Harrow International School Shanghai vs Wellington College International Shanghai

	H Harrow International School Shanghai Shanghai, China	W Wellington College International Shanghai Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 273,800 - 385,300	Fees / year RMB 292,400 - 391,000
Age range	Age range 1½ - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 450	Pupils 1,600
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 19
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 2016	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Harrow International School Shanghai is located in Pudong New Area at No. 588 Gaoxi Road, Shanghai (east of the Huangpu River). The school website gives the full address and a ‘How to find us' / map link for visitors; it is reachable by Shanghai's road network and by the school's dedicated bus routes.	Location Wellington College International Shanghai is in the Qiantan International Business District, Pudong New District (No.1500 Yao Long Road; campus main gate listed as No.100 Hai Yang Xi Road). The school also operates a separate Early Years Centre (No.195 Tongwan Road). The nearest metro is Oriental Sports Center (Lines 6, 8 and 11 — exit 4 is the recommended exit and involves a short walk via Yaoti/Yaolong roads).
Stages	Stages The school serves pupils aged 18 months to 18 years and is organised into Early Years, Pre-Prep, Prep, Senior and Sixth Form phases (Early Years 1.5–5; Pre-Prep 5–9; Prep 9–13; Senior 13–16; Sixth Form 16–18).	Stages The school runs an Early Years Centre for children aged c.2–5 (Pre‑Nursery, Nursery, Reception), a Primary/Prep phase and a Secondary phase up to Year 13. Years 10–11 follow IGCSE programmes and Years 12–13 study the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP); the school's published age range is from the Early Years through to graduation around age 18.
School type	School type Harrow Shanghai is a co-educational international day school for ages 18 months–18 years; the school's public pages describe the Harrow curriculum and pupil age range but do not advertise on-site boarding facilities.	School type Wellington Shanghai is a co‑educational private international day school offering a bilingual (English–Mandarin) curriculum and is part of the Wellington College Education (China) group, linked to Wellington College in the UK. The Shanghai campus does not operate a boarding programme (students must reside in Shanghai with a parent).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school runs an Academic Support programme that includes English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision and a Learning Support department for students with mild or time-limited learning needs; support is described as bespoke and coordinated with parents. The site also lists a named SENCO and related policies (e.g., SEND policy).	Additional learning support The school has a Learning Support department that provides bespoke support for pupils with learning difficulties, working with class teachers, families and — where needed — external specialists. Support is planned, reviewed regularly and sits alongside the school's pastoral and wellbeing provision.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Harrow Shanghai is part of the Harrow family of schools and its curriculum is rooted in the English National Curriculum — the school describes itself as connected to the Harrow (UK) tradition.	Country affiliation The campus is affiliated with Wellington College (the founding school in the UK) and is part of the Wellington College Education (China) network — it is an independent international school rather than a government/state school.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not state any religious affiliation on its public information pages; its materials focus on a British international curriculum and school values rather than a faith designation.	Religious affiliation The Shanghai campus does not present itself as a faith school on its website. (For context, the original Wellington College in the UK has historical Church of England roots, but the Shanghai campus does not advertise a religious designation.)
School day structure	School day structure The school follows an academic calendar with term dates and a published school calendar; lessons are organised into the usual taught day with breaks and a lunchtime (school-provided lunch is offered). Exact start/end times and break times are set by year group and are published in the school calendar or provided by Admissions on request.	School day structure The school notes that every school day begins with a pastoral session; break and lunch arrangements and exact school start/end times vary by year group. Detailed daily timetables and term‑specific schedules are published to parents via the school calendar/parent portal — contact Admissions or consult the calendar/parent resources for the precise times for the year group you are considering.
Bus service details	Bus service details An optional school-bus service is available and run for many residential areas in Shanghai; the school names Peixing as a regular transport provider, notes that each bus carries an escort, and that parents of Early Years pupils must provide car seats if they use the bus. Routes and stops change each term to accommodate parents' requests. Bus fees and distance rules are listed on the fees page (service is optional and priced separately).	Bus service details Wellington provides an optional daily school‑bus service operated with a licensed third‑party transport company; routes cover many pick‑up points (the school cites more than 130 in Puxi and 70 in Pudong) and each bus is staffed by a bus monitor responsible for pupils on the journey. Parents register via the EDU365 bus platform; the school publishes a general annual bus fee and a separate Welly Line (local) route and fee schedule (the website shows the Welly Line fee and the standard annual fee with termly breakdowns).
