Merchiston International School Shenzhen vs QSI International School of Shenzhen

	M Merchiston International School Shenzhen Shenzhen, China	Q QSI International School of Shenzhen Shenzhen, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 138,000 - 148,000	Fees / year RMB 138,300 - 226,800
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2018	Opened 2001
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Longhua campus: No.12 Shilongzai Road, Dalang Sub-district, Longhua District, Shenzhen; Qianhai/Shekou campus: No.1009 Nanhai Blvd, Shekou, Nanshan, Shenzhen. Both campuses are in Shenzhen city; Longhua is inland (Dalang) while the Qianhai/Shekou site is in the Nanshan/Shekou area near the coast. The website lists full contact numbers and postcodes for each campus.	Location QSI Shenzhen is located in the Shekou area of Nanshan District, Shenzhen, with campuses clustered near Tai Zi Road / Bitao Center and the Fenghua Theatre (Shekou). The campuses are accessible from nearby metro stations serving the Sea World / Shekou area and are in a mixed residential and commercial neighbourhood popular with expatriate families.
Stages	Stages MIS is an all-through school serving Early Years through Year 13 (ages 4–18). The Longhua campus is the main all-through site; the Qianhai/Shekou campus is noted for Early Years and Junior provision.	Stages The school operates three campuses divided by age: Preschool & Lower Elementary (ages 2–7), Main Campus / Middle School (ages 8–13), and Secondary Campus (ages 14–18). Each campus has its own facilities and administration.
School type	School type Merchiston International School is a co-educational British international school and an overseas branch of Merchiston Castle School (UK). The school operates boarding provision across age-appropriate houses (boarders are organised in houses covering junior through senior year groups).	School type QSI Shenzhen is a non-profit, co-educational day school that serves expatriate families; it does not offer boarding. The school follows the QSI / American-based approach and is part of the Quality Schools International group.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Parents are asked to declare any additional support needs at application; all students are screened for additional support needs at entry and the school says it will make reasonable adjustments where appropriate. The site also refers to a Student Success Centre / support team for helping students with learning needs.	Additional learning support The school provides dedicated learning-support staff (including two learning support teachers and paraprofessionals in younger classes), a full‑time counselor on each campus, and an Intensive English (IE) programme for early learners who need extra English instruction. QSI's network also works with regional learning‑support coordinators when additional assessment or planning is required.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation MIS is the authorised overseas branch of Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, Scotland; the school follows British-style provision and offers British pathways (IGCSE/A Level) alongside other options for senior years.	Country affiliation The school is an independent international school and part of the QSI group (an international network); it is not affiliated with a particular national government. QSI schools hold international accreditations (QSI Shenzhen is accredited by the Middle States Association).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school website does not list a religious affiliation for MIS; the founding school in Edinburgh (Merchiston Castle School) is described in public sources as non‑denominational.	Religious affiliation QSI Shenzhen is secular and has no religious affiliation; its programme and materials present a non‑religious, international curriculum.
School day structure	School day structure Typical school routines shown on the site indicate a morning registration/form time around 07:45–08:00, lessons during the day, a school finish in the mid‑afternoon (~15:30) followed by co‑curricular activities/CCAs (often 15:45–17:00) and supervised study/evening programmes for boarders (evening study/homework and set bedtimes vary by year group). Exact start/end times differ slightly by phase and boarding house.	School day structure Classes generally begin at 8:30 AM. At the Secondary Campus the school follows an alternating block schedule with classes starting at 8:30 AM and ending at about 4:00 PM, with a morning break, an afternoon break and a 45‑minute lunch; younger divisions typically finish earlier (check admissions for exact division times).
