Nord Anglia Chinese International School vs YK Pao School

	N Nord Anglia Chinese International School Shanghai, China	Y YK Pao School Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 154,000 - 240,000	Fees / year RMB 168,000 - 216,000
Age range	Age range 6 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Chinese National Curriculum, IB (DP), Australian Curriculum	Curriculum Chinese National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 2,500	Pupils 1,600
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 7
Instruction language	Instruction language Mandarin, English	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 2016	Opened 2007
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The school campus is at 1399 Jinhui (Jinhui) Road, Huacao Town, Minhang District, Shanghai (Minhang). The site is in the suburban Minhang area, roughly 15 km from Shanghai city centre and close to the Hongqiao transport hub (airport and large rail interchange).	Location YK Pao School has three separate campuses in Shanghai: the Primary (20, Lane 1251 West Wuding Road, Changning District), the Middle (2206 Hongqiao Road, Changning District) and the High School (Thames Town, 1800, Lane 900 North Sanxin Road, Songjiang District). The Primary is in central Changning, the Middle campus is in the Hongqiao area (near Xijiao), and the High School sits in Thames Town (a residential area of Songjiang). Each campus has its own address and facilities — see the school site for maps and directions.
Stages	Stages NACIS serves primary and secondary year groups (generally listed as Grades 1–12 / ages about 6–18). Senior students follow an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (and international pathways in upper years).	Stages The school runs a Year 1–12 programme split across the three campuses: Primary (Years 1–5), Middle (Years 6–8) and High School (Years 9–12). Age range is approximately 5 to 18 and the High School offers IGCSE (Year 10) and the IB Diploma (Years 11–12).
School type	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school with boarding options noted in public listings (day & boarding). It is part of the Nord Anglia Education group.	School type YK Pao is a co-educational, non-profit private international school founded by the YK Pao Education Foundation. The High School campus operates a boarding programme (the High School provides UK/US-style boarding for students), while the Primary and Middle campuses are day campuses.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support As part of the Nord Anglia network, the school is reported to provide learning-support and English/Chinese language support and in-class differentiation for students who need it; network schools typically operate inclusion or learning-support teams. NACIS's public pages do not publish a detailed SEN policy online; if your child has diagnosed or complex additional needs, contact the school's admissions or learning-support team to discuss assessments, available specialist support and any external-therapy arrangements.	Additional learning support The school's public pages describe pastoral and counselling activity (for example, counsellor–parent coffee mornings) but do not publish a detailed Special Educational Needs / Additional Learning Needs policy on the public site. Prospective parents with specific SEN or additional‑needs questions are advised to contact Admissions directly so the school can explain available provisions and any assessment or placement arrangements.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is located in China and delivers a bilingual programme that blends the Shanghai national curriculum with international elements (Chinese and English mediums). It is not an embassy or church school and does not carry an affiliation to another country.	Country affiliation YK Pao School is based in the People's Republic of China and its bilingual programme integrates elements of the Chinese National Curriculum alongside international curricula (IGCSE/IB). It is a Chinese-founded international school rather than being formally affiliated to another country's education system.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated in the school's public materials; NACIS is presented as a non-denominational, secular bilingual school.	Religious affiliation The school does not state any religious affiliation on its public materials; it presents itself as a secular, non‑religious bilingual international school.
School day structure	School day structure Public information shows a typical school day beginning in the morning (students usually register between about 08:00–08:30) with classes running through the day and a normal finish time around 15:30 (exact times vary by year group and by term). The day includes a morning break and a lunch period; after-school activities and later bus departures are commonly offered on select days.	School day structure The school's website and admissions pages describe the curriculum and campus life but do not publish a single, campus‑wide daily start/finish timetable for public viewing. Timings (start, breaks and lunch) can vary by campus and year group, so the Admissions office can provide the exact daily timetable for the campus and year you are considering.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates a student bus service; public listings indicate school-provided buses and set routes (details, stops and fees are managed by the school). For exact route maps, pickup/drop-off points, fees and registration procedures contact NACIS Admissions directly — these arrangements are updated each academic year.	Bus service details According to the school's FAQs, YK Pao provides a daily school‑bus service for the Primary and Middle School campuses with pick‑up locations across Shanghai and a professional bus management team (drivers and bus monitors). The High School does not run a daily shuttle; it operates weekly buses to/from the city instead. For routes, stops, costs and safety arrangements contact the school's transport office or Admissions.