Alcanta International College vs Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake

	A Alcanta International College Guangzhou, China	M Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake Guangzhou, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 158,000 - 182,000	Fees / year RMB 40,000 - 178,000
Age range	Age range 12 - 18 years	Age range 14 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Chinese National Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Mandarin	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 2011	Opened 2021
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Alcanta International College is in Nansha District, Guangzhou — listed at No. 14 Guangsheng Road (Nansha), in the southern part of the city's Greater Bay Area. The Nansha area is served by Guangzhou Metro Line 4 and other regional links, so public-transport connections to central Guangzhou and neighbouring cities are available; confirm exact travel times from your location.	Location Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake is located in the Songshan Lake industrial park, Dongguan, Guangdong — the campus sits next to Huawei European Village and Songshan Lake Park. Address given on the school site is C4 CIMC Yi-Ning-Xi-Lu Road, Dongguan City, Guangdong, China. The site notes the campus is tranquil and has easy access to local transport links.
Stages	Stages The school offers a Pre‑Diploma pathway and Cambridge IGCSE courses for junior students, followed by the two‑year International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma for senior students (typical ages mid‑teens to 18). AIC describes a four‑year Pre‑Diploma plus the IB Diploma for graduation preparation.	Stages The school offers IGCSE and A‑level programmes and international preparatory (pre‑A level) options, with two‑year IGCSE and two‑year A‑level patterns and a one‑year pre‑A route described on the curriculum pages. The programmes are aimed at secondary / senior‑school students preparing for university.
School type	School type AIC is a private, co‑educational international school; it is an IB World School and also lists Cambridge IGCSE and external accreditation (MSA‑CESS). The school operates boarding provision alongside day places.	School type MAS is a co‑educational school and operates boarding provision; students are placed in age‑appropriate boarding houses with houseparents and resident tutors on site. The Songshan Lake campus is part of the wider Merchiston group (links with Merchiston Castle School and other Merchiston campuses) and shares resources across those campuses.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support AIC's publicly available pages and directory listings do not publish a detailed Special Educational Needs (SEN) or Additional Learning Needs policy online. Prospective parents should contact admissions directly to ask about specific learning‑support services, EAL support, diagnostic assessment or individual learning plans available for their child.	Additional learning support The website describes a three‑teacher guidance model that includes academic mentors, pastoral care and a psychological counsellor as part of student support. The school does not publish a detailed Special Educational Needs (SEN) or specific learning‑support list on its public pages; parents are advised to contact admissions for case‑specific information.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is based in the People's Republic of China (Guangzhou) and is not presented as being affiliated to another country's school system.	Country affiliation MAS presents itself as part of the Merchiston family and cites an affiliation with Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, Scotland (UK).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is listed in the school's public profiles; AIC is presented as a secular international school in its directory entries.	Religious affiliation The school website does not state any religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure Public listings note the school year runs on a roughly August–June cycle, but AIC does not publish a detailed daily start/end timetable or break schedule on its public pages. If you need exact school‑day hours, class period lengths or boarding daily routines (for example supervised evening study), request the current daily timetable from admissions.	School day structure The site publishes an Academic Calendar and a timetable page (作息表) where the school timetable is made available; exact start and finish times are shown on that calendar/timetable rather than in prominent text. The boarding page notes that boarders follow the same working day as day students and have a structured evening homework period and supervised weekend activities.
Bus service details	Bus service details Directory information indicates the school provides transport (school bus) options, but public pages do not specify the provider, routes, stops or fees. For route maps, pickup/dropoff times, and costs you should request the school's transport brochure or speak with the admissions office.	Bus service details The school refers to school buses in its uniform guidance (students must wear uniform on school buses), which indicates a bus service is used, but the website does not publish detailed route, provider or booking information. For pickup/drop‑off routes, costs and registration, the site directs parents to contact Admissions (admissions@merchistonacademy.cn / 400 999 0978).
