The British International School Shanghai Puxi vs Yew Chung International School of Shanghai

	T The British International School Shanghai Puxi Shanghai, China	Y Yew Chung International School of Shanghai Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 271,600 - 385,090	Fees / year RMB 243,900 - 362,700
Age range	Age range 0 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Australian Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 2,400
Typical class size	Typical class size 21	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 2004	Opened 1993
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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).	Location YCIS Shanghai operates five day-school campuses across Puxi and Pudong (examples: Gubei/Puxi and Century Park/Pudong). Campuses sit in established residential and expat neighbourhoods with access to major roads and public transport; exact campus addresses and maps are on the school site. For admissions or visits parents usually select the campus that matches their child's year group.
Stages	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).	Stages The school provides Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary education for students aged about 2–18 (K2–Year 13). Campuses are organised so different sites serve particular age ranges (ECE, Primary, Secondary).
School type	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.	School type YCIS Shanghai is a co‑educational international day school that follows a bilingual co‑teaching model (English and Mandarin) in its early years and primary classes. The school does not advertise boarding provision—its campuses operate as day campuses.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support The school has a Learning Support function (EAL/SEN) that provides in‑class and withdrawal support, helps develop IEPs and administers assessments; specialist staff are listed in recruitment and student‑support materials. Admissions and placement for students with more significant needs are handled case‑by‑case and the school notes limits on the level of specialist provision available on campus.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school follows a British (English National Curriculum / IGCSE / IB) model and is branded as The British International School, Shanghai (Puxi).	Country affiliation YCIS Shanghai is part of the Yew Chung Yew Wah (YCYW) education network; the Shanghai campus opened in 1993 as the network's mainland China campus.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school is secular / non‑denominational; no religious affiliation is listed on the school's public information pages.	Religious affiliation The school does not present a formal religious affiliation on its public overview pages; its materials focus on bilingual, cultural and character education rather than a particular faith.
School day structure	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.	School day structure Daily start/end times and break/lunch arrangements vary by campus and year group; the school publishes campus‑specific school calendars and timetables (see the School Calendar / Year Overview pages for each campus). Parents relocating should check the relevant campus calendar for precise daily hours.
Bus service details	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.	Bus service details YCIS offers an optional school bus service with multiple routes serving its campuses; routes, pick‑up/drop‑off points (commonly at compound gates) and fees vary by campus and year. Families can apply for bus service each year and should contact admissions or school services for the current routes, schedules and fees.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Application fees & registration deposit - Application fee: RMB 3,000 (one‑time, non‑refundable). - Registration / placement deposit: RMB 25,000 (one‑time; reported as refundable). Tuition fees (by year group) — annual and per semester Note: tuition is published on an annual basis; the school academic year is split into two semesters, so per‑semester amounts below are the annual fee divided by two (arithmetic shown). - Nursery 2 (age 2): Annual RMB 243,900 — Per semester RMB 121,950. - Kindergarten 1 (age 3): Annual RMB 264,800 — Per semester RMB 132,400. - Kindergarten 2 (age 4): Annual RMB 264,800 — Per semester RMB 132,400. - Kindergarten 3 / Reception (age 5): Annual RMB 313,900 — Per semester RMB 156,950. - Year 1 — Year 3: Annual RMB 313,900 — Per semester RMB 156,950. - Year 4 — Year 5: Annual RMB 320,200 — Per semester RMB 160,100. - Year 6 — Year 8: Annual RMB 350,200 — Per semester RMB 175,100. - Year 9 — Year 10: Annual RMB 356,400 — Per semester RMB 178,200. - Year 11 — Year 13 (upper secondary): Annual RMB 362,700 — Per semester RMB 181,350. Billing schedule & payment terms - Tuition figures are quoted annually; the school year runs as two semesters (see calendar). Specific invoicing dates, installment options and late‑payment terms are set in the school's Fees & Policies and on individual invoices. Boarding - YCIS Shanghai operates as a day school; boarding is not applicable. Other costs - Typical additional charges include: school uniform (available via the school's online order link), school bus/transportation, extracurricular activities/CCAs, field trips, examination fees (external IGCSE/IB charges where applicable), meals, textbooks and incidental or activity charges. The school's admissions materials and online shop reference these categories. Refund information (known items) - Application fee: non‑refundable. Registration/placement deposit: reported as refundable. Further refund rules for tuition and other charges are defined in the school's Fees & Policies document. Fee payment options - Reported accepted payment methods: online payment; cash in RMB; credit/bank card payment (in person — bank service charge may apply); and electronic/bank transfer. Bank transfer details and invoice instructions appear in admission/fees documentation. Discounts - A sibling discount (reported for large families) — example: a 5% tuition discount for families with three or more enrolled children — is reported in published fee summaries.
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 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).	Curriculum details Yew Chung International School of Shanghai educates expatriate children from K2 to Year 13 (ages 2–18) across its Puxi and Pudong campuses. Early Childhood (K2–K4) uses a bilingual co‑teaching model (one native English and one native Chinese teacher) and follows a play‑based approach guided by the UK “Development Matters” Early Years framework. Primary and lower secondary (Years 1–9) follow the school's YCIS international curriculum with integrated Chinese Studies and continued bilingual instruction. Upper secondary is a two‑stage external‑exam pathway: Years 10–11 sit Cambridge IGCSE subjects (the school is an authorised Cambridge Assessment centre) and Years 12–13 study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). YCIS Shanghai is accredited by NEASC and CIS, reports recent IGCSE and IB outcomes on its site, and offers modern languages (including Mandarin and Spanish) alongside the core curriculum, university guidance and co‑curricular programmes.
