Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai vs International School of Nanshan Shenzhen

	H Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai Shenzhen, China	I International School of Nanshan Shenzhen Shenzhen, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 185,400 - 252,700	Fees / year RMB 209,000 - 249,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 19 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 750
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 24
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Mandarin, Cantonese	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2023	Opened 2002
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai is located at No.1 KeChuang Road 6, Nanshan District, Shenzhen City. It is in the Shenzhen Qianhai area within the Greater Bay Area.	Location ISNS is located in Nanshan District on Longyuan Road in the Taoyuan (Taoyuan Sub‑District) area of Shenzhen; the full address is 11 Longyuan Road, Taoyuan Sub‑District, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055. The campus sits on the south side of Tanglang (Tanglangshan) Mountain and is within reach of major Nanshan neighbourhoods and business areas served by the school's bus routes. Traffic and drop‑off rules are detailed by the school and the campus opens at 7:40 each weekday; parents usually use private drop‑off or the school bus routes for connections to Futian, Shekou, Bao'an and Luohu.
Stages	Stages Kindergarten (Pre-K to K3); Primary School (Grade 1-6); Secondary School (Grade 7-12). The school provides for students from age 2 to 18.	Stages ISNS is an IB continuum school: Early Years (K2–K5), Primary Years Programme (Grade 1–Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grade 6–Grade 10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). The website lists these programme groupings and grade ranges.
School type	School type Boarding	School type ISNS is a co‑educational international day school that delivers an English‑based Canadian curriculum within the IB framework (IB PYP, MYP and DP) and issues a New Brunswick (Canada) high‑school diploma alongside IB options. The campus includes a faculty/residence building but the school does not provide student boarding or on‑campus accommodation.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme providing tailored English language support.	Additional learning support ISNS operates a Student Support Team (Head of Student Support, learning‑support teachers, EAL team and counsellors) and provides counselling, EAL and differentiated learning support; it uses an Inclusion Policy and individual support plans when appropriate. The school's Learning Support policy states it cannot accommodate students whose needs require significant full‑time one‑to‑one support and admissions for students with exceptionalities are assessed case‑by‑case.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation ISNS has an official affiliation with Canada: it is accredited by the New Brunswick Department of Education and offers a Canadian (New Brunswick) high‑school diploma in addition to the IB Diploma.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation The school is secular; there is no religious affiliation listed on the school's official pages.
School day structure	School day structure Boarders follow a structured and fixed daily schedule with dedicated evening prep time and guided study.	School day structure The campus opens at 7:40 each weekday. Primary students must be in homeroom by 8:10 AM (Grades 1–5); middle and high school students must be in homeroom by 8:00 AM; PYP dismissal is 3:20 PM and MYP/DP dismissal is 3:30 PM, with school buses departing about 3:45 PM (Wednesdays have earlier dismissal times). The Early Years timetable is more flexible (snacks, lunch ~11:45 AM, naps for some groups).
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details ISNS operates an optional school bus service with multiple routes across Shenzhen (the site lists routes serving Futian, Shekou, Nantou, OCT, Shenzhen Bay, Civic Center/Huanggang, Luohu, Science Park, Taikoo City and Bao'an CBD). Buses have a monitor on each vehicle; the school posts bus rules, fee and refund procedures, and runs at least one evacuation drill per semester. Parents can contact the bus coordinator at bus@isnsz.com or phone the school for route and registration details.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Assessment fee - A non-refundable, non-transferable assessment fee of RMB 3,000 is required for each application. Facility deposit - A facility deposit of RMB 25,000 is required. The school reserves the right to offset any amounts owed by parents against this deposit; the refund of the deposit is subject to the school's Terms and Conditions. Tuition and boarding fees (2025/26) — amounts in RMB - Tuition fees are billed per academic year and are payable in two instalments as shown below. Parents complete payment of Tuition and Boarding Fees in two instalments directly to the school. - Pre-K: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700. - K1: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700. - K2: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700. - K3: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700. - Grade 1: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700. - Grade 2: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700. - Grade 3: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700. - Grade 4: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700. - Grade 