Dulwich College Beijing and Harrow International School Beijing are both in Beijing, about 15 km apart. Both schools offer British and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Dulwich College Beijing also offers IB and Cambridge A Levels, and Harrow International School Beijing also offers IPC and Australian. Published annual fees are close, at RMB 245,000 - 373,000 for Dulwich College Beijing and RMB 228,600 - 356,600 for Harrow International School Beijing. Dulwich College Beijing takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Harrow International School Beijing from 2 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 1,600 and 1,500 pupils. Typical class sizes are 18 at Dulwich College Beijing and 20 at Harrow International School Beijing.
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Dulwich College Beijing
Beijing, China
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Harrow International School Beijing
Beijing, China
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year RMB 245,000 - 373,000 | Fees / year RMB 228,600 - 356,600 |
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Age range
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Age range 3 - 18 years | Age range 2 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels | Curriculum British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, Australian Curriculum |
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Pupils
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Pupils 1,600 | Pupils 1,500 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 18 | Typical class size 20 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened 2005 | Opened 2005 |
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Bus service
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Bus service No | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location Dulwich College Beijing is on Capital Airport Road in the Shunyi district, close to many expatriate residential compounds and a 20–40 minute drive from central Beijing depending on traffic. The school lists its main campus address as 89 Capital Airport Road, Shunyi District. | Location Harrow Beijing's main (Hegezhuang) campus is in Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang, Chaoyang District, Beijing (No. 287 Hegezhuang Village). The school publishes a separate City Campus for very early years; admissions materials list campus addresses and practical travel information. |
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Stages
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Stages The College is an all‑through international school: DUCKS (early years) for ages 3–7, Junior School for primary years, and Senior School for Years 7–13 (up to age 18). Entry guidance and age-placement information are provided on the admissions pages. | Stages The school accepts students aged about 2–18 and is organised into Kindergarten/Lower School (Pre‑Prep), Prep (Years 2–6) and Upper School (Prep, Senior and Sixth Form / Years 7–13). |
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School type
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School type Dulwich College Beijing is a private, co‑educational day school following British/international curricula; it offers IGCSE and the IB Diploma (and from 2025 an A‑level option). The school does not advertise on‑site, long‑term boarding for its regular cohorts (the IB/official listings record ‘day' boarding status). | School type Harrow Beijing is an international, co‑educational school for Chinese and foreign pupils (ages 2–18). The school's public pages describe day programmes across the phases; boarding is not described on the Harrow Beijing site (note: some other AISL Harrow schools do offer boarding). For confirmation about boarding options contact admissions. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support The College runs an EAL (English as an Additional Language) programme and a Learning Support team; EAL teachers work across year groups and the school publishes staff and role descriptions for learning‑support posts. Admissions consider additional learning needs on a case‑by‑case basis and the school provides in‑class or small‑group support where appropriate. | Additional learning support Harrow Beijing has a Learning Support Department with a full‑time Learning Support Coordinator in both Lower and Upper School, dedicated intervention teachers, and access‑arrangement support for external exams; the team works with families, teachers and external specialists including an educational psychologist. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation The school is part of the Dulwich College International group and follows a British international school model; it is based in China rather than affiliated to a religious organisation or to a foreign government. | Country affiliation Harrow Beijing is part of the Harrow family and the AISL Harrow Schools network; it traces its heritage to Harrow School in London. |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation Dulwich College Beijing does not present itself as a faith school; no formal religious affiliation is stated in its public materials. | Religious affiliation The school's public information does not identify a religious affiliation; pastoral provision is presented as non‑denominational and focused on wellbeing and safeguarding. |
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School day structure
