Harrow International School Beijing vs Yew Chung International School of Beijing

	H Harrow International School Beijing Beijing, China	Y Yew Chung International School of Beijing Beijing, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 228,600 - 356,600	Fees / year RMB 221,000 - 334,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, Australian Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,500	Pupils 800
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 7
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 2005	Opened 1995
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Harrow Beijing's main (Hegezhuang) campus is in Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang, Chaoyang District, Beijing (No. 287 Hegezhuang Village). The school publishes a separate City Campus for very early years; admissions materials list campus addresses and practical travel information.	Location Main campus: Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang District, Beijing (postcode 100025). The campus is in the Chaoyang/Honglingjin Park area—central Chaoyang with straightforward road access and regular taxi/ride-hailing links; parents often reference proximity to embassy and expatriate neighbourhoods in Chaoyang. For exact directions and public-transport options check the school map or contact admissions.
Stages	Stages The school accepts students aged about 2–18 and is organised into Kindergarten/Lower School (Pre‑Prep), Prep (Years 2–6) and Upper School (Prep, Senior and Sixth Form / Years 7–13).	Stages The school enrols expatriate students aged 2–18 (K2 to Year 13) and is organised into Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary phases. Programmes include IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma at upper-secondary level.
School type	School type Harrow Beijing is an international, co‑educational school for Chinese and foreign pupils (ages 2–18). The school's public pages describe day programmes across the phases; boarding is not described on the Harrow Beijing site (note: some other AISL Harrow schools do offer boarding). For confirmation about boarding options contact admissions.	School type YCIS Beijing is a private, co‑educational international day school serving children of foreign personnel; it does not advertise boarding provision. The school is part of the Yew Chung/Yew Wah network of international schools.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Harrow Beijing has a Learning Support Department with a full‑time Learning Support Coordinator in both Lower and Upper School, dedicated intervention teachers, and access‑arrangement support for external exams; the team works with families, teachers and external specialists including an educational psychologist.	Additional learning support The school operates a Student Support Services team (learning support and counselling). Admissions guidance and third‑party listings indicate YCIS accepts students with mild learning difficulties on a case‑by‑case basis and provides in‑class and withdrawal support where appropriate; more complex needs may exceed the school's provision. Parents with children who have additional needs are advised to discuss requirements with Admissions early and share assessments/reports.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Harrow Beijing is part of the Harrow family and the AISL Harrow Schools network; it traces its heritage to Harrow School in London.	Country affiliation YCIS Beijing is part of the Yew Chung Yew Wah (YCYW) education network that originated in Hong Kong; it is not officially affiliated to a single national government.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school's public information does not identify a religious affiliation; pastoral provision is presented as non‑denominational and focused on wellbeing and safeguarding.	Religious affiliation The school does not list any religious affiliation on its official information pages; its programme and materials describe an international, bilingual education rather than a faith‑based approach.
School day structure	School day structure Morning care (Breakfast Club) is available; a parent newsletter notes breakfast‑club drop‑off from about 07:05 with students heading to class shortly before 08:00. Typical published school‑day times used in school listings are roughly 08:00 to mid/late afternoon (around 16:30), but exact start/finish times and after‑school activity schedules vary by year group and are given in the school handbook.	School day structure Typical published schedules for YCIS Beijing indicate a morning start around 08:00 and the academic day finishing around mid‑afternoon (roughly 15:00–15:30), with co‑curricular activities running later in the afternoon on most days. The school publishes a full school‑year calendar (term dates, holidays, PD days) on its website; check the current year calendar for exact term and event times.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers a school‑bus service; route maps, timings, fees and the transport provider are described in the Admissions Information Centre and the school handbook (the admissions team handles route allocation). For current routes, pick‑up points or to register for transport contact admissions by phone or email.	Bus service details YCIS Beijing provides a school‑bus option for families; bus arrangements are confirmed during the enrolment process and bus/meal options are referenced in admissions materials and third‑party school guides. Routes and vendor details are managed by the school (or an appointed provider) and parents normally register for stops and schedules through Admissions/School Services. Contact the admissions office for current route maps, stops and fees.