5: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700. - Grade 6: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700. - Grade 7: Yearly tuition RMB 219,100 — First instalment RMB 109,550; Second instalment RMB 109,550. - Grade 8: Yearly tuition RMB 219,100 — First instalment RMB 109,550; Second instalment RMB 109,550. - Grade 9: Yearly tuition RMB 219,100 — First instalment RMB 109,550; Second instalment RMB 109,550. - Grade 10: Yearly tuition RMB 252,700 — First instalment RMB 126,350; Second instalment RMB 126,350. - Grade 11: Yearly tuition RMB 252,700 — First instalment RMB 126,350; Second instalment RMB 126,350. - Grade 12: Yearly tuition RMB 252,700 — First instalment RMB 126,350; Second instalment RMB 126,350. Boarding fees - Boarding fee for an academic year is RMB 102,000 — First instalment RMB 51,000; Second instalment RMB 51,000. Boarding fees are paid according to the school billing schedule. Sibling discount - Discounts for siblings attending concurrently: - Second child: no discount. - Third child: 5%. - Fourth child: 10%. - Fifth child and subsequent children: 15%. Other costs and fees - School uniform: Uniforms are designed by the school and parents purchase uniforms directly from appointed manufacturers; parents pay uniform costs themselves. - School bus: School bus fee is RMB 19,000 per school year (including tax). The bus fee payment cycle and method follow the school tuition fee cycle; a school bus agreement must be signed before using the service. - Catering: Catering is charged on a consumption basis by contracted vendors; parents pay catering charges as consumed. - Textbooks and learning materials: Some textbooks and supplementary exercise books published in Hong Kong are purchased directly from the contracted textbook company and must be paid for by parents. - Other possible charges: When applicable, parents may be invoiced separately for examination fees, certain extracurricular activities, expeditions, trips, and additional materials. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition and boarding fees are payable in two instalments; the amounts for each grade are split into equal first and second instalments as listed above. Parents complete payment of these instalments directly to the school. For the school's fee ledger and billing dates, parents must follow the invoices issued by the school. Withdrawal and refund information - A full Term's Notice must be given in writing when withdrawing a student. If a full Term's Notice is not provided, a Term's Fees in lieu will be due and payable at the rate applicable on the invoice date even if the place is subsequently filled. - The assessment fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. The facility deposit refund is handled in accordance with the Terms and Conditions signed by parents and the school. Fee payment options and enquiries - Specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer or credit card) are not detailed in the published fee summary; payment is completed directly to the school following the invoicing instructions provided by the school. For fee- or payment-method enquiries contact the Admissions team at admissions@harrowhkcsshenzhen.cn or by telephone: - Ms Feng (PreK–Grade 3): +86 135 3820 2405 - Ms Wu (Grade 4–8): +86 135 3820 3405 - Ms Chen (Grade 9 and above): +86 138 2351 3946.	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - Application fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): RMB 2,500. - Registration fee for newly admitted students (one‑time, non‑refundable): RMB 50,000. Sibling discount on registration fee: 50% for siblings of currently enrolled students. Tuition fees (annual) — 2025–2026 academic year - Early Years / Kindergarten (K3–K5): RMB 212,000 per year. - Primary (Grades 1–5): RMB 239,000 per year. - Middle School (Grades 6–10): RMB 259,000 per year. - Senior School / Diploma (Grades 11–12): RMB 264,000 per year. Tuition per term (calculation/inference) - The school states there are two semesters and tuition is paid annually; therefore a single term amount can be calculated as half of the annual tuition. Using that method: - K3–K5 per term: RMB 106,000. - G1–G5 per term: RMB 119,500. - G6–G10 per term: RMB 129,500. - G11–G12 per term: RMB 132,000. (These per‑term figures are derived by dividing the annual tuition by two because tuition is invoiced on an annual basis.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Number of semesters: two per academic year; tuition is invoiced on an annual basis. Late payment penalty: 1% of total fees per week for overdue payments. Payer is responsible for any bank charges. All payments must be made by the due date shown on the individual student payment details. Students may not be guaranteed placement or allowed to attend classes if fees are not paid in full; reports/transcripts may be withheld. Bank / payment details and accepted payment methods - Bank transfer details and the school's Bank of China account information are published by the school for fee remittance. The school requests that bank transfer references include the student number and the student's full English name. Payers should expect to bear bank charges. - Accepted payment methods noted by the school: bank transfer, debit card, or cash. (Bank transfer is the preferred method for families outside Shenzhen.) Credit‑card acceptance is not specified in the published fee information. Deposit / re‑enrolment fee - The school refers to a deposit fee (an annual payment) used to secure placement for current students for the following