Britannica International School vs Nord Anglia International School Shanghai Pudong

	B Britannica International School Shanghai, China	N Nord Anglia International School Shanghai Pudong Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 252,300 - 356,700	Fees / year RMB 271,600 - 385,090
Age range	Age range 1½ - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 1,800
Typical class size	Typical class size 10	Typical class size 9
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2013	Opened 2002
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Britannica International School is in Gubei (Puxi), at 1988 Gubei Road near Wuzhong Road — a centrally located site about 10 minutes from Xujiahui CBD and roughly 15 minutes from the former French Concession. The school is inside the city (easy for downtown accommodation) and is served by multiple school-bus routes and short commute times.	Location Located in Pudong New District at 2888 Junmin Road, the school sits in a suburban area of east Shanghai (postcode 201315) with easy taxi access and a downloadable taxi card to help drivers find the campus. It is about 20–30 minutes from central Pudong areas such as Jinqiao and Lujiazui, and serves families from nearby neighbourhoods including Kangqiao; the school publishes directions and contact details for visitors.
Stages	Stages The school covers Early Years through Sixth Form: Early Years (18 months–5 years), Primary (Key Stage 1: ages 5–7; Key Stage 2: 7–11) and Secondary (Key Stage 3: 11–13; Key Stage 4 / IGCSE: 14–16; Sixth Form / A-Level: 16–18).	Stages NAIS Pudong is divided into Early Years (ages 2–5), Primary (ages 5–11), Lower Secondary (ages 11–14), IGCSE (ages 14–16) and IB Diploma (ages 16–18). Admissions and curriculum pages list these phases and the associated programmes.
School type	School type Britannica is a British international day school delivering the English National Curriculum; students are educated together (co-educational). The school's materials and handbooks describe a day-school model (no boarding provision is listed on the school website).	School type The school is a co‑educational day school for ages 2–18; NAIS Pudong does not offer boarding. It follows an international/British school model and operates as a private international school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school runs a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme and reports specialist EAL teachers and withdrawal sessions where needed. For additional learning needs the Primary handbook describes an inclusive approach: pupils are supported in mainstream classes by qualified teachers and teaching assistants and, where necessary, follow individualised programmes. Pastoral care and regular assessment are used to identify and plan support.	Additional learning support The school provides EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes and a dedicated Learning Support Coordinator who oversees additional learning needs; individual cases may lead to an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Additional or specialist SEN support is considered case‑by‑case and any extra provision and costs depend on the student's needs—families are asked to discuss requirements with Admissions.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is British in curriculum and ownership: it delivers the English National Curriculum, prepares students for IGCSE and A Level, and states it is British‑owned and British‑managed.	Country affiliation NAIS Pudong is a British international school by heritage and curriculum (English National Curriculum, IGCSE and IB Diploma) but it is an independent international school rather than formally affiliated to a national government.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is listed on the school's public pages; the school presents itself as a secular British international school.	Religious affiliation The school does not have a religious affiliation; it welcomes families of all nationalities and backgrounds.
School day structure	School day structure The published school hours list the day school as 08:20–15:00 with After School Activities 15:00–16:00; the FAQs note buses start arriving from about 08:00, a registration period around 08:20, and formal lessons beginning at 08:40, with a morning break and lunch.	School day structure Gates open at 08:00 with supervised play; registration is typically between 08:15–08:30 and lessons usually start around 08:40. The taught day normally finishes at about 15:15; the school runs compulsory after‑school activities (ASAs) on Monday–Wednesday (buses depart ~16:15) and optional ASAs on Thursday–Friday (bus departures at ~15:15 and 16:15).