Bus service details	Bus service details The school runs an optional bus/shuttle service for day students; parents are asked to book routes in advance and the service carries an additional fee (the school notes optional bus fees and that fees are non‑refundable once a term begins). Routes are organised to meet local requirements and parent demand. For specifics on routes, stops and fees you should contact Admissions.	Bus service details QSI Shenzhen offers an optional school bus service run in partnership with a local transport company; bus service is not included in tuition and routes are arranged based on demand. Each bus has an English‑speaking QSI bus monitor, seat belts are required, and some routes include a late bus for after‑school activities. Families can contact the school's transportation office for route details and costs.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees and deposits - Application fee: RMB 2,000 (non‑refundable, non‑transferable; payable at time of application). - Security / enrolment deposit: RMB 18,000 (refundable as stated by the school's fee policy). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term amounts) - Early Years / K2 (age 4): Annual tuition RMB 200,000 — Per term (calculated as annual ÷ 3) RMB 66,667 (rounded). (Per‑term value is derived by dividing the published annual fee by three; the school's fee policy uses the term as the billing period.) - Kindergarten 3 and Years 1–5 (age 5–10): Annual tuition RMB 235,000 — Per term RMB 78,333 (rounded). - Years 6–11 (age 11–15): Annual tuition RMB 335,000 — Per term RMB 111,667 (rounded). - Years 12–13 (age 16–17): Annual tuition RMB 370,000 — Per term RMB 123,333 (rounded). Boarding fees - Boarding arrangements and costs vary by year group. For younger junior years boarding is offered as an optional extra (reported example: RMB 70,000 per year where boarding is optional); in higher secondary years boarding is included in the published senior tuition totals. Parents should note the published annual figures above reflect whether boarding is included for that year group. Other costs and recurring extras - Additional fees that may apply include: school lunch (for day students), exam fees for IGCSE/A‑Level, textbooks, fee‑paying co‑curricular activities (CCAs), individual music lessons, optional bus service and uniform shop purchases. Bus fees and other term‑based services have the school's stated no‑refund rule once a term commences. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are billed in RMB. The school issues invoices and requires payment by the due date stated on each invoice. The school refers to fees and adjustments on a term basis and calculates pro‑rata charges for students joining after a term starts. Late payments incur a monthly penalty (1.5% as stated). Refund and withdrawal information - If a registered student fails to enrol, 90% of the tuition will be refunded. For withdrawals after starting, the school's refund formula is: Actual tuition fee ÷ 184 (instruction days) × (184 − days actually attended). Refunds will be processed within 15 working days after the academic year end; the original tax receipt (Fapiao) must be returned as part of the refund process. Fee payment options and surcharges - Primary payment method: the school's online portal (School Pal). The school accepts in‑person credit card payments at the Finance Office (surcharges apply: 1% for domestic cards; 3% for foreign‑issued cards). Employer payments are accepted by bank transfer; all bank charges are the payer's responsibility. Discounts and sibling policy - A sibling discount is applied to tuition and boarding fees for second and subsequent children (commonly reported as 5%). Note: The school's published fee chart and the school's fee policy set the formal terms, billing dates and any grade‑specific boarding inclusions; the payment, refund and surcharge rules above are taken from the school's fee policy.	Fee details Application fees and deposits - One-time, non-refundable registration/application fee: RMB 2,100 per child. - Non-refundable tuition deposit (placement fee) due within 10 working days of an acceptance offer: RMB 25,200; this amount is applied to school fees but is forfeited if the student does not enroll. Tuition fees by year group (published third-party figures) - The school's public pages do not publish a full numeric tuition table. A third‑party fee listing for the 2025/2026 academic year shows example annual tuition totals by grade (given in RMB): Nursery/Kindergarten ages 2–4: RMB 138,300; Kindergarten 3 and Grades 1–12: RMB 226,800 (variations by specific grade noted in the source). These figures are from an independent fees aggregator and are provided here as published by that third party. Billing schedule and payment terms - Discounts are offered for full-term payments made on or before the term due dates, with an additional discount available if the full annual payment is completed on or before 1 October. If first-term payment is missed but the full year is paid by 1 October, a maximum discount may still apply. - Payments must be made on or before the published due dates; students with outstanding fees may be withheld from classes, evaluations, official records, or communications until accounts are settled. Boarding fees - QSI Shenzhen is a non-profit day school (no boarding program); therefore no boarding fees apply. Other costs and recurring charges - Capital Fund Fee: a separate fee to support facilities and school development is charged (purpose described by the school). - Bus/transportation and school lunch programs are optional and billed separately (bus routes/costs managed via the school's transport arrangements). - Uniforms: the school does not require full daily uniforms; a P.E. uniform is provided/required where applicable (uniform policy noted by third-party listings). Refund information - The registration/application fee and the placement deposit are explicitly non-refundable; the deposit is forfeited if the student does not enroll. No other public refund policy for tuition or other fees is published on the school's public pages. Fee payment options - The school lists payment methods as RMB bank transfer or cash. Credit-card payment is not listed on the publicly posted payment instructions. For invoicing, fapiao, and accounting matters the school provides finance office contacts. Note: the school's public pages provide policy and procedural details but do not publish a full, grade-by-grade numeric fee schedule; the numeric tuition figures above are taken from a third‑party aggregator that cites the school's fees for 2025/2026. Where the school states specific fee items or policies, the school's pages are cited.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Boarding at MIS Shenzhen follows the traditional British boarding system with an extended day that integrates academics, co-curricular activities and personal development. Boarding students receive additional academic tutoring and supervised homework every evening, and a wide range of after-hours co-curricular activities is offered. Students are placed in one of three age-appropriate boarding houses (Pringle, Chalmers, Rogerson) and are supported by a large boarding team; there is a fully staffed on-site medical centre.	Boarding arrangements The school is a day school with no boarding facilities.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform system with a Uniform Shop and a Uniform Guide available for families.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options School meals are provided in the Dining Hall with attendance at all meals compulsory for all years. On Sundays, breakfast is served in the boarding house common rooms; Sunday lunch is offsite; dinner is served at 18:00–18:45 on Saturdays and Sundays.	Food options Lunch is provided by a licensed canteen with an FDA Grade A central kitchen; students may bring lunch from home or participate in the hot lunch program. Meals include two proteins, two side dishes, one carbohydrate, one soup, and fruit or a dessert, with Western and local options; Korean, Chinese and vegetarian boxed lunches are available, and drinking water is provided and tested monthly.