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - No school-specific application, enrolment or resourcing fees for Nord Anglia Chinese International School (Minhang) are published in the public sources consulted. The school's publicly listed fee pages examined include only tuition figures. Tuition fees (by year group) - Grade 1 to Grade 5: RMB 154,000 per year. - Grade 6 to Grade 9: RMB 180,000 per year. - Grade 10 to Grade 12: RMB 230,000 per year. (These figures are presented as the school's published annual tuition amounts by year group.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Nord Anglia schools operate a three-term academic year (Term 1 late August/early September to December; Term 2 January to March; Term 3 April to June). School fees are generally payable in advance on or before the first day of each term. Where advance payments cover multiple terms, income is recognised across those terms. A full term's notice of withdrawal is commonly required for refund of prepaid tuition at a majority of group schools. Boarding fees (if applicable) - Boarding is indicated as available at the Minhang campus; however, no specific boarding-fee amounts for Nord Anglia Chinese International School (Minhang) were published in the public fee pages reviewed. Other costs (uniform, transport, meals, trips, exams) - The school's published public fee details reviewed list only tuition by year group and do not include itemised charges for uniform, bus, lunch or trip fees for Minhang. Note that other Nord Anglia campuses commonly publish optional/compulsory additional charges (e.g., school bus, uniforms, residential trip or lunch provider charges) as separate line items; those examples are illustrative of the group but are not specific Minhang figures. Refund information - The Nord Anglia group's published terms indicate that, at the majority of group schools, a full term's notice of withdrawal is required for refund of prepaid tuition; this is the group-level practice identified in the materials reviewed. No Minhang-specific refund schedule or refundable deposit amounts were published in the sources consulted. Fee payment options - No Minhang-specific payment method instructions were published in the public fee pages located. Nord Anglia schools commonly accept bank transfers and provide bank details on campus fee pages; for example, other Nord Anglia China campuses publish bank account details for RMB and USD payments. Parents should note that payment timing (advance, termly) follows the term schedule above.	Fee details Application / registration fees - There is no registration or application fee to apply to YK Pao School. Enrollment requires submission of materials but no one‑time application charge is listed. Tuition (per semester) and equivalent annual amount - Year 1–5 (Primary): Tuition RMB 84,000 per semester (annual equivalent if enrolled for two semesters: RMB 168,000). - Year 6–8 (Middle): Tuition RMB 95,000 per semester (annual equivalent: RMB 190,000). - Year 9 (High School - Year 9): Tuition RMB 95,000 per semester (annual equivalent: RMB 190,000). - Year 10–12 (High School): Tuition RMB 108,000 per semester (annual equivalent: RMB 216,000). Boarding fees - Boarding is offered for students in Years 9–12. Boarding fees are published per semester and differ by year group: RMB 9,800 per semester (applies to Year 9 boarding) and RMB 13,800 per semester (applies to Years 10–12 boarding). Primary and lower‑middle year boarding is not offered. Other required costs - Meals and school uniform fees are required in addition to tuition; specific amounts are not published on the public admissions pages. Additional costs (activity fees, trips, exam fees, optional programme charges or personal supplies) may be charged as required. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are presented on a per‑semester basis; the school states fees are reviewed annually. Detailed invoice dates, payment deadlines, late‑payment penalties, and instalment plan options are not published on the public tuition/FAQ pages. Refund information - No public, detailed refund or withdrawal refund schedule is posted on the school's tuition or admissions FAQ pages. Specific refund/cancellation terms are not available on the public site. Fee payment options - The school's public admissions pages do not list accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card, Alipay or WeChat Pay). Payment mechanisms and instructions are not published on the publicly accessible tuition/FAQ pages. Note: several fee elements requested (detailed meal/uniform charges, exact invoicing dates and deadlines, refund/withdrawal schedule, and accepted payment methods) are not published on the school's public tuition or admissions FAQ pages; these items are handled administratively by the school and are not available in the publicly posted material.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school provides a full boarding programme with a house system to enhance students' social engagement and self-management. Each dormitory accommodates four students. For safety, dorm access is via a card for students and staff. Boarding facilities are well-equipped and provide a home-like environment with holistic pastoral care. Boarding students have access to a range of activities and courses, including rowing, CAS, and cooking. The school provides 24-hour on-campus medical support and nutritious meals.	Boarding arrangements Boarding is available for Middle School and High School students. The Middle School campus and the High School campus offer UK/US style boarding education, in addition to day-student options. The Primary School operates as a day school.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement A school uniform is worn at the Primary School. On Unity Day, Primary School students wore white instead of their school uniform to show unity.
Food options	Food options Nutritious meals are provided on-site as part of the boarding provision.	Food options The canteen offers three meal choices: Chinese, Western, or a noodle dish. The dining environment is lit by natural light, creating a pleasant dining atmosphere.