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - One-time application/registration fee: RMB 300. Tuition fees (by year group) - Grade 7: RMB 158,000 per year (day student). - Grade 8: RMB 158,000 per year (day student). - Grade 9: RMB 182,000 per year (day student). - Grade 10: RMB 182,000 per year (day student). - Grade 11: RMB 182,000 per year (day student). - Grade 12: RMB 182,000 per year (day student). Tuition per term (billing note and calculation) - Public information lists tuition as an annual amount. The school's published practice is to collect tuition/meal/accommodation in advance prior to each semester; using that practice, a simple per-semester figure can be calculated by dividing the annual tuition by two (example: Grade 7/8 ≈ RMB 79,000 per semester; Grade 9–12 ≈ RMB 91,000 per semester). This per‑semester amount is a derived value (annual ÷ 2) based on the school's semester-advance billing practice. Boarding, meals and ancillary fees - Seven‑day boarding (typical option): RMB 10,300 per year (example reported). - Five‑day (weekly) boarding option: RMB 8,800 per year (where offered). - Student meal plan (boarding/non‑boarding catering charge examples): RMB 13,860 per year (reported meal fee). - Textbooks/learning materials: example published estimate RMB 3,000 per year. - Activity/programme fee example: RMB 3,500 per year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees (tuition, meals, accommodation) are collected in advance prior to the start of the relevant semester/study period; annual invoicing is used for published tuition amounts and schools typically require payment by the commencement date or specified deadline. Parents are expected to settle billed amounts before the semester begins. Refund information - The school's publicly available materials and corporate filings indicate that partial refunds may be offered if a student withdraws during a semester; a formal School Fees Refund Policy is referenced in offer documentation. Specific refund percentages and conditions are established in the school's fee/refund policy. Fee payment options (published example) - Bank transfer / international wire: published offer documents show payment instructions for payments to a China Merchants Bank account (domestic RMB account and SWIFT details for USD wire transfers) and request that payment receipts be emailed to the admissions contact. This is the payment method explicitly shown in the school's offer materials. Other notes on costs - Some published school materials and third‑party listings show refundable deposits, printing/ICT fees, insurance and occasional one‑off charges (these vary by intake). Parents should treat the listed items above as the principal recurring charges (application, tuition, boarding/meals, textbooks, activities).	Fee details Application / Seat‑reservation fees - Seat reservation (placement) deposit: RMB 18,000 (payable on offer/booking; treated as a seat deposit). Tuition fees (current academic year — listed as annual amounts by programme) - QingTeng programme (national curriculum + AP): RMB 178,000 per year. - Songshan Lake programme (national curriculum + A‑Level): RMB 158,000 per year. - ZiJing programme (national curriculum + DSE): RMB 98,000 per year. - DeQin (domestic curriculum + Xingzhi特色): RMB 40,000 per year. Per‑term / billing equivalents - The school has previously published semester figures (two semesters per academic year) for international and domestic directions; older published semester examples include RMB 75,000 per semester for international direction and RMB 30,000 per semester for domestic direction. Where an annual fee is published, treat it as the full academic‑year charge unless a semester breakdown is specified. Boarding (annual) - Boarding (6‑person room): RMB 18,000 per year. - Boarding (3‑person room): RMB 30,000 per year. Other charges (paid separately) - Insurance, optional paid CCAs, school bus, bedding/room setup, meals, uniforms, textbooks, international examination registration fees and occasional field‑trip or practical course fees. These items are charged in addition to tuition/boarding. Billing schedule and payment terms / refunds - Tuition is charged according to the published fee schedule for the relevant programme/year. If a student enrolls after a term begins, fees may be charged on a pro‑rata basis. Students are required to settle outstanding fees to receive school reports. If a registered student pays but does not commence, 90% of fees may be refundable; mid‑term withdrawals are calculated pro‑rata by actual days in attendance (school example formula: refund = paid/184 * (184 − days attended), with a minimum month unit). One‑term written notice of withdrawal is normally required; failure to give notice can result in charges for remaining fees. Fee payment options - Publicly available materials do not list a definitive set of accepted payment channels for MAS Songshan Lake. Common channels for campuses in this group include bank transfer and electronic payments; for admissions or payment instructions, use the school admissions contact (admissions@merchistonacademy.cn).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Three age-appropriate boarding houses accommodate MAS Songshan Lake students, cared for by a Houseparent who lives on site alongside resident Tutors, promoting a family atmosphere. Boarding students follow the same school day pattern; after their evening meal they have structured homework time overseen by a staff member on duty, followed by social time and bedtime. A fully staffed medical centre supports boarders, and at weekends they may participate in a range of activities or undertake independent study.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement All MAS students wear the school uniform on school days, on school buses, on school property and on school trips; exceptions may be allowed in special circumstances. Full dress is required from October to April and during the rally.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Boarding includes meals; boarders have evening meals as part of the daily routine.