academic year; this deposit is non‑refundable and, when the remaining tuition is paid, it is included with the tuition invoice. (Exact deposit amounts for 2025–2026 are handled through the school's admissions/finance correspondence.) Optional / other fees and typical additional costs - School bus (optional): RMB 14,000 per year (routes include Futian, Nanshan, Luohu and Bao'an—based on availability). Bus registration and refunds are governed by the school bus policy. - Lunch / cafeteria: Early Years (K3–K5) lunches and snacks are included in tuition. G1–G12 students use a smartcard to pay for cafeteria meals; typical meal cost is around RMB 39 per meal. Families can also provide packed lunches. - Uniforms: All students are required to wear the school uniform; uniforms are purchased through the school's designated vendor/channel. Costs vary by item and must be purchased before the student's first day. - Devices / IT: School‑owned iPads/laptops are provided in early primary grades; the school operates a one‑to‑one MacBook programme from Grade 8–12. Families may purchase devices through the school vendor (discounts may be available) or through outside vendors; device costs vary. - Extra‑curricular activities, trips and course‑specific charges: additional fees may apply for bus, extracurricular clubs, athletics, certain arts/music activities, international trips (EOTC / Week Without Walls) and other optional programmes. Passport/visa requirements apply for international trips. Boarding - ISNS does not provide on‑campus boarding accommodation. Refund policy (high‑level summary) - The school publishes a refund framework that links refund amounts to the date of written withdrawal notice; typical terms include full refunds (less deposit/registration) if withdrawal is notified by an early deadline, reduced refunds during later pre‑start periods, and no refund after the first day of the school year. Specific percentage reductions and date thresholds are set in the school's published refund policy and on fee schedules. (Please note the school's published fee documents include the detailed refund schedule and the required withdrawal notification email address.) Discounts and credits - Sibling discount on the registration fee (50% for siblings of current students) and a loyalty discount (3% for students entering their fifth consecutive year) are specified in the school's fee policy. Scholarship and bursary credits may apply when awarded; scholarships/bursaries are applied as tuition credit for the stated academic year. Notes on figures and calculation - Annual tuition figures above are published for the 2025–2026 academic year by the school and in fee‑compilation sources; the school's fee policy indicates tuition is invoiced annually, so per‑term figures shown here are simple halves of the annual totals (calculated for your convenience).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Boarding mirrors Harrow School in the UK. The Boarding House provides a home-away-from-home environment with a House Master or Mistress and designated House Parents; dedicated academic tutors are available in the evenings, and a structured schedule with a fixed routine and an electronic device policy supports focused study. Boarders benefit from progress tracking across academic, social, physical, emotional and psychological development, and from leadership opportunities such as mentoring younger peers. The language environment is immersive, with English, Cantonese and Putonghua used for daily communication, and an EAL Programme provides tailored English support. Boarders have full access to the school's facilities and can participate in a wide range of co-curricular activities. Boarding options include Single, Double and Triple rooms, with rooms randomly allocated and opportunities to switch rooms during the year.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a Uniform Policy. All students must wear the school uniform when attending school or representing the School. Formal uniform is worn on Tuesday and Thursday; PE uniform is worn on Monday and Wednesday for morning activities, with a requirement to switch to PE attire for physical activity on other PE days. Uniform items vary by year group, with Pre-K to K3 using summer and winter sets (including boater, polo shirt, shorts or winter trousers, etc.), and G1–G12 wearing blazer, shirt, tie (elastic for G1–3, knot for G4–6 and above) with appropriate bottoms; black leather shoes are required and uniforms must be neat, tucked in and ironed with top buttons secured. Optional items include items such as a woolen jumper, and items like a school bag and apron are used for specific activities.	Uniform requirement ISNS has a uniform policy for all students. K2 to Grade 2 wear a daily uniform consisting of a maroon polo top and grey uniform shorts, with optional ISNS hoodies, jackets, track suits, and a blazer; coats may be worn outside on cold days. Grades 3 to 12 wear a daily uniform of a formal white shirt or maroon polo, grey plaid skirt or grey pants, and appropriate footwear; an official formal dress uniform is worn on identified occasions, and names must be written on uniforms. Hats and hoods inside buildings are restricted.
Food options	Food options —	Food options ISNS offers a daily lunch program with Sodexo as the catering provider. Lunches are paid by topping up student ID cards at the Aspretto Café or online, and meals cost about 39 CNY per meal. Early Years lunches are provided in classrooms, while Primary and Secondary students eat in designated cafeterias.