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates a comprehensive door‑to‑door bus service with many routes across the city; routes and pick‑up/drop‑off times are updated as families join. Buses meet local safety regulations, and each bus is supervised by a bilingual bus monitor who is also a school teaching assistant; the service is optional and charged separately. Specific route stop lists are published on the school site.	Bus service details The school operates a dedicated fleet of school buses serving families across Shanghai; each bus is supervised by a bilingual monitor (a school teaching assistant) and buses are fitted with seat belts which students are required to wear. Routes are adjusted annually to meet community demand and the service is optional (there is a published school‑bus fee). Admissions can provide current routes and pick‑up information for your address.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition fees (Academic Year 2025–26) - Pre-Nursery: Autumn RMB 100,900 • Spring RMB 75,700 • Summer RMB 75,700 • Total (3 instalments) RMB 252,300 • Paid in full (by 1 Aug, 3% discount) RMB 244,700. - Nursery: Autumn RMB 105,700 • Spring RMB 79,300 • Summer RMB 79,300 • Total RMB 264,300 • Paid in full RMB 256,400. - Reception: Autumn RMB 112,700 • Spring RMB 84,600 • Summer RMB 84,600 • Total RMB 281,900 • Paid in full RMB 273,500. - Year 1–2: Autumn RMB 124,000 • Spring RMB 93,200 • Summer RMB 93,200 • Total RMB 310,400 • Paid in full RMB 301,100. - Year 3–4: Autumn RMB 124,000 • Spring RMB 93,200 • Summer RMB 93,200 • Total RMB 310,400 • Paid in full RMB 301,100. - Year 5–6: Autumn RMB 127,600 • Spring RMB 95,800 • Summer RMB 95,800 • Total RMB 319,200 • Paid in full RMB 309,700. - Year 7–9: Autumn RMB 135,700 • Spring RMB 101,800 • Summer RMB 101,800 • Total RMB 339,300 • Paid in full RMB 329,100. - Year 10–11: Autumn RMB 139,100 • Spring RMB 104,400 • Summer RMB 104,400 • Total RMB 347,900 • Paid in full RMB 337,500. - Year 12–13: Autumn RMB 142,700 • Spring RMB 107,000 • Summer RMB 107,000 • Total RMB 356,700 • Paid in full RMB 346,000. Application, registration and deposit - Registration fee (non‑refundable on acceptance): RMB 2,500. - Enrolment deposit payable on acceptance: RMB 20,000. The RMB 20,000 deposit is credited against the next term's tuition; a place is not guaranteed until the deposit is paid. Billing schedule and payment terms - Autumn term and annual fees are due by 1 August. Parents may pay termly in advance or pay the full annual fee by 1 August to receive a 3% discount. - Overdue fees may incur a 2% monthly surcharge, compounded monthly. - If fees are unpaid, the school may withhold attendance and may reallocate the place at latest two weeks before term starts. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are listed. There is no boarding provision indicated in the school fee schedule. Other costs and optional charges - School uniform and PE kit: required and sold at the uniform shop (costs borne by parents). - School lunch (mandatory): RMB 31 per meal and RMB 4 per snack; invoiced by the school caterer and paid directly to the caterer. - School bus (optional): RMB 160 per day — payable termly or annually. - EAL or additional learning support: charged separately as required (dependent on individual needs). - Tuition for Year 10 and above includes public examination entrance fees. Refunds and withdrawal - Before 18 May: full refund. - Before 1 July: tuition refund less the RMB 20,000 deposit. - After 1 July: six weeks' tuition fee from the Autumn term payment is payable (no full refund). - Leaving mid‑year: six weeks' notice is required or six weeks' fees payable in lieu of notice. - Mid‑year refund calculations are based on the standard fee (early‑payment discount not considered). Sibling discounts - Second child: 5% discount; Third child: 5% discount. Payment methods and bank details - Payment is accepted in RMB or USD at the prevailing exchange rate. Parents are responsible for all overseas transfer charges and should ensure the pupil's name is quoted on transfer details. - RMB and USD bank account details and beneficiary/SWIFT information are provided by the school's finance office (see the school fee schedule for the account and SWIFT fields).	Fee details Tuition (per term and annual) - Pre‑Nursery / Nursery / Reception: Term 1 RMB 112,000; Term 2 RMB 84,000; Term 3 RMB 84,000; Annual fee RMB 271,600. - Years 1–6: Term 1 RMB 131,600; Term 2 RMB 98,700; Term 3 RMB 98,700; Annual fee RMB 319,130. - Years 7–9: Term 1 RMB 146,000; Term 2 RMB 109,500; Term 3 RMB 109,500; Annual fee RMB 354,050. - Years 10–11 (IGCSE): Term 1 RMB 156,000; Term 2 RMB 117,000; Term 3 RMB 117,000; Annual fee RMB 378,300. - Years 12–13 (IB): Term 1 RMB 158,800; Term 2 RMB 119,100; Term 3 RMB 119,100; Annual fee RMB 385,090. One‑off and refundable fees - Application fee: non‑refundable RMB 3,500 (payable on submission of application). - Enrolment fee: non‑refundable RMB 4,000 (payable on acceptance of an offer). - Resourcing fee: RMB 16,000. This resourcing fee is refundable if the student leaves provided all accounts are settled, school property is returned without damage, and six weeks' written notice (holidays excluded) is given. Transport, uniform and other recurring costs - School bus (optional): Term 1 RMB 9,650; Term 2 RMB 7,350; Term 3 RMB 5,150; Annual RMB 22,150. - Uniform: required for Pre‑Nursery to Year 11; separate PE kit. Items available from the school uniform shop or online. - Annual residential trip fees (compulsory): Years 4–5 RMB 5,000; Years 6–12 RMB 8,100. No refunds are given for absence from trips. - School lunch: payable directly to the lunch provider and loaded onto a lunch card; menu is à la carte with prices typically from around RMB 25–26 up to RMB 48–49 depending on choice. - SEN support: additional costs depend on individual need and are charged separately. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are presented on a three‑term structure (Term 1 / Term 2 / Term 3) with the annual fee shown alongside term amounts. An Early Bird discount of 3% applies when annual tuition is paid in advance. - Application and enrolment fees are explicitly non‑refundable; the resourcing fee has specific refund conditions (see above). Residential trip charges are compulsory and non‑refundable for absences. Boarding - NAIS Pudong is a day school; boarding is not offered. Fee payment options - Public fee documentation does not list accepted payment methods. For the available payment channels, invoicing, and payment deadlines, contact the school's Admissions office at admissions@naispudong.com or +86 (0)21 5812 7455.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school is a day school; boarding is not offered.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform and PE kit are required; sold at the uniform shop.	Uniform requirement The school uses a uniform. From Pre-Nursery to Year 11, students wear a smart, durable uniform, with a blazer worn and a PE kit on PE days. Uniforms can be purchased online or at the school uniform shop. Sixth Form students do not wear a dedicated uniform but are expected to wear business-like attire.