House system	House system —	House system There are three age-appropriate boarding houses for MAS Songshan Lake students.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Independent international school established in 2011; accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS), the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), and Cambridge IGCSE.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Alcanta International College runs a four‑year pre‑IB/preparatory programme (Grades 7–10) followed by the two‑year IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12. The school is an authorised IB World School offering the full IB Diploma as its senior qualification. Diploma students at AIC complete the DP core—Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service—alongside six subject‑group courses required for the diploma. The IB registry for AIC lists available DP subjects including English A (Language & Literature), English B, Mandarin (ab initio), Chinese A/B, Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches and Applications & Interpretation), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Business Management, Psychology, Computer Science, Environmental Systems & Societies and Visual Arts (May examinations). The preparatory years are structured to ready students for DP subject choices and assessments and instruction is delivered in English.	Curriculum details Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake delivers UK‑style 14–19 provision with IGCSE, a Pre‑A‑level year where applicable, two‑year A‑levels and vocational BTEC pathways in partnership with Edexcel. Programmes run on three entry models — 0+2 (two‑year A‑level for G11–G13), 1+2 (one year Pre‑A‑level then two years A‑level for G10–G11 entrants) and 2+2 (two years IGCSE then two years A‑level) — with staged academic targets for each cohort. Core and elective subjects include Mathematics and Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Economics (students typically choose three at A‑level), with IGCSE equivalents and wider options such as Biology, Geography, Accounting, Computer Science, ICT, Drama and Art & Design. Language provision includes IGCSE English plus A‑level and Chinese pathways (including Chinese A‑level and HSK for international students), and the school offers extension and admissions‑test preparation (STEP/MAT/PAT) and competition training. The wider scope comprises vocational/internship modules (BTEC, finance, e‑commerce, data analysis), phase‑assessed general education credits (software, media, Mandarin, arts, performance) and a broad co‑curricular activities programme.
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 Alcanta International College describes itself as a student-centred community and cites values of a “safe and supportive” learning environment; the school public news items also reference student-led activities such as a student council (STUCO), TOK Café events, debate competitions and drama productions that involve collaborative project work. These curricular and co-curricular activities (debate, drama, TOK Café, clubs) are used on the website to illustrate opportunities for students to practise collaboration, communication and leadership. The site does not list a separate named SEL programme or a designated SEL coordinator. Parents and applicants would need to contact the school for details about formal SEL curricula or staff roles.	Social & emotional learning Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake states that pastoral care is a central part of its approach and places pastoral care “on a paramount position” within its holistic education model. The school describes boarding tutors and houseparents as important role models who live and work with students, which the school says supports students' social development and sense of community. Co-curricular activities (CCAs) such as Debate Club, Cultural Societies and team sports are listed as regular provision that supports teamwork, communication and wider social skills. The Boarding overview explicitly links boarding routines and house structures to encouraging interpersonal skills and a supportive community.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision on its website. There are no pages or policy documents on the site that describe the types of SEN supported, specialist staff, an inclusion/learning-support department, or whether the school is a specialist SEN institution. If you need this information for admissions or placement, please contact the school directly for its current SEN policy and available support.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school's public website does not set out a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) or inclusion policy. The site does describe targeted academic clinics (for example, Chinese Clinic and Science Clinic) that provide extra academic support, but these pages do not identify specialist SEN provision or list specific categories of special needs supported. There is no page on the website that describes a named SEN coordinator, specialist learning support team, or a formal SEN policy. Based on the website material I reviewed, Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake does not publicly disclose specific SEN provision or whether it is a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Alcanta International College's published curriculum pages show English-language pathways: the IGCSE provision includes English as a second language, and the IBDP subject list on the site includes English B at higher level alongside language offerings such as Chinese ab initio. These entries indicate the school teaches English as a language option within its formal qualifications, but the website does not describe a separate EAL support programme, specific EAL staff, or staged intervention pathways. For details about individual EAL assessment or in-class support, contact the school.	