Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake vs The British School of Guangzhou

	M Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake Guangzhou, China	The British School of Guangzhou Guangzhou, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 40,000 - 178,000	Fees / year RMB 105,000 - 301,000
Age range	Age range 14 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Mandarin	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2021	Opened 2005
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake is located in the Songshan Lake industrial park, Dongguan, Guangdong — the campus sits next to Huawei European Village and Songshan Lake Park. Address given on the school site is C4 CIMC Yi-Ning-Xi-Lu Road, Dongguan City, Guangdong, China. The site notes the campus is tranquil and has easy access to local transport links.	Location BSG Guangzhou 983-3 Tonghe Road, Baiyun District Guangzhou 510515, CHINA
Stages	Stages The school offers IGCSE and A‑level programmes and international preparatory (pre‑A level) options, with two‑year IGCSE and two‑year A‑level patterns and a one‑year pre‑A route described on the curriculum pages. The programmes are aimed at secondary / senior‑school students preparing for university.	Stages BSG serves children from early years through to pre-university: Early Years (ages 1–5), Primary (ages 5–11) Secondary (ages 11–18)
School type	School type MAS is a co‑educational school and operates boarding provision; students are placed in age‑appropriate boarding houses with houseparents and resident tutors on site. The Songshan Lake campus is part of the wider Merchiston group (links with Merchiston Castle School and other Merchiston campuses) and shares resources across those campuses.	School type The British School of Guangzhou (BSG) is a private, co-educational British international day school and a proud member of the Nord Anglia Education family. The school provides an outstanding education for students from Early Years through to Sixth Form and does not offer boarding provision.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix BSG is a diverse and inclusive British international school community in Guangzhou, welcoming students from more than 50 nationalities. Our families come from across the globe, including Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East and Oceania, creating a truly international learning environment enriched by different cultures, perspectives and experiences.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The website describes a three‑teacher guidance model that includes academic mentors, pastoral care and a psychological counsellor as part of student support. The school does not publish a detailed Special Educational Needs (SEN) or specific learning‑support list on its public pages; parents are advised to contact admissions for case‑specific information.	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available. Learning Support (LS) coordinators work closely with teachers and families to develop personalised support plans and monitor student progress. Families are encouraged to contact the Admissions team to discuss individual learning needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation MAS presents itself as part of the Merchiston family and cites an affiliation with Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, Scotland (UK).	Country affiliation BSG is a British International school that follows the English National Curriculum, IGCSE and A-Level Programme. BSG is part of the Nord Anglia Education group.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school website does not state any religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The school welcomes families of all backgrounds and has no religious affiliation, providing a non-denominational British international education.
School day structure	School day structure The site publishes an Academic Calendar and a timetable page (作息表) where the school timetable is made available; exact start and finish times are shown on that calendar/timetable rather than in prominent text. The boarding page notes that boarders follow the same working day as day students and have a structured evening homework period and supervised weekend activities.	School day structure School Day: 8:00am–3:00pm After-School Activities (ASAs): Available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:50pm–3:50pm. Transport: On ASA days, school buses depart at 4:00pm to accommodate students participating in activities. Meals: Lunch is included in the school fees and is served daily on campus under staff supervision. Students enjoy a balanced selection of meals as part of the school day. For more information about the school day, breaks, transport arrangements and extracurricular opportunities, please contact the Admissions Team or refer to the Parent Essentials guide.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school refers to school buses in its uniform guidance (students must wear uniform on school buses), which indicates a bus service is used, but the website does not publish detailed route, provider or booking information. For pickup/drop‑off routes, costs and registration, the site directs parents to contact Admissions (admissions@merchistonacademy.cn / 400 999 0978).	Bus service details BSG operates a supervised school bus service covering major residential communities across Guangzhou. All routes are overseen by school staff and supported by dedicated Bus Supervisors, with comprehensive health and safety procedures in place. For enquiries, please contact the Bus Manager, Ms Vivien Xue, at schoolbus@bsg.org.cn or +86 (0)20 8709 4788 ext. 2032. Detailed route information is available on the school's website.