Food options	Food options Lunch is provided in the dining hall at 31-35 RMB per meal; vegetarian and medical dietary provisions are accommodated.	Food options Lunch is provided in the school cafeteria by Sodexo under a Healthy Eating Policy. The menu includes Western and Asian options and accommodates dietary restrictions and allergies. Packed lunches are not allowed unless approved by the Head of Secondary or Head of Primary & Early Years.
House system	House system There are four Houses; all pupils are allocated to a House, and Houses compete in sporting, academic and entertainment activities. The school year comprises three termly championships, with a Cup awarded to the winning House; House events use House T-shirts in the corresponding colour, sold via the uniform shop.	House system There are four Houses: De, Dao, Li and Qi, each with its own colour and Chinese character. The House Point system rewards positive behaviours and encourages participation, teamwork and leadership.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is owned and operated by Orbital Education; a School Board governs Britannica International School, Shanghai.	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Nord Anglia Education family.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Britannica International School, Shanghai follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through Sixth Form; its Early Years programme (18 months–5 years) uses the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In Primary (Key Stage 1–2, Years 1–6) the school delivers the English National Curriculum with specialist teaching beginning in Reception (including languages, swimming and music). Secondary is organised as Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), with Key Stage 4 leading to externally examined IGCSE qualifications. The Sixth Form (ages 16–18) is a two‑year programme preparing students for AS/A2 and A‑Level examinations, typically taken in 3–4 subjects for university entry. Alongside the core curriculum the school provides an extensive World Languages programme (Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew) and English-as-an-additional-language (EAL) support.	Curriculum details NAIS Pudong's curriculum runs from Early Years to Upper Secondary: Early Years Foundation Stage (ages 2–5), Primary (5–11), Lower Secondary/Key Stage 3 (11–14), IGCSE (14–16) and the IB Diploma (16–18). Early Years (2–5) follows the British EYFS framework with seven areas of learning and purpose-built indoor and outdoor provision. Primary (5–11) is based on the English National Curriculum adapted for an international context using the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Lower Secondary (11–14) is delivered through Key Stage 3 of the English National Curriculum; at 14–16 students follow Cambridge IGCSE courses with core requirements including English, Mathematics, Global Perspectives and a second language (Mandarin, French, German or Spanish). Upper Secondary (16–18) offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), with the six subject groups and the core components: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Britannica describes personalised pastoral care as central to its approach: pupils are known by every teacher, form teachers act as the daily communication link with parents, and small classes (often with teaching assistants) are used to support individual growth. The school says UK‑qualified staff regularly assess students' needs and progress against UK standards to guide personalised support. The site highlights designated pastoral leadership in both Primary and Secondary (including a Deputy Head of Secondary responsible for Pastoral Care). Recent school news also describes whole‑school wellbeing events (Global Wellbeing Week) that include assemblies, mindfulness activities and reflective workshops.	Social & emotional learning The school states its core values as developing students who are creative, confident and considerate and links those directly to curriculum and wider activities. NAIS Pudong runs a broad pastoral and PSHE programme and promotes student leadership through elected School Councils, Head Students and other roles to build social and emotional skills. Students take part in extensive co-curricular activities and global collaborations (for example with Juilliard, MIT and Nord Anglia's Global Campus) which the school describes as designed to develop resilience, teamwork and communication. The school also highlights curriculum approaches such as Talk for Writing and structured leadership opportunities in news items as part of this broader SEL provision. These points are described on the school website and in school news pages.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school's admissions information states it is non‑selective but that the admissions team will consider whether the school can meet any specific learning needs when assessing applications. Staff profiles on the site show individual teachers with formal SEN training or experience (for example, a teacher who trained as an SEN teacher and staff with SEN co‑ordinator experience). The website does not publish a detailed list of the specific types of special educational needs it can support. The school's website does not present Britannica as a specialist SEN institution; there is no statement describing it as a specialist SEN school.	Special educational needs (SEN) NAIS Pudong describes itself as an inclusive school and says it can support students with additional needs where appropriate; specialist staff will meet parents during admissions to determine required support and to engage any external specialist teams if needed. The school asks families to provide relevant documents such as Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or medical documentation as part of the admissions discussion. The fees page notes that the cost of additional SEN support depends on the individual student's needs. The school's public pages do not list a definitive catalogue of specific SEN diagnoses it accepts nor do they describe the school as a specialist SEN institution; availability is confirmed on a case-by-case basis. For details and case-specific confirmation the school directs families to contact admissions.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Britannica states it delivers a comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme taught by specialist, experienced teachers and that all students are assessed for reading, writing and speaking on entry and throughout their time at school. Classroom teaching is differentiated and, in Secondary, students are placed in ability groups for English support; the duration and intensity of support vary by individual need. The school's leadership biographies also note staff with formal EAL training and coordination experience. The website emphasises a tailored approach to each student's English development rather than a single uniform programme.	