Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai vs Shekou International School

	H Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai Shenzhen, China	S Shekou International School Shenzhen, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 185,400 - 252,700	Fees / year RMB 182,000 - 316,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 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), French Curriculum, Chinese National Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 1,100
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Mandarin, Cantonese	Instruction language English, French, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 2023	Opened 1988
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
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 Shekou International School is located in Shekou, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, with three nearby campuses: Jingshan (Early Primary) on Nanhai Boulevard, The Bay (Upper Primary) on Gangwan Avenue, and Net Valley (Secondary) in the Net Valley / industrial-innovation area. The three sites are within walking distance of one another (the Bay and Jingshan are about a 15-minute walk; Net Valley is roughly a further 15–20 minutes). For exact addresses and campus maps see the school's contact and directions pages.
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 SIS serves Nursery through Grade 12 (ages about 2–18) across three campuses: an Early Primary (Nursery–K) campus, an Upper Primary (Grades 1–5) campus, and a Secondary campus (Grades 6–12). The school runs both an International Programme and a French International Programme.
School type	School type Boarding	School type SIS is a private, not-for-profit, co‑educational international school governed/managed by International Schools Services (ISS). The school's published information describes day-school programmes only; no boarding provision is indicated.
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 The school publishes a Student Support (Learning Support Services) programme that provides in-class and small-group interventions, a full-time learning support specialist on each campus, EAL (English as an Additional Language) support using a sheltered-immersion model, and counselling services for social/emotional and academic needs. Campuses also have designated small-group spaces (the FAQs mention a sensory space) and the school asks families to disclose learning needs at application so appropriate services can be considered.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation SIS is located in China but is not affiliated with a particular national education authority; it is owned and managed by the international organisation International Schools Services (ISS).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated on the school website; SIS presents itself as a secular/international day school.
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 Published FAQs state the usual school day runs 8:00–15:00 for Nursery through Grade 5 and 8:30–15:30 for Grades 6–12. The school also offers after‑school activities (ASAs) and an after‑school bus service for students taking activities.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details SIS provides paid two‑way bus transportation across Shenzhen; fees cover daily two‑way service and a separate afternoon run is provided for students in after‑school activities. Buses are described as fully licensed, air‑conditioned, fitted with seatbelts, and supervised by two bus attendants; routes are fixed and only registered riders may use them. The school uses a bus‑tracking app and asks parents to be prompt at pick‑up; young children (up to Grade 5) must be met at afternoon drop‑off or will be returned to school and parents contacted. For route details or to register contact sisbus@sis.org.cn or the school admissions office.
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 fees - Application processing fee: RMB 2,000 (non‑refundable; typically applied to tuition upon enrollment). Tuition fees (summary by school phase) - Early years / Preschool: approximately RMB 80,000 – RMB 175,000 per year (typical range reported for pre‑K/kindergarten). - Primary (Upper Primary / Elementary): commonly around RMB 202,000 per year (sources report Primary yearly fees at about this level). - Secondary / High School: reported annual tuition commonly in the RMB 202,000 – RMB 209,000 range; some published summaries place SIS overall annual tuition across grades within a wider band of roughly RMB 182,000 – RMB 316,000. Per‑term detail and billing schedule - The school issues invoices for the full school year; the full year's fees are normally due within four weeks of invoice receipt. Late penalties are applied for overdue payments. An annual re‑registration deposit (reported as RMB 8,000) is requested each March and is applied to the next year's tuition. Boarding fees - Shekou International School operates as a day school; boarding is not listed as an option. No boarding‑fee schedule applies. Other costs (examples commonly charged) - School bus: optional service with a termly/annual charge; routes and fees published for each school year. - Co‑curricular/ASA charges: many after‑school activities are free or nominally charged; some external/community‑led ASAs are charged to parents. - Typical additional items that parents should expect: lunches/cafeteria, excursions and field trips, textbooks/student resources, uniforms, and occasional activity or examination fees. (These items are commonly charged at SIS and peer schools.) Refunds and deposits - The application fee is non‑refundable. The March re‑registration deposit is applied to tuition; standard school policies hold parents responsible for fees and outline late/forfeiture conditions. Fee payment options and currency - Fees are payable in RMB by bank transfer; the school publishes Bank of China account details for RMB and a US$ account. Payment in US$ or other currencies must be arranged with the school's accounting office in advance. Parents are asked to provide transfer slips/identifiers as instructed.
