Harrow International School Shenzhen vs Shenzhen International Foundation College

	H Harrow International School Shenzhen Shenzhen, China	S Shenzhen International Foundation College Shenzhen, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 291,400 - 360,300	Fees / year RMB 268,000 - 308,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 14 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 900	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, English, English
Opened	Opened 2020	Opened 2004
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Harrow Shenzhen is located in the Qianhai Cooperation Zone, Nanshan District (No.39 KeChuang 6th St), Shenzhen — a short commute from the Shekou/Qianhai areas and with cross‑border business links toward Hong Kong.	Location SIFC (also known as Shenzhen International Foundation College / 深国预) is located in Shenzhen's Bao'an district at the International Arts Exhibition Center / IADC (listed on some directories as No. 8, Yizhan 4th Road or at the International Art Exhibition Centre complex). The campus is in the Songgang/松岗 area of Bao'an and is served by local buses and the nearby Shenzhen Metro lines (access typically requires a short bus or taxi transfer from the nearest metro station). Parents relocating from overseas will usually travel to the campus from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport or major metro interchange stations; confirm exact campus address and directions with the school before you travel.
Stages	Stages The school serves pupils aged 2–18, organised as Early Years (2–5), Pre‑Prep (5–11), Prep (11–13), Senior (13–16) and Sixth Form (16–18).	Stages SIFC is primarily a secondary/college-preparatory school (the school operates international high‑school programs and directories list intake roughly around middle-to-high school grades, e.g. Grade 7 or Grade 9 through Grade 12). The school is organised into two main divisions: an International High School and an Art High School, offering AP, A‑Level and international foundation/"3+1" programmes.
School type	School type Harrow Shenzhen is a co‑educational day and boarding school offering boarding options (including flexi‑boarding) from upper primary/Year 5 through to Sixth Form.	School type A private, co‑educational international school. Publicly available school profiles and international‑school directories indicate SIFC operates both day and boarding provision (boarding available for some year groups), though exact boarding arrangements and eligibility should be confirmed with admissions.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school has a published SEND policy and a SEND Coordinator; support includes EAL programmes, small‑group literacy and maths support, dyslexia intervention, social‑skills work, access to a school psychologist and individual education plans (IEPs) where required.	Additional learning support There is no detailed public description found in the school's published admissions summaries about a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) department or specific learning‑support facilities. If your child has diagnosed additional learning needs, contact the school's admissions or student‑support office directly to discuss available accommodations and assessment procedures.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Harrow Shenzhen is part of the Harrow/AISL group and follows a British international curriculum linked to Harrow (UK) schools.	Country affiliation SIFC is a Chinese private international school approved by the Shenzhen Education Bureau and registered with provincial education authorities and the China Scholarship Council; it is not listed as being affiliated to a foreign government or national school system.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school presents a values‑based ethos but does not state a religious affiliation on its website.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is indicated in the school's public materials or directory profiles; SIFC is presented as a secular international college.
School day structure	School day structure According to the school FAQs, EYC pupils finish at about 15:00; Pre‑Prep and Upper School pupils finish at about 15:00 and then attend the Harrow Diploma Activities (HDA) programme, with the later day ending around 16:00. Boarding students follow a separate weekday routine with supervised study, activities and set lights‑out times.	School day structure A specific published daily timetable (start/end times, exact break and lunch periods) was not found on public admissions or school‑profile pages. For precise school‑day times, term dates and weekend/boarding routines, ask admissions or request the school's current parent information pack.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates a multi‑route student bus service covering many residential areas in Shenzhen; routes (with estimated pickup/drop times) are published and adjusted each term to meet demand. Buses carry an on‑board escort and parents are expected to have children ready at the scheduled stop times.	Bus service details Multiple school directories and international‑school profiles list a school bus service for SIFC (school‑operated or contracted routes are commonly provided by schools of this type), but they do not publish route maps or provider names publicly. Families should request route coverage, pick‑up/drop‑off points, cost, vehicle safety checks and any live‑tracking/GPS arrangements from the school's admissions or transport office before enrolling.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Assessment fee and facility deposit - Assessment fee: non-refundable, non-transferable; RMB 3,000 per application. - Facility deposit: RMB 25,000; the school may use this deposit to offset amounts owed and refund is handled under the school's Terms and Conditions. Tuition fees (per year and per term — RMB) - Pre‑Nursery: Per year RMB 291,400. Term 1 RMB 116,560; Term 2 RMB 87,420; Term 3 RMB 87,420. - Nursery: Per year RMB 301,300. Term 1 RMB 120,520; Term 2 RMB 90,390; Term 3 RMB 90,390. - Reception: Per year RMB 301,300. Term 1 RMB 120,520; Term 2 RMB 90,390; Term 3 RMB 90,390. - Year 1: Per year RMB 342,100. Term 1 RMB 136,840; Term 2 RMB 102,630; Term 3 RMB 102,630. - Year 2: Per year RMB 342,100. Term 1 RMB 136,840; Term 2 RMB 102,630; Term 3 RMB 102,630. - Year 3: Per year RMB 342,100. Term 1 RMB 136,840; Term 2 RMB 102,630; Term 3 RMB 102,630. - Year 4: Per year RMB 342,100. Term 1 RMB 136,840; Term 2 RMB 102,630; Term 3 RMB 102,630. - Year 5: Per year RMB 346,800. Term 1 RMB 138,720; Term 2 RMB 104,040; Term 3 RMB 104,040. - Year 6: Per year RMB 346,800. Term 1 RMB 138,720; Term 2 RMB 104,040; Term 3 RMB 104,040. - Year 7: Per year RMB 356,800. Term 1 RMB 142,720; Term 2 RMB 107,040; Term 3 RMB 107,040. - Year 8: Per year RMB 356,800. Term 1 RMB 142,720; Term 2 RMB 107,040; Term 3 RMB 107,040. - Year 9: Per year RMB 360,300. Term 1 RMB 144,120; Term 2 RMB 108,090; Term 3 RMB 108,090. - Year 10: Per year RMB 360,300. Term 1 RMB 144,120; Term 2 RMB 108,090; Term 3 RMB 108,090. - Year 11: Per year RMB 360,300. Term 1 RMB 144,120; Term 2 RMB 108,090; Term 3 RMB 108,090. - Year 12: Per year RMB 360,300. Term 1 RMB 144,120; Term 2 RMB 108,090; Term 3 RMB 108,090. - Year 13: Per year RMB 360,300. Term 1 RMB 144,120; Term 2 RMB 108,090; Term 3 RMB 108,090. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school offers payment in two instalments: the first instalment covers Term 1 tuition and applicable fees; the second instalment covers Term 2 and Term 3 tuition and service charges. Specific billing dates and invoices are issued according to the school's billing cycle. Late or outstanding sums are managed through the school's finance processes. Boarding and other fees - Boarding: regular full‑boarding fee per academic year RMB 119,800. Flexi‑boarding nights are charged per booked night by prorating the annual boarding fee plus 20% administration charge; amounts are settled no later than the end of each term. - School bus: RMB 20,100 per school year (including tax). - Uniform: parents purchase uniforms (school specifies supplier). - Catering: charged on a consumption basis by vendor. - Additional potential costs: textbooks, examinations, some extra‑curricular activities, expeditions, and trips. Withdrawal and refunds - Notice: one full term's written notice delivered to the Head is required for withdrawal, unless the school's Terms and Conditions state otherwise. - Assessment fee is non‑refundable. Facility deposit refund and any other refunds are handled under the school's Terms and Conditions; the school may use the facility deposit to offset outstanding balances. Fee payment contacts and invoicing - Billing, invoicing and Fapiao are handled by the school Finance Department (accounts@harrowshenzhen.cn). The published fees page does not specify detailed payment channels (credit card, bank transfer) on the same page; the Finance Department can confirm permitted payment methods and required remittance details.	Fee details Application / Admission Fees - Application / entrance test fee: reported as either RMB 500 (one‑time application fee) or RMB 800 (entrance/exam fee paid at registration). Both figures are reported by third‑party school listings; the exam/registration fee is frequently described as non‑refundable. Tuition — annual and per term - Standard academic programmes (American / British pathway, G9–G12): RMB 268,000 per academic year (charged as an annual tuition fee). - Arts / Music specialised programmes: RMB 308,000 per academic year (charged as an annual tuition fee). - Note on per‑term charging: the school's published figures are presented as annual tuition rates; third‑party school listings present the tuition as an annual fee (the one‑time application/entrance fee is separate). Where an annual fee is shown, it is customary for schools to issue invoices for the full academic year or for semesters/terms according to the school finance office schedule. What these tuition figures normally include and exclude - Typical inclusions (reported): study materials/administration fees, certain campus insurance and the school's standard one‑set uniform ("first set" of school uniform), basic campus activities and standard in‑school services. - Typical exclusions (reported): meals, accommodation (boarding), school bus/transport, international examination fees (SAT/TOEFL/AP/IELTS/other exam fees), off‑campus field trips, external competition or portfolio costs and other third‑party charges. Boarding / accommodation fees (where applicable) - Boarding is not included in the standard tuition. Third‑party listings for Shenzhen international secondary schools (including listings that cover SIFC) report typical boarding/accommodation ranges of about RMB 16,800 per year (weekday only) or about RMB 19,800 per year (including weekends); actual SIFC boarding charges are reported as a separate item and are not rolled into the published tuition figure. Other costs and one‑off charges - Uniform: the school's standard “first set” uniform is commonly listed as covered by tuition; replacement sets and additional uniform purchases are charged separately. - Textbooks / materials: some listings show a separate annual materials/book charge (examples across similar Shenzhen schools show around RMB 4,800 per year as a separate item). - Transport: school bus routes and fees are charged separately. - International exam and application costs: fees for external tests (SAT/AP/IELTS/TOEFL) and overseas university application/portfolio costs are not included and are additional. Billing schedule and payment terms - Published tuition figures are quoted as annual amounts for the stated academic year. Third‑party school listings report the tuition as an annual charge and list the application/entrance fee as a separate one‑time charge for first‑year enrolment. Families should expect an invoice cycle tied to the academic year (annual invoice or semester/term instalments as arranged with the school finance office). Refund information - Entrance/registration exam fees are regularly reported as non‑refundable. For tuition and other refunds, public summaries of Shenzhen international schools point to refund handling in accordance with Guangdong provincial rules for private non‑degree education institutions; third‑party listings note that refund arrangements follow the applicable Guangdong refund management regulations for private education institutions. Fee payment options and school finance contact - Reported practice for the school is to handle payments through the school finance office and by school‑designated payment channels. For specific payment methods and invoicing (bank transfer details, receipts/invoices, online payment channels, or other accepted methods) contact the school finance office directly via the school contact details listed for SIFC. The school's published contact details appear with the school's fee pages and admissions notices. Summary (key figures for the current academic year listings) - Application / entrance test fee: reported as RMB 500 (application) or RMB 800 (exam/registration) — non‑refundable. - Tuition (standard American / British pathways, G9–G12): RMB 268,000 per year (annual charge). - Tuition (arts / music specialised programmes): RMB 308,000 per year (annual charge). - Boarding (separate): typical Shenzhen school ranges reported around RMB 16,800–19,800 per year (charged separately). If you will place these figures into a public database, use the annual tuition numbers above and record application/entrance fees and the common exclusions (meals, accommodation, transport, international exam fees) as separate line items. The citations given after each paragraph indicate the public fee listings and school‑specific fee pages summarized by independent school information sites.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school operates boarding in two houses: The Park for boys and The Grove for girls. Flexi Boarding is open to Years 5–13, with spaces allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and bed availability. Boarders receive meals and structured activities: breakfast Monday–Friday 7:00–7:30, dinner Sunday–Thursday 18:00–18:30, and evening activities Monday–Thursday 19:45–21:00, plus prep and academic support 17:00–19:30 and snacks; pastoral care is provided by a dedicated boarding team.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The Uniform Policy is strict; students wear the standard school uniform and Harrow Hat to and from school. Students arriving in non-uniform clothing may be sent home to change; contact the School Operations department at HIS@harrowshenzhen.cn for more information.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options On-site canteens provide meals with healthy, well-balanced menus, and the menus accommodate dietary preferences. Boarding includes home-cooked style healthy meals with a diverse menu, catering to dietary preferences.	Food options —