House system	House system The school uses a house system to promote social engagement and self-management among students. Dormitories are separated by gender floors and allocated by age group so that students in the same year group live together. Each dormitory houses four students.	House system The Songjiang campus uses a house system with House Prefects and a Housemaster or House Mistress. In each residential building, two to three students serve as House Prefects, supporting the Housemaster or House Mistress in boarding life. Houses hold events such as monthly meetings and house dinners, and the Common Room serves as an activity hub.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The NACIS Shanghai Minhang is part of Nord Anglia Education.	Governance and ownership The school is a private non-profit institution founded in 2007, in memory of Yue-Kong Pao. It operates three campuses: Primary School, Middle School, and High School.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Nord Anglia Chinese International School (NACIS) Minhang is a bilingual school for ages 6–18 (Grades 1–12) that combines the Shanghai National (Chinese) Curriculum with international programmes. For Primary and Lower Secondary (Grades 1–9) NACIS delivers the Shanghai National Curriculum integrated with international approaches, taught bilingually in Mandarin and English across core areas such as Chinese, English, mathematics, science, arts, physical education and STEAM. In Upper Secondary (Grades 10–12) students follow internationally recognised qualifications: the school runs Cambridge/IGCSE-style courses in the 14–16 phase and then offers choices between Cambridge A‑Level and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for the final two years (the school also references its own NACIS High School Diploma pathway). The IBDP is taught in the standard six‑subject configuration with the DP core (Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS), while A‑Level is provided as the two‑year, subject‑specialist route; NACIS supports external exam entry and university preparation. The formal curriculum is complemented by extensive co‑curricular and partnership programmes (for example collaborations with The Juilliard School, MIT, UNICEF and IMG Academy) and differentiated, level‑based assessment to support bilingual progression.	Curriculum details YK Pao operates a Year 1–12 bilingual programme based on the Chinese National Curriculum (CNC) and supplemented where needed by international syllabuses; Primary (Years 1–5) and Middle (Years 6–8) blend CNC with selected international standards, while High School follows an “International Plus” model. Primary (Years 1–5) delivers core subjects (Chinese, mathematics, English, Exploratory Units) plus specialist classes in music, visual arts, PE and ICT, with lessons deliberately allocated in both Chinese and English. Middle School (Years 6–8) builds on Shanghai/CNC standards in Chinese and maths and expands to four science areas, humanities (history, geography), computer science/programming, arts, drama, music and PHE, all taught bilingually. High School (Years 9–12) uses a Year 9 “Zhihui” bridge (mixing Shanghai curriculum and IGCSE preparation), leads to Cambridge IGCSE examinations (students complete a minimum set of IGCSEs) and then to the two‑year IB Diploma Programme with external IB examinations at the end of Year 12. The High School also maintains core Chinese studies (Chinese language & literature, Chinese history, geography and politics) and requires a school Zhong Kao assessment in Year 9 to confirm readiness for the International+ pathway.
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 NACIS describes a house-based boarding programme and “holistic pastoral care” that supports students' social development, and its website highlights extensive co‑curricular provision (the Nord Anglia network cites more than 270 activities) that the school says help develop teamwork and resilience. A 2021 school article about boarding notes student-led initiatives such as a student “wellbeing hub” and regular one‑to‑one check‑ins by boarding staff, indicating structured peer and staff support in residential life. These sources show the school uses boarding, house structures and wide extracurricular involvement as part of its SEL approach.	Social & emotional learning YK Pao School describes pastoral care and character education as core to its whole‑person approach; the Primary School's pastoral framework is reported to include character education, behaviour management, safeguarding and health. The school runs Anti‑Bullying Week and Social‑Emotional Learning lessons and uses character‑education initiatives (including school mascots and student representatives) to promote values such as compassion, integrity and balance. The school has described a “positive discipline” approach and a designated Positive Discipline Facilitator to support teacher practice. Parent-facing events and curriculum briefings have included presentations about pastoral care and mental‑health counselling.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) YK Pao School's published materials state that special education and inclusive activities form part of its pastoral work; the school has partnered with local special‑education schools and hosted inclusive events such as Special Olympics programmes with external SPED partners. News items note student volunteering with Special Olympics athletes and school involvement in inclusive community projects. The school has previously described counselling and special‑education experience within its counselling team (for example, a counsellor who previously worked in special education). The website does not provide a definitive list of specific categories of special educational needs the school can support, nor does it present itself as a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The NACIS website emphasises a bilingual programme and tailored language learning within its curriculum, but it does not publish a specific English‑as‑an‑Additional‑Language (EAL/ESL) programme, EAL staffing structure, or EAL entry/assessment processes on its public pages. Because the school's public materials do not provide further detail, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding specific EAL provision.	