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - Registration (application) fee: RMB 3,500, payable once at the point of application. Tuition fees (annual and per term, by year group) - Pre-Nursery (Pre-N): Tuition RMB 228,600 per year — approximately RMB 76,200 per term (if split equally into three terms). - Nursery: Tuition RMB 228,600 per year — approximately RMB 76,200 per term. - Reception: Tuition RMB 259,600 per year — approximately RMB 86,533 per term. - Year 1: Tuition RMB 282,600 per year — approximately RMB 94,200 per term. - Year 2: Tuition RMB 295,800 per year — approximately RMB 98,600 per term. - Year 3 & Year 4: Tuition RMB 305,800 per year — approximately RMB 101,933 per term. - Year 5: Tuition RMB 306,800 per year — approximately RMB 102,267 per term. - Year 6: Tuition RMB 309,800 per year — approximately RMB 103,267 per term. - Year 7 & Year 8: Tuition RMB 321,600 per year — approximately RMB 107,200 per term. - Year 9, Year 10 & Year 11: Tuition RMB 336,000 per year — approximately RMB 112,000 per term. - Year 12 & Year 13: Tuition RMB 356,600 per year — approximately RMB 118,867 per term. Note: the per-term figures above are simple equal one‑third divisions of the published annual tuition and are provided for planning purposes; check the school's billing schedule for exact instalment amounts and due dates. Billing schedule and payment terms - The registration fee is payable at application. An Acceptance Form must be returned and a small advance payment of tuition is required to secure a place after an offer is made. Payments are to be made to the school's bank account (Hang Seng Bank Beijing — account: Harrow International School Beijing; Account Number: 531031680020). Boarding fees - Harrow Beijing operates as a day school (no boarding provision listed); there are no boarding fees for this campus. Other costs and fees - English Intensive class: some year groups offer an English Intensive class that incurs additional fees. - School uniform: all students must wear school uniform; uniforms are purchased by parents according to the school's uniform guide. - School bus: a school bus network is available; parents should contact Admissions for bus routes and fees. - Canteen (lunch): the school provides a canteen service; separate meal charges apply (sample lunch menu published by the school). Refund information - The registration fee is charged at application and is stated as payable once; the admissions materials do not specify a general refund of the registration fee. The school's formal fee and refund terms appear in the full fee or parent handbook documents. Fee payment options - Bank transfer to the school's Hang Seng Bank Beijing account is provided (bank details published). The school uses an online admissions portal (OpenApply) for applications and enrolment procedures. For other accepted payment methods and any applicable bank/transaction charges, follow the school's payment instructions.	Fee details Application and one‑off fees - Application fee: RMB 2,500 (non‑refundable). - Placement / security deposit: RMB 20,000 (one‑time; refundable subject to the school's Departure & Refund procedures). Tuition fees — per term and annual by year group (day students) - K2 (Kindergarten) – Half day: Semester 1 RMB 49,200; Semester 2 RMB 73,800; Annual RMB 123,000. - K2 (Kindergarten) – Full day: Semester 1 RMB 80,400; Semester 2 RMB 120,600; Annual RMB 201,000. - K3 & K4 (Full day): Semester 1 RMB 92,000; Semester 2 RMB 138,000; Annual RMB 230,000. - Primary (Years 1–6) typical breakdown: Semester 1 RMB 110,800; Semester 2 RMB 166,200; Annual RMB 277,000. (Year‑by‑year variation applies within Primary—see next item). - Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) typical breakdown: Semester 1 RMB 121,200; Semester 2 RMB 181,800; Annual RMB 303,000. - Upper Secondary (IGCSE / IB — Years 10–13): Semester 1 RMB 128,400; Semester 2 RMB 192,600; Annual RMB 321,000. Note that annual tuition increases by year band; published annual amounts for different year groups range from approximately RMB 221,000 up to RMB 334,000 depending on grade. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school issues invoices and accepts payments by semester or annual arrangements as shown on invoices; semester payment amounts are commonly used (see semester figures above). The placement deposit is held against the student account and may be used to settle outstanding fees. - The school requests that bank transfers include the invoice or student reference number to ensure correct allocation of funds. Boarding - YCIS Beijing operates as a day school; there are no boarding charges for this campus. Other costs and optional fees - Bus service fees charged per route/distance (examples: RMB 15,000–RMB 18,500 annually depending on route). - Uniforms, lunches, some co‑curricular activities, individual instrumental lessons or external exam fees are additional and billed separately. - Sibling discounts on tuition only: commonly published at 15% for second child and 25% for third (applies to younger siblings). Refunds and deposit handling - The placement deposit is refundable after deductions for outstanding charges; standard processing timelines cited include refund within 45 days after completion of required departure procedures. The school may use the deposit to settle unpaid account balances. Fee payment options - Bank remittance (RMB or USD accounts), in‑person cash (RMB only), credit/debit card payments in person (service charges may apply), and online payment portals (examples cited: YooPay and WeChat) are accepted. The school provides bank account details for wire transfers. Personal cheques are not accepted. If you require these figures presented in a different format for your database, use the amounts above directly; the figures are given in Chinese yuan (RMB).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system The school uses a House System to structure pastoral care and student life.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership YCIS Beijing is part of the Yew Chung Yew Wah (YCYW) network. It holds accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS). The school uses a Western and Chinese co-leadership model, with a Regional Executive Principal, a Western Co-Principal, and a Chinese Co-Principal.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Harrow Beijing runs a values‑led programme from Early Years to Sixth Form: Early Years (ages 3–5) follow the AISL Harrow Early Years Curriculum (AHEYC) / Little Lions kindergarten framework. In Primary (Years 1–6) the school teaches the English National Curriculum integrated with the International Primary Curriculum, with daily Mandarin, Expressive Arts and a specialist emphasis on PE and outdoor education. The Prep phase (Years 7–8) provides a broad foundation across subjects to prepare students for Upper School. In the Senior Phase (Years 9–11) students consolidate learning and are prepared to sit GCSE/IGCSE examinations in Year 11. The Sixth Form (Years 12–13) follows a two‑year A‑Level programme (with options for a three‑year pathway) and Harrow Beijing lists A‑Level subjects including Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Economics, Mandarin, Further Mathematics, English Literature, Geography, History, Mathematics, Media Studies, Music, Physics, Psychology and Theatre Studies, plus EPQ and other enrichment awards.	