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - A non-refundable, non-transferable application fee of RMB 3,000 is charged for each application. Resources fee - A refundable Resources Fee of RMB 25,000 is payable after acceptance and is held by the school for the duration of the pupil's enrolment. It is non‑interest bearing and will be refunded in RMB when the pupil leaves, subject to deduction against any outstanding sums or costs (for example outstanding tuition, exchange losses, charges for academic materials, transport, lost or unreturned books/equipment, courier fees). Tuition fees (per year group) — amounts shown as Annual / Autumn term / Spring term / Summer term - Cubs & Pre‑Nursery: RMB 273,800 / RMB 113,480 / RMB 85,110 / RMB 85,110. - Nursery & Reception: RMB 282,400 / RMB 117,040 / RMB 87,780 / RMB 87,780. - Year 1 – Year 5: RMB 328,600 / RMB 136,200 / RMB 102,150 / RMB 102,150. - Year 6: RMB 335,500 / RMB 139,070 / RMB 104,300 / RMB 104,300. - Year 7 – Year 9: RMB 358,500 / RMB 148,590 / RMB 111,450 / RMB 111,450. - Year 10: RMB 384,800 / RMB 159,500 / RMB 119,620 / RMB 119,620. - Year 11: RMB 384,800 / RMB 159,500 / RMB 119,620 / RMB 119,620. - Year 12: RMB 385,300 / RMB 159,710 / RMB 119,790 / RMB 119,790. - Year 13: RMB 385,300 (no termly payment option). - Annual payment is available only where the full annual tuition is prepaid by the school's specified prepayment date. Sibling discount - 2nd child: N/A; 3rd child: 5%; 4th child: 10%; 5th and subsequent child: 15%. Transport and catering - School bus (optional, within 30 km): RMB 22,670 per year or RMB 9,070 (Autumn) / RMB 6,800 (Spring) / RMB 6,800 (Summer). Lunch: RMB 8,100 per year (approx RMB 45 per day for lunch + two snacks). Catering provided by Sodexo; payment may be annual, termly or via top‑ups. Boarding - No boarding fees are listed (the school does not list a boarding provision or boarding charges on its fees page). Billing schedule, payment terms and methods - Payment may be made by bank transfer (RMB or USD) or by cash in RMB. For bank transfers, provide a copy of the remittance with pupil name and year group to the finance office. The school uses the official Bank of China middle rate for foreign‑currency transfers; any shortfall must be covered on demand or carried forward to the next invoice. Bank account details (RMB account) are provided by the school for payments. Late payment, withdrawal and refunds - Late payment: administration charge of RMB 2,500 plus interest at 1.5% per month on overdue balances; all administration and legal costs for recovery are payable by the parent/guardian. Withdrawal requires one term's written notice or a term's fees in lieu of notice. On timely withdrawal, the Resources Fee and any surplus funds will be refunded after outstanding amounts are settled and required documentation is returned. The school publishes a withdrawal/refund schedule with notification cut‑offs that determine termly tuition and bus refunds. Refunds of tuition are made after return of the Official Tax Receipt (Fapiao); refund of the Resources Fee requires an approved leaver form.	Fee details Application fees - Application fee: RMB 3,500 (non-refundable; payable when the application is submitted). Tuition fees (annual and term amounts by year group) - Pre‑Nursery / Nursery / Reception: Annual RMB 292,400 — Michaelmas RMB 122,808; Lent RMB 92,106; Summer RMB 92,106. - Years 1–5: Annual RMB 324,600 — Michaelmas RMB 136,332; Lent RMB 102,249; Summer RMB 102,249. - Year 6: Annual RMB 341,800 — Michaelmas RMB 143,556; Lent RMB 107,667; Summer RMB 107,667. - Years 7–9: Annual RMB 356,700 — Michaelmas RMB 149,814; Lent RMB 112,361; Summer RMB 112,361. - Years 10–11: Annual RMB 380,300 — Michaelmas RMB 159,726; Lent RMB 119,795; Summer RMB 119,795. - Years 12–13: Annual RMB 391,000 — no termly payment option. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are published per term; a full term's fees are payable for any term in which the student attends (even if only part of the term). Years 12–13 are not available for termly payment. Boarding fees - The school does not offer a boarding service. All students must live in Shanghai with at least one parent. Other costs - Resource (acceptance) fee: RMB 18,000 (payable on acceptance; held against College property and refunded after return of property less any deductions). - Lunches: charged separately by the catering provider; parents pay the lunch provider directly (annual, termly or top-ups). - Bus service: Standard annual bus RMB 22,050 (termly Michaelmas RMB 9,261; Lent RMB 6,946; Summer RMB 6,946). Welly Line annual bus RMB 14,700 (termly Michaelmas RMB 6,174; Lent RMB 4,631; Summer RMB 4,631). Bus fees are generally non‑refundable once the service has commenced. - Uniform: approximately RMB 3,700 for a full set (items may be purchased separately). - Individual instrumental music tuition, voluntary trips and certain activities are charged separately. Sibling discount: families with three or more children enrolled receive 5% per child. Refund and withdrawal information - The resource fee is refundable after return of College property and deduction for damage or outstanding fees; official receipt/fapiao requirements apply for refunds. If withdrawing, parents must give one full term's written notice or pay one full term's fees in lieu of notice (dates and procedures are specified by the College). Bus fees are generally not refundable once service has started. Fee payment options - Payment accepted by bank transfer or cheque in RMB or USD; cash only in RMB. When paying by bank transfer in foreign currency, the amount received on arrival is used (Bank of China rate applies); remittance advice with pupil name and year group must be submitted to the finance office. Official tax receipts (fapiao) are issued for tuition payments; other service providers issue their own receipts.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school does not offer boarding. All students must reside in Shanghai with at least one parent.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform includes a dark blue blazer (Bluer) and grey trousers (Greyers); a Harrow hat is worn as part of the uniform.	Uniform requirement Uniforms and sports kits are mandatory. The dress code is specified for each year group, and the uniform shop is on the first floor of Building A next to the V&A Café.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Catering is provided by Aden. Menus include daily Asian and Western options such as sandwiches and noodles with vegetarian choices, and allergens are posted; the environment is nut-free.