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 Uniforms are required for nursery through grade 10; students in grades 11 and 12 may wear either the uniform or business casual attire. Uniform pieces must come from the official uniform collection, and on PE days students wear the PE kit. Uniforms are worn daily on regular school days and for field trips.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The SIS cafeteria services are provided by ISS World, offering healthy fusion meals. Lunch is available with weekly menus for the Jingshan, The Bay, and Net Valley campuses, with sample menus and dietary information published for reference.
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 SIS is a private, co-educational, not-for-profit school owned and governed by International Schools Services (ISS). The SIS Board is composed of ISS senior staff together with the Head of School and the SIS Chief Finance and Administration Officer.
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 Shekou International School follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) in its primary years. The school offers a Chinese Bilingual Programme for Grades 1–5 and provides Mandarin (CSOL) from Kindergarten through Grade 12; it also runs a French international pathway from pre-school through the primary years that can continue into the upper grades. For middle school (typically Grades 6–10) SIS is an IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) candidate and implements the MYP framework across the eight subject groups, including a Personal Project. Senior students (Grades 11–12) follow the IB Diploma Programme (DP), with DP course options that include subjects such as IB Music, IB Visual Arts and IB Film Studies alongside the core DP elements and university preparation. Across all stages the curriculum is delivered through inquiry-based, student-centred approaches with co-curricular offerings in arts, athletics and activities, and the school holds WASC accreditation.
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 SIS describes a school‑wide guidance curriculum and advisory programme (middle and high school) that addresses students' personal, social and emotional development and supports global citizenship, communication and collaboration skills. Counsellors deliver classroom lessons, individual and group sessions and work with teachers and parents to reinforce social and emotional learning. The school's Learner Profile and guidance curriculum are cited as resources that promote respect and kindness across the community. SIS also integrates service‑learning (MYP Service as Action / Week Without Walls) as part of developing empathy and responsibility. (Sources: Student Support; Safeguarding; MYP pages).
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) SIS states it admits and accommodates students with additional learning needs "as existing space and resources allow" and that decisions about admission and continuation of services are made case‑by‑case. Each campus has a full‑time learning support specialist who provides individual and small‑group interventions, collaborates with teachers, offers professional development and parent education. The website emphasises support to help students access the regular curriculum rather than offering an alternative course of study. The school does not publicly list specific categories of special educational needs it can support on the Student Support page. SIS presents itself as an inclusive school that provides learning support within its existing resources rather than as 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 SIS states that EAL specialists support non‑native English speakers through referral at admission or by teacher recommendation and that support focuses on social and academic language development. The school uses a Sheltered‑Immersion Model (SIM): EAL teachers work directly in mainstream classrooms (students are not withdrawn) and support reading, writing, speaking and listening within grade‑level curricula. EAL specialists and classroom teachers jointly assess and monitor students' English acquisition and recommend services based on recent assessments and classroom performance. The Student Support page describes these structures but does not publish detailed staffing numbers or placement criteria on the public page.
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 SIS describes a comprehensive, developmental counselling programme that addresses students' personal, social, emotional and academic needs and includes individual and group counselling, classroom lessons and parent programmes. Primary counsellors offer lessons and family support for younger students while middle and high school counselling includes advisory and academic/career guidance and four‑year planning in high school. The school runs wellbeing‑focused initiatives and workshops (for example, school‑wide Wellbeing Week, Positive Discipline workshops and parent education events listed in the events calendar). Counsellors also provide materials and resources to support student adjustment and achievement. (Sources: Student Support page and the school events calendar).