House system	House system The House System is a core feature of Harrow's campus life. Each student is admitted to a House, which has a distinctive name, colours, flags and costumes, creating a personalised learning environment and a sense of honour and belonging. House Masters and tutors know every student, supporting them academically, socially and personally; the system fosters cross-year bonds and community. House activities include inter-house events and broader college activities such as sports days, charity events, dance and music competitions, and athletics. Both day and boarding students belong to a House, providing a small, connected community within the larger school.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is owned and operated by Asia International School Limited (AISL) and is part of the AISL Harrow Schools network. AISL owns and operates Harrow-branded schools and kindergartens in Asia, and HHKCS Shenzhen Qianhai has AISL governors on its board. The AISL governance structure is reflected in the Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai's leadership and board membership.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Kindergarten children benefit from a multi-faceted AISL Harrow designed curriculum tailored for our youngest learners. Students in Grade 1 to Grade 9 follow the Hong Kong curriculum, fully integrating the culture of the Greater Bay Area. In Grades 10 to 12, students can opt for either the DSE or IBDP curriculum. The Harrow Values—Courage, Honour, Fellowship and Humility—are embedded throughout the education experience and guide students to act with integrity, embrace challenges, and build strong relationships. The six Harrow leadership attributes are woven into the fabric of the curriculum: contributing positively to the community; applying knowledge with compassion; solving problems collaboratively; solving problems creatively; making fair and just choices; facing challenges with determination.	Curriculum details ISNS delivers the IB continuum from Early Years (K2–K5, ages 2–5) through the Primary Years Programme (Grade 1–5), Middle Years Programme (Grade 6–10) and the Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). In Grades 11–12 students may follow the full two‑year IB Diploma Programme or an IB pathway that leads to a New Brunswick (Canada) high‑school diploma; eligible candidates can also earn a bilingual IB diploma. The Early Years and PYP use inquiry‑based, transdisciplinary and play‑based learning, while the MYP and DP follow IB subject‑group frameworks with internal and external assessment and DP core components (TOK, Extended Essay, CAS). ISNS notes it has been an authorized full‑continuum IB World School since July 2016 and requires IB professional development for teachers. The school also operates a New Brunswick accreditation/dual‑diploma arrangement, is identified as a Cambridge Assessment Centre, and provides language pathways with EAL support (primarily Grades 1–5) plus learning‑support services.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates go on to top universities worldwide. The school supports dual-path routes through DSE or IB Diploma Programme to prepare students for admission to leading higher education institutions.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented A Super-curriculum supplements the regular curriculum with clubs, guest speakers, debates, public speaking and competitions to challenge students beyond examinations. There is a strong STEAM focus with facilities and activities designed to develop critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Pastoral Care provides personalised support and guidance. Small class sizes and the House system help ensure every student is known by name and understood in terms of strengths and areas for improvement. The home room in the Lower School and the House in the Upper School anchor student wellbeing, including attention to life outside school and celebration of successes, with staff prepared to support students through difficulties and life's challenges.	Social & emotional learning ISNS delivers SEL primarily through its Counselling program and the broader Student Support Team, which provide classroom guidance lessons and individual and small-group counselling for social and emotional needs. The school aligns SEL with the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning, embedding social-emotional development into curriculum planning and classroom practice. Counsellors collaborate with teachers and parents and make referrals to other school support services or external resources when needed.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) ISNS operates a Learning Support (Inclusion) policy managed by a Student Support Team that includes a Head of Student Support and Learning Support teachers who work with teachers and parents to identify and plan for student exceptionalities. The school states it cannot accommodate students who require significant, intensive support and that admissions decisions for students with known needs are made case-by-case with review of professional reports. Support covers a range of learning and social–emotional difficulties through individualized plans, MTSS reviews, classroom differentiation and, when appropriate, external assessments or recommendations. ISNS is not a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Bi-literate and Trilingual: Mandarin, English and Cantonese proficiency. The teaching faculty includes Native English Teachers (NETs) who have a thorough working knowledge of HKEDB's English Language Curriculum or England's Early Years Foundation Stage. In Kindergarten, the approach strengthens the mother tongue while learning the second and third languages; primary learning languages are Traditional Chinese characters and English, with reading and early literacy emphasized; in secondary, students are guided to apply bi-literate and trilingual skills in more complex work.	English as an additional language ISNS runs a published EAL programme: non-native English speakers are assessed at admission (MAP or Cambridge ESOL for Grades 2–10) and minimum proficiency thresholds are set for entry to higher grade levels (for example Grade 9 B1, Grade 10 B2). EAL support is provided mainly in the PYP through collaboration/co‑teaching between EAL and homeroom teachers, and levels of support vary by need. The school notes it can provide basic to moderate EAL support but may not be able to meet intensive EAL or highly specialised language intervention needs; students in Grade 6 and above are expected to function in mainstream classes with limited additional support.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Pastoral Care underpins safe, academically successful and fulfilled students. The school provides personalised support and a sense of community through small class sizes and the House system, with ongoing attention to students' wellbeing and collaboration with parents to support each child on their journey.	