House system	House system The school has a House System divided into four Houses, with a House and tutor system that supports academic progress and inter-house competitions.	House system The house system comprises eight houses: Combermere, Hill, Hopetoun, Wellesley, Stanley, Lynedoch, Hardinge and Orange. Pupils are allocated to a house on joining and remain in it; houses coordinate academic, artistic and sporting activities and foster school identity.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is governed by Asia International School Limited; the Chair of Governors is Dr Rosanna Wong.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by Wellington College Education (China) (WCEC). The governing framework includes the WCEC Executive Board, School Affairs Boards and four sub-committees (Academic, Facilities and Services, Finance and HR, Safeguarding). Appointments come from Wellington College in the UK and WCEC.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Harrow International School Shanghai bases its programme on the English National Curriculum, combining an examined strand (preparation for public exams) with a broader non‑examined curriculum for wider skills and enrichment. Early Years (18 months–5 years) follow a bespoke early years programme with dedicated facilities, moving into Pre‑Prep (ages 5–9) and Prep (9–13) which build knowledge and skills toward the Senior curriculum. The Senior School (ages 13–16) delivers IGCSE courses, normally taken in Years 10–11, and the Sixth Form (ages 16–18) runs a two‑year A‑Level programme (AS in Year 12, A‑Level in Year 13) with students typically studying three to four subjects. Mandarin is taught as a core language from Pre‑Nursery to Year 9 and becomes elective in Upper School with IGCSE and AS/A‑Level pathways available. The school also provides specialist music and drama lessons, performing and creative arts, and a broad extra‑curricular activities programme to complement formal qualifications.	Curriculum details Wellington College International Shanghai delivers a bilingual (English–Mandarin) curriculum across Early Years, Primary and Secondary stages, integrating Mandarin as a core subject and offering a Dual Language Pathway. The Early Years Centre (Pre‑Nursery, Nursery, Reception; ages 2–5) follows a bespoke programme linked to the UK Early Years Foundation Stage with play‑based and inquiry approaches. The Primary School (Years 1–6) uses the English National Curriculum adapted for international learners, delivered through a concept‑based Programme of Inquiry and substantial Chinese language provision. The Secondary School serves ages 11–18 (Years 7–13): pupils study towards IGCSE qualifications in Years 10–11 (core English, mathematics, sciences plus options in humanities, languages, arts and PE). Sixth Form (Years 12–13) follows the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP); Mandarin study routes include IGCSE Mandarin in Years 10–11 and IB language options (ab initio, Chinese B, or Chinese A at SL/HL) in the Diploma years.
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 Shanghai places SEL within its pastoral care structures, centred on a House and tutor system where each pupil belongs to a tutor group and meets their tutor daily; the Senior Housemaster leads wellbeing provision and oversight. The school describes tutor groups and the House system as the primary mechanism for monitoring and supporting students' personal development and character education. Wellbeing activities are delivered through the school's PSHE programme and targeted initiatives such as talks and themed weeks that cover topics like mental wellbeing, sleep hygiene and stress management. The website also highlights school-wide events (for example, Free Thinking/identity weeks and expeditions) that provide opportunities for reflection, collaboration and leadership.	Social & emotional learning Wellington states that pastoral care is central to the College and that every school day begins with a pastoral session led by class teachers, form tutors, heads of year and tutors to provide one-to-one and group discussions, quiet self‑study and wellbeing reflection. The school says its wellbeing curriculum was developed in partnership with the Institute of Positive Education and includes age‑appropriate PSHE elements and mindfulness to build emotional literacy. Pastoral provision is described as operating across Early Years to Year 13, with class teachers taking the lead in Early Years/Primary and heads of year and tutors leading in Senior School. Specific staff roles named on the site include heads of year, tutors and specialists from the Pupil Services department.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Harrow Shanghai's Learning Support department provides targeted, bespoke interventions for students with mild learning challenges and for those who need curriculum adaptation or subject-specific support to reach their potential. The school says support is time-limited and designed to address specific gaps so students can access the mainstream curriculum; differentiation in class is also identified as a routine practice. The learning support descriptions cover students who display barriers to learning as well as those with higher-than-average aptitude needing extension. The school's published materials do not identify it as a specialist SEN institution; the online information focuses on in-school learning support rather than specialist external placements.	Special educational needs (SEN) The College's website describes a Learning Support department that provides support and guidance to pupils with learning difficulties at varying levels and that the school works closely with teachers, pupils and parents to identify, plan and review bespoke support. The school states that, in some cases, it will engage external partners where the need demands it, and the site references external speech‑language specialists in related events. The website does not present Wellington College International Shanghai as a specialist SEN institution; provision is described as school‑based Learning Support rather than specialised residential or specialist SEN provision. Specific diagnostic categories (for example, autism spectrum disorder, specific learning disorders, etc.) are not listed on the public pages.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Harrow Shanghai publishes an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme that offers bespoke language support for non-native English speakers with limited English, combining academic and pastoral support to help pupils integrate into mainstream British-style classes. The programme's stated aims include teaching all aspects of English, providing subject-specific support, helping students work independently in mainstream classrooms, and supporting staff with EAL best practice. The school describes EAL provision as individualised so pupils can progress at their own pace until they have the classroom language and confidence required to join mainstream lessons.	English as an additional language Wellington publishes a dedicated explanation of its EAL provision: pupils are grouped by ability into three tiers (beginners, intermediate and highly proficient) and may receive targeted small‑group intervention, in‑class EAL teacher support or enrichment and challenge as appropriate. The site names a Director of English as Additional Language and describes practices such as withdrawal groups, in‑class support from EAL teachers and a 1:1 reading programme with interns to develop English proficiency. The pages emphasise immersion in an English‑rich environment alongside structured support to develop both conversational and academic English.