Dulwich College Beijing vs Keystone Academy

	Dulwich College Beijing Beijing, China	K Keystone Academy Beijing, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 245,000 - 373,000	Fees / year RMB 289,800 - 323,950
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,600	Pupils 1,596
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 2005	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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 Keystone Academy is in the northeastern suburbs of Beijing: No. 11 Anfu Street, Houshayu Town, Shunyi District (postcode 101318). The campus is in the Shunyi district near Beijing Capital International Airport and is reached by the S11/Jingcheng and local roads; the school's admissions office lists the campus address and phone for directions.
Stages	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 Keystone is a full K–12 school split into Primary (early years/primary), Middle (MYP-style curriculum) and High School (IB Diploma in Grades 11–12). The website presents distinct Primary, Middle and High School pages and materials for each division.
School type	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 Keystone is a private, co-educational K–12 school that operates both day and residential (boarding) programs. The school's Residential Life program describes dormitory living and student supervision; students are required to board starting in Grade 9.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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 The school runs a Student Development Support Centre (CSD) that provides academic support plans, accommodations and ongoing case management; the centre also helps coordinate with external specialists when needed. The admissions policy asks families to disclose learning support needs so the school can assess whether it can provide appropriate support.
Country affiliation	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 Keystone is an independent school located in China; its program explicitly weaves a Chinese curricular thread into a bilingual, international model rather than being affiliated to a foreign national school system.
Religious affiliation	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 does not identify with any religion on its official pages; its materials present Keystone as a secular 'world school' focused on bilingual and experiential education.
School day structure	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 The school's published schedules vary by program and year group and the site does not offer a single public bell-time table for all divisions. Example program pages show typical arrival for programs around 8:15–8:30 and program-day end times near 15:30, and the FAQ notes after-school activities and evening boarding routines for residential students (including supervised study periods). For exact daily start/end and break times you should request the current parent handbook or contact admissions.
Bus service details	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 Keystone provides a paid school-bus service (route and fee details vary by year and program). Summer/short-program pages list school-bus fees and typical pick-up (around 8:15) and drop-off (around 15:30) times for day programs, and the FAQ notes a school bus service for after-school activities (e.g., 16:30 pick-up after clubs). For route coverage, fees and pick-up/drop-off points the admissions office can provide the current routes and pricing.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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 - The school's public admission pages do not publish a fixed application-fee amount. Keystone uses the OpenApply application system and indicates that application submission includes payment of required application fees as part of the process. Tuition fees (annual, current academic year) - Primary School: RMB 289,800 per year. - Middle School: RMB 320,850 per year. - High School: RMB 323,950 per year. Per-term breakdown - Keystone publishes tuition as annual amounts by school division. A per-term (semester/term) breakdown is not published on the school's public pages and therefore per-term figures are not available in the school's public materials. Boarding and meals - Boarding and meal fees (for students required to board from Grade 9 onward) are RMB 110,250 per academic year. Boarding is required starting in Grade 9. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school states that next year's tuition and other fee levels are determined and announced in February each year. Detailed billing schedules (term invoicing dates, due dates) and standard payment terms are not published on the school's public admission pages. OpenApply is used during application processing and the admission process references submission of application fees as part of that workflow. Other costs and optional fees - Some after‑school activities and specialist external programs may carry additional charges; most teacher‑run KAP activities are included but certain activities run by hired specialists may require extra fees. Uniform procurement and supplier arrangements are handled by the school (supplier selection has been announced) but uniform costs are not listed publicly. Additional costs such as trips, optional program fees, transport or personal items are not published as fixed amounts on public pages. Refund information - The school does not publish a detailed public refund/withdrawal policy (refund amounts, timelines, or administrative procedures) on its admission or how‑to‑apply pages. Fee payment options - The school's public pages do not list specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card, Alipay, WeChat Pay). The application process is handled through OpenApply and the Admissions Office is the listed contact for payment and billing questions.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Keystone Academy provides a residential life program on campus. Beginning in Grade 9, students are required to board on campus; boarding and meal fees are 110,250 RMB per academic year. Dorms are supervised by dorm parents—teachers who live in private apartments on each hallway; each student room has a private en suite bathroom, and there are student lounges with kitchen facilities. The residential program includes 24/7 supervision, academic support, library access after hours, outings and activities, and a Health Center.