English as an additional language The school's co‑curricular listings describe an English Clinic and an English Clinic/IELTS Preparation offering targeted English support; the site states that targeted EAL/IELTS provision is available, including an EAL provision note for Years 12–13. The English Clinic is described as focused lessons to improve English language proficiency and the IELTS preparation CCA is explicitly for students identified as needing exam support. These references indicate targeted English-language support primarily through CCA-style clinics rather than a separate full-time EAL department. The school does not publish a separate detailed EAL policy or an all‑school EAL programme on the public website.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school's mission and values emphasise a caring, student-focused community and a safe, supportive learning environment, and the website documents co‑curricular activities that contribute to student engagement. The website does not publish a dedicated mental-health or wellbeing policy, nor does it identify named counselling staff or an on-site counselling service. Because those specific provisions are not publicly listed, interested families should request the school's current mental-health/wellbeing policy and details of available counselling or pastoral staff directly.	Mental wellbeing The school lists staff with psychology and mental health-related roles: an individual profile identifies Richard Yu as a Psychology & University Guidance Teacher with a mental health teacher qualification and experience in school psychology and counselling. The Guidance Team page describes a university counselling team and named counsellors involved in student guidance. Boarding information states that houseparents and resident tutors are expected to provide responsive care and that staff receive ongoing in‑service training related to student welfare. The site also mentions a fully staffed medical centre on campus for student healthcare. These items on the website indicate the school provides pastoral, counselling and on‑site medical resources for student wellbeing, though the site does not publish a full mental‑health policy document.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school's mission and values statement affirms that AIC aims to provide a safe and supportive learning environment, but the website does not publish a dedicated safeguarding or child-protection policy with named safeguarding contacts, procedures or statutory-compliance details. There is no public child-protection policy document or explicit safeguarding contact listed on the site. For formal safeguarding procedures, mandatory reporting arrangements, or the school's designated safeguarding lead, please contact AIC directly and request their safeguarding policy.	Safeguarding The website emphasises pastoral care, boarding house structures with houseparents and resident tutors, ongoing in‑service staff training, and a fully staffed medical centre as parts of student care and supervision. Boarding pages describe principles such as dignity, inclusion and access to responsive care, and note that tutors and houseparents are important role models who live on site to support students' welfare. The public site does not appear to publish a standalone child protection or safeguarding policy, nor does it name a designated safeguarding lead on the pages reviewed. Therefore, while the site describes practical safeguarding-related provisions (boarding supervision, staff training and medical support), it does not publicly disclose a formal safeguarding/child‑protection policy document.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school provides a modern campus with spaces for study and recreation. It features a library, a computer room with Apple desktops, a dance room, and art studios. Students have access to ping-pong tables, a track, a football pitch, and badminton and basketball courts. A recreational garden area and a rooftop terrace offer outdoor spaces for relaxation and informal gatherings. The facilities have been upgraded to support contemporary teaching and learning.	Facilities overview The Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake campus sits in Songshan Lake Industrial Park in Dongguan, adjacent to Huawei Europe Town, in a quiet, accessible setting. The campus covers 35,000 square metres and is equipped with world‑class teaching facilities and equipment, supported by a professional staff and on‑site sports spaces. The school is part of a four‑campus network and resources are shared with Merchiston Castle School (UK), MIS Shenzhen and MIS Shekou. Boarding is available with three age‑appropriate houses and a fully staffed medical centre on site. The campus environment supports a holistic international education for students aged roughly 14–19.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The track supports physical education and running activities. There is a football pitch for outdoor play and practice. Badminton and basketball courts provide space for court-based sports. The sports facilities are designed to accommodate both individual and team sports. They support intramural programs as part of the school's physical education offering.	Sports facilities Cricket is one of the three main sports offered. Golf is available with access to local practice facilities and a partner club for some sessions. Hockey sessions are available through Merchiston Hockey Club, including time at the Astro Stadium. Rugby provides a defined pathway and regular team activity. Tennis is part of the curricular and co‑curricular programs, with a structured development pathway.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The computer room is equipped with Apple desktops to support digital learning. Apple Education tools, including iPads and MacBooks, are integrated into daily teaching to enhance interactive learning. The campus supports IB Diploma Programme, Cambridge IGCSE, and A-Level curricula through upgraded spaces and resources. The school provides a broad range of subjects including languages, mathematics, sciences, computer science, and arts to support an international curriculum.	Academic facilities Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake offers IGCSE, A‑Level and BTEC courses delivered by a mix of local and international teaching staff. The campus size is 35,000 square metres and includes world‑class teaching facilities and equipment, along with sports facilities. Resources are shared across MAS's four campuses, including MAS Songshan Lake, MIS Shenzhen, MIS Shekou and Merchiston Castle School in the UK.