House system	House system Harrow Shenzhen uses a six-house system: Deng Xiao Ping House (Green), Curie House (Purple), Lyon House (Orange), Attenborough House (Red), Song Qing Ling House (Yellow), and Churchill House (Blue). All students belong to one House. Lower School Houses compete in events such as sports and singing, with pastoral care provided by Class Teachers and Heads of Phase; Upper School Houses form tutor groups led by Housemasters/mistress(es) with support from the Assistant Head and Head of School. The House system fosters a small-school atmosphere and provides a clear link between school and home.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of AISL Harrow Schools, a group of Harrow-branded international and bilingual schools in Asia. The AISL group preserves the Harrow heritage and values and coordinates relationships among Harrow schools and Harrow London.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Harrow Shenzhen operates a British-based programme for ages 2–18 divided into Early Years (2–5), Pre-Prep (Years 1–6), Prep (age 11–13), Senior (age 13–16) and Sixth Form (age 16–18). The Early Years follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach of the English National Curriculum. In Pre-Prep (Years 1–6) the school emphasises literacy, numeracy and broad exposure to specialist subjects (languages, music, PE, computing, art and design), while the Prep phase continues specialist teaching in core subjects including English, Mandarin, mathematics and science. The Senior School prepares students for international public examinations, with most students completing Cambridge/IGCSE courses typically taken in Year 11 across subjects such as English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, languages, arts and design/technology. In Sixth Form students follow a two‑year A‑Level programme (with many taking an Extended Project Qualification) aimed at university preparation; the school also sets subject-specific entry expectations for A‑Level choices.	Curriculum details Shenzhen International Foundation College (SIFC) is a senior secondary international college running Grades 9–12 and offering parallel American and British pathways. Qualifications offered include the American high‑school diploma with College Board Advanced Placement (AP) courses—including AP Capstone and AP electives—Cambridge IGCSE, and UK A‑Levels (via Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA), together with EPQ and college‑credit placement options. SIFC also provides pre‑university/Foundation programmes (pre‑bachelor and pre‑master), “3+1” articulation routes, and specialised art tracks for students targeting arts degrees. The curriculum is delivered alongside specialist centres for art & design, international music, STEM/MIT FabLab, Tencent AI Lab, and sports training (including a basketball and a modern‑pentathlon centre), allowing students to combine academic qualifications with arts, sport or STEM pathways. Within its Grades 9–12 span students typically follow IGCSE (GCSE‑equivalent) in the mid‑stage and progress to A‑Level or AP/US‑diploma and foundation options in their final one to two 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 Shenzhen describes pastoral care as a structured, school-wide system that uses homerooms in the Lower School and a vertical House system and close personal tutoring in the Upper School to ensure each student is known and supported by staff. The House system creates cross-age “family” units with Housemasters/mistresses and tutors who monitor academic progress and provide pastoral guidance. The school runs focused activities and campaigns (for example Fellowship Week and anti‑bullying initiatives) to promote inclusion, peer support and respectful behaviour. Small class sizes and boarding pastoral routines are cited as part of the personalised support network for students.	Social & emotional learning SIFC publicly describes a whole‑school, “whole‑person” education approach and cites project‑based learning and personalised student development as part of that work. Public descriptions list a PBL (project‑based learning) Innovation Education Centre and a “Student Individualised Growth Center” used to support student development and personalised pathways. The school also promotes specialised pathways and the “V‑class/拏云计划” for tailored academic and personal development. Specific staff roles (for example named pastoral leads or dedicated SEL coordinators) are not detailed in the public materials found.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Harrow Shenzhen lists staff with learning‑support and special‑education experience on its teacher pages (for example Krista Berry is listed as a Learning Support Teacher and Yaeliz Rabassa's bio notes a Master's in Special Education and prior Head of Inclusion roles). The school's admissions information asks parents of children with SEN to consult the school before applying and states explicitly that Harrow Shenzhen “does not have the facilities or faculty required to educate children with severe learning needs.” The website does not publish a dedicated Special Educational Needs policy or a comprehensive public list of specific conditions the school can support. Therefore, while the school employs staff with SEN experience and offers learning‑support provision, it is not presented as a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding provision for students with special educational needs (SEN) or whether it is a specialist SEN institution. Publicly available school profiles and news items describe academic, artistic and personalised learning centres but do not publish a SEN policy, lists of supported needs, or dedicated learning‑support staffing. Therefore no verified, sourceable details about SEN provision could be found.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Harrow Shenzhen presents an EAL provision on its site (including a subject video) and lists a dedicated EAL team and leaders — for example an Upper School Head of EAL and several Upper School EAL teachers in the staff directory. Early Years phonics provision (Read Write Inc.) is described on the site and is noted as supporting young learners for whom English is an additional language. The school's pages describe targeted EAL teaching and specialist EAL staff rather than stating a single uniform programme for all year groups. If you need details about levels of support, assessments or class‑by‑class provision the school publishes a subject video and staff list but does not provide a single, detailed public EAL policy on the website.	English as an additional language Public listings for SIFC note provision of English courses for non‑native speakers (described in some profiles as “English non‑native” or EAL‑style classes) and an English‑medium curriculum across grade levels. These sources do not, however, publish a clear EAL programme description, entry/assessment procedures, or named EAL staff on the publicly available pages located. As a result, while non‑native English instruction is referenced, detailed, sourceable information about specific EAL staffing or formal support programmes is not published.