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School day structure Daily timetables differ by division (early years, primary, secondary). Public pages describe registration, morning lessons, a midday lunch break and afternoon lessons, but the school's published website/parent handbook should be consulted for exact start/finish times for each division and current term schedules. For precise daily hours ask Admissions or refer to the Parent Handbook. | School day structure Morning care (Breakfast Club) is available; a parent newsletter notes breakfast‑club drop‑off from about 07:05 with students heading to class shortly before 08:00. Typical published school‑day times used in school listings are roughly 08:00 to mid/late afternoon (around 16:30), but exact start/finish times and after‑school activity schedules vary by year group and are given in the school handbook. |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details The College operates an extensive school‑bus programme with routes covering Shunyi and downtown Beijing; the site notes more than 30 routes and professional bus monitors who work with drivers under the school's safeguarding and H&S policies. The admissions section lists annual and termly bus fees (separate rates for Shunyi vs downtown routes) and advises families on how to apply for bus service. } | Bus service details The school offers a school‑bus service; route maps, timings, fees and the transport provider are described in the Admissions Information Centre and the school handbook (the admissions team handles route allocation). For current routes, pick‑up points or to register for transport contact admissions by phone or email. |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application fees - Application Fee: RMB 2,900 (one-off, non-refundable, non-transferable). - Placement Deposit: RMB 18,000 (refundable subject to the College's terms and conditions; non-transferable). - Capital Development Fee (new students only): RMB 15,000 (one-time, non-refundable). Tuition fees (2025/2026) — annual and per-term - Nursery: Annual RMB 245,000; Per term RMB 85,800. - Reception: Annual RMB 245,000; Per term RMB 85,800. - Years 1–2: Annual RMB 297,000; Per term RMB 104,000. - Years 3–6: Annual RMB 323,000; Per term RMB 113,100. - Years 7–9: Annual RMB 343,000; Per term RMB 120,100. - Years 10–11: Annual RMB 362,000; Per term RMB 126,700. - Years 12–13: Annual RMB 373,000; Per term RMB 130,600 — note: Year 13 fees must be paid annually. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition may be paid annually or by term (exception: Year 13 must be paid annually). Annual payment attracts a more favourable rate. Each term's tuition and other sums are due before the beginning of the College term. The College may require annual payment in cases of repeated late termly payments. Families with three or more children enrolled in full-day programmes receive a 5% discount per student. Boarding fees - Dulwich College Beijing is a co-educational day school; boarding is not applicable. Other costs and charges - School bus service: Zone A (Downtown) Annual RMB 23,000 / Per term RMB 8,100; Zone B (Shunyi) Annual RMB 17,010 / Per term RMB 6,000. - School lunch: optional and not included in tuition; charged separately. Uniforms: required (except Years 12–13) and purchased via the School Uniform Order System. Optional trip fees, exam charges included in tuition; miscellaneous charges may apply. Late payment administration charge: RMB 1,000 per reminder. Official tax receipts (Fapiao) issued for fee payments (deposit excluded). Refund information and withdrawal notice - A full term's tuition is payable for any term in which the student attends (in part or whole) or if inadequate withdrawal notice is given. Withdrawal notice deadlines: 15 Oct for withdrawal in/at Term 2; 31 Jan for withdrawal in/at Term 3; 1 Apr for withdrawal at end of Term 3 or for Term 1 of following year. Refund schedule examples are set out in the Terms and Conditions (annual and term refund percentages vary by notice date). The Placement Deposit may be used to offset unpaid fees and is refundable in accordance with withdrawal and refund policies. Fee payment options - Accepted methods: bank transfers in RMB or USD, and cash payments (RMB only). Bank account details appear on invoices; when paying by USD wire transfer, the College requests use of the People's Bank of China approved RMB/USD middle exchange rate at time of payment. If a payment in foreign currency results in a shortfall the parent/guardian is liable for that shortfall. Credit card payment is not listed as a standard option in the fee schedule. | Fee details Application fee - Registration (application) fee: RMB 3,500, payable once at the point of application. Tuition fees (annual and per term, by year group) - Pre-Nursery (Pre-N): Tuition RMB 228,600 per year — approximately RMB 76,200 per term (if split equally into three terms). - Nursery: Tuition RMB 228,600 per year — approximately RMB 76,200 per term. - Reception: Tuition RMB 259,600 per year — approximately RMB 86,533 per term. - Year 1: Tuition RMB 282,600 per year — approximately RMB 94,200 per term. - Year 2: Tuition RMB 295,800 per year — approximately RMB 98,600 per term. - Year 3 & Year 4: Tuition RMB 305,800 per year — approximately RMB 101,933 per term. - Year 5: Tuition RMB 306,800 per year — approximately RMB 102,267 per term. - Year 6: Tuition RMB 309,800 per year — approximately RMB 103,267 per term. - Year 7 & Year 8: Tuition RMB 321,600 per year — approximately RMB 107,200 per term. - Year 9, Year 10 & Year 11: Tuition RMB 336,000 per year — approximately RMB 112,000 per term. - Year 12 & Year 13: Tuition RMB 356,600 per year — approximately RMB 118,867 per term. Note: the per-term figures above are simple equal one‑third divisions of the published annual tuition and are provided for planning purposes; check the school's billing schedule for exact instalment amounts and due dates. Billing schedule and payment terms - The registration fee is payable at application. An Acceptance Form must be returned and a small advance payment of tuition is required to secure a place after an offer is made. Payments are to be made to the school's bank account (Hang Seng Bank Beijing — account: Harrow International School Beijing; Account Number: 531031680020). Boarding fees - Harrow Beijing operates as a day school (no boarding provision listed); there are no boarding fees for this campus. Other costs and fees - English Intensive class: some year groups offer an English Intensive class that incurs additional fees. - School uniform: all students must wear school uniform; uniforms are purchased by parents according to the school's uniform guide. - School bus: a school bus network is available; parents should contact Admissions for bus routes and fees. - Canteen (lunch): the school provides a canteen service; separate meal charges apply (sample lunch menu published by the school). Refund information - The registration fee is charged at application and is stated as payable once; the admissions materials do not specify a general refund of the registration fee. The school's formal fee and refund terms appear in the full fee or parent handbook documents. Fee payment options - Bank transfer to the school's Hang Seng Bank Beijing account is provided (bank details published). The school uses an online admissions portal (OpenApply) for applications and enrolment procedures. For other accepted payment methods and any applicable bank/transaction charges, follow the school's payment instructions. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement Uniform is worn by Nursery to Year 11; Year 12 and 13 follow a business dress code. The uniform is designed with seasonal variants for warm and cold weather. | Uniform requirement — |