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Arts spaces include a dance room and art studios to support visual arts, drama, and music activities. The campus hosts arts- and sports-related clubs and events throughout the year. Extracurricular programs include business simulations and field trips, along with university visits and other enrichment activities that complement classroom learning.	Extra curricular facilities The co‑curricular program includes a broad range of sports and arts/creative activities. Sports CCAs include Cricket, Golf, Hockey, Tennis and Rugby, with some activities held at dedicated facilities (e.g., Astro Stadium and partner golf courses). Arts and culture CCAs cover Still Life Academic Drawing, Mural Club, Paper Craft, Ceramics, Photo Realistic Portraits, Illuminated Manuscripts & Ink Drawing, Documentary, Chinese Embroidery, Cultural Societies‑Film Club and Calligraphy. Additional lanes include English Clinic/IELTS Preparation, Economics Clinic, Seniors Choir, Street Dance, Pipa and K‑pop Group, among others; some CCAs carry fees.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Alcanta International College opened in 2011 and has graduated multiple cohorts since then. The school was authorized as an IB World School on 10 February 2012. AIC operates as part of the Alcanta education group and has been associated with Guangzhou Xinya Senior High School in its recent institutional development; the school's website also records a provincial approval in May 2025 for a Sino‑foreign cooperation project with Abbotsholme School (UK).	History Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake (MAS) opened in September 2021. MAS is affiliated with Dongguan Xingzhi Vocational School and is presented on its website as linked to Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, with shared branding and curriculum collaboration. The school's web material states it works with UK partners such as Edexcel to offer internationally recognised courses. MAS is described as one campus within a group that shares resources with other Merchiston campuses (for example Shenzhen and Qianhai).
Community	Community AIC describes a multicultural student body—approximately 20% of students are international—which the school says contributes to daily cross‑cultural exchange. The school's calendar and news feed record regular community activities such as assemblies, TOK events and themed celebrations; external reports and school posts describe student‑led Mid‑Autumn Festival assemblies and other cultural programming. These activities are presented as regular parts of campus life and student learning.	Community The school describes a community shaped around full boarding, pastoral care and a “family-feel” college model, with emphasis on student wellbeing and discipline. A wide range of co-curricular activities is listed on the school site—examples include choir, band, theatrical productions, traditional Chinese music (including pipa), sports and outreach/volunteer projects. The campus is located in Songshan Lake and the school highlights connections with local technology and industry partners as part of its community and practical learning opportunities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school website and news items show organized parent activities including a Parent Orientation and an "AIC Parents Workshop," and school posts reference a parents committee (家委会) participating in events such as graduation ceremonies. These items indicate parents meet with staff for orientation, workshops and event participation, and that a parents' committee exists. Publicly available pages do not provide a standalone PTA constitution or a detailed, up‑to‑date PTA event calendar; most references appear in news posts and the school calendar. If you'd like, I can search the school's news archive or contact the school for more detailed or current PTA documents and recent activities.	Parent teacher association The school's published materials refer to a boarding parents' group (寄宿家长会) that provides practical support for students' residential life and liaises with the school's pastoral team; psychological services and campus residential staff are noted as part of that support structure. The website does not publish a separate, detailed PTA constitution or regular public calendar of parent-led events; publicly available pages focus more on the boarding-parents structure and pastoral arrangements. For information about current parent committees, regular meetings, volunteer roles or fundraising activities the school directs readers to its contact channels (admissions email/phone) for up-to-date details. If you'd like, I can contact the admissions address on the school site and request the latest PTA or parent‑engagement information and report back.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Alcanta International College (AIC) is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS), the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), and Cambridge IGCSE. The school offers the IB Diploma Program for seniors (Grades 11-12) and the Cambridge IGCSE Program for juniors. The language of instruction is English, and boarding facilities are available. Examinations are conducted in May.	Academic & intellectual Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake offers Year 11–13 programs with IGCSE and A-level pathways, including 0+2, 1+2, and 2+2 routes. The A-level program is delivered in partnership with Edexcel, and the curriculum includes a Pre-A-level year as a preparatory stage. Core subject options cover Mathematics (and Further Mathematics), Physics, Chemistry, Economics, and other subjects; elective options include additional languages and STEAM-related subjects, with opportunities to pursue examinations and university-admissions pathways. The curriculum is designed to foster independent study, analytical thinking, and global readiness to support admission to world-renowned universities. Accreditations and pathways also emphasize global perspectives and real-world applicability.