Curriculum details Yew Chung International School of Beijing provides a bilingual English–Chinese programme from Early Childhood (around ages 2–4) through Upper Secondary (Year 13). Early Childhood follows the Early Years Foundation Stage and classrooms use a co‑teaching model with Chinese and international teachers; Primary (Years 1–6) follows the National Curriculum for England adapted with a bilingual focus. Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) continues the school's international/Yew Chung curriculum framework, while Years 10–11 prepare students for Cambridge IGCSE examinations. Years 12–13 offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Chinese language and culture are compulsory across secondary with staged ability groupings (CFL/CAL); the school also provides EAL/IEP support, co‑curricular programmes and character education alongside the academic qualifications.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Harrow Beijing states that pastoral care is central to its provision: pupils are assigned tutors and are managed within a House system, supported by Assistant Heads, Pastoral Leads and counsellors. The school delivers a formal PSHE curriculum in the Lower School and an equivalent wellbeing programme in the Upper School; PSHE content and delivery are guided by UK and Chinese policy frameworks. The school also cites structured tutor time, student voice bodies (including a whole-school student council and the Shaftesbury Society), and regular review of the PSHE programme. These elements are described on the school's Pastoral Care page and in the school's PSHE policy.	Social & emotional learning YCIS Beijing describes a Student Support Services department that explicitly offers social, emotional and behavioural counselling, parent workshops, individual counselling and social‑skills groups to support students' SEL. The school also frames its curriculum around learning principles that recognise the social nature of learning and that emotions are integral to learning. YCIS highlights life‑skills and a wellness curriculum as part of its pastoral provision and encourages parent engagement through workshops and webinars. Specific staff roles named on the site include a School Counsellor and a Student Support Services lead who coordinate Learning Support, Student Counselling and University Guidance.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Harrow Beijing publishes a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) policy (last updated January 2025) that sets out admissions considerations, referral procedures and the types of support available. Published examples of provision include EAL/Chinese acquisition programmes, learning support (small-group literacy and maths), dyslexia intervention, social skills training, fine-motor skills work, referral to the school psychologist or external specialists, and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with regular review. The policy describes how students are admitted to, and returned from, specialist support programmes and how access arrangements for public examinations are managed. The school presents SEND provision as part of its mainstream inclusive offer and does not present itself as a specialist SEN institution in its published policy documents.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school's Student Support Services webpage states that its Learning Support provision includes in‑class and withdrawal academic support, social‑skills groups and programmes for high‑ability students, coordinated with counselling and university guidance. YCIS presents these services as part of a broader Student Support Services department rather than as a separate specialist SEN campus. The school's website does not list specific diagnostic categories (for example dyslexia, ADHD or autism) that it supports, nor does it present itself as a specialist special‑needs institution. For clarity on whether particular types or levels of additional support can be accommodated, the school directs families to contact Student Support or Admissions.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Harrow Beijing's English Language Acquisition Policy (last updated 04 February 2025) states that English acquisition is a primary focus and sets out a whole-school CLIL approach with multiple pathways: mainstream differentiation, targeted ‘‘push-in'' or ‘‘pull-out'' support, short- or long-term intensive English programmes, and EAL-qualified teaching staff. The policy names classroom programmes and approaches (for example Read Write Inc phonics in Early Years/Lower School, Talk for Writing, Voice 21 oracy approaches, and structured reading schemes) and specifies assessment frameworks (Pearson GSE in Upper School; Bell Framework in Lower School). Staffing and quality measures are described (EAL teacher qualifications minimum CELTA or equivalent, CPD for CLIL, and timetabling to reflect language needs).	English as an additional language YCIS Beijing publishes information about an established EAL provision: the Secondary programme describes tiered levels (EIP — English Intensive Programme, EAL and ELL) to match beginner, intermediate and advanced needs, and notes pull‑out language and literacy classes and EAL options within IGCSE and IB programmes. The site includes interviews and descriptions of EAL leadership and teachers and explains that EIP offers more intensive vocabulary and grammar work for beginners. The school's news articles emphasise a dedicated EAL team and parallel language‑and‑literacy lessons tailored to students' levels.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Harrow Beijing describes a counselling and psychological support structure: the school's safeguarding/pastoral pages describe a counselling team led by an in‑house Educational Psychologist, and a parent newsletter notes a full‑time school psychologist plus two emotional counsellors available to students. The PSHE/wellbeing curriculum, tutor system (including Close Personal Tutoring/CPT) and assemblies are cited as routine opportunities to support student wellbeing and signpost help. The school states that referrals to the school psychologist or other specialists form part of its support pathways, and that counselling staff and pastoral teams work with tutors and House leaders. These arrangements are described in the school's safeguarding, pastoral and parent communications.	