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school names a Director of Care, Guidance and Support (Zaynah Lyons) whose profile lists counselling and psychology qualifications and wellbeing specialisms, indicating a senior role for student mental‑health support. Pastoral care, the House system and boarding routines are described as contributing to students' social and emotional support, and some staff hold mental‑health first‑aid training. Harrow Shenzhen also runs parent workshops addressing topics such as bullying and positive parenting, which form part of its wider wellbeing provision. The school materials emphasise pastoral and boarding structures rather than a separate public‑facing mental‑health policy document.	Mental wellbeing SIFC's public materials emphasise personalised pastoral development and “whole‑person” education through centres and projects intended to support student growth. Items such as the Student Individualised Growth Center and regular teacher mentoring are described in school profiles and news items as part of the school's approach to student development. The school's public descriptions do not, however, provide a published counselling service structure, named mental‑health staff, or a detailed mental‑wellbeing programme that can be cited.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Harrow Shenzhen states that safeguarding and child protection are central to school operations, with its policy aligned to UK legislation (the Children Acts 1989 and 2004) and international frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The site names the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Zaynah Lyons, Director of Care, Guidance and Support) and lists deputies William Mitchell and Natalie Dirkze, and gives an email contact for concerns (safeguarding@harrowshenzhen.cn). The school says the full Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available to parents via the Parent Portal. Visitor and campus safety guidance (photography, adult/child boundaries, ID badges) are published on the safeguarding page.	Safeguarding SIFC is described in official and major public profiles as an Education Bureau‑approved full‑time international school (registered with Shenzhen authorities), which indicates formal recognition by local education authorities. Those public profiles do not, however, publish a child‑protection or safeguarding policy, a named Designated Safeguarding Lead, or detailed reporting procedures that can be cited from the school's own public materials. Therefore specific, sourceable safeguarding policy text or staff names were not found in the public sources located.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school operates as an international day and boarding school in Shenzhen, opened in October 2020. It has approximately 700 pupils from up to 20 countries and class sizes of 16–24. The campus spans about 14,700 square metres and provides facilities for Early Years through Sixth Form, including sports and leisure areas, a library, break-out spaces, canteens and lecture halls. Boarding is available.	Facilities overview The campus includes the Art Department and a network of centers across arts, science, technology, and athletics. It contains the Jeremy Lin-Li Qun International Basketball Training Center and the Modern Pentathlon Center. The school hosts the PBL Innovation Education Center, the STEM Center, the MIT FabLab ACT Center, the Tencent AI Lab, the SiKai Life Sciences Research Center, the Xueersi International Teaching and Research Center, the Weixun Workshop, the YanQu Research Workshop, and the Center for Personalized Student Growth. Tencent Smart Campus System supports campus management and digital learning. The facilities support cross-disciplinary programs that integrate innovative practice with arts and high school curriculum.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus includes sports facilities as part of its holistic learning environment, with spaces for physical education and recreation integrated into the daily timetable.	Sports facilities The campus has comprehensive sports facilities including a swimming pool, gym, and basketball courts. It houses the Jeremy Lin-Li Qun International Basketball Training Center and the Modern Pentathlon Center. Outdoor spaces support PE lessons and sports activities. The facilities emphasize health, fitness, and competitive athletic opportunities for students.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities There are comprehensive academic facilities across the school, including libraries and breakout spaces to support learning from Early Years to Sixth Form.	Academic facilities The MIT FabLab ACT Center provides fabrication and hands-on invention opportunities. The STEM Center supports science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and innovation. Tencent AI Lab and Xueersi International Teaching and Research Center support AI education and international teaching research. SiKai Life Sciences Research Center, YanQu Research Workshop, Weixun Workshop, and the PBL Innovation Education Center support project-based learning and practical research. The Center for Personalized Student Growth supports individualized student development.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Enrichment and service activities are part of the Harrow education, anchored by Harrow values such as Courage, Honour, Humility and Fellowship.	Extra curricular facilities The school runs four art and sports centers: Art Design Center, International Music Center, Jeremy Lin-Li Qun International Basketball Training Center, and Modern Pentathlon Center. These centers provide extracurricular opportunities in arts, music, and sports. The PBL Innovation Education Center and the MIT FabLab ACT Center support maker and project-based activities beyond regular classes. Weixun Workshop and YanQu Research Workshop offer hands-on exploration and research opportunities outside standard curricula. The Center for Personalized Student Growth supports enrichment and personalized development through after-school programs.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Harrow International School Shenzhen opened in 2020 as part of the AISL Harrow Schools network. It is operated by Asia International School Limited (AISL) and uses Harrow School's name and badge under a sub-licence from Harrow International Schools Limited. The campus was established to extend Harrow's traditions and values into the region and to participate in the group's regional programmes and events. The school's development has been carried out within the AISL governance and partnership framework since its founding.	History Shenzhen International Foundation College (SIFC) was founded in 2004 by a team of educators led by Professor Fu Tengxiao from Shenzhen University; the school was established with approval from local education authorities and registered as a full‑time international school. Over two decades it has developed distinct academic and arts divisions (international high school and art high school) and has sought mainstream international accreditations. SIFC marked its 20th anniversary in June 2024 with a campus celebration that included alumni, staff, parents and local officials. (Sources: school admissions page; school profile summaries; 20th‑anniversary coverage).