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school's wellbeing provision is managed through its pastoral structures and led at a senior level (Senior Housemaster), with the PSHE programme explicitly covering mental wellbeing topics and initiatives such as stress management and sleep hygiene. Harrow Shanghai also runs wider programmes and school events intended to build resilience and self-reflection (for example themed weeks and expeditions). Additionally, the school operates an on-site Clinic staffed for first aid and student health needs, and it publishes clinic opening hours and procedures for when a student becomes unwell. Together these elements are presented as part of the school's approach to promoting a safe and supportive environment for student wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing The school describes a central Pupil Services hub that includes counselling, life coaches and learning support and states that wellbeing is delivered through timetabled lessons and specialist interventions. A news article on the site reports that the Pupil Services team includes trained coaches, counsellors, staff trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and art therapists, and that there are fortnightly wellbeing lessons from Year 1 to 13 developed with the Institute of Positive Education. The site also refers to workshops from external specialists (for example ELG) and parent workshops as part of the wider mental‑health provision. Specific hour‑by‑hour service schedules or clinical treatment protocols are not published on the public pages.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Harrow Shanghai states a clear commitment to child protection on its website and publishes its child protection page with named Designated Safeguarding Officers and a contact email for concerns (troundell@harrowshanghai.cn). The school requires staff and visitors to comply with its child protection and safeguarding policies and notes that all adults undergo safeguarding checks as part of recruitment processes. The published pages describe training, supervision, and guidance for staff to identify and respond to concerns, and direct parents to the appropriate safeguarding contacts within each school section. For more detail the school's child protection page lists named officers and contact routes.	Safeguarding Wellington's safeguarding pages state the College has robust child‑protection policies and procedures, requires all staff to read and sign the Safeguarding Policy and Staff Code of Conduct annually, and provides annual safeguarding training for staff. The school says it follows the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection for recruitment and requires rigorous background checks for staff appointments. The site gives a named contact for safeguarding concerns (Designated Safeguarding Lead, Gemma McDonagh) and offers the full Safeguarding Policy as a downloadable document. For details of policy text, reporting routes or statutory timings, the site directs readers to the downloadable safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school has a purpose-built campus in Waigaoqiao, Pudong. The Early Years area is in its own wing with dedicated play spaces. Upper School facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, ICT suites and art studios. The sports complex features a double-sized indoor sports hall for eight sports, a rooftop running track, a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym and floodlit football and rugby pitches. The school has a modern music and drama complex with practice rooms, a Black Box and a lecture theatre, and the Simon Armitage Library occupies two levels with a multi-media centre.	Facilities overview The campus includes two swimming pools, a sports hall, a running track, football and rugby pitches, and the Dome. The Wellington College Theatre and Blackbox Theatre provide spaces for performances by pupils across year groups. Art and Design & Technology studios and private practice spaces support creative work. The academic facilities are state-of-the-art with interactive digital whiteboards, VR headsets, digital tablets, a robotics lab and a miniature planetarium. An all-new organic garden offers hands-on learning about sustainable food production and horticulture.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has a double-sized indoor sports hall that accommodates eight sports. It has a rooftop running track, a multi-purpose playground, a 25-metre swimming pool and a gym. Floodlit football and rugby pitches are available on site. Nearby facilities include additional pitches and water sports such as rowing, dinghy-sailing and dragon boats, as well as tennis and golf.	Sports facilities World-class sports facilities include three 11-a-side football pitches, three basketball courts, three volleyball courts, up to seven netball and tennis courts, a 25-meter pool and a 15-meter pool, and a 400-meter athletics track. The Wellington Extra programme provides additional small-group training. The school recognises talent through Sports Fellowship and Scholarship programmes. The sports programme supports competitive teams and local, regional and international competition opportunities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school has state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, ICT suites and art studios. The Early Years area has its own wing with dedicated spaces suitable for younger learners. The Simon Armitage Library spans two levels and includes a multi-media centre to support reading, research and independent study. The campus is equipped with an air filtration system and air conditioning designed to maintain good air quality for occupants.	Academic facilities Academic facilities are state-of-the-art with interactive digital whiteboards, VR headsets, digital tablets, a robotics lab and a miniature planetarium.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school has a modern music and drama complex with practice rooms, a Black Box and a lecture theatre, supporting performing arts. There are abundant play areas across the campus for informal activities. The Simon Armitage Library provides spaces for independent study and collaborative work through a two-level facility and a multi-media centre. Nearby facilities include additional pitches and water sports opportunities such as rowing, dinghy-sailing and dragon boats, along with tennis and golf in the surrounding area.	Extra curricular facilities The Dome and professional-grade theatre spaces support performances in dance, orchestra, drama and musical theatre. Regular productions and concerts engage pupils across year groups. Art and D&T studios, along with private practice spaces, support a wide range of creative pursuits. The organic garden provides hands-on learning about sustainable farming and horticulture.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Harrow International School Shanghai opened in 2016 as part of the Harrow family of schools and is presented on the school website as one of the Harrow campuses established during the group's expansion in Asia. The school links its identity and traditions to Harrow School in the UK and to the wider AISL/AISL Harrow network that manages Harrow-branded schools in the region. Harrow Shanghai's founding and placement within the Harrow network are described on the school's history and main pages. The school's contact and corporate details reference Asia International School Limited as the regional principal/administrative address.	History Wellington College International Shanghai opened in 2014 as part of the Wellington College Education (China) group and sits within the wider Wellington College global network. The Wellington China group (WCEC) was founded by Joy Qiao in 2009 and had opened its first school in Tianjin in 2011 before expanding to Shanghai in 2014. The school is governed through WCEC's multi‑layered model, which includes a WCEC Executive Board and a School Affairs Board responsible for strategic oversight and school‑level governance. Wellington College Education (China) positions its schools as part of a coordinated network that shares leadership and standards across sites.
