Best International Schools in Shanghai
Shanghai is renowned for its diverse and high-caliber international schools, catering to expatriate families seeking world-class education in one of Asia’s most vibrant cities. Offering a variety of curriculums, including International Baccalaureate (IB), American, Canadian, French, and others, these schools provide academic pathways that prepare students for admission to leading universities and success in an increasingly globalized world.
International schools in Shanghai emphasize rigorous academics alongside a wide array of co-curricular activities, fostering well-rounded individuals.
These institutions celebrate cultural diversity, bringing together students from multiple nationalities in inclusive environments that value multilingualism and intercultural understanding. Many schools incorporate Mandarin language programs and offer opportunities to explore China’s rich cultural heritage, complementing their robust international education frameworks.
Wellington College International Shanghai
Wellington College International Shanghai, part of the Wellington College China (WCC) group, provides an exceptional British curriculum-based education from Early Years through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Established in 2014, the school integrates the best of British educational standards with an international perspective. Wellington’s vision, expressed through the motto “Be You. Be More,” focuses on nurturing learners to be critical thinkers, compassionate connectors, and active change makers.
Students at Wellington College International Shanghai benefit from a rigorous curriculum rooted in the English National Curriculum and enriched by the International Primary Curriculum, IGCSEs, and IBDP. Classes are conducted in English, with Mandarin Chinese integrated as a core subject, promoting bilingualism and cultural understanding. A rich array of co-curricular activities, including robotics, performing arts, and sports, further broadens students’ horizons.
The school’s robust governance model supports a transparent leadership structure, with dedicated sub-committees for academics, facilities, and student welfare. This approach earned the WCC group recognition from the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), designating Wellington College International Hangzhou as China’s only Beacon School for governance practices.
Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong
Nord Anglia International School (NAIS) Shanghai, Pudong, is a leading British international school in China, recognized for almost 25 years as a top educational choice for expat families. Following the British curriculum, including IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme, NAIS Pudong promotes academic excellence and holistic student growth. This approach prepares learners to excel at world-renowned universities.
The school’s purpose-built facilities include advanced labs and a dedicated MIT Maker Space. There are also extensive sports areas, with swimming pools and both indoor and outdoor fields. These well-equipped spaces support a comprehensive curriculum enhanced by collaborations with prestigious organizations like Juilliard, UNICEF, and MIT.
With a diverse community representing over 40 nationalities, NAIS Pudong emphasizes global citizenship through unique programs that develop empathy, resilience, and social responsibility. Students regularly engage in charity initiatives and participate in Model United Nations, fostering a strong sense of purpose while being prepared to make meaningful contributions within their communities and beyond.
The British International School Shanghai, Puxi
Amnuay Silpa School (ANS) offers a unique, bilingual education in Bangkok. ANS offers a unique combination of British and Thai curricula within a globally-minded environment. Dedicated to “Global Education; Local Tradition,” ANS shapes students as future leaders, deeply connected to their cultural heritage.
As the only English-Thai bilingual school in Thailand accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), ANS upholds rigorous standards across academics, facilities, and student support, consistently achieving excellent exam results at both IGCSE and A-levels. ANS’s innovative Thinking School approach, accredited by the University of Exeter, empowers students to develop critical, creative, and reflective thinking skills.
The program is rooted in holistic education principles that encompass knowledge, ethics, hands-on learning, and physical development. Students engage with a curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence, character building, and global awareness. Supported by the Amnuay Silpa Foundation, ANS fosters lifelong learning and social responsibility, preparing students for higher education and leadership roles on a global scale.
Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, established in 2003, stands as a leading international school, offering a world-class education rooted in British academic traditions. Serving over 1,600 students from more than 40 nationalities, the school offers a comprehensive British curriculum, including IGCSE, A-Levels, and the IB Diploma Programme. Year after year, students achieve results well above global averages, gaining entry to prestigious universities, including Oxbridge and Ivy League institutions.
The school emphasizes holistic education, fostering intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Students participate in a wide array of co-curricular activities, including music, drama, sports, and debate. Through its Global Citizenship programme, the Dulwich College champions sustainability, service, and social justice, empowering students to become active contributors to society.
State-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated STEAM labs, sports complexes, and creative arts spaces, provide an ideal environment for exploration and innovation. Accredited by the Council of International Schools and other global bodies, Dulwich Pudong combines academic excellence with a commitment to personal wellbeing and global responsibility.
Shanghai United International School Gubei Campus
Shanghai United International School (SUIS) Gubei Campus is located in the heart of the Gubei international community. The school offers state-of-the-art facilities, including IT and science labs, teaching buildings, a learning resource center, specialist arts and drama spaces, a gym, outdoor sports fields, conference rooms, and a modern cafeteria. These amenities support an engaging academic and co-curricular environment.