Mental wellbeing YCIS Beijing's Student Support Services includes individual counselling, social and behavioural support and parent workshops as part of its stated approach to wellbeing. The school has described a life‑skills and wellness curriculum and reports an in‑house wellbeing programme and 24‑hour bilingual counselling access for staff across the YCYW network. During periods of remote learning the school also published guidance that includes mindfulness activities and strategies for managing wellbeing at home. For more detailed, case‑specific mental‑health supports (for example clinical referral options), families are asked to contact Student Support directly.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Harrow Beijing publishes a safeguarding statement and describes a multi‑person Safeguarding Team with several Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), phase safeguarding committees and staff trained to an "internationally recognized standard." The school names an Assistant Head of School as a DSL and reports participation in regional safeguarding work (FOBISIA Executive Safeguarding Committee); it also states that safeguarding practice is subject to internal and external audits and AISL governance inspections. The Pastoral Care page and the Safeguarding section link to the school's safeguarding policy and describe safer‑recruitment procedures, training and the formation of online‑safety and pastoral safeguarding committees.	Safeguarding YCIS/YCYW states a formal commitment to safeguarding and child protection and the school requires staff to read and comply with Child Protection policies and procedures. Recruitment materials for YCIS/YCYW say the organisation aligns its practices with the International Task Force on Child Protection and implements checks such as identity and criminal‑record checks before appointment. The school website includes a Child Protection section and a privacy policy that addresses protection of children's personal information. For full details of procedures and reporting routes, the site refers readers to its Child Protection policy and the Student Support or admissions teams.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Harrow Beijing has two purpose-built campuses: the City Campus for Early Years to Year 1 and the Hegezhuang Campus for Year 2 to Year 13. The City Campus is set in a green and leafy community, while the Hegezhuang Campus is located in a village area near the airport express. The facilities are designed to foster curiosity, creativity and intellectual growth, with spaces including a theatre and dining halls and a range of multi-functional learning environments. A 360-degree virtual tour is available to explore both campuses.	Facilities overview YCIS Beijing is located at Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100025, China. It serves expatriate students aged 2 to 18 (K2 to Year 13) and offers Early Childhood to Upper Secondary education. It holds accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS). The learning environment is bilingual, with Chinese and Western teachers working with families to develop confident, caring, and curious learners. There are over 120 co-curricular activities and a culturally diverse community with students from more than 45 nationalities. The Yew Chung Yew Wah network provides more than 90 years of educational experience.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campuses include outdoor spaces and sports areas. The Hegezhuang Campus provides multi-functional spaces to support learning and activity from Year 2 to Year 13.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The lower years follow the English National Curriculum integrated with the International Primary Curriculum, with daily Mandarin instruction and Expressive Arts, and the teaching aligns with Chinese Ministry of Education guidelines for ages 3–6. The school offers both IGCSE and A Level programmes, with A Levels available in a wide range of subjects including Mandarin. The Three-Year A Level Programme combines a Foundation year with two years of A Level study, while the Four-Year Programme provides two years of IGCSE followed by two years of A Level study.	Academic facilities The school offers the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). It has a proven track record of excellent educational results in these programmes. Recent university acceptances include Peking University, Tsinghua University, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London, Stanford University, University of California campuses, Cornell University, National University of Singapore, and The University of Hong Kong. The campus is located in Honglingjin Park, Chaoyang District, Beijing. The school is CIS-accredited.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers extracurricular activities such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), LAMDA, Duke of Edinburgh Award and a Sports Leadership Award, along with student clubs and international exchange opportunities.	Extra curricular facilities The school offers over 120 co-curricular activities. It provides In-School Instrumental Programme (IIIP) for private instrument lessons during school hours, with group instrumental activities such as orchestra, jazz band, and musicals.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Harrow Beijing was established in 2005. It is an overseas member of the Harrow network and is linked with the Harrow Overseas Member Alliance and the AISL Harrow schools group. The school describes its approach as drawing on the traditions of Harrow School in London while operating in a Chinese context. Administrative and community links are organised through the Harrow family / AISL structures rather than as a standalone local institution.	History Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) opened in 1995. The school is part of the Yew Chung Yew Wah (YCYW) education network, a group of international and early‑childhood schools that operate across Hong Kong, mainland China and Silicon Valley. From its early years YCIS Beijing has used a bilingual Chinese–Western approach with paired Chinese and Western teachers in early years and primary classrooms and a co‑leadership model at senior levels. The campus was established to bring the Yew Chung pedagogy to expatriate families and has grown to serve several hundred students from many nationalities.