Community	Community The school describes a close-knit community of around 500 pupils from roughly 350 families, many with Chinese cultural heritage, and notes that families are active and supportive participants in school life. Harrow Shanghai runs regular cultural and community events that include seasonal festivals, performances and fairs which engage parents, grandparents and extended family. Several news posts on the site document large community gatherings such as Chinese New Year celebrations and other school-wide fairs.	Community The school community comprises pupils, parents, staff and alumni who take part in a busy annual calendar of community and cultural events organised with parental involvement. Regular highlights include UN Day and the International Food Festival (IFF), a Winter Bazaar, a Summer Festival and an Annual Ball, all of which bring together families and staff to celebrate cultural diversity and the school year. Parent and pupil testimony published by the school emphasises the role of the house system and co‑curricular activities in building community connections and cross‑year relationships.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Parent involvement at Harrow Shanghai is channelled through the school's parent/staff community (referred to in event posts as Friends of Harrow). Parents and staff have organised and supported major events such as the Harrow Ball (used as a community social event and charity fundraiser — the inaugural ball page records RMB 135,200 raised for the WILL Foundation) and have performed and contributed at later balls and community evenings. Parent groups are also shown collaborating on cultural events (for example Chinese New Year fairs), student-led fairs and the school's ECA/activities expos, where parents help run stalls, food booths and performances. The school's news pages describe these activities and the fundraising/volunteering roles parents commonly take at Harrow Shanghai.	Parent teacher association Friends of Wellington (FOW) is the school's parent‑teacher community group; the school describes it as more than a conventional PTA and says it brings parents, teachers and other community members together to share, learn and celebrate. FOW is explicitly involved in charitable activities and in organising many of the school's annual events, including the Winter Bazaar, Summer Festival, Annual Ball and UN Day/IFF. The group coordinates volunteers, runs event stalls and supports community fundraising and social programmes, with opportunities for parents to sign up or ask about involvement. Parents are invited to contact the FOW via friendsofwellington@wellingtoncollege.cn or through the school's admissions/enquiry form to find out about current volunteering roles and events. The school presents FOW as an integral part of college life that helps shape the community calendar and outreach work.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school serves pupils aged 18 months to 18 years. The school is located at No. 588 Gaoxi Road, Pudong, Shanghai, China 200137. It was founded in 2016 as part of the Harrow family of schools.	Academic & intellectual The school uses English as the official language of instruction while Mandarin is taught as a core subject through Year 9, with many pupils continuing Mandarin through graduation. The bilingual curriculum seamlessly integrates English and Mandarin, supporting academic development across subjects. Pupils may follow Cambridge IGCSE or the IB Diploma Programme in the secondary years. There is a Dual Language Pathway that provides immersive English‑Mandarin learning from Early Years through Year 8.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative The IB Diploma Programme includes arts subjects such as Music, Visual Arts and Theatre. The school integrates creative arts as part of the diploma and broader curriculum, supporting creative expression alongside academic study. Students have opportunities to pursue creative subjects within the standard IB/Diploma framework.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The Harrow Curriculum is rooted in the English National Curriculum and includes two strands: an examined curriculum focused on IGCSE and A Levels, and a non-examined component.	Cultural & language English is the official language of instruction, and Mandarin Chinese is taught as a core subject across the College. The Chinese learning programme is mandatory for all pupils through Year 9, with pathways to continue Chinese study into IGCSE and IB years. Courses cover Chinese language and culture for learners at every level from Year 1 to Year 13, and the school marks traditional Chinese celebrations with cultural events.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies A daily co-curricular activities programme provides opportunities beyond classroom learning, including cultural and linguistic activities that support language and social engagement.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The IB Diploma Programme includes Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) as a core requirement, integrating community involvement, personal development and service.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is an integral part of the curriculum. Lessons and workshops address physical health, mental wellbeing, ethics, relationships and identity, and careers and aspirations, helping pupils develop empathy, self‑awareness, resilience and independence.