English as an additional language YK Pao School operates an explicit Chinese–English immersion bilingual model and states that lessons and specialist subjects are delivered in both languages. The school publicises a Department of Language Development and a Writing Centre; visiting fellows and language‑support staff have been reported providing small‑group English classes and one‑to‑one writing support. Admissions documentation refers to students' ability to use Chinese or English as a second language, and transfer support (reading packets and preparatory courses) is mentioned for newcomers. The school does not publish a standalone “EAL policy” labelled as such on its public site, but shows multiple published programmes and staff activities for language development.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school's site and news articles show activity supporting wellbeing: staff wellbeing workshops (for example yoga and art sessions) are described in teacher‑training posts, and the boarding article records student initiatives such as a student wellbeing hub and routine pastoral contact in boarding life. The homepage also refers to holistic pastoral care within the boarding programme, indicating the school includes structured welfare routines for residential students. There is no publicly available standalone mental‑health policy or a named counselling team described on the public site.	Mental wellbeing The school's public materials describe a counselling programme and mental‑health provision as part of its pastoral care; the Primary School has presented its mental‑health counselling programme to parents and named a lead counsellor in published articles. YK Pao runs parent events (Counsellor‑Parent Coffee Mornings) and reports regular pastoral support and counselling progress reporting to parents. Job listings and public notices also reference roles for social‑emotional health counselling, indicating dedicated staff capacity. The school's community and events coverage (e.g., transition support and boarding pastoral routines) further reference ongoing pastoral and wellbeing activities.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding NACIS is part of the Nord Anglia Education group, which publishes a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy and states that safeguarding is a core organisational priority; Nord Anglia also recently announced senior safeguarding appointments to strengthen group practice. Job postings and school communications for NACIS reference standard vetting and background checks for staff, reflecting the group‑level safeguarding commitments applied to the school.	Safeguarding YK Pao School's published recruitment and school‑information pages state the school is committed to safeguarding and child welfare and that all posts are subject to appropriate background checks in line with international child‑protection recommendations. Safeguarding and child‑protection are listed as components of the school's pastoral care framework, and the school reports staff training and student/parent communications on child‑protection practice. Anti‑bullying programmes and behavioural policies (for example, positive discipline) are described in public materials as part of the school's approach to a safe environment. The school does not publish a single downloadable, detailed child‑protection policy page in the visible sections referenced here; specific policy documents or statutory child‑protection policy texts are not clearly linked from the publicly available pages cited.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is a day and boarding campus in Minhang District, Shanghai, affiliated with Nord Anglia Education. It provides a safe, spacious environment with international teaching facilities and advanced technology to support learning. The Phase I campus features a 400-seat hall, and Phase II adds a 550-seat theatre and a dedicated performing arts center. The campus includes a 25‑meter indoor pool, a standard football pitch, an indoor athletics area, a basketball court, a tennis court, and a rock climbing wall. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards, and science labs include laser cutters, 3D printers and a makerspace. The learning resource centers and two libraries support study and research.	Facilities overview YK Pao School operates three campuses in Shanghai: Primary School Campus in the city centre, Middle School Campus on Hongqiao Road, and High School Campus in Songjiang District. The Primary School is a day school, while the Middle School and High School offer boarding education in addition to day programmes. The school provides a Year 1-12 education that integrates elements of the Chinese National Curriculum with international curricula, culminating in IGCSE and IB Diploma programmes. The Chinese-English immersion bilingual programme supports the development of the whole person and aims to prepare students as engaged global citizens. The school has around 1,600 students from China and overseas.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Phase II includes a sports building with a 25‑meter indoor pool, a standard football field, an indoor athletics area, a basketball court, a tennis court, a professional training pool and a rock climbing wall.	Sports facilities The High School Campus includes a running track, all-weather pitch, indoor gymnasium, fencing area, underground sports arena and an indoor swimming pool. It also houses arts facilities such as a Black Box Theatre, an outdoor amphitheatre and an auditorium. The campus comprises four buildings dedicated to academics, athletics, performances and residential life. The Residential Centre contains dormitories, music practice rooms, activity rooms, kitchens, game rooms, TV lounges and the Day Student Centre.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards. Primary classrooms accommodate 24–26 students and include dedicated music, science and information technology spaces. In the secondary division, classrooms are complemented by multi‑purpose rooms including advanced music facilities, a design studio, dedicated computer labs, science labs, art studios, a photography darkroom and two drama studios. Senior students have independent learning spaces. The school operates learning resource centers in both phases, offering open study spaces, books, computers and staff support. The performing arts facilities include a 400‑seat hall and a 550‑seat theatre, with advanced sound and lighting. The campus also houses two libraries to support study and research.	