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. 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.	Admissions 1. Initial enquiry and eligibility check — Contact the YCIS Shanghai Admissions team to start. Parents should confirm that the family meets local eligibility rules for international schools in Shanghai (typically foreign passports and supporting residency/visa documents) before applying; the school's Admissions pages explain these requirements and offer an Age Placement Guide and Application Checklist to help determine the correct year level. If you plan to transfer from another YCIS campus, note that internal transfers are facilitated with reduced paperwork. 2. Book a visit / information meeting — Arrange a campus visit, open day or a virtual meeting with Admissions to see the campus, ask about bus routes, meal service, EAL provision and learning-support capacity, and to confirm which campus (Puxi, Pudong or Lingang) you prefer. Parents should bring photo ID and the child's most recent school reports to the meeting, and ask for the Application Checklist so they can prepare documents correctly. Visits are useful to confirm practical matters (bus stops, start times) that affect daily logistics. 3. Complete the online application — Submit the official online application through YCIS's admissions portal and select the preferred campus. The portal collects basic family and student details and prompts for the required uploads (passport copies, proof of residency/visa where required, recent school report, immunisation record and any support plans). Completing the online form early in the admissions cycle is recommended; make sure the uploaded documents are clear and translated into English if necessary. 4. Application fee, deposit and invoice expectations — After submission you should expect to be informed about any application fee and, if an offer is made, the acceptance deposit/enrolment fee and payment deadlines. Published fee summaries used by multiple school-fee services show a one‑time application fee (reported around RMB 3,000) and a refundable enrolment deposit (reported around RMB 25,000), but families should confirm the current amounts and payment methods with Admissions and on the official invoice before paying. Keep receipts and read the school's withdrawal/refund policy in the Fees documentation. 5. Assessment and interview — For placement the school will consider academic history, English proficiency, special skills/talents, social‑emotional readiness and date of birth; applicants may be asked to complete age‑appropriate placement tests and attend an interview (in person or online). Younger children may have play‑based assessments; older applicants are usually given subject/English assessments and a short interview. If English is limited, the school will assess whether the child can access the regular curriculum with the school's EAL support (students who require specialist or intensive SEN support beyond the school's published provision may not be admitted). 6. Offer, contract and acceptance — If a place is offered you will receive an offer letter or invoice that sets out the deadline to accept, deposit/payment instructions, and the contract terms. Read the contract carefully for start date, payment schedule, minimum enrolment period and any conditions attached to the offer (for example, proof of residency or work permit if not already provided). Parents normally accept by returning a signed contract and paying the required deposit by the stated deadline to secure the place. 7. Preparation before start date — Once the place is confirmed, arrange school uniform sizing, school bus registration (if needed), meal plan choices, and provide any medical or learning‑support documentation requested. If your child needs EAL support, coordinate with the school about initial assessments and any recommended resources so they can start with appropriate support. Ask Admissions for arrival/orientation dates and the school calendar so you can plan travel and housing around term start dates. 8. Onboarding and placement adjustments — On the child's first weeks the school will typically complete induction and may make minor placement adjustments once they have observed the student in class; keep lines of communication open with the class teacher and the Admissions/Year‑Level leader. If your child is moving mid‑year, expect a formal placement assessment and an agreed in‑year start plan, including catch‑up or bridging suggestions. Parents should maintain copies of medical forms, prior reports and any individual education plans, as these speed the placement process. 9. Follow‑up and appeals — If an application is declined or a child is placed in a different year level than expected, ask Admissions for written feedback and guidance on re‑application or alternative options (including the waiting pool if applicable). If you plan to reapply or update application materials, send the improved documents and new reports to the Admissions office so they can re‑assess when a vacancy arises. YCIS also supports transfers within the YCYW network, which can simplify moves between sister campuses.
Scholarships	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.	Scholarships YCYW (the Yew Chung Yew Wah network) operates a network scholarship programme that is implemented at YCIS campuses, including YCIS Shanghai. The programme awards merit‑based scholarships for academic excellence, leadership, service and subject/talent strengths; award categories include the Madam Tsang Chor‑hang Memorial Scholarship, Yew Chung Yew Wah Subject & Talent Awards, and Yew Chung Yew Wah IGCSE/IB/A‑Level Academic Awards. Eligible applicants are typically current or prospective students in the upper years (network guidance and campus notices commonly reference Years 7–13), and external applicants are usually required to submit admission materials and take designated tests (CEM/CPT or equivalent) before scholarship application. Scholarship support varies by award and campus; the network's published material indicates tuition‑fee waivers ranging from partial (about 15%–25% for some awards) up to full (100%) and durations commonly from two to three years depending on the scholarship type, with an annual review and a selection process that includes a written application and panel interview. YCIS Shanghai publishes its own scholarship announcements and timeline (application season, short‑listing, panel interviews and final decisions—application windows are usually in the November–January period with interviews and decisions in the months that follow), so families should contact the YCIS Shanghai Admissions or scholarship email for current deadlines, application forms, and the exact percentage and duration available at that campus.
Waitlist	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.	Waitlist YCIS schools keep a waiting pool when a year level is full rather than a single‑ranked public queue; applicants who meet the admission criteria but cannot be placed immediately may be held in that pool until space becomes available. Priority considerations used when moving candidates from the pool to offer places include sibling status, campus balance and curriculum/age fit; parents are advised to confirm whether they must re‑confirm interest to remain in the pool and how long a pool placement is valid at the specific campus. The practice of maintaining a waiting pool and giving sibling priority is used across the YCYW/YCIS network (for example, another YCIS campus page explicitly states a waiting pool is maintained when a year level is full), so expect similar local practice at YCIS Shanghai and check with Admissions for campus‑specific details and timelines.
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