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative The program supports arts and creative development through a range of co-curricular activities, including Band and dramatic productions, as well as visual and performing arts projects. The school runs practical arts experiences and production opportunities integrated with its broader curriculum. Students can engage in visual and performing arts through clubs and productions, with a focus on collaboration and creativity. CCAs and production work are part of the extracurricular framework.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Language offerings include compulsory language study and elective options that include English and Chinese language tracks, with pathways such as IGCSE English and Chinese-language options at A-level; there are provisions for Chinese language study at A-level and for non-native speakers, including HSK-focused Chinese coursework. The curriculum emphasizes global citizenship and cross-cultural awareness as part of a broad educational aim.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies A range of CCAs supports social and hobby development, including Mindful Meditation, an Economics Clinic, a Detective Novel Club, and Digital Products & Car Reviews. The CCAs are designed to complement academic study and help students explore personal interests and collaborative skills. The Band and production elements also provide music and theatre opportunities as part of student life.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The curriculum includes general education components and elective activities that cover design software, video production, digital literacy, and cultural arts, alongside modules with public welfare and community-related aims. Internship-style experiences in finance, computing, data analysis, and e-commerce are listed as part of the elective offering, contributing to broader social engagement and real-world experience.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Guidance and preparation for higher education are supported by a dedicated university counselling team that helps students gain admission to universities worldwide. The guidance program includes structured activities and ongoing support to develop leadership, study skills, and professional awareness.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Boarding is available at Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake, with a focus on health, welfare, independent living, and community integration. There is a fully staffed medical centre on site, and boarding life emphasizes personal development, responsibility, and balanced routines alongside academic study.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The school offers IGCSE, A-levels and international preparatory courses. Compulsory languages include IGCSE English (as Second Language) and Chinese (A-level Chinese) with HSK Chinese for foreign students. Optional languages include A-level Chinese, A-level English, English Literature, General Paper, and Second Language. The curriculum framework includes a 1-year Pre-A level, 2-year IGCSE, and 2-year A-level courses.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards No school-level awards listed on the school website (past five years): I did not find any entries on the Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake website that present awards given to the school itself in the last five years. The site includes pages for achievements and news and lists various student achievements and the accreditations above, but it does not present a section of awards won by the institution as an organisation. Summary of what I checked and what's missing: I reviewed the school's English and Chinese site pages (including the Accreditation page, About/Major Attributes, Campus/Our Campuses and the site's Achievements/News sections) and found the accreditations above but no items labelled as school awards or institutional honours from the last five years. If you would like, I can (a) check again for any press releases or archived news on the site that might be phrased differently (for example, "honours", "recognition", or local awards in Chinese), or (b) expand the search to authoritative external sources (news sites, local education bureau announcements) if you want confirmation beyond the school's own site.
Accreditations	Accreditations - International Baccalaureate (IB) — Alcanta International College is an IB World School authorised to deliver the IB Diploma Programme; the IB Diploma is an internationally recognised two‑year pre‑university curriculum that emphasises academic rigour, interdisciplinary learning and university preparation. (School site; IB authorisation record shows AIC as an IB school since 10 February 2012). - Cambridge IGCSE (Cambridge Assessment International Education) — the school states it delivers Cambridge IGCSE courses; Cambridge IGCSE is an internationally recognised qualification for 14–16 year olds that provides externally assessed, subject‑based certification and is widely used as preparation for advanced study (A‑levels, IB Diploma, etc.). - Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA‑CESS) — the school lists MSA‑CESS accreditation; Middle States is a US‑based peer accreditation body whose review process and standards are used globally to validate a school's institutional quality and commitment to continuous improvement.	Accreditations The school's website lists the following official accreditations (items and dates quoted or paraphrased from the school's “国际认证 / Accreditation” page). 1) CEMC (University of Waterloo) certification — July 2021. One-line significance: CEMC is the University of Waterloo's Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing; being certified means the school is authorised to participate in / administer CEMC mathematics, computing and chemistry competitions and related assessments, which are widely used to benchmark mathematical and computing achievement. 2) Pearson Edexcel Centre (Centre number 94928) — July 2021. One-line significance: Pearson Edexcel is a UK examination board; centre authorisation indicates the school is registered to deliver Edexcel qualifications and to enter students for Edexcel examinations. 