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Seat‑reservation fees - Seat reservation (placement) deposit: RMB 18,000 (payable on offer/booking; treated as a seat deposit). Tuition fees (current academic year — listed as annual amounts by programme) - QingTeng programme (national curriculum + AP): RMB 178,000 per year. - Songshan Lake programme (national curriculum + A‑Level): RMB 158,000 per year. - ZiJing programme (national curriculum + DSE): RMB 98,000 per year. - DeQin (domestic curriculum + Xingzhi特色): RMB 40,000 per year. Per‑term / billing equivalents - The school has previously published semester figures (two semesters per academic year) for international and domestic directions; older published semester examples include RMB 75,000 per semester for international direction and RMB 30,000 per semester for domestic direction. Where an annual fee is published, treat it as the full academic‑year charge unless a semester breakdown is specified. Boarding (annual) - Boarding (6‑person room): RMB 18,000 per year. - Boarding (3‑person room): RMB 30,000 per year. Other charges (paid separately) - Insurance, optional paid CCAs, school bus, bedding/room setup, meals, uniforms, textbooks, international examination registration fees and occasional field‑trip or practical course fees. These items are charged in addition to tuition/boarding. Billing schedule and payment terms / refunds - Tuition is charged according to the published fee schedule for the relevant programme/year. If a student enrolls after a term begins, fees may be charged on a pro‑rata basis. Students are required to settle outstanding fees to receive school reports. If a registered student pays but does not commence, 90% of fees may be refundable; mid‑term withdrawals are calculated pro‑rata by actual days in attendance (school example formula: refund = paid/184 * (184 − days attended), with a minimum month unit). One‑term written notice of withdrawal is normally required; failure to give notice can result in charges for remaining fees. Fee payment options - Publicly available materials do not list a definitive set of accepted payment channels for MAS Songshan Lake. Common channels for campuses in this group include bank transfer and electronic payments; for admissions or payment instructions, use the school admissions contact (admissions@merchistonacademy.cn).	Fee details Tuition fees (annual and termly by year group) Toddler (Half Day) — Annual: RMB 105,000; Term 1: RMB 42,000; Term 2: RMB 31,500; Term 3: RMB 31,500. Toddler (Full Day) — Annual: RMB 150,000; Term 1: RMB 60,000; Term 2: RMB 45,000; Term 3: RMB 45,000. Pre-nursery (Full Day) — Annual: RMB 211,000; Term 1: RMB 84,400; Term 2: RMB 63,300; Term 3: RMB 63,300. Nursery — Annual: RMB 211,000; Term 1: RMB 84,400; Term 2: RMB 63,300; Term 3: RMB 63,300. Reception — Annual: RMB 227,000; Term 1: RMB 90,800; Term 2: RMB 68,100; Term 3: RMB 68,100. Year 1 & Year 2— Annual: RMB 255,000; Term 1: RMB 102,000; Term 2: RMB 76,500; Term 3: RMB 76,500. Year 3- Year 6 — Annual: RMB 265,000; Term 1: RMB 106,000; Term 2: RMB 76,500; Term 3: RMB 76,500. Year 7- Year 9 — Annual: RMB 283,000; Term 1: RMB 113,200; Term 2: RMB 84,900; Term 3: RMB 84,900. Year 10 - Year 12 — Annual: RMB 301,000; Term 1: RMB 120,400; Term 2: RMB 90,300; Term 3: RMB 90,300. Year 13 — Annual: RMB 301,000; Term 1: RMB 150,500; Term 2: RMB 150,500; Term 3: RMB 0. Application, deposit and other mandatory / optional charges Application fee: RMB 2,500 — one-off, non-refundable and non-transferable. Enrolment deposit: RMB 20,000 per child — one-off; refundable subject to the school's terms and conditions. Uniform (annual estimate): RMB 3,200 (varies by year and quantity). iPad app purchases (Y6–Y9 only): up to RMB 500 (maximum). Additional English language support (EAL): RMB 10,000 per term (where required). Personal computer: students in Years 10–13 required to bring a device that meets school requirements. School bus (optional): Four bus tiers — Annual rates range RMB 11,700 (Tier 1) to RMB 28,700 (Tier 4); term amounts are shown per tier in the published fee sheet. Billing schedule and payment terms Payment due dates for 2026–27: Annual payment (or First Term) — 15 June 2026; Second Term — 4 November 2026; Third Term — 3 March 2027. Annual-payment discount: 5% discount on annual tuition applies if paid by 15 June 2026. Students joining during the year are charged on a pro‑rata basis; fees should be paid before the student's first day. Refunds and withdrawal - Withdrawal notice: Two months’ written notice is required for student withdrawal ( excluding school holidays). If a student withdraws during a school term, fees for that term are non-refundable. Fee payment options Detailed tuition fee amounts, payment schedules and any additional charges are published on the school's website and in the Tuition Fees 2026–27 document. For fee-related enquiries or personalised assistance, please contact the Admissions Team at admissions@bsg.org.cn.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Three age-appropriate boarding houses accommodate MAS Songshan Lake students, cared for by a Houseparent who lives on site alongside resident Tutors, promoting a family atmosphere. Boarding students follow the same school day pattern; after their evening meal they have structured homework time overseen by a staff member on duty, followed by social time and bedtime. A fully staffed medical centre supports boarders, and at weekends they may participate in a range of activities or undertake independent study.	Boarding arrangements The British School of Guangzhou is a day school without boarding options.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement All MAS students wear the school uniform on school days, on school buses, on school property and on school trips; exceptions may be allowed in special circumstances. Full dress is required from October to April and during the rally.	Uniform requirement Wearing school uniform in the correct way is compulsory for all children at the British School of Guangzhou. It helps students focus in school, encourages positive social interaction and even makes life a little easier for parents each morning.
Food options	Food options Boarding includes meals; boarders have evening meals as part of the daily routine.	Food options Lunch is included in school fees and served daily under staff supervision. Students enjoy a varied menu with hot meal options, salads, fruit and desserts. Special dietary requirements and allergies can be accommodated where possible.
