Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai vs Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy

	H Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai Shenzhen, China	S Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy Shenzhen, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 185,400 - 252,700	Fees / year RMB 165,200 - 210,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 19 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Chinese National Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 900
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 7
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Mandarin, Cantonese	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 2023	Opened 2017
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 Address: No. 30 Xiangtang Road (Xiangtang Lu), Bantian sub-district, Longgang District, Shenzhen. The campus is in the Bantian/Longgang area (city outskirts with road and local-bus connections); parents relocating should check specific transit options and journey times from their housing area.
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 SGA is a 12‑year, continuous school covering primary, middle and high school. It delivers the IB continuum: PYP for primary, MYP for middle years and DP for the final two years.
School type	School type Boarding	School type The school is a co‑educational, government‑run (municipal) school operated by the Shenzhen Foreign Languages School Group; it is a publicly authorised integrated/“multi‑path” school and admits students of different nationalities.
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 SGA states it provides short‑term English language (EAL) support for students who need it and has school counselling/pastoral services; third‑party listings note a growing learning‑support team (a Learning Support Coordinator and trained staff) and access to external specialists when required. Parents with specific SEN requirements should contact admissions to discuss individual provision and assessment.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation The school is run under the Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (group) and Shenzhen municipal education authorities; it is not affiliated to any other country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation SGA does not advertise any religious affiliation; its programmes are secular and curriculum‑focused.
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 school follows age‑appropriate daily timetables for PYP (primary), MYP (middle) and DP (senior) with lessons, a mid‑morning break and a lunchtime, plus after‑school co‑curricular activities. Exact start/end times and break lengths vary by year group and are published to families (contact the school or check the Parent Handbook for the current term schedule).
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Public listings indicate SGA operates a school‑bus service for families (routes/availability are adjusted each year and places are typically by application/registration). Many schools in the area contract private bus providers, so parents should confirm current routes, pickup points, safety arrangements and fees with admissions before relocating.
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 fee - The school's published fee schedule and parent/student handbook do not list a separate application, registration or seat-deposit fee on their public fee pages. Tuition fees (by year group) - Grade 1–5: RMB 165,200 per year. Per term (semester): RMB 82,600. - Grade 6–10: RMB 178,400 per year. Per term (semester): RMB 89,200. - Grade 11–12: RMB 210,000 per year. Per term (semester): RMB 105,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school publishes tuition as annual amounts and the academic calendar is split into two semesters (Semester 1 beginning in August and Semester 2 beginning in January). The per-term figures above are the annual tuition divided by two to match the school's two-semester calendar. Snacks for the year must be reserved at the start of each semester and meal charges are calculated by the school calendar. Boarding fees (if applicable) - Boarding (Grades 6–12): RMB 12,000 per year. Per term (semester): RMB 6,000. The boarding fee covers basic dormitory facilities and utilities; personal items, bedding, laundry and meals are not included and are payable separately. Boarding places are by application only. Other costs and recurring charges - Meal charges (charged per meal/day according to age group): - Grades 1–2: snack RMB 10; lunch RMB 20 (breakfast/dinner not listed except for boarders). - Grades 3–5: snack RMB 25. - Grades 6–12: breakfast RMB 10; lunch RMB 25; dinner RMB 25. Meal charges are calculated according to the school calendar and some meals (breakfast/dinner) are provided only to boarders. - Tuition explicitly excludes: school uniform, school bus, off-campus competitions / inter-school activity costs and other additional items (these are charged separately). The boarding fee also excludes personal items, beddings and laundry. - Co-curricular activities, external exam or registration fees for external exams, school trips, and specialist program fees may incur additional charges (not included in the tuition). The school's published fee statement notes those categories as exclusions from tuition. Refund information - The school's public fee statement and the student/parent handbook do not publish a detailed refund or cancellation policy on the fee pages reviewed. No published refund schedule or explicit refund rules were found on the school's public fee and handbook pages. Fee payment options and channels - The school's publicly posted fee pages and handbook do not specify payment channels (for example: bank transfer details, accepted card payments, WeChat/Alipay or international payment instructions). No payment-account or payment-method details were found on the school pages reviewed. Parents should expect standard institutional payment channels (bank transfer or school finance office arrangements) but the school does not publish the exact options on the referenced pages. Brief summary of missing items (from public fee pages reviewed) - The school's official published fee notice provides the annual tuition, boarding fee and meal charges and confirms the two-semester academic calendar, but does not publish (on the pages reviewed): a separate application/registration/seat fee, detailed billing deadlines or installment/late-payment penalties, explicit refund/cancellation rules, nor the school's bank account or accepted payment channels. The tuition, boarding and meal figures above are taken from the school's official fee announcement and the term dates from the school calendar.