Academic facilities The Primary School Campus is 7,108 square metres and features art classrooms and a ceramics studio with a kiln; the Music Department includes upright pianos, four piano practice rooms, a percussion room and a multi-purpose ensemble room, with world instruments available for teaching. The Primary School Library contains nearly 20,000 Chinese, English and bilingual books, and provides internet access, an interactive white board and visualisers for teaching. The Primary School auditorium can host concerts for up to 600 people, and there is a rooftop garden and a playground area for student activities. The Middle School Campus spans 10,000 square metres and offers art classrooms and a ceramics studio with a kiln; the master plan anticipates a library, STEM centre, performing arts centre and indoor stadium in the future. The High School Campus (57,000 square metres) comprises four buildings for academics, athletics, performances and residential life; the Yang Chen Ning Learning Centre houses three libraries (Great Room, Reading Room, Learning Commons) and eight laboratories, plus a Senior Study Centre and a Student Centre; the Residential Centre contains dormitories and related facilities. The Oxygen Bar (self-study and refreshments) is part of the Senior Study Centre, and a running track, indoor pool and other facilities support a broad range of learning and co-curricular activities.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities include a broad range of offerings such as sports teams and community service, along with global collaboration projects. The social education goals describe providing diverse learning opportunities to develop social responsibility, teamwork and global citizenship, and to support student‑led CAS projects. The Nord Anglia Global Campus connects NACIS students with peers in 31 countries and enables participation in STEAM competitions and sports, fostering collaboration and international networks.	Extra curricular facilities The Co-Curricular Programme is a compulsory part of the school day for all students and is divided into four sections: Chinese cultural activities, sports, performing & visual arts and enrichment activities. In Middle School, students explore new interests across four seasons, may switch activities each season, and must take at least one sport per season. In High School, students can specialise in specific areas while completing CAS requirements for the IB Diploma Programme.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Nord Anglia Chinese International School (NACIS Shanghai) was founded in September 2016 and has since expanded into a K–12 bilingual campus serving a large student body (the school's site states a roll of around 2,500 students). It is operated as part of the Nord Anglia Education group, a UK-based owner and operator of international schools. NACIS's public materials note the development of purpose-built facilities, a boarding programme and partnerships with external organisations for curricular enrichment.	History YK Pao School was founded in 2007 by Anna Sohmen Pao, Madam Tan Fuyun and Philip Pao Sohmen as a non‑profit private school established in memory of Sir Yue‑Kong Pao. Early years saw a primary programme opened in a temporary building, followed by the permanent Wuding Primary campus (2010) and the inauguration of the Songjiang secondary campus (2011). The YK Pao School Foundation was created in 2010 to support the school's long‑term development, and over the following decade the school added a Hongqiao middle campus, a residential high school programme and formal accreditation from bodies including Cambridge, CIS and the IB/WASC processes. This historical outline is drawn from the school's published timeline and about pages.
Community	Community NACIS describes a bilingual, multinational school community that runs regular cultural and extracurricular programmes — including performing-arts, STEAM and global-service activities — and participates in Nord Anglia's regional events and global initiatives. The school's public news and partner reports show NACIS both taking part in and hosting multi-school events (for example, a Nord Anglia performing-arts festival held in Shanghai in 2025).	Community Pao School describes a mixed community of students and families from mainland China and overseas, with over 1,600 students across three campuses. Regular school events and programmes that engage families include counsellor‑parent coffee mornings, seasonal concerts and the school's Global Education Forum, and the school publishes reports of partnerships and outreach such as a connection with Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden for high‑school science work. Parent‑led groups and volunteer activities—including story teams, character parent groups and sports teams—are an active part of campus life.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association All parents, educators and staff are general members of the Pao School PTA, which states objectives to bridge families and the school, provide feedback on teaching and help develop festival and special programmes. The PTA operates through volunteer‑led committees (each with a chairperson), grade‑year meetings and monthly general meetings (generally held on the second Monday of each month); the Executive Committee includes the PTA officers, school principals and a grade representative from each year. Communication is managed through the PTA email (pta@ykpaoschool.cn) and committee chairs are the normal channel for committee business. Parent‑run clubs that operate under the school's parent involvement framework include the Run‑A‑Way hiking and cycling club (founded 2009 and reported to have several hundred members) and Football Dads (founded 2014), both of which run regular activities and participate in school events. The PTA page on the school website sets out the formal meeting structure, roles and contact details for parents wanting to join committees or volunteer.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school partners with MIT to deliver STEAM cross-disciplinary education. The program integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to foster inquiry and problem-solving. Students engage in interdisciplinary challenges, including projects related to space exploration such as the MOXIE initiative. Teachers participate in MIT-based professional development to keep instruction at the cutting edge.	Academic & intellectual YK Pao School is a private non-profit international Chinese school founded in 2007. It serves around 1,600 students from China and overseas and offers a Year 1–12 educational programme that integrates elements of the Chinese National Curriculum with international curricula, culminating in IGCSE and IB Diploma programmes. The school runs a Chinese-English immersion bilingual programme designed to nurture the whole person and develop engaged, globally-minded citizens. The school comprises Primary, Middle, and High School divisions.