English as an additional language NAIS Pudong publishes a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme that it says is student-centred and aligned to CEFR-like scales; the EAL team provides both pull-out intensive sessions and in-class language support. The school states secondary learners are grouped by year and English ability and that EAL learning is integrated into the mainstream curriculum with formative assessments and progress checks in terms 2 and 3. The FAQs and admissions pages specifically state EAL support is provided at no additional cost to parents. The school's EAL news article and FAQs describe the department working closely with SEN and classroom staff to plan interventions and monitor progress.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school's published news describes recurring wellbeing initiatives (Global Wellbeing Week) that include mindfulness workshops, assemblies, self‑care activities, physical exercise and reflective projects across Early Years, Primary and Secondary. Pastoral materials state the school aims to create an environment where children feel comfortable discussing worries and where teachers monitor welfare closely. Staff training and the pastoral structure (form teachers, year leads and pastoral leaders) are presented as mechanisms to identify and respond to students' emotional needs. The website therefore documents both curriculum‑linked and extra‑curricular activities aimed at supporting students' mental wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing The school reports a whole-school wellbeing approach that includes pastoral care, PSHE, and both in- and out-of-school counselling services and support, and it marks events such as World Mental Health Day as part of awareness work. NAIS Pudong has published articles referencing external partnerships and guidance on child wellbeing (for example material referencing the Anna Freud Centre) and describes campus design and activities intended to support students' emotional health. The school also highlights staff wellbeing initiatives and a staff wellbeing award, which it presents as part of a broader culture supporting student learning and wellbeing. For specifics about counselling provision, referral pathways or clinical support the school directs families to discuss individual cases with school staff.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (published on the website) names the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Anthony O'Brien) and Deputy DSL (Katherine Mustoe), requires all staff to complete approved child protection training, and sets out safer‑recruitment checks, reporting procedures and record‑keeping. The policy cites UK safeguarding guidance, requires annual policy review and explicitly describes staff responsibilities for reporting concerns and keeping accurate records. The school requires DBS or equivalent police checks and mandates regular staff training and induction on safeguarding procedures. These elements are documented in the school's published Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.	Safeguarding The school states that safeguarding and child protection are priority areas and that staff receive continuous professional development in safeguarding best practice. NAIS Pudong says its safeguarding documents draw on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Taskforce on Child Protection, and Keeping Children Safe in Education, and it emphasises the principles that the welfare of the child is paramount and confidentiality is respected where possible. The school page on safeguarding also describes efforts to make processes visible to pupils and staff (for example through displays that indicate who students can talk to about bullying or abuse). For detailed procedural documents, designated safeguarding lead names, or formal child-protection policies the school's safeguarding page directs readers to contact the school or consult published policy documents if available.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school operates from a purpose-built campus in the heart of the city. The building features state-of-the-art classrooms, specialist science and technology rooms, a library, ICT suites and a 250-seat theatre. Premier sporting facilities include a swimming pool, a sports hall, astro turf, tennis courts, and basketball and netball courts. The campus is located at 1988 Gubei Road near Wuzhong Road, Shanghai 201103.	Facilities overview NAIS Pudong features a multi-purpose hall with performance facilities, a high-tech MIT Maker Space and science labs, expansive outdoor sports fields (grass and all-weather pitches), an indoor swimming pool, and dedicated dance, art and visual media rooms. Well-equipped classrooms and a modern library support learning.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school provides premier sporting facilities including a swimming pool, a sports hall, astro turf, tennis courts, and basketball and netball courts.	Sports facilities Sports facilities include grass and artificial pitches, a multi-purpose hall, a gym, and an indoor swimming pool.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school provides state-of-the-art classrooms, specialist science and technology rooms, a library, ICT suites and a 250-seat theatre.	Academic facilities MIT Maker Space and science labs enable hands-on learning. Classrooms are equipped with modern educational technology, and a library supports study.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers a broad programme of after-school activities, with over 100 co-curricular activities available weekly, including sports, arts, languages and expeditions.	Extra curricular facilities Over 140 co-curricular activities are available to develop leadership, communication and teamwork. The school collaborates with The Juilliard School, UNICEF, MIT and IMG Academy to enrich learning. Nord Anglia offers global expeditions and experiences at dedicated centres in Tanzania and Switzerland.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Britannica International School, Shanghai opened in 2013 and is part of the Orbital Education group, a UK-headquartered organisation that owns and operates a network of British-style international schools. Orbital Education — founded by Kevin McNeany — established Britannica as a British-owned and managed school and provides governance and operational support from its UK office. In its first year the school registered as a Cambridge International School and soon thereafter began graduating its first IGCSE cohort (milestones and early accreditations are recorded on the school site). The school's public materials note a sequence of curriculum and accreditation developments in the years after opening that shaped its early history.	History Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong (NAIS Pudong) opened in 2002 and was officially inaugurated by Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt MP. It was established as the first British international school in China and the first international school in Shanghai's Pudong district. The school is part of the Nord Anglia Education group, a network of international schools founded in the 1970s, and has expanded its campus and programmes since opening. These founding and ownership details are recorded in the school's history materials and corporate filings.