Community	Community The Harrow Beijing community comprises Chinese and international families and a multinational staff body. The school programme and calendar include regular community and cultural events — examples shown on the site include Mid‑Autumn Festival, Temple Fair, Chinese New Year performances, Summer Picnic, Sports Day and seasonal concerts. Families and students also participate in service and community projects and in school productions and house events throughout the year.	Community The school describes an active, multicultural community that holds regular cultural and community events such as Community BBQs, Global Community Day and festival celebrations (Christmas, Chinese New Year), and stage and music performances. These events are used to bring families, staff and students together and to mark cultural occasions in the school calendar. The community also engages in charity and wellbeing initiatives (for example, support for New Day Foster Home and a school Food Committee) that involve students and families.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Friends of Harrow (FoH) is the parent–staff association that provides practical support to the school and helps new families settle in. FoH organises specific activities such as the Welcome Coffee Morning for new parents, an Autumn Fair, Staff Appreciation Lunch, a Friends of Harrow shop and book fairs, and it runs social and fundraising events involving parents from different backgrounds. The school also runs a Parents Partnership Programme based on Professor Joyce Epstein's model, which covers communication, volunteering, decision‑making, community collaboration, learning at home and parental training. In the Lower School, parent class representatives act as the primary contact between parents and teachers, facilitate social interaction and may organise class activities or handle practical questions. In the Upper School, the Parent Consultative Committee (PCC) is made up of one parent from each Phase in each House and meets (typically) once a term to raise questions and discuss matters with the school.	Parent teacher association YCIS Beijing refers to an organised parent body as the Parent Organisation (PO), which the school says is active in promoting community wellbeing. The PO is mentioned as supporting and participating in community events such as the Community BBQ and Global Community Day. The school's recent reporting also highlights parent involvement in charity work and wellbeing programmes (for example work linked to New Day Foster Home and the Food Committee). Through these activities the Parent Organisation helps connect families with school events and community service opportunities. The school's public communications present the PO as a regular contributor to campus community life rather than as a separate governance body.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers a continuous educational program from kindergarten through Year 13. GCSEs are available in the senior years, followed by A Levels in the sixth form. The Little Lions Curriculum (LLC) supports Early Years education, and the school provides an academic pathway that combines British traditions with a Chinese context.	Academic & intellectual YCIS Beijing serves expatriate students aged 2–18 (K2–Year 13). The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and IGCSE and has a track record of strong results in these programmes. It was established in 1995 and holds accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS). The campus is located in Honglingjin Park, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100025, China.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative LAMDA training is offered as part of leadership in action, with public speaking, acting and related arts activities available as part of a broad arts and performance program. Accelerated Reader supports reading development.	Arts & creative The school provides over 120 co-curricular activities (CCAs). The In-School Instrumental Programme (IIIP) offers in‑school music instruction. A Western and Chinese leadership model supports programming across arts and music at YCIS Beijing.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school uses Content Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) to develop subject knowledge alongside English language proficiency, with additional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) in the Sixth Form and dedicated Language & Learning support for newcomers. More than 70% of teaching staff are expatriate educators, supporting an English-language learning environment.	Cultural & language The school provides a bilingual learning environment with Chinese and Western teachers. The leadership team comprises Western and Chinese Co‑Principals. Students represent over 45 nationalities. The school is part of the Yew Chung Yew Wah network with a mission emphasis on science and technology, culture and arts, and love and charity.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A broad program of co-curricular activities is described, including arts, music, drama, sports and clubs that provide opportunities to practice English and engage with a global peer community.	Social & hobbies Co-curricular Activities number over 120 offerings, providing clubs and groups beyond academics. IIIP contributes to music and performance opportunities. The diverse CCAs support a wide range of interests and talents.