3) UCAS official recognition — July 2021. One-line significance: UCAS is the UK's Universities and Colleges Admissions Service; the school's recognition indicates it can support and process students' applications through the official UK university admissions system. 4) Oxford International AQA Examinations centre (Centre number 96278) — November 2021. One-line significance: OxfordAQA is an international exam board (a collaboration involving Oxford University Press and AQA); centre authorisation means the school may administer OxfordAQA international examinations (e.g., international GCSE/A‑level variants). 5) Pearson BTEC Centre (Centre number 95354) — July 2022. One-line significance: BTEC (administered by Pearson) are vocational qualifications; being an authorised BTEC centre allows the school to deliver Pearson BTEC vocational programmes and assessments on campus.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Initial enquiry and information-gathering. Parents should confirm which academic year/term they are applying for (AIC lists a first application deadline of 30 April on directory pages) and whether the student is applying as day or boarding, since fees and deadlines can differ. 2. Complete and submit the application form and pay the application fee. AIC's published application charge is shown as roughly RMB 300 (around USD 43) on school directories; make sure you submit the signed form plus payment by the stated deadline and retain the payment receipt. Parents should check whether the application is submitted via the school website, the school's own application portal, or a third‑party system (some directories link AIC to OpenApply) and upload required documents in the requested format. 3. Prepare and send required supporting documents. Typically this will include the student's current academic transcripts/grade reports, passport copy (for international students), recent school reports, teacher recommendation(s) and any previous exam records; confirm the exact document list with admissions. If English is not the student's first language, expect to provide evidence of English proficiency or to arrange an English assessment—directories note that AIC teaches in English and provides ELL support. Parents should arrange official translations where required and allow time for notarisation if the documents are needed for visas or scholarship applications. 4. Entrance assessment and interview. Public information about AIC indicates scholarships and admissions decisions are linked to an entrance examination and review of academic records, so expect a written/online assessment (academic and/or English) and an interview with admissions or a senior teacher. Parents should verify the format (onsite, online, timed test) and, if travelling from overseas, ask whether remote assessment options are available and whether any preparatory materials are provided. Keep copies of past schoolwork or samples the school requests for the assessment. 5. Scholarship consideration (if applying). AIC directories state that applicants who perform strongly in the entrance exam and have strong academic records may be considered for scholarships; for international students AIC has historically offered full-tuition awards to selected applicants. If you want to be considered, follow the school's specific scholarship application instructions and submit any additional documents or essays by the scholarship deadline; note that directories indicate scholarships typically cover tuition only, not living costs. Parents should ask whether the scholarship decision is made at offer stage or separately and whether scholarship recipients must meet ongoing academic or behavioural conditions. 6. Offer, acceptance and deposit. Successful applicants will receive a formal offer (conditional or unconditional). The offer will set out any conditions (e.g., final transcripts, visa paperwork, English standard) and the deadline for accepting the place and paying any tuition deposit or enrolment fee; check the offer letter carefully for exact amounts and payment instructions. Parents should confirm refund and withdrawal policies for deposits, and whether the deposit counts toward the first year's fees. 7. Final paperwork: contracts, visas and boarding arrangements. After acceptance, complete the school contract and provide final documentation the school requires for registration; international families should start the visa process promptly because visa timelines vary. If the student will board, confirm the boarding contract, boarding fees and the school's published meal/room charge schedule (boarding and meal fees are listed separately in directory fee summaries). Parents should check arrival dates, orientation schedules, health insurance/medical forms and any immunisation requirements. 8. Fee payment schedule and orientation. AIC directories list annual tuition ranges (day tuition figures published between approximately RMB 158,000 and RMB 182,000 depending on grade) and additional boarding/meal charges for boarders; confirm the exact fee schedule and whether the school accepts instalments, bank transfer instructions and the currency required. Parents should also check for one‑time enrolment charges (directories reference a first‑year one‑time fee such as an application or administration charge) and request an itemised fee breakdown (tuition, boarding, meals, activity fees, textbooks). Finally, attend the school's orientation and keep a copy of the signed enrolment agreement and the school's contact details for ongoing questions.	Admissions 1. Follow the school's official WeChat and make initial contact. Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake (MAS) asks families to follow its official WeChat account as the first step; the Applications Process page on the school website lists this as Step 1 and this is also where open days, application links and contact details are announced. Parents should follow the account so they receive updates (assessment dates, open-day slots and application-link notices) rather than relying on third‑party summaries. 