House system	House system There are three age-appropriate boarding houses for MAS Songshan Lake students.	House system Every student is assigned to one of BSG's four houses, which represent different eras of British history; Normans, Vikings, Saxons and Romans. The House System fosters a strong sense of belonging, teamwork and healthy competition through a variety of events and inter-house activities throughout the year. Students earn points for their house, with the winning house recognised at the end of each academic year.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The British School of Guangzhou is part of Nord Anglia Education, a leading international schools organisation. The school is governed in accordance with Nord Anglia Education's global standards and educational framework.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake delivers UK‑style 14–19 provision with IGCSE, a Pre‑A‑level year where applicable, two‑year A‑levels and vocational BTEC pathways in partnership with Edexcel. Programmes run on three entry models — 0+2 (two‑year A‑level for G11–G13), 1+2 (one year Pre‑A‑level then two years A‑level for G10–G11 entrants) and 2+2 (two years IGCSE then two years A‑level) — with staged academic targets for each cohort. Core and elective subjects include Mathematics and Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Economics (students typically choose three at A‑level), with IGCSE equivalents and wider options such as Biology, Geography, Accounting, Computer Science, ICT, Drama and Art & Design. Language provision includes IGCSE English plus A‑level and Chinese pathways (including Chinese A‑level and HSK for international students), and the school offers extension and admissions‑test preparation (STEP/MAT/PAT) and competition training. The wider scope comprises vocational/internship modules (BTEC, finance, e‑commerce, data analysis), phase‑assessed general education credits (software, media, Mandarin, arts, performance) and a broad co‑curricular activities programme.	Curriculum details BSG follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years to Year 9, leading to IGCSE qualifications in Years 10–11 and A Levels in Years 12–13. Students benefit from a broad and balanced education that includes strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, STEAM, languages, arts and sports, enhanced by Nord Anglia’s global collaborations with MIT, UNICEF, Juilliard and IMG. Sixth Form students can choose from a wide range of A Level subjects and enrichment opportunities, including the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Ratios vary by age and year group. In Early Years, the student-to-teacher ratio ranges from approximately 1:4 to 1:8, with each class led by an international teacher supported by one or two teaching assistants. In older year groups, the ratio is typically around 1:10, with specialist subject teachers delivering lessons in Secondary School.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results BSG students have exceeded the UK A Level average for 10 consecutive years. Most recently, 63% of A Level grades were awarded at A–A*, compared to the UK average of 28.2%. BSG students also achieved outstanding IGCSE results, with 65% of grades at A–A and 96% at A–C, reflecting the school's strong academic performance and commitment to excellence.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression BSG students consistently achieve outstanding academic results and benefit from personalised university guidance and strong character development programmes. As a result, graduates have secured places at leading universities worldwide, including the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, UCL, University of Manchester, Georgetown University, and The University of Hong Kong, among many other top institutions.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented BSG is known for its personalised approach to learning, ensuring every student is challenged, supported and encouraged to pursue their individual strengths and passions. Through a wide range of academic, sporting, creative and leadership opportunities, students can excel in areas that interest them most. Many participate in national and international competitions, including academic Olympiads, sports tournaments, performing arts festivals and global enrichment programmes, achieving success at both local and international levels.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake states that pastoral care is a central part of its approach and places pastoral care “on a paramount position” within its holistic education model. The school describes boarding tutors and houseparents as important role models who live and work with students, which the school says supports students' social development and sense of community. Co-curricular activities (CCAs) such as Debate Club, Cultural Societies and team sports are listed as regular provision that supports teamwork, communication and wider social skills. The Boarding overview explicitly links boarding routines and house structures to encouraging interpersonal skills and a supportive community.	Social & emotional learning Social and emotional learning is embedded throughout school life at BSG through a comprehensive pastoral care programme. In Primary School, class teachers support students’ wellbeing through daily interactions, assemblies, and circle-time sessions that help children develop self-awareness, confidence, resilience, and positive relationships. In Secondary School, students are supported by dedicated form tutors who deliver the citizenship and PSHE curriculum, providing guidance on personal, social, and emotional development. This work is overseen by the Assistant Head of Primary & Secondary – Pastoral. BSG’s pastoral programme is delivered both through dedicated lessons and everyday practice. A buddy system helps new students settle into the school community, while leadership opportunities such as the Student Council, House Captains, and Head Students encourage responsibility, collaboration, and communication skills. Class teachers and form tutors provide ongoing mentoring and wellbeing support, ensuring every student feels valued, connected, and able to thrive. University and careers counsellors also support older students as they navigate future pathways, helping them develop the confidence and self-understanding needed for life beyond school.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school's public website does not set out a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) or inclusion policy. The site does describe targeted academic clinics (for example, Chinese Clinic and Science Clinic) that provide extra academic support, but these pages do not identify specialist SEN provision or list specific categories of special needs supported. There is no page on the website that describes a named SEN coordinator, specialist learning support team, or a formal SEN policy. Based on the website material I reviewed, Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake does not publicly disclose specific SEN provision or whether it is a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) BSG states it provides tailored learning support and has an expert team of Special Educational Needs (SEN) coordinators who work with teachers to put plans in place, monitor progress, and liaise with families. The school's Learning Support page emphasises personalised approaches to help students achieve their potential. The website does not specify which categories of SEN (for example specific learning difficulties, autism spectrum conditions, or sensory impairments) it will or will not support, nor does it present itself as a specialist SEN institution. For detailed thresholds or specialist placements the site advises contacting the school directly.