Community	Community The school describes a multicultural student body and emphasizes language and cultural programmes as part of school life; recent communications highlight an expanding World Languages programme, language fairs and cultural celebrations that involve students and families. Termly events and seasonal occasions — for example concerts and end-of-term celebrations cited in the school's news archive — are used as community gatherings where families and staff interact. Britannica's parent-facing pages and news posts also point to open days and family-facing activities as regular opportunities for community engagement.	Community The NAIS Pudong community is international and active: the school hosts events and opportunities designed to bring families together, including picnics, school productions, international days, fairs and other informal social gatherings. Parents, class representatives and a parent-representatives group act as regular links between families and school staff, and the school publishes a Parent Handbook and event calendar to keep families informed. The school also links students to Nord Anglia's wider Global Campus and social‑impact programmes to create cross‑school connections and community projects.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school's publicly available website does not publish a dedicated Parent Teacher Association page or a named PTA committee with officer contacts; instead it provides a Parent Zone with resources for families and an admissions/contact route for parent enquiries. Parent involvement appears in practice through participation in open days, concerts, language and cultural events and other school-wide activities described in the news and events sections. News items and programme descriptions indicate parents are invited to attend term concerts, seasonal celebrations and language/cultural showcases, and the Parent Zone is the primary online resource the school lists for family information. For specific details about a formal PTA (committee structure, meeting schedules, volunteering roles or fundraising groups) the school directs parents to contact the admissions or school office; the Contact Us page gives the school's admissions email and phone number. In short: public web materials show active family engagement via events and the Parent Zone but do not provide a public PTA constitution or committee list — you may want to contact admissions to request current PTA details or to learn how to join parent groups.	Parent teacher association NAIS Pudong has an official Parents' Association and multiple structured ways for parents to get involved. Volunteer roles include class representatives, parent‑representative groups and event volunteers who help with community activities such as International Day, school fairs and productions. The Parent Essentials pages and the Parent Handbook set out how parents can join committees, sign up to volunteer and access links (for example to the Family Portal and document library) that describe specific activities and schedules. The school encourages parents to participate in classroom activities, attend parent‑teacher meetings and support fundraising or social events as needed. For practical details about joining the Parents' Association, nominated roles and the annual events calendar, the Parent Handbook and Parent Essentials pages are the reference documents.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Britannica Shanghai follows the English National Curriculum for students aged 18 months to 18 years and is part of the Orbital Education group. It offers an A-Level Programme that follows the English National Curriculum, with students typically studying three to four subjects during a two-year A-Level course, supporting progression to higher education. The school emphasises small class sizes to identify, nurture, and celebrate excellence in each child.	Academic & intellectual The school offers a broad co-curricular programme with more than 140 CCAs across STEM, arts, languages, and academics. The MIT Maker Space provides hands-on technology projects, and the Robotics Club offers robotics activities. STEAM lessons and hands-on projects develop problem-solving and teamwork.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Co-curricular Programme provides a broad range of activities, with over 140 after-school options including robotics, cooking club, and drama.	Arts & creative Music, dance, and drama are integrated into daily learning. Juilliard alumni visit to provide learning from leading performing arts professionals. The school has a theatre and facilities that support performing arts.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The World Language Programme offers native language lessons in Mandarin, Korean, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Hebrew and Portuguese, delivered by specialist native-speaking teachers.	Cultural & language International Week celebrates nationalities with cultural activities and helps students develop cross-cultural awareness.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Over 140 after-school activities enable students to explore interests outside the classroom, including robotics, cooking, and drama.	Social & hobbies The ASA programme runs from 3:15–4:15pm each school day, with some activities scheduled before school and at weekends. CCAs include cooking, Kung Fu, ballet, rugby, and other hobbies.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The CCAs include community and expression, and the ASA programme includes activities that involve giving back to the community.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional CCAs include leadership opportunities and career development to foster lifelong learners and leaders.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Yoga is among the co-curricular activities, supporting student wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports are offered with multiple teams across several disciplines, supported by extensive facilities. Swimming is included in the PE program for younger students. Mindfulness and wellness activities are part of the school routine.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction and places English fluency at the centre of learning, with English as an Additional Language support for non-native speakers. Mandarin is a mandatory subject for Early Years through KS3 and is offered as an option for IGCSE and A Level; in Early Years, Primary and KS3 Mandarin is taught daily, and Secondary students have four Mandarin lessons per week for examination courses. The World Languages Programme provides native-language lessons in Mandarin, Korean, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Hebrew, taught by specialist native-speaking teachers. A Native Language Programme supports native Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew or Portuguese speakers from Reception onward.	