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 SIS has a published Child Safeguarding Policy (linked on its Safeguarding page) and states the policy is based on international law, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and Chinese law. The school says all staff who work directly with students undergo police clearance and, where applicable, international background checks before employment and that staff receive annual training on recognising and reporting abuse and neglect. SIS also states students receive age‑appropriate lessons on personal safety and where to seek help, and lists the Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy among its key policies. The Policies and Practices section links to the detailed Safeguarding & Child Protection document (hosted via the school's policy/sharepoint links).
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 SIS operates across three campuses in Shenzhen: Jingshan Campus (Early Primary), The Bay Campus (Upper Primary), and Net Valley Campus (Secondary). Jingshan includes a mountainside library, indoor gymnasia, a swimming pool, a cafeteria, and sporting fields, with additional language spaces for the French International Programme. The Bay Campus features two science labs, a cooking suite, an auditorium, and a multi-story library offering books in English, Chinese, French and German, along with a gym and a basketball court. Net Valley includes a library, a cafeteria, and a theatre, and hosts SIS's Asia Pacific Headquarters in addition to secondary facilities such as a design centre and performance spaces. Mountainside Library, The Bay Library, and Net Valley Library serve Ninety-five percent of the SIS library needs across campuses.
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 Jingshan Campus has two indoor gyms and basketball courts. The Bay Campus provides a gym, a sports field, and a basketball court. SIS participates in inter-school leagues and events through associations such as ACAMIS, PRC, SDRC, and SISAC, enabling student competition in sports from Grade 4 onward. Secondary-level activities include a range of tournaments and inter-school exchanges.
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 SIS is an official IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) in the High School. The Middle School is a Candidate School for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The Primary Programme uses the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) across the International Programme, the Chinese Bilingual Programme, and the French International Programme. The Bay Campus features two science labs, a cooking suite, an auditorium, and a multi-story library; Net Valley includes a design centre, recording studios, a theatre, flexible learning spaces, and a golf simulator. The Mountainside, Bay, and Net Valley libraries serve Grades Nursery through 12.
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 SIS offers After School Care and a wide range of After-School Activities (ASAs). The Athletics & Activities program provides opportunities in team and individual sports and co-curricular activities, with events such as Model United Nations, knowledge bowl, and other competitions. SIS is a member of ACAMIS, PRC, SDRC, and SISAC, facilitating regional sports exchanges. From Grade 4 onward, students may participate in sports, and secondary students compete in various leagues across China and Asia.
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 Shekou International School was established in January 1988 by a joint-venture group of oil companies. Shortly after opening, the sponsoring companies contracted International Schools Services (ISS), a U.S.-based non-profit educational organisation, to operate the school. In 2004 the founding companies transferred SIS to full ISS ownership and governance. Since then the school has grown beyond its original Jingshan Villa location to add the Net Valley and Bay campuses to serve different grade levels.
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 SIS describes its community as a diverse, international network that extends beyond students to include parents, staff and alumni, with an emphasis on care and helping new families settle in. The school and its Parent Support Association run regular community events—examples cited on the site include the International Winter Bazaar and an outdoor community film night (“Movie Under the Stars”)—that bring together families, vendors and volunteers. The school also notes volunteer opportunities and alumni connections as ongoing ways the community stays engaged.
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 The Parent Support Association (PSA) at SIS is an association of parents who voluntarily organise and support activities that benefit children and families; all parents and teachers at SIS are considered members. The PSA provides a social network for families, organises family-oriented events and encourages parent involvement in school life. It administers a grant program open to students and teachers to support initiatives outside the classroom. The PSA communicates with the community via email, Facebook, Twitter and WeChat and is listed as the organiser or primary supporter for events such as the International Winter Bazaar and community celebration nights. The school website explicitly thanks the PSA for its ongoing support and invites parents to approach the PSA with ideas, questions or feedback.