House system	House system The school uses three boarding houses: Pringle, Chalmers and Rogerson.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The MIS Shenzhen campus is the overseas branch of Merchiston Castle School. Governance is provided by the MIS Board of Governors, which makes policy and strategic decisions in collaboration with the leadership team. The school is operated by China-Europe Yishang Culture Development (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd.	Governance and ownership The school is a nonprofit, independently owned and operated institution. It is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Merchiston International School Shenzhen delivers a British-style programme from Early Years through Key Stage 5; its Early Years provision (age 4–5) is aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Key Stages 1–3 (Years 1–9) follow a broad British curriculum covering core subjects (English, mathematics, science) alongside Chinese, humanities, art, design & technology, computing and physical education. Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) is based on the IGCSE programme, with core IGCSEs in English, mathematics, Chinese and the sciences and a range of elective options in humanities, languages, creative and technical subjects. Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13) offers Cambridge International A‑Levels or Edexcel A‑Levels across STEM, humanities, creative and language pathways, and students can also undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Senior phases include dedicated university guidance, personalised support and co‑curricular opportunities to complement the examined qualifications.	Curriculum details QSI Shenzhen delivers an American‑based, mastery‑learning program in English with core classes in reading, writing, mathematics, cultural studies and science, supplemented by specialist courses (art, music, PE, technology, foreign languages) and character “Success Orientations.” Preschool and Lower Elementary (ages 2–7) use research‑based early‑years materials (Splash into Pre‑K for preschool) and a play‑based integrated 5‑year‑old program; 6–7‑year‑olds follow a full program including math, reading/language arts, science, cultural studies, art, music, computers and PE. The Main Campus (ages 8–13) aligns many courses with U.S. Common Core standards, provides an Intensive English program for learners of English, and offers technology, PE, art/music and foreign language instruction (Chinese and introductory Spanish). The Secondary Campus (ages 14–18) is a college‑preparatory program offering a QSI Academic Diploma, an Academic Diploma with Honors (which requires at least two AP courses), and the option to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in Sec III–IV; students can earn the IB Diploma in addition to the QSI diploma. Advanced study options include year‑long, a‑la‑carte Advanced Placement (AP) courses across humanities, math, science, languages and arts (with external exams in May), which are offered for qualified students (encouraged in Secondary I–II) and can complement IB preparation.
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 Merchiston describes pastoral care and boarding provision as central to students' social and emotional development, stating that its boarding practice aims to “encourage physical, social and emotional development” and to develop a sense of identity within a community. The school cites tutors, houseparents and a boarding team who live on site and work alongside teachers to provide day-to-day pastoral support. The Leadership Team page identifies senior staff with pastoral responsibilities (for example a Deputy Head with pastoral duties), indicating leadership oversight of pastoral provision. The school also emphasises home–school partnerships as part of its approach to student wellbeing.	Social & emotional learning QSI Shenzhen teaches character education through its Success Orientations (e.g., Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Concern for Others) and states this is introduced throughout classrooms and the school. The school also says it has a full-time school counselor at each campus who provides character education, friendship groups, and social & emotional support. These elements are presented as part of the school's whole-child approach to learning. Specific curricula, lesson plans, or measurable SEL outcomes are not published on the school website.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school's Admissions and Application Information states that children with certain learning needs may be considered for learning support only after submission of an educational psychologist's report and that such applicants are assessed on an individual basis. The website also refers to a “Learning Support Center” as part of the school's student‑centred framework and lists vacancies for Learning Support Teachers, indicating in‑school provision for differentiated learning. The admissions page explains the school seeks information on additional support needs at application to determine reasonable adjustments. The school does not state on its website that it is a specialist SEN institution; admissions decisions for applicants with SEN are handled case‑by‑case.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school's website states it employs two learning support teachers, a regional learning support coordinator, and paraprofessionals in early years classes to support individual student needs. QSI Shenzhen presents these staff as providing additional support to students but does not list a catalogue of specific diagnoses or types of special educational needs it can support. The website does not describe the school as a specialist SEN institution; it presents these roles within a mainstream international school model. Detailed policies, formal referral pathways, or scope/limits of SEN provision are not published on the site.