Community	Community The Harrow Shenzhen community is active and event-driven: annual traditions such as the Long Ducker charity run bring together students, parents, staff and local participants (recent editions drew close to 1,000 participants). The school also takes part in AISL-wide academic and cultural exchanges, for example the Huasheng Cup Chinese–English debate tournament that involves multiple Harrow campuses. Parents and staff collaborate on seasonal and cultural events (including Christmas and Teacher's Day activities) and the school runs regular open events and community gatherings for families.	Community The SIFC community includes students, faculty, alumni and an active cohort of parents who take part in regular campus events and cultural programs. Annual activities such as the school's “International Day” bring together students and parent representatives to create country‑focused performances, food stalls and cultural exhibits, with parents organizing and participating in many of the country groups. Larger gatherings—alumni events and milestone celebrations—also involve local partners and serve as focal points for school–community interaction.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Harrow Shenzhen's parent organisation is called Friends of Harrow (FoH). FoH describes itself as a bridge for home–school communication and support: representatives work with school leaders, welcome new families, and coordinate parent volunteers. At Harrow Shenzhen FoH parents have supported school events such as the Long Ducker and seasonal performances, and have formed parent groups (a dance group and a choir) that perform alongside students and staff. FoH members also run activities intended to support staff (for example Teacher's Day acknowledgements), deliver parent-led talks or leadership/service sessions, and help organise fundraising and charity initiatives. The school has published FoH leadership names and committee announcements and FoH has been visibly involved in major social events such as the school's community Gala Ball.	Parent teacher association SIFC maintains a parent committee (家委会) that is refreshed by parent self‑nomination and democratic selection; the committee is described as an active partner in school affairs rather than a purely advisory body. The school has reported expanding the committee in recent years to broaden parent representation, and school leaders (including the founder) regularly meet committee members to review collaboration and community projects. Parent representatives commonly organize or co‑lead events such as International Day, and the committee is credited with supporting volunteer activities, parent education sessions and home‑school coordination. That parent–school partnership is explicitly framed as part of the school's ongoing “home‑school co‑construction” work. For contact or to learn about current parent‑group roles, the school's admissions and contact pages list admissions and parent liaison contacts.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Harrow Shenzhen offers Harrow Diploma Activities (HDA), an after-school program running from 3pm to 4pm daily, with over 210 activities. The program provides academic enrichment through the Super-Curriculum and includes leadership and service opportunities. The HDA features the LSA programme (student-led activities), leadership and service expeditions, the Shaftesbury Enterprise charity committee, community and service projects, the JASS Junior Achievement Award, the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, house competitions, and student leadership roles.	Academic & intellectual Shenzhen International Foundation College offers American High School and British High School curricula. The American High School program is Shenzhen's first and promoted the ‘Pathway to Harvard' slogan as early as 2010. Based on the United States Common Core Standards, it follows a US‑style curriculum and provides more than 15 AP courses, plus innovative options such as MIT Digital Manufacturing and Stanford Design Thinking. SIFC is a pioneer in implementing international university foundation programs alongside curricula from the United States and the United Kingdom; it is ranked among the Top 20 International High Schools in China and No. 3 in Shenzhen, with 2024 noting continued top-20 national status and No. 3 in Shenzhen.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Over 210 activities cover the performing, visual, and musical arts, as well as debate and public speaking, STEM, and the humanities and social sciences. Arts opportunities include music ensembles and theatre-related activities, integrated with the broader HDA. The programme supports creative work across visual and performing arts and public speaking.	Arts & creative The Art & Design Center at SIFC provides a modern interdisciplinary curriculum with a distinctive ‘Art + Technology' feature that connects to cutting-edge programs at top international universities. The school launched the International Music Center in 2024–12–23 to reshape modern music education through practical teaching and digital innovation.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Expedition Week fosters cross-cultural communication and global perspectives through service and cultural immersion activities. The school also hosts debates and public-speaking events as part of its co-curricular offerings.	Cultural & language Campus life includes eight Theme Cultural Months and a range of activities such as International Day, Halloween, and Christmas. The school offers nearly 50 clubs across academics, arts, and sports.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies House competitions and events form a core part of the activities programme, encouraging teamwork and social engagement. A wide range of clubs and interest-based activities are available through Harrow Diploma Activities.	Social & hobbies Clubs and activities beyond classwork are a prominent feature, with more than 50 clubs spanning academics, arts, and sports.