Language provision The school teaches in English across the curriculum. Mandarin is taught from Foundation Stage and is part of the daily language offering for all students from Pre-Nursery onwards. English is the lingua franca; English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for learners who are not yet fluent in English, with an immersive English-speaking environment to support language development. In addition to English and Mandarin, modern foreign language classes are offered in French, Spanish, German and Korean. Students study two languages of their choice from Mandarin, French, German and Spanish, and native Mandarin speakers have additional Mandarin lessons to maintain language proficiency.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards For the five-year period covering 31 December 2021–31 December 2025 the school website does not list conventional standalone "school award" wins (for example "School of the Year" style awards) other than external accreditations/quality marks and one-off recognitions reported in its news posts. I searched the school site's news and accreditations pages and found the following external recognitions given to the school during that period (these are awarded to the school, not individual students): - COBIS re-accreditation (18 November 2025) — re‑accreditation by the Council of British International Schools, reported as the outcome of a 2025 inspection (this is an external accreditation/re-accreditation reported in the school's news). - Primary Geography Quality Mark (reaccreditation, September 2023) — the Geographical Association's Primary Geography Quality Mark was reaccredited to the school, recognising the quality and impact of its primary geography curriculum. - ALFRI / Bell Foundation EAL accreditation (March 2022) — Language for Results International (ALFRI/Bell Foundation) accreditation for the school's EAL provision; reported on the school site as an external accreditation/quality mark. - SAT testing centre accreditation (18 November 2022) — the school reports it became an accredited SAT test centre, enabling on‑site administration of the SAT for students applying to US universities. Other recognitions on the school site in that time window: the school was shortlisted for the TES International School Awards 2025 (Curriculum Initiative of the Year) — that item is a shortlisting/nomination reported in November 2025, not a winning award on the school site, so I have not listed it as a win. If you would like, I can: - extract the exact dates and full text of each news item or accreditation report; or - check external organisation sites (COBIS, CIS, Geographical Association, Bell Foundation, College Board) for their official statements/reports about the school (useful if you want independent verification beyond the school site).	Awards Staff Development & Wellbeing Award — China School Awards, 14 March 2025: NAIS Pudong was announced as the winner in the Staff Development & Wellbeing category at the 2025 China School Awards; the school's news item describes this as a school‑level award recognising its work to support staff development and wellbeing. (Awarded to the school.) Silver Accreditation for Social Impact — 14 June 2024: NAIS Pudong was honoured with a Silver Accreditation under the Nord Anglia / UNICEF Social Impact Distinctions; the school's news item presents this as an institutional accreditation/award for its social‑impact work (awarded to the school).
Accreditations	Accreditations Below are the accreditations and external quality marks listed on the school's website, each with a one-line explanation of what it is and why it matters (source: Britannica International School – Accreditations and related news pages). - COBIS (Council of British International Schools) — COBIS membership/accreditation indicates the school meets standards of British international schooling and is part of a UK-based quality-assurance and professional network for British international schools. - BSO (British Schools Overseas) — BSO is an inspection scheme run via the UK Department for Education for British-style schools abroad; a BSO inspection confirms the school meets standards comparable to independent schools in England. - CIS (Council of International Schools) — CIS accreditation is an international quality-assurance process showing the school meets recognised standards for international education, global citizenship and continuous improvement. - Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge International) — recognition/approval to deliver Cambridge qualifications (IGCSEs etc.), which are widely recognised international academic qualifications. - Pearson Edexcel — approval to deliver Pearson/Edexcel qualifications (GCSEs/A‑levels), indicating the school is authorised to offer these internationally recognised exam programmes. - ALFRI / Bell Foundation accreditation for EAL (Language for Results International) — an external accreditation that evaluates and recognises the quality of provision for learners who use English as an additional language (EAL). - Primary Geography Quality Mark (Geographical Association) — an external quality mark recognising high standards in geography leadership, curriculum development and teaching in the primary phase. - The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (DofE) — the school is registered to deliver the DofE programme, indicating it runs the internationally recognised youth development programme for Bronze/Silver/Gold participation. - SAT testing centre accreditation (College Board/SAT) — the school is an accredited on‑campus SAT test centre, meaning students can take the SAT at the school site for US university admissions. Note: these entries are taken from the school's official accreditations page and related news items on the Britannica International School (Shanghai) website. The accreditations page lists BSO, COBIS, Cambridge, Edexcel, DofE, ALFRI (Bell Foundation) and the Geographical Association quality mark; separate news posts confirm LFRI/ALFRI (March 2022), SAT testing centre status (Nov 18, 2022), the Primary Geography Quality Mark reaccreditation (Sep 2023) and a COBIS re-accreditation news item (Nov 18, 2025).	Accreditations International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) — NAIS Pudong offers the two‑year IB Diploma for students aged 16–18; the IBDP is an internationally recognised pre‑university curriculum and assessment route used for university entry worldwide. Cambridge qualifications / IGCSE (Cambridge Assessment International Education) — the school delivers IGCSE courses and enters students for Cambridge international examinations, meaning it follows Cambridge assessment routes for the 14–16 phase. Social Impact Distinctions — Silver Accreditation for Social Impact (Social Impact Distinctions framework used across Nord Anglia/UNICEF partnership) — a school‑level accreditation recognising how the school has embedded children's rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals into its programmes and community work.