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 school delivers the IB Primary Years Programme in Primary and the IB Diploma Programme in High School. In the PYP, a weekly class newsletter, a biweekly divisional newsletter, and a Unit of Inquiry overview are provided, and families have ongoing access to their child's digital portfolio on Seesaw. Grades 6–10 currently participate in the Common Ground Collaborative (CGC) as the school plans to transition to the MYP. The Diploma Programme is delivered to grades 11 and 12, and the high school uses a 1:1 laptop program to support learning.
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 The Fine Arts Programs include Drama, Music, and Visual Arts. The Music program provides Kindergarten through Grade 12 education, emphasizes music literacy, and offers band, strings, or choir from Grade 6 with IB Music available in Grades 11 and 12. The Visual Arts program is discipline-based and covers drawing, painting, ceramics, digital media and related fields, with IB Visual Arts or IB Film Studies available in Grades 11 and 12. The Drama program is offered to Grades 6–10 with opportunities to write, perform, direct, and design.
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 All SIS students begin studying Chinese for CSOL in Kindergarten and continue through the IB Diploma Programme in Grade 12. The French International Programme runs from pre-school to Grade 5 and continues through the IB Diploma Programme in Grade 12, taught by French government certified teachers. French as an Additional Language (FAL) is available for Kindergarten through Grade 5 in the International Programme. In the International Programme, the language of instruction is English; Mandarin is introduced early, with secondary students able to continue Mandarin or study French in later grades.
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 The Athletics & Activities program engages students in physical and social development, and SIS is a member of ACAMIS, PRC, SDRC, and SISAC, offering sports such as volleyball, basketball, soccer, and other activities. The After-School Activities and Athletics Program provides a wide range of ASAs, typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with some activities run by the community and sign-ups via the Schools Buddy platform. Secondary ASAs include Service & Leadership, Creativity, Recreational Sports & Activities, and Academics, plus events like Model United Nations and other contests. Class excursions and experiential learning are integral, with Grade 4 traveling within China to extend classroom research.
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 Community Outreach programs involve learning opportunities with longer-term reciprocal relationships with local business groups and education communities, and projects are developed through collaboration with the SIS parent community and the Shenzhen business community. Service learning forms an essential part of shaping character values and dispositions and is embedded within the school curriculum. These connections provide SIS students with varied authentic, real-world experiences beyond the campuses and foster social responsibility, leadership and empathy.
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 Staff come from more than a dozen nations, and many teachers serve as IB examiners or workshop leaders, reflecting a diverse, experienced faculty. The school supports professional growth through a development allowance for staff and ongoing professional development across all departments. Secondary After-School Activities include Service & Leadership, among other pathways, and students participate in activities such as MUN and other regional competitions.
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 The Athletics & Activities program promotes physical and social well-being, and SIS participates in multiple inter-school leagues and organizes a range of tournaments. Primary ASAs include activities from pottery to chess, while secondary ASAs cover sports, drama, arts, and leadership opportunities, with a structured schedule and transportation for regular bus riders. Class excursions, referred to as 'Classroom without Walls,' extend learning beyond the classroom to outdoor and cultural experiences. School hours run 8:00–15:00 for younger students and 8:30–15:30 for older students, with a Shenzhen-wide bus service that can be tracked in real time.
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 The school teaches Chinese for Speakers of Other Languages (CSOL) starting in Kindergarten and continuing through Grade 12, with a literacy-focused option for native/advanced Mandarin speakers. A Mandarin Programme provides three streams—Language A (fluency and literacy), Language B (literacy and communication), and CAL (beginner Mandarin)—with 180 minutes of Mandarin instruction per week and IB-aligned, inquiry-based learning integrated into Primary Years Programme units. In addition, French As an Additional Language (FAL) is offered from Kindergarten through Grade 5 to support French language exposure.