Community & service	Community & service The activities programme includes the Shaftesbury Enterprise (Charity Committee), community and service projects, and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, alongside other service-oriented opportunities.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Students participate in leadership roles through the Student Council and House Leaders, as well as the LSA framework and leadership expeditions. The programme emphasizes developing transferable leadership and service skills.	Leadership & professional College Counseling supports university admissions, and the Study Abroad GPT program is available to assist with study abroad planning.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and fitness are integral to the holistic approach, with facilities including an outdoor running track, a 7-a-side football pitch, an indoor sports hall, two fitness areas, a dance studio, a golf simulator, table tennis, a rooftop basketball court, and a 25-meter heated swimming pool. PE and sport are actively offered to nurture lifelong fitness and well-being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Holistic Education is featured in Campus Life, with Mental Health Service available to students. Physical Education and a range of wellness and development activities are part of the student experience.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The Early Years Centre adopts the EYFS of the English National Curriculum. Prep Phase includes English and Mandarin as core subjects. Senior Phase includes Languages as a subject. English language acquisition is supported for students whose first language is not English, with an additive approach that uses Mandarin to support English, and the schools are not English-only environments.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Mandarin is used to support English language learning. In Prep Phase, English and Mandarin are core subjects. An additive language approach strengthens Mandarin to support English learning. AISL Harrow Schools are not English-only environments, and immersive experiences in English and Mandarin are provided.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Immersive experiences in L1 and L2 are provided. Native Mandarin speakers scaffold learning and connect L1 concepts with L2 learning. Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is implemented as a whole-school approach to promote English across the curriculum. A language-rich environment supports language development and classroom practice.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Harrow Shenzhen — School-level awards listed on the school website (past five years; school-level only) - Forbes China International School — Top 100 (2025): inclusion in Forbes China's 2025 list of top international schools (ranked among the country's top 100 international schools). This is a school-level recognition appearing on the school's honours page. - Kinglead China International School rankings (2025): multiple Kinglead rankings shown on the school site — Innovative Competitiveness (Top 9), Research Characteristics (Top 100), Leadership Characteristics (Top 10), and Mathematical Characteristics (Top 10). These are published ranking placements for the school. - Forbes China — Foreign Passport School (Shenzhen) 2024 — Top 4: ranked by Forbes China among Shenzhen schools in the foreign-passport school category (school-level placement reported on the site). - China Schools Awards 2023 — New School Award Finalist: the school is listed on the site as a finalist in the China Schools Awards 2023 New School category (finalist status is an institutional recognition). - Forbes China Outstanding International Schools Awards / 2021 recognition: Harrow Shenzhen's 2021 Forbes China recognition and placement (No.21 in China, 2nd in Shenzhen) is recorded on the school website as an early external ranking/award the school received. - AISL Harrow Chinese Debate Championship — Best Organization Award (Dec 2024): the school's event/participation page records Harrow Shenzhen winning the Best Organization Award at the AISL Harrow Chinese Debate Championship (an award given to the school for organisational contribution). Notes and scope limits - All items above are taken from Harrow Shenzhen's own website pages and news/honours listings; I have included only awards and recognitions that the school (not individual students or individual teachers) is shown as receiving. Where the site lists teacher awards or student competition results, those have been excluded as requested. The primary sources used are the school's accreditations announcement and the Honours/Awards pages.	Awards Below are the institutional awards and rankings the school itself lists on its website within the last five years (period considered: Jan 1, 2021–Dec 31, 2025). I used only content posted on the school's website as you requested. 1) 2024 — Forbes China “Internationalized School” recognitions: listed on the school site as (a) Forbes China • Internationalized School annual selection — National Top 20 and Shenzhen No.3, and (b) named “Forbes China Outstanding Internationalized School” and recipient of the “Forbes China Annual Innovative Internationalized School” award. One‑line significance: these are recognitions from Forbes China's annual evaluation of China's international schools; the school presents them as institutional awards/rankings indicating placement among peers in the national and Shenzhen lists. 2) 2023 — HKPEP China “Most Educationally Competitive International Schools” — listed on the school site as included in the HKPEP China Top 100 (“中国最具教育竞争力的国际学校100强”). One‑line significance: placement in this HKPEP list is presented by the school as recognition of its competitiveness among Greater‑China international schools. Notes and scope limits - I limited awards to institutional recognitions explicitly stated on the school's website. The site also publishes many student competition results and individual staff honours; per your instruction I did not include awards given to students or staff. Examples of student competition results appear on the school news pages but were excluded here. - The school's pages used as the source for the above statements are: the school profile/“书院简介” and the admissions/prospectus pages (which list accreditations, rankings and named recognitions). If you'd like, I can (a) pull the exact school page links and dates of the posted items, (b) look up the awarding organisations' published lists to independently verify the Forbes/HKPEP entries, or (c) check whether the school holds any additional formal accreditations (for example, CIS or other bodies) that aren't named on the pages I consulted.
Accreditations	Accreditations Harrow Shenzhen — Accreditations (as stated on the school website) - HMC (The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference): membership of an association of leading UK independent schools; signifies recognition by a body associated with long-established independent-school standards and peer review. - FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia): regional membership for British-style international schools in Asia; indicates peer recognition, access to FOBISIA events and external review. - TASS (The Alliance for Sustainable Schools): membership in a network focussing on sustainability in schools; shows the school has engaged with externally-recognised sustainability standards and practices. - ACAMIS (Association of China and Mongolia International Schools): regional association for international schools in China and Mongolia; provides inter-school activities, benchmarking and professional exchanges. - Cambridge International Examination Centre (CAIE) accreditation: officially authorised to deliver Cambridge IGCSE and related Cambridge programmes and examinations on site. - Pearson Edexcel Examination Centre accreditation: authorised as a Pearson Edexcel exam centre to offer International GCSE (IGCSE) and International Advanced Level (IAL) qualifications. - UCAS registration centre: registered with the UK Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, enabling direct access to UCAS processes and support for UK university applications. - College Board & Common Application recognition: the school is registered with the College Board and supports applications via the Common App platform for US university admissions. - SAT examination centre accreditation: authorised to operate SAT test sessions on campus, allowing students to sit the SAT at the school. - LAMDA examination centre/recognition: authorised to offer LAMDA (speech, drama and communication) graded assessments on site. - Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) licensed organisation: licensed to run the Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme, allowing students to participate in DofE awards through the school. - Member of the AISL Harrow family / part of Asia International School Limited (AISL): the school is part of the AISL group that operates Harrow-branded schools in Asia, which provides network support and shared governance.	