Mental wellbeing ISNS states it employs a full‑time counsellor for the PYP and a full‑time counsellor for MYP/DP and provides services aimed at social, emotional and academic support. The PYP counselling programme includes classroom guidance lessons plus individual and small‑group counselling for issues such as friendship, anger management and grief. Counsellors consult and collaborate with parents and teachers and refer students to other school support services or community professionals when required.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school is committed to the safety and protection of children. All staff and visitors comply with safeguarding policies and procedures; safeguarding is central to the Harrow ethos; robust procedures ensure that at‑risk children receive effective support, protection and justice. The school aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and requires comprehensive safeguarding training for all staff, with regular audits by International Child Protection Advisors (ICPA).	Safeguarding ISNS publishes a Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct that applies to all faculty, staff, volunteers and others interacting with children and sets expectations about maintaining physical, emotional and sexual boundaries. The policy states the school's commitment to student safety and details responsibilities for appropriate conduct and awareness of vulnerability when working alone with children.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus is located in the Greater Bay Area and covers 25,334 sqm with a gross floor area of 77,315 sqm, and can accommodate around 1,400 students, including 218 boarders from Grade 4 and above. It is an inner-city site with a lawn area where the main sports grounds and outdoor activity spaces are located, creating a vibrant campus environment. The School adopts a student-centric campus design with facilities that support a holistic approach to education, including spaces for sports, libraries, breakout areas, canteens and lecture theatres for easy movement between teaching and activity spaces. The campus supports learning across science, technology, arts, and physical education, enabling collaboration, exploration and socialising.	Facilities overview The campus consists of a separate early years building, a main school building, and a residence building. All classrooms have wireless connectivity and interactive learning resources. The campus includes a 300-seat auditorium, a VR lab, design workshops, and multiple science laboratories. There are indoor and outdoor sports facilities, two independent libraries, as well as theatre, performance and chorus rehearsal rooms, visual arts classrooms, a photography darkroom and an art gallery for student works. Students in K2 to Grade 3 use iPads in the classroom; students in Grades 4 and 5 have one-to-one MacBooks; students in Grade 6 and 7 are provided with an Apple laptop for use during school and at home.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The outdoor natural grass soccer pitch is encircled by a 250m track. The indoor facilities include a 1,280 sqm multi-purpose sports hall with three basketball courts and an indoor temperature- and humidity-regulated 8 x 23m swimming pool (1,000 sqm). There is also an outdoor basketball court.	Sports facilities The athletics facilities include a 200-meter outdoor track, a soccer field, a fitness center, a spacious indoor gymnasium and a multi-purpose outdoor court. An EY gym is available for early years. The campus map highlights the gymnasium and the fitness room as part of the sports facilities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities There are 72 classrooms (9 for kindergarten, 63 for primary and secondary). A Grand Auditorium of 1,350 sqm accommodates 720 in the audience. Science and Technology learning spaces include 11 science laboratories, 6 computer rooms, 1 Flight Simulator Cabin, and 1 Innovation Centre for STEAM learning. Art and music facilities comprise 7 music rooms and ensemble practice rooms, 18 music practice rooms, 3 dance rooms, and 5 visual arts rooms. Libraries serve primary/secondary students (812 sqm) and kindergarten (170 sqm).	Academic facilities The ISNS campus offers a state-of-the-art environment with a 300-seat auditorium, VR room, design workshop spaces, and multiple science laboratories. There are separate libraries for the early years and the main school, theatre and chorus spaces, a photography darkroom, and visual arts classrooms. Classrooms are wireless-enabled with interactive technology resources to support learning across IB programmes.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The School offers a range of Co-Curricular Activities led by skilled experts; these activities cover sport, art, music and drama and are an expectation, not an extra. The Co-Curricular Activities Programme broadens horizons, instills a sense of adventure and fosters leadership attributes. The AISL Talents Programme develops Harrow core values of honour, fellowship, courage and humility, with opportunities in creative arts (music, drama and visual art). The AISL Music Festival is a signature event that provides learning opportunities for young musicians.	Extra curricular facilities ISNS offers more than 150 after-school activities each semester. The program covers hobbies, social services, financial and business courses, English debate, science, programming, drones, chorus, band, Chinese ensemble, art clubs, yearbook, football, volleyball, rugby, basketball and yoga for children.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History HHarow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai opened in September 2023 as AISL's fourth Harrow-branded school in the Greater Bay Area. The school blends Hong Kong education with AISL's experience and Harrow's 450-year heritage, offering dual pathways that include the Hong Kong curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The Harrow partnership is overseen by Harrow International Schools Limited, acting as the representative of Harrow UK; Harrow UK governors visit AISL Harrow schools twice yearly to conduct quality assurance. The AISL Harrow network in Asia includes Harrow Hong Kong Children School and other Harrow campuses, all rooted in Harrow's heritage dating back to Harrow School in the UK (founded in 1572).	History ISNS was founded in 2002 through a partnership involving the Government of Canada, the Province of New Brunswick and Dr. Francis Pang. The school was established to deliver a Canadian (New Brunswick) curriculum within an international/IB framework and remains affiliated with the New Brunswick Department of Education. ISNS became an IB World School offering the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes in August 2016. The school also notes affiliations with UNESCO and ACAMIS and serves as an authorized exam centre for SAT and Cambridge assessments.