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 The school has a French International Programme (FIP) from PreK1 to Grade 12, a three-language curriculum, and a bilingual IBDP pathway. French is the primary language of instruction, complemented by English and Chinese, with a LabelFrancEducation accreditation for the French programme. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered in Grade 12 through both the French programme and the overall IB framework. The programme is taught by native French, English, or Chinese speakers, supported by a trilingual teaching assistant, and features small class sizes and a fully equipped infrastructure including a pool, theatre, sports facilities, and a multilingual library. Students also have iPads for learning. The school is owned and managed by ISS.
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 —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards - Duke of Edinburgh's International Award — SIS reports that on 23 April 2025 it launched the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award programme and became an official Award Centre; this is a formal licensing/recognition of the school as an authorised centre for delivering the DofE programme to students. (Awarded to the school/centre.) Notes and exclusions (why the list is short): - The SIS website refers to other recognitions (for example, the school states it has been designated an Apple Distinguished School and notes it was recognised as “School of the Year” by the 21st Century Learning group). those recognitions are mentioned on the site but the pages do not provide specific dates for when they were awarded. because you asked specifically for awards won in the past five years, I have not included recognitions from the school site that lack explicit dates within that five-year window; they are listed here only as undated recognitions on the school website. If you'd like, I can: - try to find dated announcements (on SIS pages or other authoritative sites) for the Apple Distinguished School designation and the “School of the Year” recognition so we can confirm whether they fall inside the past five years; or - produce a short summary separating formal accreditations (WASC, IB authorizations, LabelFrancEducation) from memberships/affiliations and other recognitions with the exact citations from the school site.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — Shekou International School reports continuous full accreditation by WASC since 1992; WASC is a U.S. regional accrediting body whose recognition indicates the school meets widely accepted standards for governance, curriculum and student transfer/graduation recognition. - International Baccalaureate (IB) — SIS is an authorized IB World School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP); the International Baccalaureate Organization authorizes schools to deliver IB curricula, which are globally recognised frameworks for international education and (for the DP) can support university credit/recognition. The school is also listed on the site as a candidate school for the Middle Years Programme (MYP). - LabelFrancEducation (for the French International Programme) — the SIS French International Programme page states the programme is accredited/recognised under the LabelFrancEducation scheme; this label is awarded under criteria set by the French authorities to certify quality and official recognition of French-language international programmes. Note on memberships/affiliations (listed on the SIS website): the school also lists membership of regional and international professional associations — e.g., Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS), East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS), and the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE). These are professional memberships (not formal accreditations) that indicate the school participates in regional networks for collaboration, events and professional development.
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. Initial enquiry and Open Day: Start by registering for an online Open Day (offered approximately every three weeks). The online Open Day introduces the school's programmes and campuses and families who attend are usually then invited to an in-person tour; you may also begin the formal application at any time. Parents should note the Open Day schedule and register early because tours and application slots can fill quickly. 2. In-person tour and school visit: After the online Open Day you will normally be invited to an in-person campus tour and, where appropriate, a classroom visit or playdate for the child. Use the tour to confirm practical details (which campus your child will attend, transport options, school hours and ASA schedules) and to ask about language support or learning‑support capacity. If you need language assistance, the admissions office includes Mandarin and Cantonese speaking staff; ask for their support when you book the visit. 3. Complete the online application and assemble documents: Submit the school's online application (SIS uses the OpenApply portal) and upload all required documents listed on the application. The Admissions Policy says a complete application must include the application fee and all specified documents (examples commonly required are passport/ID, immunization records, recent school reports, passport photo and teacher recommendation forms); incomplete applications cannot be processed and will be discarded after 30 days. Parents should prepare translated copies where needed and check the specific document list for the grade you are applying to before submitting. 