Accreditations 1) Cognia — The school lists Cognia among its international accreditations. Cognia is a U.S.-based non-profit accreditation body for primary and secondary schools; its accreditation indicates an external, standards‑based review of a school's overall quality and continuous‑improvement processes. 2) College Board (Advanced Placement affiliation) — the school lists College Board/AP authorization. The College Board is a U.S. nonprofit that develops and administers the Advanced Placement (AP) program and other standardized programs; AP authorization means the school is approved to offer AP courses and exams, which can support college credit/placement in many higher‑education systems. 3) Pearson Edexcel — the school lists Pearson Edexcel among its examination/qualification partners. Pearson Edexcel is a UK‑based awarding organisation that provides GCSE, A‑level and international qualifications; authorization means the school can deliver Edexcel examination courses and receive externally graded qualifications. 4) OxfordAQA — the school lists OxfordAQA among its international examination partners. OxfordAQA is a partnership between Oxford University Press and AQA that offers internationally recognised IGCSE/International A‑level qualifications; being an OxfordAQA centre/partner lets the school enter students for those externally assessed qualifications. 5) UCAS (linkage/recognition) — the school cites UCAS among its external links/authorities. UCAS is the UK's centralized admissions service for undergraduate study; formal linkage or recognition facilitates the school's support for students applying to UK universities through the UCAS system.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Harrow Shenzhen will only consider applications if there is space in the requested year group, so parents should confirm availability rather than assume an open place. The school publishes citizenship/residency eligibility rules (foreign passport or HK/Macau/Taiwan ID; for Chinese-passport holders at least one parent must have worked in Qianhai for more than 90 consecutive days and meet specified criteria). 2. Complete the online application and prepare documents: Complete the school's application form (the site links to the online application portal) and assemble required documents such as passports/ID, recent school reports or transcripts, and any certificate of residency/work in Qianhai for Chinese passport families. Parents should note an assessment fee is charged per application (see step 4) and that incomplete applications can delay assessment scheduling. If your child has additional learning needs, the school asks parents to consult Admissions first because the school is not resourced for severe learning needs. 3. Assessment fee and booking: For applicants invited to assessment, Harrow Shenzhen requires payment of an application/assessment fee (the site lists RMB 3,000 for assessments/applications in recent notices). Families should be ready to pay this promptly to confirm a scheduled assessment; any differing fees for specific entry years will be set out by Admissions at invitation. Payment methods are restricted (the school states all fees must be paid by bank remittance; cash is not accepted). 4. Assessment and interview: Once the application and documents are received, the school aims to schedule assessments and interviews within two weeks. Assessment format varies by year group: Pre-Nursery has a parent interview only, Nursery–Year 1 include student observation and parent interview, and Year 2+ include a computer-based assessment, student observation/interview and a parent interview — check the year-by-year table on the Admissions page for exact requirements. Families should prepare appropriate past-school reports, any standardized test results, and (for older applicants) evidence of curricular interests or portfolios where relevant. 5. Admissions outcome and timeframes: The school states that results are usually issued within one week of assessment and interview, though some cases may take longer; Admissions will notify families of the outcome and next steps. If offered a place, parents are required to sign confirmation documents and pay the facility deposit within five working days of the offer or the place may be offered to another applicant. Keep this deadline in mind when planning travel or overseas moves — a delayed response risks losing the offered place. 6. Deposit, fees and billing structure: The published fees page shows a non-refundable facility deposit (listed as RMB 25,000) and gives the tuition schedule for the 2025/26 academic year (tuition ranges by year group; for example, Pre‑Nursery and Reception figures are shown separately from Years 1–13). Harrow Shenzhen offers payment cycles and instalment options (for 2025/26 the school allows two instalments covering Term 1 and then Terms 2+3); confirm the current year's billing schedule with Finance. Additional identifiable charges include school bus, boarding and catering — the fees page lists the school bus and boarding annual charges and notes some charges (textbooks, trips, certain activities) are charged separately. 7. Siblings, discounts and other practicalities: The fees page lists sibling discounts (no discount for second child; 5% for third child, 10% for fourth, 15% for fifth+ when children attend concurrently) — check the exact conditions with Finance. Uniforms are purchased separately through appointed suppliers and the school requires a signed bus agreement before using bus services; boarding uses a separate billing arrangement and flexi-boarding is charged per night. Make arrangements early for bus routes, uniform orders and any boarding requirements to avoid delays at enrolment. 8. Final enrolment and records: After deposit/payment and returned confirmation paperwork, the school completes enrolment and will provide billing/invoice (fapiao) information through the Finance Department. If you later decide to withdraw, the published Terms and Conditions require a term's written notice to the Head; follow the school's specified notice and delivery methods. Keep copies of all bank remittances and the signed confirmation documents for your records. 9. When to contact Admissions: If you need to check vacancies, request special arrangements, or confirm assessment requirements for a particular year group or entry month (for example, Year 10/Year 12 subject-selection deadlines are published for specific intake cycles), contact the Admissions team directly — they run campus tours/Open Days and can add you to event registration or the WeChat admissions channel. The Admissions page lists the email and phone number for direct queries.	Admissions 1. Initial enquiry and school visit — Contact the admissions office (phone/email or the online enquiry form) to request current materials, ask about open‑day dates, and confirm which programmes (AP / A‑Level / Arts / Music) are accepting students for the intake you want. Parents should bring the student's most recent school report when they visit and note that some programmes (art/music) require a separate portfolio or audition—ask in advance what format the school wants. It's common for the school to schedule on‑campus tours or online information sessions before you complete a formal application; confirm the exact timeframe and available slots with admissions. 