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school's co‑curricular listings describe an English Clinic and an English Clinic/IELTS Preparation offering targeted English support; the site states that targeted EAL/IELTS provision is available, including an EAL provision note for Years 12–13. The English Clinic is described as focused lessons to improve English language proficiency and the IELTS preparation CCA is explicitly for students identified as needing exam support. These references indicate targeted English-language support primarily through CCA-style clinics rather than a separate full-time EAL department. The school does not publish a separate detailed EAL policy or an all‑school EAL programme on the public website.	English as an additional language The British School of Guangzhou provides a comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for students whose first language is not English, ensuring they can access the curriculum confidently and participate fully in school life. In the Primary School, students in Reception to Year 3 receive EAL support four times per week through small-group or in-class instruction, alongside one individual session each week. From Year 4 onwards, students requiring additional English support receive EAL lessons in place of Mandarin. EAL specialists work closely with students in small groups for approximately 3.5 hours per week and provide additional one-to-one support on a fortnightly basis. In the Secondary School, the EAL programme offers a balanced and targeted approach to language development. Students participate in four periods of Core Curriculum Language Development each week, using carefully adapted, CEFR-levelled texts covering a range of engaging topics. In addition, EAL Language classes are provided for two periods each week, focusing on developing listening and speaking skills and replacing Modern Foreign Language and Chinese lessons where appropriate. Students also receive subject-specific language support, particularly in areas such as Humanities, where they develop the academic vocabulary and language structures needed for success across the curriculum. This integrated approach enables students to build confidence, strengthen their English proficiency, and achieve academic success while fully engaging with the wider school community.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school lists staff with psychology and mental health-related roles: an individual profile identifies Richard Yu as a Psychology & University Guidance Teacher with a mental health teacher qualification and experience in school psychology and counselling. The Guidance Team page describes a university counselling team and named counsellors involved in student guidance. Boarding information states that houseparents and resident tutors are expected to provide responsive care and that staff receive ongoing in‑service training related to student welfare. The site also mentions a fully staffed medical centre on campus for student healthcare. These items on the website indicate the school provides pastoral, counselling and on‑site medical resources for student wellbeing, though the site does not publish a full mental‑health policy document.	Mental wellbeing The school states it attends to student wellness through pastoral and guidance programmes and that in‑house staff and external specialists provide a full range of support and counselling services. Primary staff monitor wellbeing through class activities and circle‑time while Secondary form tutors and a pastoral leadership post provide oversight. BSG also highlights parent support groups and community activities that help families settle and strengthen social connections. The website does not publish detailed lists of counsellor qualifications or formal clinical referral pathways; parents are invited to contact the school for more specific information.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The website emphasises pastoral care, boarding house structures with houseparents and resident tutors, ongoing in‑service staff training, and a fully staffed medical centre as parts of student care and supervision. Boarding pages describe principles such as dignity, inclusion and access to responsive care, and note that tutors and houseparents are important role models who live on site to support students' welfare. The public site does not appear to publish a standalone child protection or safeguarding policy, nor does it name a designated safeguarding lead on the pages reviewed. Therefore, while the site describes practical safeguarding-related provisions (boarding supervision, staff training and medical support), it does not publicly disclose a formal safeguarding/child‑protection policy document.	Safeguarding BSG's Safety First Charter states that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is a fundamental priority and that Designated Safeguarding Leads are present across campus sites. The charter also describes first‑aid and nursing provision, key staff being first‑aid trained, and routine emergency procedures (fire drills, lockdowns, risk assessments). Parent Essentials links to the school's policies, including a Safeguarding Policy, for further detail. The site asks families to speak to Designated Safeguarding Leads if they have concerns.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake campus sits in Songshan Lake Industrial Park in Dongguan, adjacent to Huawei Europe Town, in a quiet, accessible setting. The campus covers 35,000 square metres and is equipped with world‑class teaching facilities and equipment, supported by a professional staff and on‑site sports spaces. The school is part of a four‑campus network and resources are shared with Merchiston Castle School (UK), MIS Shenzhen and MIS Shekou. Boarding is available with three age‑appropriate houses and a fully staffed medical centre on site. The campus environment supports a holistic international education for students aged roughly 14–19.	Facilities overview Set on a beautiful 44,000m² lakeside campus beside South Lake, BSG offers a spacious, green and inspiring learning environment away from the bustle of city life. The purpose-built campus features bright classrooms, specialist science and technology spaces, performing arts facilities, sports areas and extensive outdoor learning spaces, all designed to support students' academic, creative and personal development. Key features of the lakeside facilities include : Early Years Centre advanced science labs and a Innovation Zone; music and dance studios and a theatre; two libraries; a sports hall and a swimming pool; two football fields and a basketball court; interactive technology in every classroom. Primary playground and a tree house Sixth Form Centre