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction and provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support; CLIL is used to support language development. The school teaches Mandarin as a core language from Pre-Nursery through Year 9; from Year 10 Mandarin is an elective with IGCSE First Language pathway for native speakers, Second Language for intermediate students, and Mandarin Foreign Language for non-native speakers; AS and A-Level Chinese are taught in Years 12-13. The Harrow Curriculum is rooted in the English National Curriculum and includes an international dimension; it prepares students for IGCSE and A Level examinations and includes non-examined learning. Admissions use the Cambridge Placement Test to establish a baseline language ability, alongside a Global Scale of English (GSE) assessment; English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided as needed.	Language provision The language of instruction is English. Mandarin Chinese is taught as a core subject throughout the College and is mandatory for all pupils until Year 9, with many pupils continuing to graduate. Chinese language and culture courses are offered for pupils at every level from Year 1 to Year 12. Chinese is complemented by foreign languages: Year 7–9 pupils select an extra language from French or Spanish (or Chinese Study in addition to Chinese). From Year 10 to Year 13, pupils may choose any one foreign language from Chinese, French and Spanish as part of the IGCSE or IB options. Elective courses in Chinese culture are available as part of the Chinese language programme. The school assesses pupils' abilities and places them in classes accordingly.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school offers a bilingual curriculum that seamlessly integrates English and Mandarin. Bilingual programs exist alongside the British curriculum. This approach supports international-mindedness and cross-cultural communication.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs The Dual Language Pathway provides fully bilingual immersion in English and Chinese, from the early years through Year 8. Classes are taught by a native English speaker and a native Chinese speaker in parallel, with a native-language assistant supporting activities such as PE and co-curriculars. The pathway prepares pupils to progress to first-language English and Chinese IGCSE courses and, finally, the bilingual IB Diploma.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards 1) British Schools Overseas (BSO) status (awarded via ISI inspection, April 2024) — the school's published BSO inspection results note Harrow Shanghai became one of the first mainland China schools inspected by ISI and awarded BSO status; this is a formal external recognition of the school meeting UK-based standards. 2) Other school-level awards (2021–2025)	Awards (Only awards and recognitions explicitly reported on the school website and awarded to the school or the school organisation are listed, with the school's own wording and dates.) - Carfax Education – The Schools Index: Top 150 Private Schools in the World (recognition) — Wellington College International Shanghai was named among the Carfax Education ‘Top 150 Private Schools in the world' (reported on the school website on 30 Oct 2024). This is a published international index in which the school appears. - Forbes China International School Annual Selection (2024) — Wellington College International Shanghai is reported on the school site as placing 3rd nationwide in Forbes China's 2024 International School Annual Selection (reported 15 Jul 2024). This is a rankings/selection published by Forbes China and the school reports that placing. - Hurun Education Top International Schools in China (listed results reported on school site) — the school reports being ranked #1 in Shanghai and #4 in China in Hurun Education's Top International Schools (report on 5 Apr 2024 referring to the Hurun list); later reporting shows the Wellington China schools on the Hurun 2025 list with Wellington Shanghai listed as 6th in China (reported 6 Aug 2025). These are national/regional rankings published by Hurun and published on the school website. - HR Asia ‘Best Companies to Work for in Asia' and related employer awards (2024) — the school's site reports that HR Asia named ‘Wellington' one of the Best Companies to Work for in Asia (announcement dated 18 Nov 2024) and that the organisation also received HR Asia DEI and ‘Most Caring Company' awards that year. These are employer/organisation awards reported on the school site. - British Chamber / British Business Awards — Business Partnership Award (2024) — the school's site reports that Wellington College Education (China) won the Business Partnership Award at the 2024 British Business Awards (reported 7 Jan 2025). The school's article makes clear this award was presented to Wellington College Education (China) (the group), and that the school reports it on its news feed. - Forbes China Annual Selection — 2025 family recognition — the school's site reports (19 Jun 2025) that all six Wellington College Education (China) schools were recognised in the Forbes China 2025 International Schools Annual Selection (this is reported as a multi-campus recognition that includes the Shanghai campus). How I compiled this - All items above are taken from pages on the Wellington College International Shanghai website (news items, curriculum pages and the site footer links). Each award or accreditation listed is accompanied by the specific school web page where it is reported or linked. If you want, I can now verify institutional accreditation entries (dates and current status) directly against the issuing organisations' public directories and return a short verification list (with direct links to each accreditation record).