2. Submit a formal application — Complete the school's application form (online or in person) and submit the requested documents: a copy of the student's ID (passport, mainland ID or hukou), recent academic transcripts, one‑inch photos, and any specialist materials (art portfolio, music recordings). The application step typically requires payment of an application or registration fee; published amounts vary between sources so ask admissions for the current, exact figure before paying. Keep scanned copies of everything and request a receipt and an application reference number from the school for follow‑up. 3. Test registration and fees — After the application is accepted for assessment, you will be asked to register for the entrance assessment and pay the test fee (many parents report a separate exam/testing fee in addition to the application fee). Expect to be told precise test dates and whether the test is on campus, online, or computer‑based; confirm refund policies (most test fees are non‑refundable). Before you arrive, double‑check what calculator or ID to bring and whether parents are permitted to stay for the test day. 4. Entrance assessment — SIFC uses a formal academic assessment (reported as a 150‑minute MAP or MAP‑style computerised test covering math, English and science for most academic streams) and a one‑to‑one interview (often with a senior leader such as the principal). For arts and music applicants the academic test is combined with a professional exam or portfolio review; portfolios and recordings should meet the school's stated format and length. Parents should prepare the student by reviewing subject areas named by the school and by making sure portfolios are labelled and uploaded according to the school's instructions. 5. Interview and family meeting — If shortlisted, the school will normally schedule a student interview and a parent/guardian meeting (in person or by phone/video). The interview evaluates language ability, academic motivation and fit with the programme; art/music applicants often have a separate subject‑specific audition or interview. Parents should bring original identity documents and be ready to discuss learning support needs, future university plans and logistics (transport, boarding if relevant). 6. Offer, timeline and placement — After assessment the school will issue an outcome (offer, conditional offer, or non‑offer). Some sources report that initial results can be given quickly (reports of decisions within about three working days in some application rounds), but official timelines can vary by intake and cohort—confirm the expected decision date when you apply. If an offer is made, read the offer letter carefully for deadlines to accept, any conditions (e.g., submission of authenticated transcripts), the contract terms and the deadline to pay the deposit or tuition to secure the place. 7. Contract, payment and registration — To secure a place you will typically sign an enrolment agreement and pay the required deposit/full tuition by the stated deadline; the school will provide instructions for invoicing and acceptable payment methods. Be aware of what the tuition covers (some published schedules note that tuition may include core fees but exclude meals, boarding, international exam fees and school bus) and keep copies of the signed contract and payment receipts for visa or school‑record purposes. If you need an invoice for reimbursement or visa applications, ask admissions at the time of payment. 8. Pre‑arrival administrative steps — Once your place is confirmed, the school will advise on start‑of‑term requirements: immunisations or health records, uniform orders, orientation dates and any assessment to place the student in the right subject level. For non‑mainland students, check visa/entry paperwork early; for mainland transfers you may need to follow local education bureau procedures for transfer or new student registration. Keep the admissions contact details handy in case documents or travel plans change.
Scholarships	Scholarships Harrow Shenzhen operates a Scholarship Programme and also offers means‑tested bursaries; information and application details are published on the school site. Merit-based scholarships are offered in categories such as Academic Excellence, Sports, Music and Drama; the merit scheme is described as providing targeted curricular enrichment and support rather than direct financial discounts for all merit awards (the school distinguishes merit support from full-cost scholarships). The scholarship application process requires a completed application form, supporting documents (transcripts, test scores, references, portfolios where appropriate), a personal statement (the school's guidance indicates 500–700 words for merit applications), and shortlisted candidates are invited to interview with the scholarship committee. In addition, AISL Harrow Scholarships (for example, the Y2025–27 Harrow scholarship round) have been run at Harrow Shenzhen/AISL Harrow and in at least one cycle included full scholarships covering tuition, boarding and examination fees for the two‑year A‑Level programme; check current availability, deadlines and selection criteria for the year you are applying. For means‑tested support, the school's bursary information indicates that all students may apply and that bursaries are intended to ensure talented students can attend irrespective of parental income. For precise application forms, deadlines and contact points (scholarship enquiries list a contact such as Angela Tai and the Scholarship page provides form downloads), contact the Admissions or Scholarship office and download the school's scholarship brochure from the admissions pages.	Scholarships SIFC publishes a structured scholarship scheme (branded as the “拏云奖学金” in the school's own material) that includes entrance scholarships, university‑entry scholarships and targeted university fee assistance. The entrance scholarships are awarded before enrolment and may reduce tuition directly (the published categories include full‑tuition awards, and tiered awards such as ¥100,000/year, ¥50,000/year, ¥20,000/year, and ¥10,000/year levels); the programme also describes separate university‑entry awards tied to particular destination universities with larger lump sums for top offers. The school's 2025 scholarship materials state a combined potential package of awards and assistance up to a large total (the page cites the overall programme cap), and it notes that scholarship rules and the awarding process are determined by the school—parents should request the specific scholarship application form, eligibility criteria, selection timeline, whether scholarships are renewable year‑to‑year, and any scholarship conditions (e.g., minimum progress or enrolment in particular classes). For full, current details and the official application process, contact SIFC's admissions or scholarship office and ask for the scholarship policy and deadlines.
Waitlist	Waitlist Harrow Shenzhen's public admissions pages do not publish a formal waiting‑list policy or a named ‘waiting list' procedure; instead the site emphasises that applications will only be considered where places are available and asks families to contact Admissions to check vacancies. Because the school does not publish a standard waiting‑list mechanism, parents who are willing to be held for a future vacancy should contact admissions@harrowshenzhen.cn to ask whether the school can retain their application or place them in any internal pool when no immediate place exists. If you need a formal waiting‑list placement or a position number for local administrative purposes, request explicit confirmation in writing from Admissions so you have a dated record of any agreement.	Waitlist Publicly available admissions material and the school's published admissions summaries do not set out a formal, detailed waitlist policy on the website; I did not find an explicit statement that SIFC operates a named waiting‑list process in its public admissions pages. That said, many international schools will place qualified applicants on a waiting list if a grade or programme is full and then offer places as spaces open; because SIFC's external admissions guides do not publish a formal waitlist policy, the best practical approach is to ask the admissions office directly whether (a) they maintain a waiting list for the year/grade you need, (b) how candidates are prioritised, and (c) how long the wait typically is. If you want a fallback plan, ask admissions whether they will accept rolling documentation updates and how often you should check in to keep your application active.
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