Uniform requirement	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 —
Food options	Food options A lunch program is available; students may bring lunch or pay for Sodexo-provided meals.	Food options Meals are provided as part of the boarding arrangement, with boarding and meal fees included in the annual cost (110,250 RMB).
House system	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 —
Governance and ownership	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 The school operates as a non-profit organization; Beijing Keystone School is described as a non-profit Chinese school.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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 Keystone Academy (北京市鼎石学校) operates a K–12 bilingual (Chinese–English) programme that deliberately integrates elements of the Chinese national curriculum with international curricula and a boarding model. In the primary school the programme uses a dual‑language immersion approach and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), combined with a distinctive “China” thread that embeds Chinese language, culture and national curriculum standards. The middle school covers Grades 6–9 and explicitly blends the China national curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) alongside continued bilingual, inquiry‑based learning. The high school prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB DP), including the DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS) and a bilingual/China‑focused approach to TOK and the curriculum in Years 11–12. Across all stages Keystone emphasizes experiential learning, outdoor education and a broad co‑curricular programme (KAP) and provides university‑counselling support to prepare students for tertiary study.
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 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 Keystone integrates social and emotional learning across its curriculum and residential programme: Primary and Middle School pages describe CARE time, advisory groups (each student has a faculty advisor), experiential learning and co-curricular activities aimed at social and emotional development. The school's mission and programme pages also emphasise character and community-building as a core part of student development. Residential Life describes dorm parents and structured dorm activities that foster mentoring, conflict mediation and leadership development outside class time. These elements are presented as school-wide, routine provisions rather than a single separate SEL course.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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) The website describes a Student Development Centre and names learning-support teachers and psychologists in school communications, indicating an in‑school learning-support function. A programme page and news items reference “learning support” staff working with students (for example in short programmes such as Readers Theatre). The site does not list a public catalogue of specific categories of Special Educational Needs it accepts, nor does it describe itself as a specialist SEN institution. For clarity, the school's public pages show learning-support staff exist but do not specify which exact SEN conditions are supported.
English as an additional language	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 Keystone operates a bilingual-immersion model and states that “every teacher…teaches not only his or her subject, but also languages,” which underpins language support across the curriculum. The site also publishes specific language-targeted programmes (for example a Readers Theatre short programme described as designed for students for whom English is a second language). These descriptions show EAL support is provided through the school's bilingual model and designated learning-support staff rather than a separately labelled EAL department. The website does not present a standalone, itemised EAL admissions policy or tiered EAL levels on public pages.
Mental wellbeing	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 Keystone states that student mental, emotional and physical well‑being “drives everything we do,” and describes integration of well‑being into curriculum (CARE time), advisory groups and the residential programme. The site names psychologists and counsellors within its Student Development Centre in news content, and the Residential Life page lists counselling and support services plus a Health Center. Those pages indicate counselling and learning‑support staff are available as part of routine student services, but the website does not publish a public, detailed clinical or referral pathway for specialist mental‑health care.
Safeguarding	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 The website states faculty and staff are trained in child‑protection and describes measures for student safety in residential life, including dorm parents who provide 24/7 supervision, an advising system, counselling/support services and an on‑site Health Center. Residential Life and the Primary School well‑being page explicitly refer to staff training in child protection and to systems intended to ensure safety and security. The public site does not appear to publish a separate, detailed child‑protection policy document or a named online safeguarding policy page for external download.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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 Keystone Academy is located at No.11 Anfu Street, Houshayu, Shunyi District, Beijing. It operates a Beijing campus with a residential life program. The school uses a bilingual immersion curriculum in English and Chinese, with every teacher contributing to language development across subjects. The residential life program provides a structured community that emphasizes leadership and character development. The learning model emphasizes experiential learning, service learning, and global engagement on campus. Graduates are prepared for top English-speaking universities worldwide.
Sports facilities	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 —
Academic facilities	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 Primary School uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in the primary grades. The High School offers the Keystone Diploma Programme (IB DP) and is authorized to deliver the Diploma Programme; the Middle School Programme is in the process of authorization. Keystone Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) from foundation year to grade 12.