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school collaborates with Juilliard School to provide world-class performing arts education across dance, drama, and music. Students access expert instruction from Juilliard-affiliated teachers and participate in immersive arts learning, including performing arts camps in Switzerland, China, and the United States. The program builds confidence, self-expression, and appreciation for the arts.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language All students receive high-quality bilingual instruction and access the IB program. The Nord Anglia global campus connects 31 countries, enabling cross-cultural collaboration and participation in international projects and competitions, including STEAM challenges and sports events. The collaboration develops cross-cultural communication skills and global-mindedness.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Nord Anglia works with IMG Academy to provide high-level sports training and personal development programs, with access to expert coaches and health resources. The collaboration supports participation in international competitions and joint projects across Nord Anglia schools.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service The school partners with UNICEF to support social impact programs aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students undertake recycling and other community projects, participate in World Children's Day activities, and may join UNICEF-led initiatives such as high-level forums for student ambassadors.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student ambassadors engage with UNICEF HLPF opportunities, and the school supports student-led CAS projects and leadership development through its global campus platform. These experiences foster leadership and professional skills across a globally connected student body.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus includes a professional theatre with a 550-seat capacity and two water-sports centers, set in a spacious and safe environment. The school partners with IMG Academy to provide high-level sports training and wellbeing resources to support physical and mental health.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school provides a bilingual learning environment with English language development support for learners with different proficiency levels and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.	Language provision The languages taught are Chinese and English. The curriculum blends the Chinese National Curriculum with international curricula in Primary and Middle School, and in High School offers IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme alongside CNC core courses. The program emphasizes a bilingual and bicultural perspective in its approach.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school offers bilingual teaching for primary, middle, and high school students, with teaching arranged for ages 6 to 18.	Bilingual teaching The school offers a Chinese-English immersion bilingual programme for Year 1 through Year 12, with instruction delivered in both Chinese and English. The programme fosters bilingual and bicultural competence across core and specialist subjects. English is integrated across the curriculum, with five hours of English instruction per week in the primary years. The school serves around 1,600 students.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs The dual-language learning environment features lessons delivered in Chinese and English. Students are immersed in both languages in core subjects and in specialist subjects such as Art, Music, Physical Education and ICT. This immersion supports bilingual literacy and intercultural collaboration.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards From the school website (past five years, 2021–2025) I found one award given to the school itself: 1) "卓越成就奖" / "Outstanding Achievement Award" — awarded to NACIS at RAISE2023 (November 2023). One-line explanation/significance: this award (presented at the RAISE2023 Asia international schools conference / China international schools 30‑year ceremony) was given to a group of relatively young but notable international schools (those established within 10 years) and is presented on the school's site as a recognition of the school's progress and standing in China's international education sector. Notes on scope and sources: I limited the awards list to items explicitly presented on the school website and excluded all items that the site attributes to individual students or student teams (for example IGCSE/IGEM/competition results and project grants) because you asked for awards given to the school itself. If you'd like, I can broaden the search to external sources (press, Nord Anglia group announcements or third‑party listings) to check whether additional school‑level awards appear outside the NACIS website.	Awards I searched the school's website and found the following awards (2021–2025) that are described as being awarded to the school or its teams (not individual students). Each item below is taken from the school website and dated on that site: • Virtuoso Music Teaching Centre Award (New Talent Festival) — YK Pao School was awarded the Virtuoso Music Teaching Centre Award by the New Talent Festival (reported in the school's 13 Oct 2023 highlights); this recognises the school as a centre for music teaching in that festival's awards. • Shanghai International Schools Sports Association (SSSA) swimming league — Pao School reported winning the overall SSSA swimming championship (combined team score) in the SSSA event reported on 21 July 2023; this is a school-level team championship. • Shanghai Sports League Championship — the school's Girls Basketball Varsity team is reported as having won the Shanghai Sports League Championship (reported in Pao Highlights, 2023); this is a team trophy won by the school's team. • Girls U15 Shanghai Schools Sports Association Volleyball League — Pao Middle School's Girls U15 team won the U15 championship (reported 20 Jan 2025); this is recorded on the school website as the team (school) bringing home the trophy. Notes and limitations: - I only used information that appears on YK Pao School's public website (as you requested). The site primarily lists student and team results; many items are student awards (which you asked me to exclude). The four items above are the school- or school-team-level awards I could identify on the school site between Jan 1, 2021 and Dec 31, 2025. If you'd like, I can (a) search external sources for other institutional awards or rankings mentioned elsewhere, or (b) expand the time window to include earlier institutional recognitions listed on the school site (e.g., CIS/WASC authorisations in 2017, Cambridge in 2013, IB in 2015) — though those are already covered under accreditations.
