joining Years 5–12 with five categories: Academic, Leadership, Performing Arts, STEAM and Sport. Applications are accepted at any time; the published process requires completion of a scholarship application form, review by a Scholarship Committee, and may include an interview and requests for supporting evidence (portfolios, certificates, trial sessions). Successful applicants are notified following the Committee's decision and the school states there are typically up to five awards each year (one per scholarship category), although additional awards may be made at the committee's discretion. How scholarships work and financial detail. The website states scholarship recipients receive a tuition discount; the page contains inconsistent statements about the maximum discount (the “Key Facts” section says “Up to a 25% discount” while the FAQs later state “this can be up to 50%”). Because the published wording is contradictory, you should ask the admissions or finance team for the current scholarship value, its duration (which years it covers), any conditions attached to the award, and how it is applied to invoicing. Scholarships are awarded for demonstrated ability or potential in the chosen area and the award level (partial discount and the percentage) is decided by the Scholarship Committee. Application steps and practical notes. To apply complete the scholarship application form on the school website, include a short personal statement (the school prefers the student to write this for Years 5–6 but parents may assist), and provide supporting evidence when requested. The Scholarship Committee reviews applications and may invite candidates for interview; decisions are communicated promptly (the page states notification is within two working days following the Committee meeting). Because of the inconsistency in the published discount maximum, confirm the timing of application windows (the site says applications are accepted any time) and whether a scholarship affects the enrolment/enrolment‑fee or resourcing‑fee rules.
Waitlist	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.	Waitlist The school's public pages do not describe a formal, published “waiting‑list/pool” mechanism. Admissions information states applications are accepted throughout the year but that places are subject to availability; there is no clear public description of how candidates are prioritised on a waitlist or whether an automated waitlist is used. Given that spaces can be limited, the practical approach is to submit the application and required documents as early as possible and to tell admissions if you require a place urgently; admissions can confirm whether they operate an active waitlist and where your child stands. If you want a definitive answer about waitlist procedures for a specific year group, ask admissions directly (admissions@bisspuxi.com) so they can confirm current practice and any internal queueing rules.
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