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Cricket is one of the three main sports offered. Golf is available with access to local practice facilities and a partner club for some sessions. Hockey sessions are available through Merchiston Hockey Club, including time at the Astro Stadium. Rugby provides a defined pathway and regular team activity. Tennis is part of the curricular and co‑curricular programs, with a structured development pathway.	Sports facilities BSG offers a purpose built sports hall and a swimming pool. There are two football fields and an outdoor basketball court. The sports facilities support physical education, competitive team sports, and after‑school activities. The spaces are integrated with the campus buildings to provide easy access for both primary and secondary students.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake offers IGCSE, A‑Level and BTEC courses delivered by a mix of local and international teaching staff. The campus size is 35,000 square metres and includes world‑class teaching facilities and equipment, along with sports facilities. Resources are shared across MAS's four campuses, including MAS Songshan Lake, MIS Shenzhen, MIS Shekou and Merchiston Castle School in the UK.	Academic facilities The school follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years Foundation Stage through IGCSE and A‑levels, with IGCSE qualifications followed by A‑levels. There are advanced science labs and a STEAM room, and dedicated music and dance studios and a theatre. Two libraries and interactive technology are available in every classroom, complemented by a one‑to‑one information technology program providing age‑appropriate Apple devices. The Primary and Secondary buildings are located on the shores of South Lake and are designed to inspire learning with age‑specific facilities throughout the campus.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The co‑curricular program includes a broad range of sports and arts/creative activities. Sports CCAs include Cricket, Golf, Hockey, Tennis and Rugby, with some activities held at dedicated facilities (e.g., Astro Stadium and partner golf courses). Arts and culture CCAs cover Still Life Academic Drawing, Mural Club, Paper Craft, Ceramics, Photo Realistic Portraits, Illuminated Manuscripts & Ink Drawing, Documentary, Chinese Embroidery, Cultural Societies‑Film Club and Calligraphy. Additional lanes include English Clinic/IELTS Preparation, Economics Clinic, Seniors Choir, Street Dance, Pipa and K‑pop Group, among others; some CCAs carry fees.	Extra curricular facilities Dozens of after‑school activities (ASAs) are available, allowing students to build a portfolio of experiences through sports, arts, community service, and other pursuits. Examples include competitive sports, performing arts, and projects outside of regular class time, among many options. The school also runs BSG Summer Camp, Residential Trips, and a Social Impact programme as part of its wider extracurricular offering. Activities are connected to the Global Campus platform for global learning and opportunities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake (MAS) opened in September 2021. MAS is affiliated with Dongguan Xingzhi Vocational School and is presented on its website as linked to Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, with shared branding and curriculum collaboration. The school's web material states it works with UK partners such as Edexcel to offer internationally recognised courses. MAS is described as one campus within a group that shares resources with other Merchiston campuses (for example Shenzhen and Qianhai).	History Founded in 2005, The British School of Guangzhou was the first British international school in Guangzhou. What began as a small kindergarten in the city centre has grown into a thriving all-through school on its purpose-built South Lake campus, serving a diverse international community across the Pearl River Delta. BSG is part of the Nord Anglia Education family of schools.
Community	Community The school describes a community shaped around full boarding, pastoral care and a “family-feel” college model, with emphasis on student wellbeing and discipline. A wide range of co-curricular activities is listed on the school site—examples include choir, band, theatrical productions, traditional Chinese music (including pipa), sports and outreach/volunteer projects. The campus is located in Songshan Lake and the school highlights connections with local technology and industry partners as part of its community and practical learning opportunities.	Community BSG is a vibrant international community of students, parents and staff. Throughout the year, the school celebrates a variety of cultural and community events, including International Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, Diwali, Christmas and Chinese New Year. Students participate in the House System, whole-school activities and competitions, while families stay engaged through a shared annual events calendar. Community service and social impact are central to school life, with students regularly leading and participating in initiatives that support local and global causes.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school's published materials refer to a boarding parents' group (寄宿家长会) that provides practical support for students' residential life and liaises with the school's pastoral team; psychological services and campus residential staff are noted as part of that support structure. The website does not publish a separate, detailed PTA constitution or regular public calendar of parent-led events; publicly available pages focus more on the boarding-parents structure and pastoral arrangements. For information about current parent committees, regular meetings, volunteer roles or fundraising activities the school directs readers to its contact channels (admissions email/phone) for up-to-date details. If you'd like, I can contact the admissions address on the school site and request the latest PTA or parent‑engagement information and report back.	Parent teacher association BSG encourages active parent participation through its Parent Support Groups (PSGs). Working closely with teachers and school leaders, parent volunteers help organise community events, cultural celebrations, fundraising activities and initiatives such as International Day. This collaborative approach strengthens the school community and helps foster strong partnerships between families and the school.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake offers Year 11–13 programs with IGCSE and A-level pathways, including 0+2, 1+2, and 2+2 routes. The A-level program is delivered in partnership with Edexcel, and the curriculum includes a Pre-A-level year as a preparatory stage. Core subject options cover Mathematics (and Further Mathematics), Physics, Chemistry, Economics, and other subjects; elective options include additional languages and STEAM-related subjects, with opportunities to pursue examinations and university-admissions pathways. The curriculum is designed to foster independent study, analytical thinking, and global readiness to support admission to world-renowned universities. Accreditations and pathways also emphasize global perspectives and real-world applicability.	