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 Student dormitories are provided. The dormitories offer two-person rooms; there are separate buildings for male and female students with full facilities. The first-floor lobby includes a laundry room and a medical room, and each floor has a common space. The school has a care system to meet the housing needs of students in Grade 6 and above.
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 —
Food options	Food options —	Food options Meals are provided on campus with breakfast, a snack, lunch, and dinner. Snacks must be reserved at the start of each semester. Breakfast and dinner are available for boarders only. Meal prices vary by grade: Grades 1–2 breakfast 10 RMB, snack 20 RMB; Grades 3–5 lunch 25 RMB; Grades 6–12 breakfast 10 RMB, snack 25 RMB, lunch 25 RMB, dinner 25 RMB.
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 The school was founded in 2017 as Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group) Bay Area Campus. It is funded by the Shenzhen Municipal Government, led by the Shenzhen Education Bureau, and managed by Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group). The school enrolls students globally, across primary, middle, and high school as a 12-year program with small-class teaching. In August 2023, the school received IB Diploma Programme authorization; the school is also accredited by CIS and is affiliated with WASC and BSA.
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 Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy delivers an IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (Grades 1–5), Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10) integrated with China's national curriculum, and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12) for students pursuing the IB Diploma. The MYP fusion curriculum maps national content into eight subject groups (language & literature, language acquisition, individuals & societies, sciences, mathematics, the arts, design, and physical and health education) while using IB assessment criteria. The PYP is delivered through six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry that weave language, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts and physical education, and includes a second‑language program. In Grades 11–12 students follow the IB DP structure (three Higher Level and three Standard Level subjects plus Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS), with course options listed including Chinese and English Language A and Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. SGA states it is authorized across PYP, MYP and DP and holds CIS, WASC and BSA accreditations, and describes its curriculum as a three‑pillar fusion of foundation subjects, integrated competencies and career/frontier elements.
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 SGA describes social and emotional learning as part of its IB-based curriculum: the PYP explicitly develops social skills and self‑management, and the MYP highlights affective (emotional) skills and the IB Approaches to Learning. The school also embeds teamwork, reflection and identity development through its PE programme and co‑curricular activities (over 200 ASA/club/team options), which are presented as part of the school's student development offer. These curriculum elements and after‑school programmes are described in the Student/Parent Handbook and the school's activities pages. The school website does not list a named SEL team or dedicated pastoral staff in the publicly available handbook text.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school's publicly available Student/Parent Handbook and policy pages do not provide specific information about Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, named learning‑support staff, or which categories of SEN the school can support. The site describes SGA as a “多元融合” (diverse/integrated) school but does not publish a formal SEN policy or details of specialist SEN resources on the pages reviewed. Therefore there is no explicit, verifiable public statement on the school website about specialist SEN provision or whether SGA is a specialist SEN institution. If you would like, I can contact the admissions office (OpenApply) or search third‑party listings for additional information—please confirm.
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 The Student/Parent Handbook states that English is the main language of instruction and that the school provides short‑term English language learning support for students who require English as an Additional Language (EAL). This is described as temporary language learning support rather than a long‑term, named EAL programme on the publicly available pages. No detailed EAL programme outline or staffing structure is published on the school website pages reviewed.
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 The school's published curriculum materials state that the PYP and MYP include social, emotional and physical development (PYP) and affective skills (MYP) as part of learning objectives, indicating wellbeing is addressed through the curriculum. Co‑curricular activities and the PE programme emphasise personal growth, teamwork and reflection, and the boarding facilities description notes an on‑site medical room and residential care arrangements for boarding students. The website does not publish a separate mental‑health or counselling policy nor list named counsellor posts in the public handbook text. For specific counselling services or referrals the school uses, parents are advised to contact admissions or the school directly.
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 There is no child protection or safeguarding policy text published on the pages of the school website reviewed (Student/Parent Handbook and Policy Announcement pages do not contain a public safeguarding statement). The school's public pages describe boarding care facilities and general student welfare through curriculum and boarding arrangements, but a formal, detailed safeguarding/child‑protection policy is not available on the site. Therefore the school does not publicly disclose a standalone safeguarding policy on the pages reviewed; for official safeguarding policy and named safeguarding officers you should contact the school directly.