Community & service	Community & service The school emphasizes a holistic education that blends British heritage with Chinese context and fosters an international, cross-cultural learning environment. The community is structured to support leadership, service and global perspectives.	Community & service The mission emphasizes Building a Bright Future for Humanity and aligns with Love and Charity. YCIS Beijing is part of the Yew Chung Yew Wah network. The school provides a Careers and University Guidance Office to support student development.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership in Action programs are part of the school, including pathways in the arts, sports, LAMDA and service and community activities that develop leadership and professional skills.	Leadership & professional The school is led by a Regional Executive Principal, Ms Christine Xu. The Western Co-Principal is Ms Shelley Swift and the Chinese Co-Principal is Ms Jessica Sun. The Careers and University Guidance Office supports college planning.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus structure supports a balanced lifestyle with two purpose-built campuses and extensive facilities for outdoor play, sports, arts and well-being, aligned with an emphasis on holistic development.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Early Childhood focuses on whole-child development, building character, and instilling values. In Early Childhood, children aged two to four are immersed in a bilingual learning environment with Chinese and Western teachers. The school emphasizes a nurturing, values-based approach to education across the early years.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction and communication. Newcomers receive additional Language & Learning classes to support language development, and CLIL (Content Language Integrated Learning) is used to develop subject knowledge alongside English proficiency. English language learning programs are personalized. The school sets explicit language proficiency targets for different grade levels and conducts assessments at least twice a year to track progress.	Language provision English and Chinese are core languages of instruction. In Early Childhood, English and Chinese language skills are developed equally, and learners are encouraged to develop language skills in their mother tongue. In Primary and Secondary, Chinese is taught as CFL or CAL, with Chinese Studies part of the curriculum. In Secondary, most lessons are taught in English to prepare for IGCSE and IB, while Chinese language and culture remain central.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching YCIS Beijing uses a bilingual teaching model across Early Childhood through Secondary. In Early Childhood, each class has one English-speaking and one Chinese-speaking teacher who co-plan and co-teach, and English and Chinese are developed equally. The school operates with a Western and Chinese co-leadership model.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs The co-teaching model provides an immersive bilingual environment across the curriculum. English and Chinese language skills are developed through a bilingual curriculum with equal emphasis, including the Early Childhood years. English Language support is provided through EAL/EIP, including an English Intensive Programme, and Chinese culture is integrated through Chinese Studies and Experiencing China.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards 1) British Schools Awards — "Empowering Students" Award (the school's news item reports: "On 5 November, Harrow Beijing won the ‘Empowering Students' Award at the British Schools Awards gala dinner organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in China"). Significance: an externally run award given to the school (through the British Schools Awards) recognising the school's work to give students a stronger voice within the school community. Notes: I included only items that the Harrow Beijing website explicitly presents as accreditations/official recognitions or as awards to the school. The site highlights many student-level awards and exam-board recognitions (Pearson Edexcel / Cambridge highest marks and learner awards) but those are awarded to individual students rather than to the school and so are not listed here. Relevant school pages used: Harrow Beijing (news and information pages).	Awards Awards the school has won (as listed on the school website) in the past five years (Jan 1, 2021–Jan 1, 2026): - Forbes China Outstanding International Schools Award (2023) — YCIS Beijing reports receiving the 2023 Forbes China Outstanding International Schools award; the school's news item describes the award as recognising performance across operations, teaching standards, financial strength and certifications. - 2023 Tencent International School Comprehensive Strength Benchmark Award — YCIS Beijing reports receiving this Tencent award in December 2023; the school's announcement indicates the award recognises overall institutional strength across academic, operational and programme dimensions. Note: the school website also references older recognitions (for example, a Cambridge ‘‘Award for Excellence in Education'' received by the YCYW/YCIS network in earlier years), but that award falls outside the 5‑year window you specified and therefore is not included above. The network's and campus pages refer to that historical recognition.