Academic & intellectual The school teaches the English National Curriculum from Early Years Foundation Stage through IGCSE and A-levels. It serves Pre-Nursery through Year 13 on a campus located by South Lake. The age ranges are Early Years 1–5, Primary 5–11, and Secondary 11–18. The school was established in 2005 as Guangzhou's first British international school and remains the most established in the city.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The program supports arts and creative development through a range of co-curricular activities, including Band and dramatic productions, as well as visual and performing arts projects. The school runs practical arts experiences and production opportunities integrated with its broader curriculum. Students can engage in visual and performing arts through clubs and productions, with a focus on collaboration and creativity. CCAs and production work are part of the extracurricular framework.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Language offerings include compulsory language study and elective options that include English and Chinese language tracks, with pathways such as IGCSE English and Chinese-language options at A-level; there are provisions for Chinese language study at A-level and for non-native speakers, including HSK-focused Chinese coursework. The curriculum emphasizes global citizenship and cross-cultural awareness as part of a broad educational aim.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A range of CCAs supports social and hobby development, including Mindful Meditation, an Economics Clinic, a Detective Novel Club, and Digital Products & Car Reviews. The CCAs are designed to complement academic study and help students explore personal interests and collaborative skills. The Band and production elements also provide music and theatre opportunities as part of student life.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service The curriculum includes general education components and elective activities that cover design software, video production, digital literacy, and cultural arts, alongside modules with public welfare and community-related aims. Internship-style experiences in finance, computing, data analysis, and e-commerce are listed as part of the elective offering, contributing to broader social engagement and real-world experience.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Guidance and preparation for higher education are supported by a dedicated university counselling team that helps students gain admission to universities worldwide. The guidance program includes structured activities and ongoing support to develop leadership, study skills, and professional awareness.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Boarding is available at Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake, with a focus on health, welfare, independent living, and community integration. There is a fully staffed medical centre on site, and boarding life emphasizes personal development, responsibility, and balanced routines alongside academic study.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school offers IGCSE, A-levels and international preparatory courses. Compulsory languages include IGCSE English (as Second Language) and Chinese (A-level Chinese) with HSK Chinese for foreign students. Optional languages include A-level Chinese, A-level English, English Literature, General Paper, and Second Language. The curriculum framework includes a 1-year Pre-A level, 2-year IGCSE, and 2-year A-level courses.	Language provision The school teaches in English and follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through IGCSE and A-levels. Mandarin Chinese is taught from day one, with Pre‑Nursery and Nursery receiving four 40‑minute lessons per week with native speakers; Reception has daily 40‑minute Mandarin lessons; Years 1–3 have four Chinese lessons per week; Years 4–6 have three hours per week. Secondary students may study Mandarin or another language. Chinese language options extend to IGCSE and A-levels, with Chinese offered as First Language (mother tongue), Second Language (near‑native), or Foreign Language; KS3 (Years 7–9) provides two 70‑minute lessons in Chinese, French, or Spanish, KS4 (Years 10–11) offers IGCSE in Chinese (First/Second/Foreign) or French/Spanish, and KS5 (Years 12–13) offers Edexcel A Levels in Chinese, French, and Spanish. Cambridge English Programme is available as a weekend course to improve English, and EAL support is provided with encouragement of home languages.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards No school-level awards listed on the school website (past five years): I did not find any entries on the Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake website that present awards given to the school itself in the last five years. The site includes pages for achievements and news and lists various student achievements and the accreditations above, but it does not present a section of awards won by the institution as an organisation. Summary of what I checked and what's missing: I reviewed the school's English and Chinese site pages (including the Accreditation page, About/Major Attributes, Campus/Our Campuses and the site's Achievements/News sections) and found the accreditations above but no items labelled as school awards or institutional honours from the last five years. If you would like, I can (a) check again for any press releases or archived news on the site that might be phrased differently (for example, "honours", "recognition", or local awards in Chinese), or (b) expand the search to authoritative external sources (news sites, local education bureau announcements) if you want confirmation beyond the school's own site.	Awards On the school's website, the following awards (given to the school or its institutional profile, not to individual students) are documented within the last five years; each entry includes a one‑line explanation and the source. - British Chamber China Schools Awards 2022 — Winner, Diversity & Inclusion category (published on the school site 27 Feb 2023). The award recognised the school's approach to inclusion across educational, social and emotional support. - Pearson Edexcel Pioneer Award 2023 — BSG states it received the 2023 Pearson Edexcel Pioneer Award (published on the school site 1 Dec 2023); the award recognises schools whose students achieved ‘Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards' in the relevant examination series. Note on scope and currency: the lists above are limited to information published on The British School of Guangzhou's official pages (the Nord Anglia / BSG website). If you would like, I can (a) check for any additional recognitions listed in other public sources, (b) pull the exact school page text and publication dates for each accreditation/award, or (c) compile the original page links and dates into a short citation list for your records.