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Food options
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Food options A lunch program is available; students may bring lunch or pay for Sodexo-provided meals. | Food options — |
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House system
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House system In Senior School, there is a House System that fosters belonging, friendly competitions, leadership opportunities, and responsibilities for older students mentoring younger ones. | House system The school uses a House System to structure pastoral care and student life. |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership The school is part of Education in Motion (EiM) and is governed by Dulwich College Management International Limited (DCMI). EiM identifies Dulwich College as the founding school. | Governance and ownership — |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) uses a play- and inquiry-based Early Years programme (DUCKS) and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage up to age 5, with a dual-language (English–Mandarin) approach for young learners. From Year 1 through Year 9 students follow an adapted National Curriculum of England delivered via a topic-based, cross‑curricular Junior School with specialist lessons in Mandarin, PE, art, design technology and music. Students in Years 10–11 follow a two‑year IGCSE programme, and Years 12–13 study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme; the school also indicates that A‑Level courses will be available as an option from 2025. Instruction is primarily in English, supplemented by structured Mandarin pathways for native and non‑native speakers and EAL support across the school. The curriculum is rounded out by specialist STEAM and liberal‑arts strands and extensive co‑curricular activities designed to develop skills beyond academic assessment. | Curriculum details Harrow Beijing runs a values‑led programme from Early Years to Sixth Form: Early Years (ages 3–5) follow the AISL Harrow Early Years Curriculum (AHEYC) / Little Lions kindergarten framework. In Primary (Years 1–6) the school teaches the English National Curriculum integrated with the International Primary Curriculum, with daily Mandarin, Expressive Arts and a specialist emphasis on PE and outdoor education. The Prep phase (Years 7–8) provides a broad foundation across subjects to prepare students for Upper School. In the Senior Phase (Years 9–11) students consolidate learning and are prepared to sit GCSE/IGCSE examinations in Year 11. The Sixth Form (Years 12–13) follows a two‑year A‑Level programme (with options for a three‑year pathway) and Harrow Beijing lists A‑Level subjects including Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Economics, Mandarin, Further Mathematics, English Literature, Geography, History, Mathematics, Media Studies, Music, Physics, Psychology and Theatre Studies, plus EPQ and other enrichment awards. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression — | Higher education progression — |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) describes SEL as part of its Student Wellbeing Framework, which emphasises students feeling Connected, Respected and Empowered and is embedded across the curriculum. The school teaches seven Dulwich Values (respect, resilience, confidence, kindness, responsibility, integrity and open‑mindedness) and uses the House system to build belonging, leadership and collaboration. Junior School runs a bespoke Wellbeing Curriculum with Mindful Mornings, while Senior School has a Deputy Head of Senior School (Wellbeing) who oversees the Elevate programme for study skills, motivation and confidence. Students are involved directly as Wellbeing Prefects/Champions and the school runs Parent Academies and provides access to the Tooled Up Education resource for families. These initiatives and roles are described on the DCB Wellbeing pages. | Social & emotional learning Harrow Beijing states that pastoral care is central to its provision: pupils are assigned tutors and are managed within a House system, supported by Assistant Heads, Pastoral Leads and counsellors. The school delivers a formal PSHE curriculum in the Lower School and an equivalent wellbeing programme in the Upper School; PSHE content and delivery are guided by UK and Chinese policy frameworks. The school also cites structured tutor time, student voice bodies (including a whole-school student council and the Shaftesbury Society), and regular review of the PSHE programme. These elements are described on the school's Pastoral Care page and in the school's PSHE policy. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) DCB states that it enrols only students whose learning needs can be met by the services the school provides and that the Admissions team will consult families and review previous reports as part of the assessment process. The school's Admissions information says it will request all relevant documentation and conduct assessments to determine appropriate support and placement. DCB lists staff with roles in learning support (for example named Junior School Learning Support staff and assistant teachers supporting English and additional educational needs). The website does not present DCB as a specialist SEN institution; instead it indicates inclusion where needs can be met by its provision. For full details about specific therapies, diagnoses supported or specialist placements, families are asked to contact Admissions directly. | Special educational needs (SEN) Harrow Beijing publishes a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) policy (last updated January 2025) that sets out admissions considerations, referral procedures and the types of support available. Published examples of provision include EAL/Chinese acquisition programmes, learning support (small-group literacy and maths), dyslexia intervention, social skills training, fine-motor skills work, referral to the school psychologist or external specialists, and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with regular review. The policy describes how students are admitted to, and returned from, specialist support programmes and how access arrangements for public examinations are managed. The school presents SEND provision as part of its mainstream inclusive offer and does not present itself as a specialist SEN institution in its published policy documents. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language The school publishes descriptions of EAL provision across age groups: DUCKS and Junior School pages describe in‑class EAL support, targeted small‑group sessions, preview/review strategies and use of translanguaging. DCB's communications note a Junior School EAL team (the site describes a team of EAL teachers working across year groups) and named leads involved in coordinating EAL provision. Admissions guidance also states the school can support a percentage of non‑native English speakers and may assess applicants' readiness for the academic programme. For specifics about levels of EAL support, staffing ratios or formal placement tests, the site asks families to contact the school or Admissions. | English as an additional language Harrow Beijing's English Language Acquisition Policy (last updated 04 February 2025) states that English acquisition is a primary focus and sets out a whole-school CLIL approach with multiple pathways: mainstream differentiation, targeted ‘‘push-in'' or ‘‘pull-out'' support, short- or long-term intensive English programmes, and EAL-qualified teaching staff. The policy names classroom programmes and approaches (for example Read Write Inc phonics in Early Years/Lower School, Talk for Writing, Voice 21 oracy approaches, and structured reading schemes) and specifies assessment frameworks (Pearson GSE in Upper School; Bell Framework in Lower School). Staffing and quality measures are described (EAL teacher qualifications minimum CELTA or equivalent, CPD for CLIL, and timetabling to reflect language needs). |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing DCB's wellbeing material links mental wellbeing to its broader Student Wellbeing Framework and lists curriculum and school‑wide measures such as mindfulness in Junior School, the Elevate programme in Senior School, and student wellbeing leadership roles. The College also names dedicated counselling and social‑emotional staff on its community pages (for example Senior School and Junior School social‑emotional counsellors and other school counsellors listed on the staff directory). The school describes parent partnership through Parent Academies and access to the Tooled Up Education platform as part of its mental wellbeing support. For specifics about counselling referral processes, session frequency or external specialist referrals the website directs parents to contact the school for details. | Mental wellbeing Harrow Beijing describes a counselling and psychological support structure: the school's safeguarding/pastoral pages describe a counselling team led by an in‑house Educational Psychologist, and a parent newsletter notes a full‑time school psychologist plus two emotional counsellors available to students. The PSHE/wellbeing curriculum, tutor system (including Close Personal Tutoring/CPT) and assemblies are cited as routine opportunities to support student wellbeing and signpost help. The school states that referrals to the school psychologist or other specialists form part of its support pathways, and that counselling staff and pastoral teams work with tutors and House leaders. These arrangements are described in the school's safeguarding, pastoral and parent communications. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding DCB states safeguarding and child protection are of paramount importance and outlines a child‑centred approach based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The school describes a rigorous, regularly reviewed Safeguarding Policy, mandatory staff safeguarding training, whole‑college and school‑level designated safeguarding leads, and a Speak Out and Stay Safe reporting initiative. A downloadable Safeguarding Policy is linked from the school's Safeguarding page for parents and staff to review. For the school's full policy text and the named Designated Safeguarding Lead(s), please consult the Safeguarding page and linked policy on the DCB website. | Safeguarding Harrow Beijing publishes a safeguarding statement and describes a multi‑person Safeguarding Team with several Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), phase safeguarding committees and staff trained to an "internationally recognized standard." The school names an Assistant Head of School as a DSL and reports participation in regional safeguarding work (FOBISIA Executive Safeguarding Committee); it also states that safeguarding practice is subject to internal and external audits and AISL governance inspections. The Pastoral Care page and the Safeguarding section link to the school's safeguarding policy and describe safer‑recruitment procedures, training and the formation of online‑safety and pastoral safeguarding committees. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview Dulwich College Beijing provides spaces designed to support intellectual, physical, social and emotional development. The campus features two sports domes, a multi‑purpose sports hall, six tennis courts, a FIFA two‑star rated football pitch, a natural grass rugby pitch and Beijing's only cricket pitch for students. Performing Arts facilities include the Wodehouse Theatre (602 seats) and the Edward Alleyn Theatre (300 seats), two Black Box theatres, spacious music rooms, an ICT suite for music production, a radio studio, art rooms and three libraries with access to over 70,000 resources. There are dedicated spaces for DUCKS, Junior School and Senior School, along with flexible indoor and outdoor spaces to support learning. | Facilities overview Harrow Beijing has two purpose-built campuses: the City Campus for Early Years to Year 1 and the Hegezhuang Campus for Year 2 to Year 13. The City Campus is set in a green and leafy community, while the Hegezhuang Campus is located in a village area near the airport express. The facilities are designed to foster curiosity, creativity and intellectual growth, with spaces including a theatre and dining halls and a range of multi-functional learning environments. A 360-degree virtual tour is available to explore both campuses. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities The campus offers extensive sport facilities, including two sports domes, a multi‑purpose sports hall, six tennis courts, a FIFA two‑star rated football pitch, a natural grass rugby pitch and Beijing's only cricket pitch for students. | Sports facilities The campuses include outdoor spaces and sports areas. The Hegezhuang Campus provides multi-functional spaces to support learning and activity from Year 2 to Year 13. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities Academic facilities include three libraries with access to over 70,000 resources, an ICT suite for music production, a fully equipped radio studio and dedicated art rooms. | Academic facilities The lower years follow the English National Curriculum integrated with the International Primary Curriculum, with daily Mandarin instruction and Expressive Arts, and the teaching aligns with Chinese Ministry of Education guidelines for ages 3–6. The school offers both IGCSE and A Level programmes, with A Levels available in a wide range of subjects including Mandarin. The Three-Year A Level Programme combines a Foundation year with two years of A Level study, while the Four-Year Programme provides two years of IGCSE followed by two years of A Level study. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities There are over 150 co‑curricular activities each year across categories such as Academic, Creative, Debate and Public Speaking, Performing Arts, Service and Action. Examples include robotics, Model United Nations, music, theatre and sport. Residential trips are offered, and the school is a member of ACAMIS and FOBISIA as well as the Dulwich family of schools. | Extra curricular facilities The school offers extracurricular activities such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), LAMDA, Duke of Edinburgh Award and a Sports Leadership Award, along with student clubs and international exchange opportunities. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History Dulwich College Beijing opened in 2005 as the second school to join the Dulwich College International family. It was established with formal links to Dulwich College in London and is part of the Education in Motion / Dulwich network; the school's operations sit under the Dulwich group. Since opening the college has grown to educate more than 1,600 students and represents over 30 nationalities. Over time DCB has developed its own day-to-day traditions while drawing on the wider Dulwich heritage and calendar events. | History Harrow Beijing was established in 2005. It is an overseas member of the Harrow network and is linked with the Harrow Overseas Member Alliance and the AISL Harrow schools group. The school describes its approach as drawing on the traditions of Harrow School in London while operating in a Chinese context. Administrative and community links are organised through the Harrow family / AISL structures rather than as a standalone local institution. |
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Community
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Community The college community is multicultural and active, with the school marking cultural and calendar events such as Chinese New Year, Christmas, Remembrance Day and an annual Founder's Day that links Dulwich schools worldwide. A house system and structured student leadership (Student Council, head boy/girl and prefects) are used to build belonging and peer mentorship across year groups. Parent volunteers and the Friends of Dulwich contribute clubs, cultural activities and community gatherings that bring families, staff and students together. | Community The Harrow Beijing community comprises Chinese and international families and a multinational staff body. The school programme and calendar include regular community and cultural events — examples shown on the site include Mid‑Autumn Festival, Temple Fair, Chinese New Year performances, Summer Picnic, Sports Day and seasonal concerts. Families and students also participate in service and community projects and in school productions and house events throughout the year. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association The school's parent organisation is Friends of Dulwich (FoD), a volunteer-run group whose stated purpose is to connect families with the school and with one another. FoD organises regular activities including New Family Orientation Day and a Friends Welcome Tea, runs teacher appreciation lunches, and supports the appointment of parent representatives to aid communication between families and the College. The group also coordinates community groups and clubs (for example a Culture Club, Connection Lunch and an A Cappella Club) and provides practical support for school events. FoD describes its role as strengthening community ties through volunteering, events and practical support for new families and staff. Participation is voluntary and FoD relies on parent volunteers to plan events, run clubs and support wider school initiatives. | Parent teacher association Friends of Harrow (FoH) is the parent–staff association that provides practical support to the school and helps new families settle in. FoH organises specific activities such as the Welcome Coffee Morning for new parents, an Autumn Fair, Staff Appreciation Lunch, a Friends of Harrow shop and book fairs, and it runs social and fundraising events involving parents from different backgrounds. The school also runs a Parents Partnership Programme based on Professor Joyce Epstein's model, which covers communication, volunteering, decision‑making, community collaboration, learning at home and parental training. In the Lower School, parent class representatives act as the primary contact between parents and teachers, facilitate social interaction and may organise class activities or handle practical questions. In the Upper School, the Parent Consultative Committee (PCC) is made up of one parent from each Phase in each House and meets (typically) once a term to raise questions and discuss matters with the school. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual The school has three divisions: DUCKS (ages 3 to 7), Junior School (ages 7 to 11), and Senior School (ages 11 to 18). In the Senior School, students follow the IGCSE syllabus and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The school publishes IGCSE and IB results and university placements. | Academic & intellectual The school offers a continuous educational program from kindergarten through Year 13. GCSEs are available in the senior years, followed by A Levels in the sixth form. The Little Lions Curriculum (LLC) supports Early Years education, and the school provides an academic pathway that combines British traditions with a Chinese context. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative — | Arts & creative LAMDA training is offered as part of leadership in action, with public speaking, acting and related arts activities available as part of a broad arts and performance program. Accelerated Reader supports reading development. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language The language of instruction is English. Mandarin is a core part of the curriculum; all high school students study Mandarin, with courses offered from complete beginners to native-level speakers. From Year 7, students begin an intensive European Languages programme. The school supports multilingualism through a dedicated Multi-Language Programme and translanguaging practices in DUCKS (early years) that mix English and Mandarin. | Cultural & language The school uses Content Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) to develop subject knowledge alongside English language proficiency, with additional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) in the Sixth Form and dedicated Language & Learning support for newcomers. More than 70% of teaching staff are expatriate educators, supporting an English-language learning environment. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies — | Social & hobbies A broad program of co-curricular activities is described, including arts, music, drama, sports and clubs that provide opportunities to practice English and engage with a global peer community. |
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Community & service
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Community & service — | Community & service The school emphasizes a holistic education that blends British heritage with Chinese context and fosters an international, cross-cultural learning environment. The community is structured to support leadership, service and global perspectives. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional — | Leadership & professional Leadership in Action programs are part of the school, including pathways in the arts, sports, LAMDA and service and community activities that develop leadership and professional skills. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing — | Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus structure supports a balanced lifestyle with two purpose-built campuses and extensive facilities for outdoor play, sports, arts and well-being, aligned with an emphasis on holistic development. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision Translanguaging enables use of English and Mandarin in learning, forming the basis of the program. Mandarin learning expands from Foundation Stage (whole-class Mandarin) to Key Stage One with Academic Mandarin and Life Skills Mandarin in differentiated groups, and progresses to senior levels through IGCSE, IB, and A Level. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for non-native English speakers. A weekly Korean club offers additional language opportunities. | Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction and communication. Newcomers receive additional Language & Learning classes to support language development, and CLIL (Content Language Integrated Learning) is used to develop subject knowledge alongside English proficiency. English language learning programs are personalized. The school sets explicit language proficiency targets for different grade levels and conducts assessments at least twice a year to track progress. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching The school uses a dual-language programme in DUCKS with English and Mandarin used interchangeably throughout the day (translanguaging). Mandarin learning is led by Dual Language Teachers and additional Chinese teachers and is integrated with Chinese culture from DUCKS through Junior School. The dual-language approach develops Mandarin and English concurrently, with translanguaging at the heart of learning. The EAL team provides targeted support for students who are non-native English speakers. | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards School-level awards won (as listed on the school website) in the past five years (Jan 1, 2021 — Jan 1, 2026): - British Schools Awards 2021 — Holistic Education Award (received Nov 7, 2021): The school reports it received the British Schools 2021 Holistic Education Award; the page describes this as recognition of the school's whole-child approach and related programmes. - British Schools Awards 2021 — Science & Technology Award (received Nov 7, 2021): The school reports it also received the British Schools 2021 Science and Technology Award, noted on the same school news page as recognition for technology- and STEM-related programmes. - International School Awards (ISA) 2022 — Pathways to Continued and University Education (received Jan 19, 2022): The school reports it was the recipient of the 2022 ISA in the Pathways to Continued and University Education