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 school operates on a 140,000 square meter campus. The school provides a one-to-one Apple device program for students. It is an IB World School with a teacher-student ratio of 1:7 and a Chinese to foreign teachers ratio of 4:3. Facilities include drone classrooms, spaces for orchestral music, and fencing.
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 Sports facilities include spaces for volleyball and fencing. These facilities support regular volleyball matches and fencing practice.
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 school is an IB World School. The campus includes drone classrooms and spaces for STEM and performing arts. PYPX is featured as part of the primary program.
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 Extracurricular activities include drone classes, orchestral performances, fencing, and guzheng performances. The site shows PYPX as part of the program. There is a House Team system for student activities.
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 Shenzhen Foreign Languages Greater Bay Area Academy (SGA) was established in 2017 as a government‑initiated, pilot “multi‑modal” school managed by Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group). The school was set up with investment and authorization from the Shenzhen municipal government and operates under the supervision of the Shenzhen Education Bureau; it is described on the school site as an education‑reform pilot approved by national authorities. The academy evolved from earlier international teaching activities (its transition campus opened in 2017) and completed a move to its current campus infrastructure in 2020. These points are described in the school's official materials and local education notices.
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 SGA presents a mixed, international community of students and staff recruited from mainland China, Hong Kong/Macau and overseas; the school highlights a diverse faculty and an international boarding and day‑school population. The school publishes and promotes regular community‑facing events such as Open Days where parents meet leadership and tour campus facilities, and it runs a programme of cultural and co‑curricular activities (music ensembles, drama in the school theatres, sports and academic competitions) that parents are invited to attend. The site documents student achievements in a range of competitions and lists many specialist facilities used for cultural and sporting events.
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 SGA's public materials emphasise parent engagement through scheduled Open Days, parent briefings and school events that invite family participation; the Open Day page specifically describes opportunities to meet the leadership team, review curriculum plans and join campus tours. However, the school's public website does not publish a dedicated Parent‑Teacher Association (PTA) constitution or a named parents' committee with a detailed calendar of PTA‑run activities as of January 1, 2026. Because a formal PTA structure and its specific programmes (for example class parent groups, volunteer committees, fundraising or regular parent workshops) are not described on the site, the clearest documented parent touchpoints are Open Days, parent meetings and ad hoc community events — for fuller, current details the school's admissions or community relations office can confirm whether a formal PTA or class‑level parent committee exists and what events it runs.
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 Shenzhen Foreign Languages Greater Bay Area Academy (SGA) is a twelve-year school spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels, with small class sizes. The school was founded in 2017, invested by the Shenzhen Municipal Government, and is managed by Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group) under the Shenzhen Education Bureau. It admits students globally with no nationality or hukou restrictions.
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 —
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 SGA offers an international curriculum with global teacher recruitment and a clear pathway for leadership and professional development. The staff composition includes roughly 60% Chinese teachers and 40% expatriate teachers, all with advanced degrees and IB training or experience.
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 Languages taught include English and Chinese. The IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme are offered. The Diploma Programme is taught in English; the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme are taught in English and Chinese.
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 Mission: The school aims to cultivate innovative talents with Chinese sentiment and international vision. Values: Global outlook; lifelong learning; pursuit of technological innovation; understanding cultural heritage; restraint and humility. Operating philosophy: Build an ubiquitous large-classroom; promote high-tech, interactive learning; create an international network; integrate Chinese and Western cultures; foster a broad framework of moral education.
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 On the school website there is limited information presented as school-level recognitions. The site does not provide a dated, itemised list of school awards covering the last five years, so I cannot confirm precise dates for most recognitions. Items the website does present (undated on the site) that are awarded to or describe the school itself are: - Designation as a Shenzhen/Municipal and Ministry of Education pilot demonstration school — the site states SGA was approved as a Shenzhen "先行示范" (pilot demonstration) project and describes SGA as the Greater Bay Area's first such demonstration school. This is an official government designation reported on the school site. (No date is given on the site for when this designation was awarded.) - "First CIS Internationally Accredited Boarding School in Shenzhen" — the school profile states SGA is the first CIS-accredited boarding school in Shenzhen; the website presents this as a distinguishing recognition. (The site does not attach a specific date for this claim.) - School ensemble / team awards described as school-level achievements — the site says the school wind orchestra has repeatedly won provincial and municipal competition awards and that the school's rhythmic gymnastics team has frequently won provincial events. These are presented on the school profile page as awards received by school groups (not individual students). The website does not give dates or a formal award list for these items. If you want a strict, date-confirmed list limited to awards given to the school within the past five calendar years (Jan 1, 2021–Jan 1, 2026), I can search for dated press releases, government notices, CIS/WASC/BSA announcements or news items that specify award dates and confirm whether each event falls inside that period—would you like me to proceed with that broader web search?