Extra curricular facilities	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 Keystone Academy provides a broad range of extracurricular clubs and groups (KAP), and students can establish new clubs. The program includes service learning and experiential learning, with school-wide initiatives addressing issues such as climate change, environmental protection, and wildlife. The campus emphasizes a world-school approach that integrates local and global perspectives.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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 Keystone Academy (北京市鼎石学校) opened in 2014; the school's public “About” pages state it was established that year and presents itself as a Chinese K–12 school that borrows international curriculum frameworks. The school is governed by a board (校董会); the leadership page lists Edward Shanahan as board chair and names Meng Siyuan (孟思渊) as the founding/executive principal, indicating a governance model with an international leadership team.
Community	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 Keystone describes its community as a bilingual, residential-capable learning community that combines classroom and experiential learning and pursues schoolwide initiatives such as service‑learning and global-facing events. The site's community pages highlight regular student-led projects, public talks and outreach (for example service projects and school events) that bring families, staff and students together.
Parent teacher association	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 The school's parent body is organized as 鼎石家校委员会 (the PTA/parent‑school committee); all parents and staff are considered members and an executive committee of around ten parent and teacher volunteers coordinates routine activities. The PTA sponsors recurring parent groups and activities listed on the site, including a PTA choir, a “dad's football” team and a parent cooking group called 鼎鼎大厨. The PTA also helps organize and support community service programmes and publicity for school events; the site lists examples such as online teaching in Gansu, services for people with visual impairment, and traditional building‑protection projects. For contact or coordination the PTA provides a mailbox (pta@keystoneacademy.cn) on the school's parents page.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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 Keystone Academy uses a bilingual immersion model in English and Chinese across the school. The Primary School follows the Inquiry-Based Primary Curriculum (IPC) to deliver integrated studies. In secondary, the school offers the IB Middle Years Programme for Grades 6–10 and the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) from foundation year to Grade 12.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts education includes Chinese Performing Arts and Chinese Visual Arts in the primary and middle years. The English Immersion Program covers humanities, sciences, and performing arts. The Keystone Activities Program provides extracurriculars in music, visual arts, theatre, athletics, student council, and community service.
Cultural & language	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 Keystone maintains a bilingual environment with instruction in both English and Chinese. The Chinese Thread weaves Chinese language, culture, literature, and related topics into the curriculum. In high school, bilingual learning supports the international and Chinese cultural context within the Diploma Programme.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies The Keystone Activities Program offers team sports, music, visual arts, theatre, and social clubs. There are extensive co-curricular opportunities, including student council and community service. Weekly activities and groups enable students to pursue personal interests beyond academics.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Creativity, Activity, and Service are embedded in the Diploma Programme. The school encourages community engagement and service through co-curricular activities and DP requirements. Students undertake service projects as part of their learning and personal growth.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership development is a hallmark of Keystone's high school program. The program emphasizes residential character and leadership education. University and career counseling supports help students plan their college pathway.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Chinese Thread includes health and wellbeing as core components of Physical Education and Wellness. Bilingual immersion fosters cognitive flexibility and social-emotional development. Arts, athletics, and service activities support balanced wellbeing and personal growth.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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 Chinese and English are the core languages taught. The bilingual approach aims for graduates to be proficient in both languages. The program spans Primary School through High School.
Bilingual teaching	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 The school uses bilingual immersion in Chinese and English across the Primary School, Middle School, and High School programs. Every teacher teaches not only their subject but also languages. Graduates are prepared to think, communicate, read, analyze, and innovate in both English and Chinese.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Bilingual immersion in Chinese and English is integrated into the curriculum, with teachers acting as language teachers alongside subject instructors to develop bilingual proficiency across the student body.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	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 —
Accreditations	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 - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): Keystone is accredited by WASC (covering foundation year through Grade 12). WASC is a U.S.-based regional accrediting body that evaluates whole-school quality and continuous improvement; its accreditation indicates the school meets a set of international standards for governance, curriculum, student support and school improvement. - International Baccalaureate (IB) — Diploma Programme (DP) authorization: Keystone is an IB World School authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme in its high school. The IB Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised two-year curriculum for ages 16–19 that focuses on academic breadth, critical thinking and international-mindedness; authorization means the school has met IB standards and is approved to assess and award the IB Diploma. (The school's site also shows ongoing DP cohorts and published DP results.) - International Primary Curriculum (IPC) registration: Keystone states it is registered with the inquiry-based International Primary Curriculum and uses the IPC in its primary grades. The IPC is a thematic, inquiry-led curriculum for young learners; registration indicates the school follows IPC units and framework in primary years. - Middle Years Programme (MYP) — status on the school website: the school's materials refer to the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in their middle‑school descriptions and in DP-related reporting, while the FAQ also states the school has been “in the process of gaining authorization for [its] Middle School Programme.” That wording indicates the school references MYP practice and/or staff for middle years while its formal authorization status was described as in-process on the FAQ. (See the FAQ and the program/news pages for the school's description of middle‑school provision.)