Accreditations	Accreditations Listed on the NACIS (Shanghai, Minhang) website: 1) International Baccalaureate (IB) — the school's site describes its IBDP offering and presents the Diploma Programme as part of its senior-school curriculum. One-line explanation/significance: The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year, internationally recognised pre‑university qualification for 16–19 year olds; authorization to offer the DP signals a school has met IB standards for curriculum, assessment and teacher preparation. 2) A‑Level — the school's A‑Level page describes an A‑Level pathway for Years 11–12. One-line explanation/significance: A‑Levels (Advanced Levels) are UK-style subject-based qualifications usually taken over two years and accepted by many universities worldwide; offering A‑Levels indicates the school delivers that recognised UK curriculum pathway. 3) NEASC (candidate school) — NACIS's site explicitly notes it is a NEASC candidate school. One-line explanation/significance: NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) is a U.S.-based regional accrediting association with a Commission on International Education; candidate status means the school is engaged in NEASC's multi‑year self‑study and peer‑review process toward formal accreditation.	Accreditations • Cambridge International (IGCSE authorisation) — YK Pao School is authorised to offer Cambridge IGCSE qualifications; this authorisation indicates the school meets Cambridge International's requirements to deliver their secondary curriculum and examinations. • International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma Programme authorisation) — the school is authorised as an IB World School to offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP); IB authorisation confirms the school has met the IB Organisation's standards for curriculum, assessment and school support for the Diploma. • Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation/membership — YK Pao School completed CIS accreditation (and is recorded as a CIS member); CIS accreditation is an external school-evaluation process that reviews governance, teaching, student support and continuous improvement against internationally agreed standards. • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC / ACS WASC) accreditation — the school holds accreditation from WASC; WASC accreditation recognises that an institution has the policies, resources and practices to support student learning and continuous school improvement, and it can facilitate recognition of the school's secondary diploma internationally.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Be prepared to say which year/grade you are applying for and your preferred start month; Shanghai regulations mean the school will also ask for parental/guardian details early in the process. The school publishes that applications are open year‑round on a rolling basis, so early contact helps clarify current availability. 2. Discover the school — Parents are invited to visit the campus (open days and one‑to‑one visits are available) to see facilities and meet staff; use the visit to confirm whether day or boarding (the school offers both) fits your family. During a visit you can also ask for a copy of the full fee schedule, transport routes, meal arrangements and any grade‑specific entry guidance. Keep notes from the visit (key contacts, deadlines, any special entry requirements) because these are used later in the application and interview stages. 3. Apply for a place — Complete and submit the online application form and upload the required supporting documents; the online form requires two parent/guardian profiles and allows you to save progress and return later. Required documents differ for mainland and non‑mainland applicants — examples include passport/ID pages, household registration or residence permits, recent school reports, birth certificate and (for certain grades) a Chinese/English personal statement — so check the grade‑specific list before you submit. Filling the form fully and attaching the correct documents speeds processing; the school's online form explicitly states incomplete parental information will delay progression. 4. Application review and interview — Once the application is complete the Admissions team will review documentation and contact you to arrange a family interview (and any age‑appropriate assessments if required). Be ready to discuss your child's academic history, language levels (the form asks about English and Chinese proficiency) and any additional educational needs so the school can assess appropriate placement and support. Ask at this stage what assessment format (subject test, interview, or classroom‑based activity) applies to your child's year level so you can prepare. 5. Offer of place — If the application and interview are successful the school will send an official offer by email; the offer letter will set out the place offered, the fee terms, and any conditions (for example final documents or medical/registration paperwork). Read the offer carefully for acceptance deadlines, payment deadlines and notice periods; some administrative steps (e.g. government registration for mainland students) must be completed separately and on time. If you need clarification about any clause in the offer (refundability of deposits, refund conditions, or start date), contact Admissions before paying. 6. Confirm enrolment and pay tuition — To secure the place you must follow the payment instructions in the offer (the school lists annual tuition rates on its site: Primary ¥154,000; Middle ¥180,000; High School ¥240,000). After payment you will receive confirmation and further joining instructions (uniforms, bus registration, lunch account setup, start‑of‑term timetables and any mandatory health/registration forms). If you expect to need a payment schedule, sibling discounts, or flexible arrangements, raise these with Admissions before you accept so they can confirm what (if any) options are available.	Admissions 1. Learn about the school and create an account. Start by reading the admissions pages and attending one of the school's information sessions or open-house events so you understand the bilingual curriculum and campus differences (Primary, Middle, High). Create an online account on the school portal — you must do this to schedule visits and to submit an application — and watch for the confirmation email and subsequent instructions. 2. Check eligibility and required documents. YK Pao follows Shanghai Municipal Education Commission categories (Shanghai hukou, non-Shanghai hukou, Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan residents, and international passport holders); you must select the correct category and upload the matching identity and residency documents. Prepare school reports (current year and two previous full years where applicable), passport/visa or residence permits, recent photos, and any standardised test scores or recommendation letters required for mainland applicants. The Admissions Checklist on the school site lists which documents are required by year group — follow it exactly to avoid delays. 3. Submit the online application and upload materials. After creating an account, complete the online application form and upload the documents listed for your child's year group; the school will send an email confirmation when the application is received. There is no application/registration fee, but note that if admitted you will be asked to pay enrolment-related fees (meals, uniform and later tuition) as outlined by the school. Keep copies of every uploaded file and check your email (including spam) because the school uses email to notify you of the next steps. 4. Academic assessment (tests and records review). The school evaluates applicants' English, Chinese and Mathematics ability using its own assessment criteria and by reviewing report cards and other evidence of achievement; for some year groups standardised test scores are requested. Be prepared for written assessments (especially for entry into middle and high school) and for the school to use grades and work samples to judge readiness for a bilingual programme. If your child's school reports or test results require translation or explanation, provide clear translations and context in the application. 5. Interview / family meeting and selection. Depending on the year level, shortlisted applicants and their parents may be invited for an interview or family meeting (the High School admissions process explicitly includes written exams and interviews). The school will assess fit with the bilingual, boarding (where relevant) and community expectations, so be ready to discuss your family's plans for at least a two-year stay and support for the school's programmes. After assessment and interviews the school will notify families by email about pre-acceptance, conditional offers, or next steps. 6. Offers, acceptance and enrolment steps. If you receive an offer, the email will include instructions for acceptance, payment deadlines, and any forms to complete; follow these precisely to secure the place. Note that the school states there is no separate application registration fee, but tuition and other fees are charged for enrolment and are set per semester/academic year. Keep your admissions correspondence and receipts; if you need clarification about timing or payment methods contact the admissions office directly. 7. Boarding option and specifics (high school). Boarding is available for Years 9–12; when you apply you may indicate boarding or day school but final boarding placement is confirmed by the school. The tuition page lists 5‑day boarding fees (the 2024/25 per‑semester boarding fees shown on the site are RMB 9,800 and RMB 13,800 depending on year/campus); note that 7‑day boarding is not available to students who live in Shanghai or its suburbs unless specially approved. Factor boarding fees, weekly bus arrangements (high school provides weekly buses), and the school's residential rules into your planning. 8. Orientation and first-term requirements. The school runs a new‑student orientation so you and your child can learn about uniforms, schedules, co-curricular programmes and campus life before classes start. In addition to tuition you should budget for meals, uniforms and any optional extension/enrichment programme fees; these are listed or described in the school's admissions/FAQ pages.