category for its Worldwise Academy initiative. Notes and scope: the lists above include only awards that the Dulwich College Beijing website explicitly states the college (the school) received. The school website also records shortlisted nominations and many student-level awards and examination recognitions (for example shortlists for the China Schools Awards 2024 and TES Awards 2024, and individual examination awards), but those are either nominations/shortlists or student awards rather than school-level award wins and so are not included in the list above. | Awards 1) British Schools Awards — "Empowering Students" Award (the school's news item reports: "On 5 November, Harrow Beijing won the ‘Empowering Students' Award at the British Schools Awards gala dinner organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in China"). Significance: an externally run award given to the school (through the British Schools Awards) recognising the school's work to give students a stronger voice within the school community. Notes: I included only items that the Harrow Beijing website explicitly presents as accreditations/official recognitions or as awards to the school. The site highlights many student-level awards and exam-board recognitions (Pearson Edexcel / Cambridge highest marks and learner awards) but those are awarded to individual students rather than to the school and so are not listed here. Relevant school pages used: Harrow Beijing (news and information pages). |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations Dulwich College Beijing — Affiliations & accreditations listed on the school website (summary): - Council of International Schools (CIS): A global non-profit membership organisation that provides services and accreditation to primary, secondary and higher-education institutions; membership/accreditation signals the school has undergone CIS quality review processes. - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): One of the regional accreditation bodies that accredits American and international schools; WASC accreditation indicates the school meets standards used by US and foreign institutions of American origin. - International Baccalaureate (IB) — Diploma Programme authorisation: The school is authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme; IB authorisation means the IB Organisation has approved the school to deliver that specific IB programme. - Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): The school uses Cambridge qualifications (IGCSE) and is listed with CAIE; Cambridge is an international exam board that provides curricula and externally marked qualifications. - Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS): An association of international schools in East Asia that organises activities and professional development; membership indicates active participation in regional school collaboration and events. - Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA): A regional federation promoting British-style education in Asia and organising collaborative events (sports, music and other festivals); membership denotes the school's participation in that British-schools network. | Accreditations 1) Accredited by the British Council (listed as "Accredited by the British Council" on the school site) — this refers to the school being recognised in the British Council's IELTS performance data (the site notes Harrow Beijing was selected into the top national tier of IELTS performance, described as "British Council IELTS Model Schools"). Significance: indicates external, exam-related recognition of the school's English-language outcomes and that the school appears in the British Council's published IELTS performance data. 2) Authorised LAMDA learning centre and LAMDA examination centre (the site states Harrow Beijing established a LAMDA learning centre and "became a LAMDA exam centre"). Significance: shows the school is an approved centre for LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) examinations and courses, which means it is formally authorised to deliver LAMDA teaching and hold LAMDA exams on site. |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions 1. Initial enquiry and information-gathering. Contact the admissions office (phone +86 10 6454-9002 or [email protected]) or submit an enquiry via the online form/Apply Now link (the school uses OpenApply for applications). Parents should use this stage to confirm eligibility under Beijing Municipal Education Commission rules (valid foreign passport + visa, Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan travel permits, or Chinese passport + foreign PR and evidence of at least one year living abroad). Ask for the most recent Admissions Handbook, Age Placement Guide and the Tuition & Fee Information PDF — these documents contain the precise fee figures, required documents and grade-placement cutoffs (cutoff date: 1 September). | Admissions 1. Initial enquiry and visit. During a visit or Open Day you will be shown the facilities, meet admissions/academic staff and have an opportunity to ask about year-group availability and programme detail. Parents who cannot visit can use the school's online resources (virtual tour, prospectus, videos) before applying. 2. Submit the online application and pay the registration fee. Applications are made through the school's online portal (harrowbeijing.openapply.cn) and the school charges a one‑time registration fee of 3,500 RMB payable at the point of application; the application should include required documents such as passport pages, recent school reports (two years), a teacher reference and photos. The Admissions Quick Guide lists exactly which documents are required and confirms the registration fee and online submission URL. Early application is recommended because demand is high and waiting-list priority is based on submission date. 3. School review, consultation and age placement. After you submit the application the Admissions team will review the documents and confirm the appropriate year group using the school's age-placement guide (placements follow dates of birth). Depending on the child's age and the year group applied for, the school may arrange a consultation, assessment or interview with academic staff; details and timing are set by the Admissions Office after they receive a completed application. Note that Harrow Beijing describes itself as academically selective; where academic requirements are not met or spaces are limited, this will affect the decision or placement offered. 