Accreditations	Accreditations 1) Accredited by the British Council (listed as "Accredited by the British Council" on the school site) — this refers to the school being recognised in the British Council's IELTS performance data (the site notes Harrow Beijing was selected into the top national tier of IELTS performance, described as "British Council IELTS Model Schools"). Significance: indicates external, exam-related recognition of the school's English-language outcomes and that the school appears in the British Council's published IELTS performance data. 2) Authorised LAMDA learning centre and LAMDA examination centre (the site states Harrow Beijing established a LAMDA learning centre and "became a LAMDA exam centre"). Significance: shows the school is an approved centre for LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) examinations and courses, which means it is formally authorised to deliver LAMDA teaching and hold LAMDA exams on site.	Accreditations Yew Chung International School of Beijing — accreditations listed on the school website: - Council of International Schools (CIS) — The school is accredited by CIS; CIS accreditation means an external, multi-year review has found the school meets internationally recognised standards for governance, teaching and learning, student welfare and continuous improvement. - International Baccalaureate (IB) World School — The Secondary School is authorised as an IB World School to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP); IB authorisation indicates the school has met the IB Organisation's requirements for curriculum, teacher training and assessment for the Diploma Programme. - Cambridge International Examinations Centre (IGCSE/ICE) — The Secondary School is an authorised Cambridge centre for IGCSE/Cambridge examinations; this authorisation allows the school to enter students for Cambridge qualifications and shows it follows Cambridge's administrative and examination centre standards.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Initial enquiry and visit. During a visit or Open Day you will be shown the facilities, meet admissions/academic staff and have an opportunity to ask about year-group availability and programme detail. Parents who cannot visit can use the school's online resources (virtual tour, prospectus, videos) before applying. 2. Submit the online application and pay the registration fee. Applications are made through the school's online portal (harrowbeijing.openapply.cn) and the school charges a one‑time registration fee of 3,500 RMB payable at the point of application; the application should include required documents such as passport pages, recent school reports (two years), a teacher reference and photos. The Admissions Quick Guide lists exactly which documents are required and confirms the registration fee and online submission URL. Early application is recommended because demand is high and waiting-list priority is based on submission date. 3. School review, consultation and age placement. After you submit the application the Admissions team will review the documents and confirm the appropriate year group using the school's age-placement guide (placements follow dates of birth). Depending on the child's age and the year group applied for, the school may arrange a consultation, assessment or interview with academic staff; details and timing are set by the Admissions Office after they receive a completed application. Note that Harrow Beijing describes itself as academically selective; where academic requirements are not met or spaces are limited, this will affect the decision or placement offered. 4. Specific entry rules for older year groups. The school does not permit direct entry to Year 11 or Year 13 and does not permit entry to Year 10 or Year 12 after the October half‑term for that academic year—parents should plan timing accordingly if applying for those year groups. For applicants seeking direct entry into Year 12 (A Level), the school specifies academic prerequisites (a minimum of five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above and Grade B or above in any intended A‑Level subject). If you are applying for a senior place, confirm the exact subject and examination equivalency requirements with Admissions. 5. Offer, acceptance and deposit timeline. If a place is offered the school will send a formal Offer and an Acceptance Form; parents are asked to sign and return the Acceptance Form and to make the advance payment of tuition fees by the deadline. The school typically guarantees a place for two weeks after an offer is made to allow return of the Acceptance Form and payment; if the acceptance and payment are not completed by the deadline the place may be offered to another applicant. For payment the Admissions Quick Guide gives bank details and requests clear name/year‑group references on transfers. 6. Fees, sibling discounts and other cost notes. Harrow Beijing publishes year‑by‑year tuition for the academic year (example: Pre‑Nursery and Nursery 228,600 RMB; Reception 259,600 RMB; Year 1 282,600 RMB; Year 9–11 336,000 RMB; Year 12–13 356,600 RMB for 2025–2026); the school also notes that certain year groups offer an English Intensive class that incurs additional fees. Sibling discounts are applied to the youngest child in order of birth (2nd child 5%, 3rd child 10%, 4th and subsequent 15%). Check the Tuition Fees document and the Admissions Quick Guide for the currently published year, and ask Admissions about any additional charges (bus, meals, uniforms, optional programmes). 7. Final preparation and start. Once the Acceptance Form is returned and the advance payment is processed, the school will confirm the enrolment and provide practical information (timetables, uniform, bus routes, canteen). Ensure that visas/permits (for international applicants) and any medical or other documentation requested are ready well before the start date. If no space is immediately available but your child meets entry requirements, the school will place them on a waiting list (see below).	Admissions 1. Initial enquiry & online application. Parents should be prepared to provide basic details about the child (date of birth, current year level, nationality) and to ask about current space availability for the child's year group. 