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquiry and school tour — Start by contacting the Admissions team to request an enquiry, book a tour or join an open day so you and your child can see the campus and meet staff. During this visit the admissions staff will discuss your child's needs, explain the curriculum, transport and routines, and introduce you to the Principal or Head of Phase; use the visit to check whether the school's organisation and timetables fit your family logistics. If you are overseas the school can arrange a virtual tour and a meeting with the relevant head of phase. 2. Complete the online application and upload documents — When you decide to apply you must submit the online application form and upload the specified documents: child's birth certificate, child and parent passports, child and parent residence permits/work permits, recent school report, immunisation record, medical insurance card and a passport photo. The admissions portal stays open for your admissions journey so you can upload documents and track progress, but you cannot edit submitted forms after signing. Note: if a year group is already full and you meet entry requirements, the school will place the child on the waiting list only once the registration fee has been paid. 3. Assessment and second visit — After the application and paperwork are received the school arranges a formal assessment and usually a meeting with the Principal (or relevant Head) to evaluate academic readiness, communication and social interaction. Assessment format depends on age: EYFS children have informal observations (and sometimes a trial day), Years 1–9 typically sit a non-verbal reasoning (NVR) test (with additional drawing assessments in early primary), Years 10–11 have NVR plus English and Maths assessments, and Years 12–13 require evidence of prior externally accredited results (IGCSE equivalence). The Admissions Policy says assessment outcomes and any observed support needs will be discussed with parents; if further evidence is needed the school may invite a trial day or ask for more school reports. 4. Offer, registration and deposit — If the child meets the school's entry criteria and passes the assessment, the Principal issues an offer. To accept a place you will be asked to pay a non-refundable registration fee and an enrolment deposit; the standard registration fee and the deposit amounts and terms are published in the school fees schedule (the 2025–26 fees document shows a RMB 2,500 registration fee and a RMB 20,000 enrolment deposit that is credited against the next term's tuition). The admissions documents and the school's admissions policy explain timing: registration and deposit secure the place, the deposit is refundable subject to the school's refund and notice conditions, and full fee payment deadlines are specified in the fees schedule.	Admissions 1. Make an enquiry and book a tour or virtual meeting. Be ready when you enquire to give basic family and child details (name, date of birth, preferred entry date, current school and curriculum) so the school can advise on age placement and documentation you will need. (Source: NAIS Pudong admissions and enquiry pages). 2. Visit the school (in-person or virtually) and meet staff. NAIS Pudong offers in-person tours, Virtual Discovery Meetings and open days so you can see facilities and ask curriculum- and welfare-related questions; parents should use this opportunity to discuss English language support (EAL), any special educational needs (SEN), and school-bus coverage. If you are not in Shanghai you can request a virtual meeting; when you visit, bring up specific start dates and campus logistics (bus routes, lunch menus, uniform shop) so there are no surprises later. (Source: admissions/FAQs). 3. Complete the online application and upload required documents. Applications are submitted through the school's online form (you can save and resume) and the portal lists the documents to upload — passport/ID scans, parents' work permit and household book where applicable, recent school reports, medical information and preferred start date. Note there is a non-refundable application fee (RMB 3,500) payable when you submit the form; keep scans sized within the portal limits and allow time for references to be requested from your child's current school. (Source: online application form and tuition-fees page). 4. Assessment, language screening and references. NAIS Pudong assesses all prospective entrants so the school can place and support students appropriately: Early Years candidates usually take part in classroom observations; Primary and Secondary applicants sit entrance assessments (written or online) and older secondary applicants may be invited to an interview. All applicants are also screened for English as an Additional Language (EAL) needs and possible learning support; if your child has additional needs you should declare them on the application so the Learning Support Coordinator can discuss suitability and any potential Individual Education Plan (IEP). (Source: entry requirements and FAQs). 5. Application review, offer and acceptance. Completed applications are reviewed by the school leadership (the site notes principal review) and the school aims to make a decision quickly — in many cases the offer is made the same day as assessment and otherwise within 48 hours. If you receive an offer you will be sent an invoice and asked to accept the place; acceptance requires payment of the non-refundable enrolment fee (RMB 4,000) and other onboarding fees as invoiced (see step 6). Confirm exactly what the invoice covers and the deadline to secure the place so you don't lose the offer. (Source: admissions, application and tuition-fees pages). 6. Fees, deposits and pre-start arrangements. Be prepared for the one-off and ongoing costs the school publishes: application fee RMB 3,500, enrolment fee RMB 4,000 (non-refundable), a resourcing fee (RMB 16,000 — refundable on satisfactory exit conditions), term-by-term tuition amounts and optional services such as school bus or lunch. Full-year tuition fees (2025–26) are listed by year group on the school site, and the school offers a 3% Early Bird discount when annual tuition is paid in advance (available typically in the summer — confirm exact deadline). Before your child's first day you will also usually complete medical forms, order uniforms, sign parental agreements and arrange bus routes or lunch accounts. (Source: tuition-fees page and application form). 7. Starting at school and ongoing communication. After fees are settled and paperwork completed, the school will confirm your child's start date. Expect induction activities: settling-in reports, contact channels with teachers (the school uses platforms such as Microsoft Teams and other parent communications), and termly reporting; if your child needs EAL or SEN support, the school will work with you to set up the required support plan. Keep contact details for admissions and the main school office to hand in case any pre-start issues arise. (Source: FAQs and school contact info).