2. Pay the non‑refundable application fee (RMB 1,000). MAS requires a non‑refundable application fee of RMB 1,000 to progress an application; the Applications Process page shows this as Step 2. Keep the payment receipt and proof of payment — the school asks you to submit proof of payment with the application form and will not proceed with assessment without it. 3. Complete and submit the school application form. Parents should complete every section, including declarations about medical conditions and support needs — incomplete forms slow processing and the school uses the information to plan assessments and pastoral support. 4. Attend the interview and complete entry assessments (or arrange online if necessary). Both parents and the student are normally expected on campus for a face‑to‑face interview; an online interview is an alternative when required (for example, COVID‑related restrictions). Students take the entry assessments (the school specifically lists CAT4 and WIDA among the assessments); prepare copies of recent school reports and expect English proficiency testing (WIDA) and cognitive/ability screening (CAT4). 5. Provide required supporting documents at application or assessment. MAS lists the documents they require: mainland candidates should bring ID cards (international/HK/Macau applicants should provide passports), a recent frontal colour digital photo (two‑inch, white background), the application form, and academic transcripts for the last two years; CVs and certificates of awards are optional but recommended where relevant. The Application Information page also notes the school usually requests a confidential report from the applicant's current school and requires disclosure of any special learning needs so the Head of Section can assess reasonable adjustments. 6. Receiving an outcome, accepting an offer and next administrative steps. The school states parents will receive an offer letter by email within five working days after assessments, and offers should be accepted within five working days; if a candidate is declined they may reapply after six months once recommendations (if any) have been completed. After accepting a place, expect follow‑up steps such as fee‑payment instructions, a medical check on entry and placement decisions (year placement is determined by birth date and assessed ability); consult the school fee policy and the admissions team for payment deadlines and refund/withdrawal rules.
Scholarships	Scholarships Directories indicate that Alcanta International College offers scholarships and that applicants showing exceptional ability and potential may be awarded tuition scholarships; for international students, full‑tuition awards have been offered in past cycles. Scholarship awards are reported to be based on the applicant's performance in the school's entrance examination and on previous academic records; directories also note that scholarships typically cover tuition only and not living or boarding costs. Historical notes on some directory pages reference specific award numbers in particular years (for example, a past cycle listing 15 full scholarships in 2020–21), but these are examples rather than guarantees for future years—confirm current availability, selection criteria, application deadlines and whether there are scholarship renewal conditions with admissions. For authoritative, up‑to‑date details about scholarship types, amounts and application steps, contact the admissions office directly and ask for the current scholarship policy and deadlines.	Scholarships MAS publishes a specific scholarship page describing a range of awards and eligibility rules for 2024. The school runs targeted scholarships for different entry points and programmes: (a) A‑Level and DSE one‑year ‘crash‑course' scholarships (full or half tuition) using gaokao/DSE thresholds and interview performance — thresholds on the page show Guangdong candidates with higher listed score cutoffs (for example, A‑Level full scholarship considered at gaokao 500+ with interview; half scholarship at 470+). (b) Middle‑school/new‑student scholarships ("优才新生奖学金") tied to Dongguan Zhongkao scores (examples on the page show full award at a pure culture score of 700, half award at 650) and renewal conditions requiring the student to remain in the top percentage of the year. (c) Awards for outstanding graduates ("优秀毕业生奖学金") and academic/excellence awards (e.g., 20,000–50,000 RMB and other ranges) for students who achieve high university placements or sustained in‑school performance. Each scholarship page links to the application form and a WeChat/MikeCRM application URL; the page also sets renewal conditions (for multi‑year awards) and clarifies that scholarship value usually applies to tuition rather than extras such as boarding, uniform or activity fees — read the scholarship terms closely and contact admissions to confirm current availability and exact amounts.
Waitlist	Waitlist Public directory listings and the school's available admissions summaries do not explicitly describe a formal waitlist or pool process for Alcanta International College; the school's admissions pages linked in directories focus on application, examination and offer stages rather than an online waitlist. Because many schools operate informal or formal waiting lists (and policies vary year to year), if you want to know whether a waiting list will be used for the grade you are applying to, ask admissions directly (AIC's admissions contact details appear on OpenApply's school entry). If you are placed on any waitlist, confirm whether you must re‑affirm interest periodically to keep the application active, whether siblings or other priorities are applied, and how the school notifies families when a place becomes available.	Waitlist MAS's published Applications Process states that where there are more candidates than available places, applications will be placed on a waiting list. The site gives no further public detail about waiting‑list ordering, typical wait times, or whether priority is given by application date, assessment score, sibling link or other factors; parents on the waiting list should contact admissions directly (admissions@merchistonacademy.cn or phone 400 999 0978) to ask about their position and any expected timeline. If an application is declined, the school's page also notes a candidate may reapply after six months, provided any recommendations have been followed.
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