Accreditations	Accreditations 1) British Schools Overseas (BSO) status — Harrow Shanghai's BSO inspection report (April 2024) is published on the school website; BSO status is the UK government-recognised framework for inspecting British schools overseas and indicates the school met standards comparable to UK independent schools as judged by an approved inspectorate. 2) Inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) — the school states it was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate as part of the BSO process; ISI is an approved UK inspectorate that carries out BSO inspections and provides the external judgement on standards. 3) Registered with Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) — the Senior School page notes Harrow Shanghai is registered with CAIE; this registration allows the school to enter pupils for CAIE IGCSE/A-level (or CAIE) qualifications and follow CAIE syllabuses. 4) Registered with Pearson / Edexcel — the Senior School page records registration with Pearson/Edexcel; this permits the school to offer Pearson/Edexcel qualifications and enter pupils for those examinations. 5) Registered with AQA — the Senior School page records registration with AQA; this enables the school to deliver and enter pupils for AQA qualifications where appropriate. 6) Duke of Edinburgh's International Award centre (school-delivered programme) — the school's Duke of Edinburgh page states Harrow Shanghai delivers the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award; being an authorised centre means the school can register and support pupils through the internationally recognised youth development award.	Accreditations - International Baccalaureate (IB) — The school offers the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP); the IB is the international organisation that authorises and quality-assures IB programmes and indicates the school is authorised to deliver the Diploma. - Cambridge IGCSE (Cambridge Assessment International Education) — Wellington Shanghai offers IGCSE examinations (including Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin) as part of its secondary pathway; Cambridge IGCSE is the international qualification-awarding body for those exams. - Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) — ACS WASC is a regional accrediting body whose mention on the school site indicates the school's relationship with an internationally recognised U.S.-based accreditation process for schools. (ACS WASC is linked from the school's website footer.) - Council of British International Schools (COBIS) — COBIS is a UK-based membership and quality-assurance organisation for British international schools; the school's site links to COBIS, indicating membership/association. - Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) — FOBISIA is a regional association of British-style schools in Asia (member schools take part in FOBISIA events and networks); the school's site links to FOBISIA. - Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS) — ACAMIS is a regional association for international schools in China and Mongolia (sporting and academic events and networking); the school both links to ACAMIS and appears as an ACAMIS host/participant in its news. - Council/Association of International Schools (COIS/CIS) — the site links to COIS/CIS resources; CIS-style accreditation/membership is a school-wide evaluative and improvement framework used by international schools. (The school footer includes a link to the organisation.) - Fieldwork Education / primary-curriculum relationship — the school's site links to Fieldwork Education (provider of internationally used primary curriculums), indicating curriculum alignment or use at primary levels. Note: the items above are taken from the school's own website (main pages, curriculum pages and footer links). Where the site links to an external body (for example ACS WASC, COBIS, FOBISIA, ACAMIS, IB), that is the publicly visible indication on the school site of the school's relationship with those organisations. If you would like, I can (a) check each organisation's public directory to confirm the exact accreditation/membership status and the dates of accreditation, or (b) request copies of the school's accreditation certificates (if you want formal verification).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Research and visit the campus. Parents are encouraged to book a campus tour or open day so you can see lessons, meet staff and ask questions; the school's site provides a “book a tour” link for this purpose. Visiting early will help you confirm whether the school's age ranges and curriculum fit your child; check the Age Guidelines for Entry page to confirm the correct year group for your child. 2. Complete the online application (one form per child). Applications are submitted through the school's OpenApply portal (the site links to “Apply Now”); each application must be accompanied by the required supporting documents and the non‑refundable application fee. The school specifically notes that because many year groups have waiting lists, it is best to apply early to avoid disappointment. 3. Pay the application fee and await assessment scheduling. A non‑refundable application fee of RMB 3,000 is charged prior to the assessment date; after you submit the OpenApply form and fee, the Admissions team will contact you to schedule the appropriate assessment and/or interview depending on your child's age. Be prepared for differences in assessment format by age (Early Years screening is different to academic testing for older children) and check communications from Admissions for precise instructions. 4. Attend the assessment and interview. The school will run the assessment(s) and interviews with the child (and sometimes with parents) as part of the selection process; older applicants will have formal academic assessments and interviews, while younger children will have age‑appropriate activities and observations. Make sure you bring or have uploaded any requested documents (previous school reports, identification and any materials the school asks for) and arrive prepared for things to take the scheduled time; the Admissions team will tell you what to expect for your child's year group. 5. Offer, acceptance paperwork and fees after an offer. If the assessment and interview are successful, the school will phone you and follow up with a formal offer letter from the Head Master. To accept, you must sign and return the Acceptance Form, the Terms and Conditions, the School Bus form (if required) and the Medical Form; after accepting an offer a refundable Resources Fee of RMB 25,000 is payable and held by the school for the duration of the pupil's enrolment. Review the Fees page carefully for the Resources Fee, tuition schedules and the school's withdrawal/refund rules before returning paperwork. 6. Tuition, payment and practical arrangements. The school publishes a tuition schedule and payment options for the 2025/26 year (tuition varies by year group) and accepts payments by bank transfer in RMB or USD; the Fees page also shows optional charges (bus, lunch) and sibling discounts. Take note of the payment deadlines, the school's late‑payment penalties and the bank account details on the Fees page if you plan to make a transfer; if you need fee clarification or an invoice, contact the Finance Office. 7. If you have questions or need help at any stage, contact Admissions directly. If you expect to request bursary support or to apply for a scholarship, notify Admissions at the application stage so they can explain the additional application steps.	Admissions 1. Initial enquiry and information-gathering. Contact the Wellington Admissions team (phone and email are published on the school site) or use the online enquiry/OpenApply link to request the Admissions booklet and the application checklist; parents should download and read the booklet and checklist so they know exactly which documents the school requires. 