Accreditations	Accreditations The school's website lists the following official accreditations (items and dates quoted or paraphrased from the school's “国际认证 / Accreditation” page). 1) CEMC (University of Waterloo) certification — July 2021. One-line significance: CEMC is the University of Waterloo's Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing; being certified means the school is authorised to participate in / administer CEMC mathematics, computing and chemistry competitions and related assessments, which are widely used to benchmark mathematical and computing achievement. 2) Pearson Edexcel Centre (Centre number 94928) — July 2021. One-line significance: Pearson Edexcel is a UK examination board; centre authorisation indicates the school is registered to deliver Edexcel qualifications and to enter students for Edexcel examinations. 3) UCAS official recognition — July 2021. One-line significance: UCAS is the UK's Universities and Colleges Admissions Service; the school's recognition indicates it can support and process students' applications through the official UK university admissions system. 4) Oxford International AQA Examinations centre (Centre number 96278) — November 2021. One-line significance: OxfordAQA is an international exam board (a collaboration involving Oxford University Press and AQA); centre authorisation means the school may administer OxfordAQA international examinations (e.g., international GCSE/A‑level variants). 5) Pearson BTEC Centre (Centre number 95354) — July 2022. One-line significance: BTEC (administered by Pearson) are vocational qualifications; being an authorised BTEC centre allows the school to deliver Pearson BTEC vocational programmes and assessments on campus.	Accreditations Below are the accreditations and formal associations that The British School of Guangzhou lists on its website, with a one‑line explanation of each and a source. - Council of International Schools (CIS) — BSG is a CIS member with full accreditation; CIS accreditation is an independent quality-assurance process used by international schools to demonstrate they meet defined standards of governance, teaching and student welfare. - Edexcel (Pearson Edexcel) — listed as an awarding organisation for GCSE and A‑Level examinations; this allows the school to offer Edexcel/ Pearson qualifications and exam services. - Cambridge Assessment / Cambridge English (assessment centres) — BSG is an authorised Cambridge English assessment centre and accredited to administer selected Cambridge Assessment tests; this enables the school to deliver recognised English language and university entrance assessments. - SAT Examination Centre (College Board) — the school is a registered SAT testing centre, allowing students to sit SAT examinations on site for U.S. university admissions. - Licensed by Chinese authorities — BSG states it is a fully licensed international school approved by the Guangdong Education Commission and the Chinese Ministry of Education, indicating legal approval to operate in China. - Historical Association Quality Mark — listed on the school's accreditations page as the Historical Association Quality Mark, which recognises the quality of a school's history provision. - Duke of Edinburgh's International Award provider — BSG is listed as a provider for the Duke of Edinburgh / International Award programme, meaning the school can deliver the award framework (Bronze/Silver/Gold) to students. - Memberships / regional school associations — the school's site also notes active membership of regional associations such as FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia) and ACAMIS (Association of China and Mongolia International Schools); these are membership networks that run regional events, competitions and collaborative programmes. (Each item above is taken from the school's own accreditation / information pages.)
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Follow the school's official WeChat and make initial contact. Merchiston Academy Songshan Lake (MAS) asks families to follow its official WeChat account as the first step; the Applications Process page on the school website lists this as Step 1 and this is also where open days, application links and contact details are announced. Parents should follow the account so they receive updates (assessment dates, open-day slots and application-link notices) rather than relying on third‑party summaries. 2. Pay the non‑refundable application fee (RMB 1,000). MAS requires a non‑refundable application fee of RMB 1,000 to progress an application; the Applications Process page shows this as Step 2. Keep the payment receipt and proof of payment — the school asks you to submit proof of payment with the application form and will not proceed with assessment without it. 3. Complete and submit the school application form. Parents should complete every section, including declarations about medical conditions and support needs — incomplete forms slow processing and the school uses the information to plan assessments and pastoral support. 4. Attend the interview and complete entry assessments (or arrange online if necessary). Both parents and the student are normally expected on campus for a face‑to‑face interview; an online interview is an alternative when required (for example, COVID‑related restrictions). Students take the entry assessments (the school specifically lists CAT4 and WIDA among the assessments); prepare copies of recent school reports and expect English proficiency testing (WIDA) and cognitive/ability screening (CAT4). 5. Provide required supporting documents at application or assessment. MAS lists the documents they require: mainland candidates should bring ID cards (international/HK/Macau applicants should provide passports), a recent frontal colour digital photo (two‑inch, white background), the application form, and academic transcripts for the last two years; CVs and certificates of awards are optional but recommended where relevant. The Application Information page also notes the school usually requests a confidential report from the applicant's current school and requires disclosure of any special learning needs so the Head of Section can assess reasonable adjustments. 6. Receiving an outcome, accepting an offer and next administrative steps. The school states parents will receive an offer letter by email within five working days after assessments, and offers should be accepted within five working days; if a candidate is declined they may reapply after six months once recommendations (if any) have been completed. After accepting a place, expect follow‑up steps such as fee‑payment instructions, a medical check on entry and placement decisions (year placement is determined by birth date and assessed ability); consult the school fee policy and the admissions team for payment deadlines and refund/withdrawal rules.	