Community	Community The core of campus life is the House System, which creates a close, personalised learning community with Housemasters and tutors who know each student well and support them academically, socially, and pastorally. Houses foster a sense of belonging and organise activities such as sports days, charity events, dances, music and other events, linking students across different years to build a family atmosphere. School life is complemented by ongoing community activities highlighted in School News, including events like the World Premiere of QUIET, the Harrow HKCS Winter Fair (2025), and various home–school collaboration initiatives.	Community ISNS describes a deliberately international community that, as noted on the school site, includes students from more than 30 nationalities. The school promotes parent, student and faculty involvement through school-wide events, service opportunities and academic workshops and publishes local news and stories about community life. ISNS has hosted and supported cultural and music events—its site references activities such as the Shenzhen Bay Music Festival alongside regular school festivals and fairs.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Friends of Harrow (FoH) is the active parent–school association across AISL Harrow Schools, led by the school's Parent Affairs Officer. FoH provides additional activities and support beyond the usual provision, such as festive parties, end‑of‑year celebrations, and support for musical events, and it undertakes fundraising for worthy causes while not being involved in school governance. It organises events that strengthen the community—welcoming new parents, an annual Harrow Fair, coffee mornings, and other community activities—and enables parental representation through class, subject, phase, House, or sports‑team representatives. An annual Harrow Fair and a range of parent engagement opportunities are part of the school's parental engagement framework.	Parent teacher association Every ISNS parent is a member of the Parent Association (PA), and the school notes that PA volunteers organise activities, events and fundraisers throughout the year. The PA's stated goals include supporting students' development, providing channels of communication between parents and the school, offering social and educational activities beyond the classroom, building positive parent–teacher relationships, and assisting new families. Typical PA-supported events listed on the site include Halloween and Christmas decorating, Chinese Culture Week activities and food, the International Fair, support for music and arts events, Children's Day gifts, graduation ceremonies and a teacher appreciation breakfast. The PA raises funds in part by selling ISNS PA merchandise and is organised with a Board of Directors and grade-level parent representatives. Parents are invited to contribute at varying levels of involvement; the school explicitly welcomes both small and larger contributions of time and talent.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school runs a Super-curriculum to extend learning beyond exams with clubs, guest speakers, debates and public speaking. STEAM-focused offerings provide activities and facilities that develop critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving, including high-tech resources like flight simulators. Students are encouraged to apply knowledge to new, challenging situations and to communicate ideas clearly.	Academic & intellectual The International School of Nanshan Shenzhen is established in 2002 and is one of Shenzhen's oldest and well-established international schools.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Creative arts are emphasised through the AISL Talents Programme, which develops music, drama and visual art. Students perform and participate in arts events, competitions and showcases that build confidence and personal growth. The AISL Music Festival provides high-quality opportunities for young musicians.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school is bi-literate and trilingual, with proficiency in Mandarin, English and Cantonese. Instruction focuses on developing language skills across the three languages from early years through secondary, supporting reading and literacy in multiple languages. The programme promotes International Mindedness and celebrates local and national festivals to deepen cultural understanding.	Cultural & language The school offers three language programs: The English Program, The Mandarin Program, and The French Program.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Sports and house activities are central to student life; every student participates in sports, clubs and house events, with many specialising in one or more sports under expert coaching. Participation in cocurricular activities includes performing arts and debates, and engagement with clubs that broaden horizons and foster leadership.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Charity events are part of House activities, with students engaging in community service and volunteering as part of the school's culture.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The House System is central to campus life and fosters leadership and a sense of belonging. Housemasters and tutors provide personalised guidance, and senior students mentor younger pupils; a range of activities such as sports days, charity events and competitions offer leadership opportunities.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral Care provides personalised support within a small-class context and within a House structure, ensuring students are known by name and receive guidance for wellbeing. The safeguarding framework and collaboration with families promote safe and fulfilling student lives.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages taught: Mandarin, English and Cantonese. The program runs from Kindergarten through Secondary School (ages 2–18). In Kindergarten, traditional Chinese characters and English are central, with guidance to learn Putonghua and with Cantonese allowed in Chinese classes under supervision. In Primary and Secondary, students continue to develop bi-literate and tri-lingual skills with language support and English-language curriculum.	