Scholarships	Scholarships The school has run scholarship opportunities in the past (examples published on the school website include a 2019 Secondary Scholarship Day offering up to 100% scholarships for some secondary entry years and a 2019 announcement of a 50% tuition scholarship for certain Year 10 and Year 12 entrants). Those items are event/news postings from 2019 and describe specific, time‑limited scholarship campaigns rather than a standing, published scholarship programme. The current Admissions and Fees pages do not present an ongoing, school‑wide scholarship scheme, and there is no separate, regularly updated scholarships page on the site; therefore, if you are interested in any scholarship or fee‑assistance options you should contact the Admissions office directly (admissions@britannicashanghai.com or +86 21 6402 7889) to request the latest information and to ask whether any assessments or scholarship days are being offered at the moment.	Scholarships Yes — NAIS Pudong operates a formal scholarship programme and publishes the categories, eligibility and application process on its scholarships page. Key points you should know: - Who can apply: Candidates must not already be enrolled at NAIS Pudong and scholarships are open to students eligible for entry in Years 1–12. Applications are limited in number each year. (Source: scholarships page). - Scholarship categories and partners: Scholarships are offered for Academic, Sports, Performing Arts and Leadership. The school emphasises development through its external collaborations (for example with Juilliard, MIT and IMG Academy) within those pathways. (Source: scholarships page). - Value, duration and review: Awards run for up to three years and provide a variable tuition discount of up to 50% depending on assessment performance; there is an annual review of the scholar's progress and conduct, and continuation of the award depends on that review. (Source: scholarships page). - How to apply and selection process: You must download and complete the scholarship application form, submit a short personal statement (the school prefers the student to write this where possible), and attach supporting documents (certificates, reports, references). Applications are reviewed by a Scholarship Committee; candidates may be invited for interviews with the Principal and relevant staff, and will be notified of the outcome (the site states notification usually within two working days of the committee meeting). Send completed scholarship applications and supporting documents to the Admissions email listed on the site. (Source: scholarships page and downloadable form). If you would like, I can extract the exact 2025–26 tuition table, list the one‑off fees and optional charges in a short table, or draft an email template you can send to admissions asking about waitlist status and scholarship deadlines. (Contact details on the pages: admissions@naispudong.com; +86 (0)21 5812 7455 ext.1015).
Waitlist	Waitlist Britannica operates a waiting list if a year group is full: applicants who meet the entry requirements are placed on the waiting list provided the registration fee has been paid. Priority on the waiting list is explicitly set out in the Admissions Policy: siblings of current students, returning students, sister‑school children, staff children and native first‑language English speakers receive priority, followed by other applicants based on completion of the admission process. The Admissions Policy and fees documents also state that an enrolment deposit (paid on acceptance) guarantees a place once paid and that families may register up to a year in advance subject to completing the full admissions process. For exact position on the list and timing you should confirm with the Admissions team, as places are reallocated if fees are unpaid before term start.	Waitlist No formal public waitlist policy is published on the NAIS Pudong admissions pages. The school's public admissions and FAQs detail a quick decision process (offers often made the same day as assessment or within 48 hours) but do not set out a standard waiting‑list or pool procedure on the website. Because NAIS Pudong does not publish a waitlist policy, practical outcomes (for example whether you can be placed on a waiting list for a specific year group, any registration fee to hold a place, or the order in which places are offered) are handled case‑by‑case by Admissions — you should ask the admissions team directly for the current position on availability for your child's year group. Suggested questions to ask admissions: “Is there currently a waiting list for my child's year group?”, “If placed on a waiting list, what priority rules do you use (date of application, sibling priority, legacy/Nord Anglia connections)?” and “Is any registration deposit required to hold a place if one becomes available?”. (Source: NAIS Pudong admissions and FAQs — absence of published waitlist details).
	View full profile →	View full profile →