Admissions 1. Make an enquiry. Submit the online enquiry form, email the admissions office, or call the school to request information or a tour; the website says the school typically replies within 24 hours. Parents should be ready to provide basic child details (name, date of birth, current year group and current school) when enquiring so the admissions team can give accurate guidance on availability and next steps. Contact details are published on the admissions page if you need to follow up directly. 2. Discover the school (visit or virtual meeting). The school recommends an on-site visit as the best way to see classrooms and meet staff, but it also offers virtual discovery meetings; book the slot that suits your schedule. When arranging a visit, ask in advance about class observation, a meeting with the Head or Senior Leader, and whether there are specific documents they would like to see at that meeting. These meetings are useful to confirm curricular fit (English National Curriculum, IGCSE/A‑Level pathways) and pastoral arrangements. 3. Apply for a place (submit application and documents). Complete the online application form and, when requested, upload or send required supporting documents: copies of the child's passport, previous school reports, and the signed conditions and declarations form. An application fee is required at the time of application (RMB 2,500, non‑refundable); parents should also expect the school to request the enrolment deposit (RMB 20,000 per child) if an offer is made — the deposit is refundable subject to the school's fee policy. 4. Pre-entry assessment and English support. The school arranges a pre‑entry assessment for most applicants; if you are overseas, BSG accepts recent school reports and may use online assessments or request references instead. Parents of children with limited English should expect the school's EAL (English as an Additional Language) support to be discussed; the school is more selective from Year 10 onward because later stages require stronger English proficiency. If the child cannot attend a face‑to‑face assessment, clarify ahead of time where and how the online assessment will be administered (school, current school, or home under supervised conditions). 5. Decision, offers and enrolment payments. After assessment and receipt of documents, the Head of School reviews the application and will either make an offer, decline, or place the child on the waiting list if no space is available; offers will include details of the enrolment deposit, fee schedule and payment deadlines. The school operates rolling admissions (you can apply any time of year), and fees for the coming academic year (2025–26) are published on the tuition page — for example, annual tuition ranges published for 2025–26 run from RMB 95,000 (Toddler half‑day) up to RMB 292,000 (Years 10–13); the school also lists payment due dates and a 5% annual‑payment discount if paid by 15 June 2025. Read the School Fee Policy and the published tuition table carefully before accepting an offer, and confirm refund and withdrawal notice conditions (two months' written notice) so you understand financial commitments.
Scholarships	Scholarships MAS publishes a specific scholarship page describing a range of awards and eligibility rules for 2024. The school runs targeted scholarships for different entry points and programmes: (a) A‑Level and DSE one‑year ‘crash‑course' scholarships (full or half tuition) using gaokao/DSE thresholds and interview performance — thresholds on the page show Guangdong candidates with higher listed score cutoffs (for example, A‑Level full scholarship considered at gaokao 500+ with interview; half scholarship at 470+). (b) Middle‑school/new‑student scholarships ("优才新生奖学金") tied to Dongguan Zhongkao scores (examples on the page show full award at a pure culture score of 700, half award at 650) and renewal conditions requiring the student to remain in the top percentage of the year. (c) Awards for outstanding graduates ("优秀毕业生奖学金") and academic/excellence awards (e.g., 20,000–50,000 RMB and other ranges) for students who achieve high university placements or sustained in‑school performance. Each scholarship page links to the application form and a WeChat/MikeCRM application URL; the page also sets renewal conditions (for multi‑year awards) and clarifies that scholarship value usually applies to tuition rather than extras such as boarding, uniform or activity fees — read the scholarship terms closely and contact admissions to confirm current availability and exact amounts.	Scholarships BSG operates a formal Scholarship Programme for new international applicants in Years 5–12. Scholarships are limited in number, awarded for two years, and may provide a tuition discount of up to 50% depending on performance in the assessment process; awards are reviewed annually and may be renewed subject to performance and the school's decision. Available categories are Academic, STEAM, Performing Arts and Leadership; each category has specific evidence requirements (for example academic transcripts, portfolios, certificates or performance records) and the scholarship process requires a completed application form and supporting documents submitted to admissions. The Scholarship Committee reviews applications, may invite candidates to an interview (sometimes with the Principal and committee members), and will notify applicants promptly of outcomes (the site states notification is made within two working days after the Scholarship Committee meeting). If you are considering applying, download the scholarship application form from the school's scholarship page, prepare the required supporting evidence, and submit everything to Admissions@bsg.org.cn; contact the admissions office with any eligibility questions before applying.
Waitlist	Waitlist MAS's published Applications Process states that where there are more candidates than available places, applications will be placed on a waiting list. The site gives no further public detail about waiting‑list ordering, typical wait times, or whether priority is given by application date, assessment score, sibling link or other factors; parents on the waiting list should contact admissions directly (admissions@merchistonacademy.cn or phone 400 999 0978) to ask about their position and any expected timeline. If an application is declined, the school's page also notes a candidate may reapply after six months, provided any recommendations have been followed.	Waitlist The British School of Guangzhou uses a waiting list when there are no immediate spaces available. The admissions page states that, after assessment and review by the Head of School, applicants may be placed on the waiting list if places are not currently available; the school will notify parents of that outcome as part of the decision process. The website does not publish a detailed public algorithm for waitlist ranking or an estimated wait duration, so parents who want a sense of position or likely timing should contact admissions directly (phone or admissions@bsg.org.cn) to ask about current demand for the child's year group and any priorities (for example siblings or other admissions policies).
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