Language provision ISNS is an IB World School delivering the full IB continuum: Early Years (K2–K5), Primary Years Programme (Grade 1–Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grade 6–Grade 10), and the Diploma Programme (Grade 11–12). Languages used in the school include English as the language of instruction (with English as an Additional Language, Language A and Language B), Mandarin as the host country language (Language and Literature and Language Acquisition), and French as a Language B option; other languages spoken include Cantonese, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Farsi, Dutch, Hindi, Urdu, Norwegian, Romanian, Italian, German, Malay, and more. ISNS emphasizes language development across all teachers, collects Home Language Survey data at enrollment, supports mother-tongue development, offers EAL support primarily for Grades 1–5, and maintains a multilingual, inclusive environment across the playground, library and social areas. In the Diploma Programme, Grades 11 and 12, ISNS offers the full IB Diploma Programme or the IB Programme with a New Brunswick Diploma, with language requirements including a Language A course and an additional language, and encouragement to study three languages.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school provides bi-literate and trilingual education in Mandarin, English and Cantonese. It serves students from Kindergarten through Secondary School (ages 2–18). Kindergarten strengthens the mother tongue as a foundation for learning the second and third languages. In Primary, Chinese and English literacy are developed with language support; in Secondary, students apply their tri-lingual skills with higher fluency.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs The language program spans three languages—Mandarin, English and Cantonese—across the Kindergarten to Secondary years, creating a tri-lingual linguistic environment. Kindergarten emphasizes strengthening the mother tongue to support learning of the other two languages. Primary focuses on Chinese and English literacy with targeted language support; Secondary fosters higher fluency in all three languages.	Immersion programs ISNS emphasizes English immersion with English as the language of instruction. In the Middle Years Programme, English is used as the language of instruction across most classes to provide constant exposure to English, while Mandarin and French are taught as separate languages.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards I searched ISNS's public website for school‑level awards or rankings in the period Jan 1, 2021–Jan 1, 2026 (the past five years). The only school‑level external recognition explicitly posted on the ISNS website during that period is: 1) Forbes China — ISNS named in the 2025 Forbes China International School Rankings (ranked #8 nationwide and #1 in Shenzhen; also noted as Top 10 in Foreign Student Middle School Programs across China). This is a published external ranking reported on ISNS's news section; the school presents it as a recognition of its overall standing in the 2025 Forbes rankings. Summary of search result and scope limitation: ISNS's website contains many news items, event reports and items about student awards and competition results, but those relate to students or to events hosted by the school; they are not presented on the site as awards conferred on the school as an institution. Within the 2021–2026 window and based on the content publicly posted on ISNS's website, I found only the 2025 Forbes China ranking as a school‑level award/recognition. (If you would like, I can broaden the search to external sources beyond the ISNS site to look for other school awards or recognitions not posted to the school website.)
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Below are the accreditations, authorizations and formal memberships ISNS lists on its website, with a one-line explanation of each and its significance. 1) International Baccalaureate (IB) — Authorization for PYP, MYP and DP: ISNS is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The IB authorization means the school has completed the IB's authorization process and is subject to regular IB evaluation to confirm it meets the IB's programme standards and practices. 2) New Brunswick (Canada) affiliation / New Brunswick high‑school diploma: ISNS states it is accredited by the New Brunswick Department of Education (through Atlantic Education International), which allows ISNS to deliver the New Brunswick curriculum and award a New Brunswick high‑school diploma to students who meet the provincial requirements. This affiliation means the school follows a recognized Canadian provincial curriculum and its graduates may receive a Canadian provincial diploma. 3) Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — Candidate School status: ISNS's FAQ and other pages say the school holds WASC candidate status. Candidate status indicates the school is in the WASC accreditation process; WASC accreditation (or candidacy) is a multi‑step peer review that validates a school's quality and supports continuous improvement. 4) Council of International Schools (CIS) — membership: ISNS describes itself as a CIS member (the site's homepage references CIS). CIS membership (and, for some schools, CIS accreditation) connects schools to an international membership and, where accreditation is achieved, represents a rigorous school‑wide evaluation against international standards of practice. (ISNS's site describes CIS membership rather than explicitly stating a completed CIS accreditation process.) 5) Cambridge Assessment — exam centre designation (Cambridge Assessment/ Cambridge English/Cambridge International): ISNS identifies itself as a Cambridge Assessment centre (an examining site for Cambridge exams) and an SAT exam site. Being an approved Cambridge exam centre means the school is authorized to administer Cambridge assessments on site; it is not the same as curricular accreditation but does allow students to sit Cambridge/English examinations at the school. Notes on wording and scope: all items above are taken from ISNS's own website; where the site uses terms such as “accredited,” “candidate” or “member,” I have noted whether that indicates full accreditation, candidacy, or membership and provided an authoritative one‑line description of what that status generally means (linked to the relevant issuing organisation).