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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. Create an application account (OpenApply) and start your child's application. Keystone asks families to open an account on keystoneacademy.openapply.cn and begin the online application as the first step; because places are limited there is an application cap for the Foundation Year, Grade 1 and Grade 7, so families interested in those grades should start as early as possible. If you have previously applied to Keystone or registered for an admissions event with the same email, you can log in with that address rather than creating a new account. 2. Expect the school to invite scheduled meetings and assessments within a few business days. After you submit the initial application, the Admissions Office will email guidance to schedule a parent meeting and a student meeting/assessment (the site notes this guidance usually arrives within 2–3 working days). Parents should watch the inbox they used for the application and be ready to propose times for those meetings. 3. Prepare and request required school documents and recommendations. Keystone asks applicants to request a current teacher recommendation through the application system; personal recommendation letters are optional. School records must be provided according to the grade: applicants for Foundation Year–Grade 3 should supply one and a half years of school reports; applicants for Grades 4–11 should supply two and a half years of reports. 4. Complete the written statements and (where required) student essay inside the application. Families must complete a parent statement in the OpenApply account; applicants in Grades 6–11 are also required to complete a student essay in the application. These written materials are part of the Admissions Committee's review packet. 5. Track application progress online and wait for committee review. You can log in to your OpenApply account at any time to check whether the application file is complete; completed files are submitted to the Admissions Committee for discussion. Keystone states final decisions are normally communicated in early spring for on-time applicants; families should plan for a multi-week review timeline once the file is complete. If you have particular timing constraints (for example mid‑year entry), contact Admissions directly to discuss options. 6. Post‑decision practical steps if accepted. The school's scheduled next steps typically include formal acceptance communication and then the usual enrolment actions (parents are asked to follow the admissions office's instructions to complete enrollment paperwork and any required payments). For short programs and Archway offerings the site explicitly states that fees are collected after acceptance; for full-year enrolment the Admissions Office will provide the enrollment checklist and payment instructions at the acceptance stage. 7. Be aware of grade availability and language/age requirements. Keystone indicates primary entry grades they plan to admit each year (notably Grade 1 and Grade 7) and says other grade-level admissions depend on vacancies from departing families; Grade 1 entrants must be six years old by August 31 of the entry year. The school also notes applicants for Grade 1 and above should have sufficient Chinese and English to access the bilingual, immersion curriculum. Parents should contact Admissions early to confirm whether there are current openings for the grade you need.
Scholarships	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 Keystone operates both merit‑based scholarships and need‑based financial aid; families must submit a scholarship application in addition to the standard admission application. The school states it offers named scholarships (for example the Academy's “Scholar” awards reported in school news) and has an established scholarship/financial aid program intended to help talented students who cannot otherwise afford tuition. The Admission Policy and FAQs make two points parents should note: (1) scholarship applicants complete a separate scholarship form as part of the process, and (2) limited financial aid is awarded on the basis of demonstrated need and is managed annually by the Admissions Office. Selection is competitive and the school treats scholarships and admissions as related but distinct evaluations — if you intend to seek assistance, complete both the main application and the scholarship form and be prepared to supply any supporting materials the admissions team requests. For the most up‑to‑date guidance on application deadlines, required financial documents and the scale of awards, contact admission@keystoneacademy.cn or consult the school's scholarship pages and admissions office directly.
Waitlist	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 Keystone does not present a public, numbered “first‑to‑be‑offered” waitlist on its website; instead, the school describes a rolling process for reviewing late/over‑capacity applications and vacancies. The Admissions Policy explains that if spaces become available, the school will review overdue applications from late April onward on a rolling basis, and that places in many grades (especially Grade 1 and Grade 7) are limited and only other grades are considered when space opens up because current families depart. Practically, that means families whose applications arrive after the main deadline or who apply for non‑standard grades should expect their files to be held in a rolling admissions pool and reviewed against available seats rather than being placed on a public, position‑based waitlist. Parents who want to be considered for an unexpected vacancy are advised to keep their application current in OpenApply and to contact admission@keystoneacademy.cn to confirm their interest and status.
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