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Below are the accreditations and official authorizations listed on the school's website, with a one-line explanation for each. - International Baccalaureate (IB) — Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy is authorized as an IB World School for the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP and DP); the school's website notes the DP authorization was granted in August 2023. This authorization means the school is recognized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to deliver those IB programmes and to assess students under IB standards. - Council of International Schools (CIS) — the website states SGA has full CIS accreditation. CIS accreditation is an internationally recognised school-quality accreditation focused on governance, teaching & learning, and student wellbeing that indicates the school meets CIS standards for international schools. - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — the site lists WASC accreditation. WASC is a U.S.-based regional accrediting body whose accreditation can support international recognition of school programmes and qualifications. - Boarding Schools' Association (BSA) — the website indicates SGA has BSA accreditation/recognition. BSA affiliation/recognition relates to boarding provision standards and peer benchmarking for boarding schools. Note: the school's website also describes that the school was established with Shenzhen Municipal Government investment and that it is an education pilot/demonstration project approved by the Ministry of Education (a formal government designation). That is an official recognition rather than an academic accreditation; it is listed on the school profile pages.
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. Submit an online application through OpenApply. All applications to SGA must be completed via the school's OpenApply portal (sga.openapply.cn/apply); SGA does not accept paper applications. When you register, choose the correct form for your child's grade (Primary G1–G5, Secondary G6–G8 or G9–G11) and keep your OpenApply login details handy for follow-up requests. 2. Provide the required documents listed in the application checklist. The school's admissions page specifies that an Admission Application Form, a Family Statement and a School Report are minimum required items; the Admissions Office will not start processing until required materials are received. Parents should prepare scanned academic reports (two most recent years if available), any translated or certified documents, the student's passport or ID, and any teacher references the portal requests. 3. Application review and document integrity check. After you submit, the Admissions Office reviews all documents against SGA's admissions policy; the school explicitly reserves the right to withdraw an offer if information is found to be false or misleading. Make sure dates, school names and grades on transcripts match and that school reports are authentic to avoid delays or rescinded offers. 4. Entrance assessment invitation is issued to candidates who clear the document review. SGA's published process says successful applicants will receive an invitation to an Entrance Assessment; the website does not publish a public, detailed breakdown of assessment content or format, so expect the Admissions Office to provide the assessment schedule, format (online or on-campus) and any preparation instructions by email. Parents should confirm time-zone differences for remote assessments, bring the required ID to in-person assessments, and ask Admissions in advance if accommodations are needed. 5. Admissions decision and response window. The school states that a decision is normally sent by email within 10–15 working days after the Entrance Assessment; offers will include instructions and a deadline for confirming the place. Parents should watch the email account used on OpenApply, read the offer letter carefully (it will state any conditions) and meet the confirmation deadline to secure the place. 6. Fees, boarding and other cost information you should check before confirming. SGA publishes its official fee policy (2025–2026 school year) on the school website: Tuition for Grade 1–5 is RMB 165,200; Grade 6–10 RMB 178,400; Grade 11–12 RMB 210,000. Boarding (Grades 6–12) is RMB 12,000 for the year; meal rates are listed per grade band and tuition excludes meals, uniforms, school bus and some extracurricular or trip costs. Parents should read the school's policy page carefully to confirm what is included in tuition, ask about the payment schedule and whether there is an enrollment deposit or refund policy stated in the offer letter.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships The school's official pages (admissions, policy and related site sections) do not list scholarships, bursaries or formal fee‑remission programs. SGA's published fee policy gives tuition, boarding and meal rates but does not describe merit or need‑based awards. If you need information about financial assistance, sibling discounts, or any temporary subsidies, ask Admissions directly (OpenApply contact or the school phone listed on the Shenzhen municipal school directory) because any such programs would be administered case-by-case and are not described on the public site. For accuracy when planning, request written confirmation from Admissions about whether any scholarships or fee reductions are available and the eligibility/application process.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist SGA's public admissions documents and the school's admissions procedure do not describe an explicit waitlist or pool system. The published process shows application review, an entrance assessment, a decision and a confirmation step but does not explain what happens to applicants who are not offered a place. If you are not offered a place, contact the Admissions Office (via OpenApply or the school's admissions contact) to ask whether the school maintains a waiting list, how candidates are ranked, and whether you must reapply for a later intake; the school runs regular Open Days where Admissions staff can address these questions in person.
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