2. Submit application form + required documents and pay application fee. After completing the online form you will be asked to upload supporting documents (commonly: passport, recent school reports, and proof of residency/visa and health/immunisation records) and to pay the non‑refundable application fee; published external listings report an application fee of around RMB 2,500. Parents should confirm the exact document checklist and fees with Admissions before submitting because requirements can vary by age and nationality and because official amounts and accepted document formats may change. 3. Assessment / interview and placement check. For most applicants YCIS Beijing carries out age‑appropriate assessments and/or interviews (these can include classroom observations in Early Childhood, literacy/numeracy checks in Primary, and subject/English assessments or interview for Secondary) and reviews previous school records to recommend the correct placement. For IGCSE and IB entry the school notes that acceptance can be limited at particular times in the academic calendar because placement depends on prior subject coverage; parents should ask Admissions which subjects and levels can be taken mid‑year. Expect communications from the admissions team about scheduling the assessment and any language or learning‑support arrangements the school may offer. 4. Offer letter, placement deposit and invoice. If the school offers a place you will receive an offer letter and invoice; third‑party fee summaries for YCIS Beijing show a refundable placement/security deposit (commonly quoted as RMB 20,000) in addition to the first term/year tuition. Parents should check the payment deadline on the offer (deposit deadlines commonly secure the place) and confirm whether the deposit is refundable and under what conditions. Also ask about the school's published sibling discounts, early payment discounts, bus fees and other recurring charges so you can budget the full cost of attendance. 5. Registration, visa documentation and start planning logistics. After deposit payment the school will confirm registration and provide joining instructions (start date, orientation, uniform and supply lists, bus enrolment, medical/insurance requirements). International families should coordinate visa/residency documentation and any medical checks or local registration the school requires; contact Admissions early if your child will need English language support or has additional learning needs so the school can advise on available services. Finally, confirm the academic calendar and welcome/orientation sessions so your child's first week is planned in advance.
Scholarships	Scholarships Harrow Beijing runs scholarship programmes and also participates in larger AISL Harrow scholarship initiatives. The school's admissions pages and the Harrow Scholarship information note that Harrow Beijing has offered scholarships such as the AISL Scholarship, a 20th Anniversary Scholarship, and the 450 Scholarship in recent cycles; the AISL Harrow scholarship rounds have included fully funded (tuition‑free) two‑year A‑Level awards targeted at outstanding Sixth‑Form applicants. Scholarship programmes change from year to year (eligibility criteria, application windows, assessment dates and whether full or partial funding is offered), and the school's announcements give the specific application deadline and assessment/interview timetable for each competition (for example, an AISL Harrow scholarship round listed application and assessment dates for the 2025–27 cycle). For current scholarship offerings, eligibility rules and how to apply, contact the Admissions Office or refer to the Harrow Scholarship pages and the AISL Harrow scholarship portal linked from the school website.	Scholarships YCIS Beijing participates in the YCYW Scholarship Programme and publishes scholarship rounds and winners on its site and news pages. The programme is merit‑based, open to both current and prospective students entering Years 7–13 (as announced for the 2024–2025 cycle), and includes multiple award streams—examples listed by the school are the Madam Tsang Chor‑hang Memorial Scholarship, IGCSE/IB/A Level awards, and subject & talent awards (academics, arts, music, sport and community service). The school's scholarship announcements and the scholarship application notice state that one online application can be used to apply for multiple awards, that candidates are assessed on academic record, leadership, contribution to the school community and demonstrated talent, and that there are published application deadlines (for the 2024–2025 round the deadline was published as 16 February 2024). Parents should check the current scholarship announcement or contact the Scholarships/Admissions team for the latest eligibility rules, deadlines, the scope of fee remission (partial vs. full), and whether awards are renewable year to year.
Waitlist	Waitlist Harrow Beijing operates a waiting‑list system. If an applicant meets the school's academic and social entry requirements but no places are available at the time of application, the student will be placed on a waiting list until a space becomes available. The Admissions Quick Guide states that priority on the waiting lists is determined by the date the completed application was submitted, which is why the school recommends early application. If you are placed on the list, contact Admissions to confirm your child's position and to update any changed circumstances or documents; Admissions can advise typical wait times for the specific year group.	Waitlist YCIS Beijing's public admissions pages emphasise rolling admissions and advise families to contact the Admissions Office about specific enrolment availability, but the school website does not publish a formal waitlist policy or a detailed waitlist procedure. Because space can be limited—especially for particular secondary programmes or popular year groups—the usual practice is to contact Admissions to ask whether a place is available or whether your child can be placed on a holding list; Admissions can explain current availability, expected timelines and any priority categories (for example, internal YCIS transfers). If you need a definitive statement about waitlist placement, position, or how offers are released, request that information in writing from the Admissions Office so you have the school's current procedure and timelines.
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