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. APPLICATION. Applications have limited openings for each academic year, so early submission is encouraged. Applications will be considered only if seats are available; contact the admissions team to understand vacancies. Citizenship/residency categories determine priority, including children of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents (priority to those who work and live in the Qianhai Cooperation Zone); children with foreign passports (priority to those with a parent holding a foreign passport and living in Qianhai); children of Returning Overseas Talents (priority to those in the Qianhai Cooperation Zone); and children of Overseas Chinese (priority to those who work and live in the Qianhai Cooperation Zone). Special considerations for Hong Kong residents include two categories: Category 1 where one parent and the child are Hong Kong Permanent Residents, and Category 2 where the child is a Hong Kong Permanent Resident born in Hong Kong with both parents residing on the mainland. The successful applicant must demonstrate sufficient Chinese and English to access the curriculum. Parents of students with Special Educational Needs should consult with the admissions office before applying, as Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai does not have facilities or staff to educate children with severe learning needs. The admission process varies by age; families should contact the admissions office for detailed information regarding the application process.	Admissions 1. Before you start the online form you should prepare electronic copies of required documents: the student's birth certificate, student passport with visa or HK/Macau/Taiwan ID, parents' passports, a recent passport photo, health/vaccination records, and school transcripts/report cards for the last three years (G1–G12). If your child has learning or medical needs, gather any psycho‑educational reports or medical records now, because ISNS requires these at application and will assess support needs on an individual basis. 2. Complete the online application (OpenApply) — All applications must be submitted through ISNS's OpenApply system (isns.openapply.cn); paper applications are not accepted. Upload the files listed above and follow the OpenApply guidance (the school notes admissions files cannot be processed and students cannot be placed on waiting lists until all required materials are uploaded). If you are unsure of the correct year level, use the school's age/year equivalency guidance before submitting. 3. Admissions review — After submission the Admissions Committee reviews the application against ISNS criteria: age, space availability, English proficiency, prior school records, extracurricular/community involvement, and any IB experience. The committee may request confidential references, further documentation, or decide whether the student should proceed to assessment/interview. The review time varies by time of year and class availability; applications received after April 1 are usually considered for the following academic year. 4. Pay the application fee — A non‑refundable application fee of RMB 2,500 is required; payment can usually be made by bank transfer, debit card or cash and is typically paid at the time of assessment/screening (families outside Shenzhen can pay by bank transfer). The school will not proceed with assessments or confirm placement until the fee and required documents are received. Keep the payment confirmation and include the student's full English name and student number on transfer notes. 5. Assessment and interview — Candidates may be invited for an English language assessment (Grades 2–10 must meet minimum score thresholds appropriate to the grade), and ISNS may also administer mathematics and Mandarin assessments for placement. Interviews are scheduled after assessments and usually take place in person with Admissions, the Head of School, Principal, or relevant IB coordinator; assessments/interviews may be conducted online when needed. ISNS treats assessment materials as school property (parents are not entitled to originals or copies), and placement decisions follow the interview/assessment results. 6. Offer and enrolment — If a place is offered, the family will be notified and given a limited period to accept; certain fees (registration/deposit) become payable at acceptance and secure the student's place. ISNS charges a non‑refundable registration fee (one‑time) that secures the seat — the school's published schedule shows the registration fee and the tuition levels by grade. Note that acceptance does not guarantee enrollment beyond the initial year; continued enrollment depends on satisfactory progress, behaviour and space. For any offer-related questions, confirm specifics and payment deadlines directly with Admissions.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships ISNS offers scholarships and bursaries for both current students and prospective applicants; selection is by a Scholarship Committee and may include student interviews. The school states it has up to RMB 3,000,000 available across its bursary and scholarship programs; awards are applied as credits to tuition for the stated academic year and are not cash payments. For 2025–2026 ISNS has (a) Primary scholarships (examples listed on the site include Learner Profile, Growth in Approaches to Learning, and Action scholarships — each RMB 10,000), (b) Secondary scholarships, (c) full‑ride scholarships for Grades 9–12 (the site notes internal and external applicants can apply), and (d) bursaries for families demonstrating financial need with supporting documents and interview. The school's site shows the 2025–2026 scholarship and bursary application window as 19 January to 1 March 2026; the full‑ride awards for 2025–2026 were reported as filled, and families are advised to monitor the ISNS website or contact Admissions for the next cycle and for application guides. Applications for scholarships/bursaries are submitted via the OpenApply system; contact admissions@isnsz.com or +86 755 2666 1000 for questions.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist ISNS operates a rolling admissions model and maintains waiting lists when classes are full. Class size limits are stated (K3–K5: 18 students; Grade 1: 20; Grade 2 and above: 24). If a student is accepted but there is no space in the requested class, the child is placed on a waiting list in chronological order by date of completed application; priority on the list is given to returning ISNS students (alumni), siblings of currently enrolled students, and children of ISNS employees. Because placement is both space‑ and timing‑dependent, parents should confirm the student's position with Admissions and keep documentation current.
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