SUIS Gubei combines the strengths of Eastern and Western educational traditions, providing a holistic, multicultural education. The school follows the English National Curriculum, IGCSE, and IB Diploma Programme, preparing students for admission to world-renowned universities. With over 750 students enrolled in the international stream and a teaching team of 75 Western and 30 Chinese educators, SUIS Gubei emphasizes academic excellence and personal development.
As an IB World School, SUIS Gubei offers personalized university counseling and regular seminars with representatives from top global universities, equipping students to pursue international opportunities after graduation.
Harrow International School Shanghai
Harrow International School Shanghai is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, character development, and leadership cultivation. Located in the Waigaoqiao area of Pudong, the campus features state-of-the-art facilities. These include modern classrooms, advanced science laboratories, and an innovative arts and drama center. The campus also boasts outstanding sports amenities, such as a rooftop running track, floodlit fields, and a 25-meter swimming pool.
Established in 2016, Harrow Shanghai builds on the 450-year legacy of Harrow School in the UK. Students are immersed in a values-driven education that emphasizes courage, humility, honor, and fellowship, shaping them into confident and compassionate leaders.
The school’s rigorous British curriculum, which incorporates IGCSEs and A-Levels, ensures academic success and prepares students for top global universities. Harrow Shanghai places a strong emphasis on holistic growth, encouraging students to excel in academics. The school also nurtures talents in sports, arts, and community service. This approach fosters well-rounded individuals prepared to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Yew Chung International School of Shanghai
Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS Shanghai) stands as a leader in global education, delivering a bilingual, multicultural learning experience for students aged 2 to 18. With six campuses located in the Puxi and Pudong districts, YCIS provides a world-class curriculum that seamlessly integrates Eastern and Western educational philosophies. This unique approach equips students with proficiency in both English and Chinese, fostering linguistic mastery and cultural understanding.
YCIS Shanghai is a fully accredited IB World School and Cambridge Examination Centre, offering the IGCSE and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Its diverse community includes students from over 50 countries, supported by an experienced teaching team from 20+ nationalities.
The school emphasizes character education alongside academic excellence, instilling values like respect, integrity, and responsibility. With a focus on critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, YCIS prepares students for success at top universities worldwide and equips them to thrive in an interconnected, evolving world.
Yew Wah International Education School of Shanghai
Yew Wah International Education School of Shanghai Lingang (YWIES Shanghai Lingang) builds on the esteemed legacy of Yew Chung International School (YCIS), which has provided exceptional education in Hong Kong and mainland China since 1932. Both institutions are integral to the Yew Chung Yew Wah (YCYW) Education Network, unified by a shared philosophy and mission that seamlessly integrates Eastern and Western educational principles.
YWIES Shanghai Lingang, established in 2015, offers education from primary to upper secondary levels, providing a holistic, bilingual environment that nurtures academic excellence and personal growth. The school campus features cutting-edge facilities designed for collaborative learning and creative exploration.
YWIES emphasizing bilingual proficiency in English and Chinese. The school delivers outstanding results in the IGCSE and A-Level programs, with graduates attending prestigious universities worldwide. Students also benefit from over 200 co-curricular activities, ranging from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) projects and performing arts to sports and cultural programs, ensuring well-rounded development.
Shanghai Concord Bilingual School
Shanghai Concord Bilingual School has been a cornerstone of bilingual education in Huangpu District since its establishment in 2017. Catering to students from Grades 1 to 12, the school operates with the full backing of the Party Committee and the Huangpu District Government, adhering strictly to local education policies.
The school’s central location in Huangpu, a cultural and economic hub, allows it to offer an education that addresses regional needs while fostering international perspectives. With a vision of harmonizing Chinese and British education systems, the school emphasizes both academic excellence and well-rounded development. Shanghai Concord’s curriculum integrates rigorous Chinese foundational studies with creativity and critical thinking encouraged by Western methodologies.
The institution works in close partnership with Concord College UK, renowned for preparing students for top universities like Oxford and Cambridge. Shanghai Concord focuses on nurturing global citizens who demonstrate integrity, adaptability, and cultural fluency. Graduates are well-equipped to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Hong Qiao International School
Shanghai Hong Qiao International School (HQIS) is a leading international institution in Shanghai, delivering a student-centered, globally-minded education since 1997. Offering programs for students aged 18 months to 18 years, HQIS integrates the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for primary years and a curriculum aligned with U.S. educational frameworks for middle and high school.
This balanced approach fosters critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and adaptability, equipping students for the challenges of higher education and global citizenship. The campus emphasizes sustainability, featuring eco-friendly facilities like geothermal heating, solar panels, and an organic garden. Students benefit from an extensive range of co-curricular activities, including robotics, performing arts, and competitive sports.
As a member of the Global Online Academy, HQIS provides access to rigorous, globally-focused courses that enhance learning opportunities beyond the classroom. HQIS nurtures lifelong learners with respect for the planet and cultural diversity, inspiring them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.