Scholarships	Scholarships NACIS Shanghai's public admissions pages (English and Chinese) do not publish a school scholarship or bursary programme on the pages we reviewed. The site and the online application materials focus on required documents, entry procedures and tuition information rather than on financial aid. If you want to explore scholarships, fee assistance or any special reductions (for example for exceptional circumstances or sibling arrangements), ask Admissions directly at apply@nacis.cn — they can confirm whether any internal or Nord Anglia group‑level opportunities are available and explain eligibility and the application process.	Scholarships YK Pao operates a formal scholarship programme (the Pao School Scholarship Programme) run through the YK Pao School Foundation; the programme was launched with founder support and aims to support students with outstanding achievement and those with financial need. The official scholarship pages describe several named awards, the nomination timing and the scholarship benefit amounts (many awards are specified as an amount equivalent to 10% of tuition for the stated duration). The school reports that the programme has supported over 90 students. Key scholarship types and mechanics (what parents should know): - Chinese Immersion Scholarship: Intended for international students whose parents' native language is not Chinese; awarded on the basis of strong overall academic performance and commitment to Chinese learning. The site states winners receive an amount equivalent to 10% of tuition, and the award covers multiple years (the page describes an award spanning Years 6–12). Nomination and determination occur in Year 5 for this award. - Junior Secondary Boys Scholarship: Aimed at recognising all‑round excellence; recipients are nominated/determined in Year 5 and the award is described as the equivalent to 10% of tuition over three academic years (Year 6–8). Selection criteria include academics, character, extracurricular achievement and contribution to the school/community. - Senior Secondary Grade II and Grade I Scholarships: These target high‑school‑age students and are awarded on nomination in Year 8 (Grade II) and Year 10 (Grade I). The Grade II award covers multiple academic years (Year 9–12 depending on entry) and the Grade I award covers two academic years (Year 11–12); both are described on the site as reducing tuition by an amount equivalent to 10% over the stated period. Grade I is open to Year 11 students (including internal and new students). How scholarships are awarded and next steps. Scholarships are awarded by nomination (the school and foundation appear to manage nominations internally) and based on academic performance, character, extracurricular achievement and contribution to the school community, with some awards explicitly supporting non‑native Chinese speakers. The school's scholarship page gives the broad structure and eligibility; for application/nomination timelines, the exact award value in a given year and whether partial or larger awards are available you should contact the school's admissions or foundation office directly. If you would like, I can draft an email to admissions asking about waitlist procedure, current scholarship deadlines and the precise boarding fee that would apply to your child's intended year group.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school's website states that applications are accepted on a rolling basis but does not publish a formal waitlist policy or pool mechanics on the public admissions pages. If a specific year group is full, the Admissions team is the best source to explain whether they operate a waiting list, how they prioritise offers, and whether any holding deposit or timed offer acceptance applies. For clarity about current availability and any waitlist practice, contact apply@nacis.cn or the Admissions phone contacts listed on the site.	Waitlist Official YK Pao admissions pages do not publish a formal description of a waitlist or “pool” process on the admissions, checklist or FAQ pages. The school's publicly posted admissions materials focus on the online application, document checklist, assessments and interviews but do not explain how the school manages applicants when a year group is full. That said, third‑party school directories and local listings note that primary entry (Year 1) at YK Pao — like many popular Shanghai schools — can be highly competitive and that waiting lists are commonly used by schools in the city; those external listings report that Y1 waiting lists do occur. Because the official site is silent on a formal waitlist process, if you want to know whether your child will be placed on a waiting list, how long waiting lists typically run, or whether the school holds places in a “pool” for certain categories (e.g., local hukou, international students, siblings), contact admissions directly and ask whether they keep a waitlist for the target year and how they communicate waitlist status. Applying early, creating an account and attending information sessions are the best practical steps to make sure you are registered and informed.
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