4. Specific entry rules for older year groups. The school does not permit direct entry to Year 11 or Year 13 and does not permit entry to Year 10 or Year 12 after the October half‑term for that academic year—parents should plan timing accordingly if applying for those year groups. For applicants seeking direct entry into Year 12 (A Level), the school specifies academic prerequisites (a minimum of five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above and Grade B or above in any intended A‑Level subject). If you are applying for a senior place, confirm the exact subject and examination equivalency requirements with Admissions. 5. Offer, acceptance and deposit timeline. If a place is offered the school will send a formal Offer and an Acceptance Form; parents are asked to sign and return the Acceptance Form and to make the advance payment of tuition fees by the deadline. The school typically guarantees a place for two weeks after an offer is made to allow return of the Acceptance Form and payment; if the acceptance and payment are not completed by the deadline the place may be offered to another applicant. For payment the Admissions Quick Guide gives bank details and requests clear name/year‑group references on transfers. 6. Fees, sibling discounts and other cost notes. Harrow Beijing publishes year‑by‑year tuition for the academic year (example: Pre‑Nursery and Nursery 228,600 RMB; Reception 259,600 RMB; Year 1 282,600 RMB; Year 9–11 336,000 RMB; Year 12–13 356,600 RMB for 2025–2026); the school also notes that certain year groups offer an English Intensive class that incurs additional fees. Sibling discounts are applied to the youngest child in order of birth (2nd child 5%, 3rd child 10%, 4th and subsequent 15%). Check the Tuition Fees document and the Admissions Quick Guide for the currently published year, and ask Admissions about any additional charges (bus, meals, uniforms, optional programmes). 7. Final preparation and start. Once the Acceptance Form is returned and the advance payment is processed, the school will confirm the enrolment and provide practical information (timetables, uniform, bus routes, canteen). Ensure that visas/permits (for international applicants) and any medical or other documentation requested are ready well before the start date. If no space is immediately available but your child meets entry requirements, the school will place them on a waiting list (see below). |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships Dulwich College Beijing's public admissions pages do not advertise a routine, school-wide need-based or merit-based tuition scholarship programme. The school has run targeted partnership scholarships and opportunities (for example, a joint Notre Dame Global Scholars placement for a small number of IB students in 2022) and individual students have been awarded athletic scholarships or recruited to university sports programmes; these are program- or outcome-based examples rather than a regular tuition-bursary scheme. If you are looking for fee assistance or a scholarship specifically to reduce tuition, contact admissions directly — they can confirm whether any limited or time‑bound programmes exist and whether any departmental awards (for music, sport or specific partnerships) might apply. For background reading on recent partnership scholarship activity and student athletic award examples see the school news items. | Scholarships Harrow Beijing runs scholarship programmes and also participates in larger AISL Harrow scholarship initiatives. The school's admissions pages and the Harrow Scholarship information note that Harrow Beijing has offered scholarships such as the AISL Scholarship, a 20th Anniversary Scholarship, and the 450 Scholarship in recent cycles; the AISL Harrow scholarship rounds have included fully funded (tuition‑free) two‑year A‑Level awards targeted at outstanding Sixth‑Form applicants. Scholarship programmes change from year to year (eligibility criteria, application windows, assessment dates and whether full or partial funding is offered), and the school's announcements give the specific application deadline and assessment/interview timetable for each competition (for example, an AISL Harrow scholarship round listed application and assessment dates for the 2025–27 cycle). For current scholarship offerings, eligibility rules and how to apply, contact the Admissions Office or refer to the Harrow Scholarship pages and the AISL Harrow scholarship portal linked from the school website. |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist We place applicants who meet entry requirements on a waiting list when there are no current vacancies or when the application is for a future academic year. Priority on the waiting list is given to siblings of current students and to children transferring from another Dulwich College International school. Waiting lists are maintained for one academic year only; if you wish to remain on the list beyond that you should re-contact admissions and check whether the school requires a fresh application. Parents should expect that a place offer from the waitlist will require the standard acceptance formalities (acceptance confirmation and payment of the placement deposit) within the timeline specified by the school. | Waitlist Harrow Beijing operates a waiting‑list system. If an applicant meets the school's academic and social entry requirements but no places are available at the time of application, the student will be placed on a waiting list until a space becomes available. The Admissions Quick Guide states that priority on the waiting lists is determined by the date the completed application was submitted, which is why the school recommends early application. If you are placed on the list, contact Admissions to confirm your child's position and to update any changed circumstances or documents; Admissions can advise typical wait times for the specific year group. |
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