2. Complete the online application. Applications are submitted via the school's OpenApply portal; you will need to upload the documents listed on the published checklist (for example: passport/ID, recent school reports and any assessment records). There is a non‑refundable application fee (RMB 3,500) that must be paid for the application to be reviewed — make sure you attach all required files before submitting. 3. Assessment scheduling and format. After a completed application is received the school arranges an age‑appropriate Wellington admission assessment; assessments are usually held at the campus but can be arranged remotely if your child lives outside Shanghai. Parents should prepare for an assessment that looks at age‑appropriate literacy, numeracy and learning behaviours — the school notes assessment results are considered but are not the sole basis for decisions. 4. Admissions Committee review and decision timing. Applications (including assessment outcomes and submitted documents) are reviewed by the Admissions Committee; the school aims to notify applicants within five working days but warns that busier year groups may take longer. Keep in regular contact with your assigned admissions officer if you need a faster update or if you must meet any internal deadlines. 5. Offer, acceptance and deposits. If you receive an offer the school issues an offer letter; to secure the place parents must accept the College's terms and pay the stated resource fee (the site lists RMB 18,000) within the published acceptance window (the school's page specifies a five‑day deadline). Check the offer letter carefully for the exact payment deadline and the method (bank transfer instructions/terms will be on the letter). 6. Waiting pool / provisional placement (if no place is immediately available). If no places are available you may be placed in the school's waiting pool (the school uses the term “waiting pool” rather than a simple first‑come queue); placement into that pool only happens after a completed application, assessment and a recommendation by the Admissions Committee. The school emphasises that the waiting pool is managed by “best fit” (not strictly by application date) and that not all applicants in the pool will be offered a place. 7. Practical documents, timelines and re‑application. An application remains valid for one academic year (August–June); if you wish to apply for the following year you must submit a fresh application. Parents should also prepare routine documents (proofs of guardianship/residency, up‑to‑date school reports, immunisation/health records where required) in advance to avoid delaying assessment and review. 8. Fees, what they cover and when to review them. The school publishes a detailed fee schedule (the site's 2025–26 schedule lists annual and term breakdowns by year group) and states which items are included (most curriculum materials, basic co‑curricular activities and some trips) and which are excluded (school lunches, uniform, transport, individual music tuition and voluntary trips). Parents should download the full fee schedule from the school site and check the exact figure for their child's year group before accepting an offer. 9. Final enrolment steps and contact. After you accept an offer and complete payment, follow any onboarding instructions from Admissions (medical forms, start‑date confirmation, orientation details). If you have timing constraints (relocation dates, visa timing, sibling placements) communicate these early to your Admissions officer as published contact details are available on the school site.
Scholarships	Scholarships Harrow Shanghai operates a scholarship programme and a separate bursary process. The scholarship programme is open to applicants for entry into Year 9 up to Lower Sixth (Year 12) and can provide remission of tuition fees of up to 100%; applicants undergo formal academic assessments, an online cognitive ability test and interviews with senior staff including the Head Master. Scholarship applications are made via the OpenApply form (tick the scholarship item) and the school says the application window remains open throughout the year, with awards made when suitable candidates are identified. Bursaries: The school also offers means‑tested bursaries to help talented students whose families have low household income. All prospective pupils may request consideration for a bursary at the application stage; parents who indicate they require assistance are asked to complete a confidential financial form and decisions are discretionary and reviewed annually. Bursary candidates must meet the school's academic entrance requirements; when demand exceeds availability, bursaries are awarded with reference to performance in the entrance examinations. For the bursary application form and details about the financial information required, contact Admissions or download the bursary form from the Scholarships & Bursaries page.	Scholarships Wellington Shanghai runs a Fellows & Scholars programme plus means‑tested bursaries. The Fellows Programme recognises pupils (years 10–13) for exceptional contribution in academics, the arts or sport and does not carry a monetary award; Fellows gain additional enrichment opportunities. The Scholars (scholarship) awards are merit‑based, limited in number, focused in Academics, Arts or Sport, carry a bespoke programme of study and may include a fee reduction (the school's communications and news posts reference scholarships that can provide either 50% or 100% reductions in tuition for successful applicants). Applicants for scholarship consideration are typically identified or nominated by subject/department leaders during the admissions process (the site notes there is no separate formal application for scholarship — nominations are reviewed by a scholarship committee). In addition, the College offers bursaries for families in financial need; bursaries are awarded annually after objective means testing and the level of support is limited, so families should contact Admissions for the specific process and timeline. For full details, eligibility criteria and current deadlines consult the school's Fellowship, Scholarship and Bursaries page and the scholarship announcements on the school site.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school's Admissions page explicitly states that there are waiting lists for many year groups and therefore advises parents to apply early; that is the only direct information about a waitlist on the public pages. The site does not publish a detailed public description of how the waitlist/pool is ordered, how long offers typically take, or whether there are separate priority categories, so the practical mechanics (for example whether positions are offered strictly by application date, by assessment ranking, or by other criteria) are not specified online. For clear, case‑specific information (current queue position, expected wait times for a particular year group, and any paperwork required to remain on the list) the school asks families to contact Admissions directly; they can provide the most up‑to‑date guidance for your child's year group.	Waitlist Wellington College International Shanghai operates a formal waiting pool (referred to on the site as a “waiting pool”). A child is placed into the waiting pool only after the application has been completed, the assessment has been carried out and the Admissions Committee has recommended placement. The school states that the waiting pool is managed by suitability/best fit rather than strictly by application order, and that families will be contacted if a place becomes available; it also warns that not all applicants in the pool will ultimately receive an offer.
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