4. Application fee and scheduling of assessment: After the application and the non‑refundable application fee are received the school schedules the child's assessment or playdate as relevant for the age/grade. The admissions FAQ sets out grade‑by‑grade assessment practice (examples: playdates for nursery; school‑designed English and maths tasks for mid‑year Kindergarten to Grade 1; MAP reading and MAP maths for Grades 2–5; MAP + essay for Grades 6–12; WIDA may be used where additional language information is needed). Expect the assessment to be paired with a short interview (student and parent) and plan travel/logistics around the scheduled assessment. 5. Disclosure of learning‑support needs and EAL considerations: If your child has an IEP or learning‑support needs you must supply all relevant documentation at application (recent testing, reports and current support plans). The Admissions Policy explains that SIS admits students with additional needs only where the school has the resources to meet those needs; decisions are made case‑by‑case and additional evaluation may be requested (at the family's expense). If your child will need English language support (EAL), be prepared for screening and for placement decisions that consider both the child's projected rate of language acquisition and available classroom balance. 6. Priority groups, decision categories and notification: Admissions decisions take into account priority categories (for example siblings, certain company‑sponsored families and expatriate passport criteria) as well as English proficiency, academic history and available space. The Director of Admissions will notify families of one of three outcomes: Accepted (place offered if space allows), Wait Pool (applicant meets requirements but the grade is full) or Not Accepted. Parents should check the offer letter carefully for any stated deadlines and the instructions the school supplies about next steps. 7. If placed on the wait pool or offered a place: If your child is placed in the wait pool you will remain on that list for the academic year applied for; the school reviews the pool as places become available and may re‑order consideration according to priority factors. If you receive an offer, the school's offer/acceptance instructions and the current fee schedule (downloadable from the Tuition & Fees page) will outline the required paperwork and payment items; follow those instructions and contact Admissions promptly if you need clarification. For administrative or fee questions, contact admissions directly (the admissions office publishes phone extensions and an email address on the school site). 8. Onboarding and first term arrangements: Once acceptance actions are completed the school will provide information on orientation, timetables, bus registration and other practical arrangements (uniform, lunch accounts, ASA sign‑up). Familiarise yourself with the school's communication platforms (Seesaw for Early Years/Primary; ManageBac for upper levels) so you can receive notices, homework and teacher messages. If your child will use the school bus or ASA programme, check the ASA fee practice and bus tracking options ahead of term start so you can register in time.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships SIS publishes two formal scholarship streams on its admissions pages and accepts applications through the online portal. - French International Programme Scholarship (ISS Global International Language Scholarship): This award supports students joining the French International Programme. It is intended for French speakers or those with appropriate French proficiency, is offered to students entering Grades 1–5, and is awarded for up to three years or until the student completes Grade 5. The application is made online and requires the standard application documents (application fee, passport, immunization record, photos, school reports where applicable, and a completed teacher recommendation form). The school assesses language proficiency (oral test), academic standing, and family interview; awards are limited, vary year to year, and recipients must meet behavioural, attendance and community expectations to retain the scholarship. Note the scholarship is not available to students whose tuition is paid directly or indirectly by an employer. For full eligibility, timelines (applications are typically required by 31 December for the scholarship window) and the list of required documents consult the French International Programme Scholarship page. - SIS Geckcellence Scholarship Competition: SIS also runs a Geckcellence Scholarship Competition; application and detailed information are published through the school's admissions links (application via OpenApply and further program details on the school's internal information pages). The number and value of awards can vary annually and are determined by the school based on available seats and funding. If you are interested in scholarship opportunities beyond these two named programmes, contact Admissions because additional or year‑specific awards and competitions may open in a given year.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist SIS uses a wait pool (not a strict numbered waitlist): if an applicant meets the school's admission requirements but the requested grade is full the applicant is placed in the grade's wait pool for that academic year. The school's Admissions Policy explains that a student's position in the wait pool can change if a subsequent application has higher priority (for example sibling or defined expatriate/company priority), and that applicants remain in the wait pool only for the academic year applied for. Parents may contact Admissions to roll an application into the next academic year beginning December 1st, but applications do not automatically carry over; if you want to be considered for a later year you must request rollover or reapply with updated documents. Because offers from the pool are made as seats open (and are influenced by priority and balance considerations) movement off the pool is unpredictable; contact Admissions for the current status and any grade‑specific guidance.
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