Shanghai Singapore international School
Shanghai Singapore International School (SSIS), established in 1996, is a leading bilingual K-12 institution committed to nurturing lifelong learners with a passion for life and a strong sense of global responsibility. Starting with just 18 students and nine teachers, SSIS has grown into a vibrant community of over 1,400 students and 197 educators.
The school’s curriculum incorporates globally recognized programs such as the Singapore Curriculum, IGCSE, and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). These programs promote critical thinking, creativity, and holistic development among students. SSIS’s bilingual education model blends Eastern and Western approaches, providing a rigorous academic foundation alongside character-building and innovative learning experiences.
With state-of-the-art facilities, including an Aquatic Centre and Performing Arts Centre, SSIS emphasizes well-rounded education through extracurricular activities like sports, arts, and community service. Graduates leave prepared for top universities and equipped with the values, resilience, and skills needed to lead in a complex global society.
Concordia International School
Concordia International School Shanghai, established in 1998, provides an American-based education for students aged 3 to 18. Located in Shanghai’s Jinqiao area, Concordia’s state-of-the-art campus incorporates eco-friendly technologies and innovative learning spaces that foster student growth. The school integrates challenging academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Applied Learning initiatives, to prepare students for top universities and professional success.
Through personalized education, Concordia emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Its core values focus on holistic development, service to the community, and nurturing individual strengths.
With affiliations to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA), the institution maintains high educational standards. Concordia students thrive through diverse extracurricular offerings, competitive athletics, and fine arts programs. The school’s supportive environment helps students develop strong leadership skills along with a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Lucton School Shanghai
Lucton School Shanghai, a branch of the historic Lucton School in the UK, brings over 300 years of British educational tradition to China. Established in 2018, the school offers a full-boarding, bilingual environment in Pudong, Shanghai, blending a rich heritage with modern educational practices. The school’s holistic curriculum combines academic excellence with co-curricular activities, including elite sports, arts, leadership training, and community service. Lucton focuses on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding.
The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced classrooms, laboratories, a music center, a double-storey library, and a multi-purpose auditorium. Sports amenities, such as a gymnasium, rooftop basketball court, and climbing wall, complement the academic environment. Individual dormitories accommodating 184 students encourage both independence and community living.
Lucton graduates possess international perspectives, bilingual proficiency, and strong moral values. They are well-prepared to excel at top universities and thrive in a globalized world. The school remains dedicated to fostering resilience, confidence, and integrity in every student.
Britannica International School Shanghai
Britannica International School, Shanghai, established in the heart of Puxi, offers a comprehensive British education through the English National Curriculum. Catering to students aged 2 to 18, the school combines academic excellence with a focus on personal growth and global understanding. Small class sizes and a low teacher-to-student ratio allow for tailored instruction, ensuring every student reaches their full potential.
The curriculum culminates in IGCSE and A Level qualifications, preparing students for admission to prestigious universities worldwide. In addition to academic rigor, Britannica supports multilingual learning with a robust World Languages Programme, offering instruction in Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, French, Spanish, and more. A specialized EAL program helps non-native speakers thrive.
The school also emphasizes cultural diversity, providing a nurturing environment where students develop respect, responsibility, and compassion. Britannica’s holistic approach integrates co-curricular activities, including arts, sports, and leadership programs, fostering well-rounded and confident graduates. Accredited by COBIS and CIS, Britannica upholds the highest standards of education, creating confident and globally-minded graduates.
YK Pao School
YK Pao School, established in 2007 to honor Chinese philanthropist Sir YK Pao, is a pioneering bilingual institution that integrates Chinese traditions with international curricula. Serving approximately 1,600 students from Year 1 to 12, the school merges the Chinese National Curriculum with globally recognized programs, including IGCSE and IB Diploma, to foster academic excellence and global awareness.
The school's holistic education model emphasizes intellectual growth, emotional resilience, and social responsibility. A unique bilingual immersion program ensures fluency in both Mandarin and English, cultivating cross-cultural understanding. Divided into three campuses, the Primary School operates as a day school in central Shanghai, while the Middle and High Schools in Hongqiao and Songjiang offer UK/US-style boarding and day options.
YK Pao School prioritizes character development through its core values—Compassion, Integrity, and Balance—preparing students to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond. The institution’s commitment to innovation ensures students are well-equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Education Fees Planning
For British expats, planning education fees is a crucial part of relocating abroad, particularly when enrolling children in British international schools. These schools, while offering a high-quality education aligned with the British school system, often come with significant tuition fees. It's essential to account for costs such as registration, yearly tuition, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, expats should explore employer subsidies, scholarships, and financial aid options.
Early planning, budgeting, and consulting with financial advisors can help families manage these expenses effectively, ensuring a smooth educational journey for their children.
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