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Merchiston lists staff with specific EAL roles (for example named English & EAL teachers on the staff pages) and advertises EAL teaching posts, indicating dedicated EAL staffing. The Admissions information notes that, where applicable, the Head of Section can require a student to enter an intensive English programme, showing an established pathway for additional English support. Job listings for Juniors EAL and school staff profiles further confirm EAL provision is part of the school's staffing and admissions arrangements. The school therefore documents EAL support but does not publish a detailed EAL curriculum on the pages cited.	English as an additional language QSI Shenzhen publishes an Intensive English (IE) Program for students beginning in the 6-year-old class, with students in the IE Program attending IE classes during daily Reading/Writing time. The school also states many teachers hold additional certifications to teach English Language Learners and that the overall program is an English-immersion, American-based curriculum. The website does not provide detailed EAL entry-level criteria, individual withdrawal or push-in/pull-out models, or numbers of EAL staff.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school runs a published “Mental Health Week” and reports activities led by a named school counsellor (Jenny Jiang) including sessions on resilience, mindfulness and communication, indicating organised whole‑school mental wellbeing initiatives. Boarding and pastoral pages also emphasise promoting health and welfare and note a fully staffed medical centre for students in boarding, showing operational health and welfare support. The school's wider materials reference a Student Growth Centre focused on learning and wellbeing as part of its educational framework. These pages together show both scheduled wellbeing events and structural pastoral/medical provisions rather than a single counselling policy document.	Mental wellbeing The school states that each campus has a full-time counselor who provides social and emotional support, friendship groups, and character education, and secondary counselors also provide college counselling. QSI Shenzhen's materials present these counseling services as part of student support but do not publish a detailed mental-health policy, clinical referral procedures, or descriptions of in-school therapy services. The site also highlights community and parent involvement (e.g., Parent Support Group) as part of student well‑being activities.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Merchiston publishes a dedicated “Child Protection and Safeguarding Principles” page that describes measures such as trained site security, visitor challenge procedures and alignment of site security with the school's pastoral systems. The page sets out operational expectations for security staff and links safeguarding to everyday site management. Leadership and governance pages further state that pastoral care and safeguarding are priorities for the Leadership Team and Board. The website therefore provides an explicit safeguarding statement and describes specific on‑site practices to support child protection.	Safeguarding QSI Shenzhen publishes a Safeguarding and Child Protection statement that names child protection as a school priority and says the school implements school-based safeguarding policies, regular onsite training, and safe recruitment practices. The statement also says the school educates students and adults on safeguarding and works with international agencies to review and apply best-practice standards. The website provides this formal commitment but does not publish a full safeguarding policy document or detailed reporting procedures on the public pages linked.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is a British international boarding school in Shenzhen. It opened in August 2018 and serves students aged 4-18, from Early Years to Year 13. The Longhua campus features a well-stocked library, multimedia audio-visual classrooms, and advanced science laboratories, as well as a theatre, a recording studio, an indoor swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts, an indoor virtual golf hall, a gymnasium, and landscaped gardens. These facilities support the British curriculum and a broad range of co-curricular activities.	Facilities overview QSI Shenzhen operates three campuses: PLE for ages 2-7, Main Campus for ages 8-13, and Secondary Campus for ages 14-18. The school is a non-profit, co-educational day school established in 2001. The PLE Campus features 22 classrooms, a library, a computer lab, a music room, a cafeteria, an art room, a rooftop covered gym, a small covered playground, and a large outdoor playground, with 24-hour security and a full-time nurse. The Main Campus has an indoor gym and full access to outdoor facilities, an extensive library, and technology-enabled spaces; DragonTV and yearbook/film animation projects are part of its program. The Secondary Campus is located at Building B Fenghua Theater, No. 49 Gongyuan Rd, Shekou, and includes 31 classrooms, an art studio, a library, three computer labs, a drama room, a music room, five science labs, a full-size double gym, a fitness room, and a full-size track and a soccer pitch; the library is open until 6:00 PM and there is 24-hour security. All campuses provide English-language instruction; Intensive English supports students (PLE) and the Main Campus; the curriculum is viewable and AP/IB options exist in the secondary program. The Intensive English program is offered at PLE. The Main Campus provides an Intensive English program. Curriculum is available for review at curriculum.qsi.org. AP and IB options are offered in the secondary program.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts, an indoor virtual golf hall, and a gymnasium.	Sports facilities The PLE Campus has a rooftop covered gym. The Main Campus has an indoor gym and full access to outdoor facilities. The Secondary Campus has a full-size double gym, a fitness room, and a full-size track and soccer pitch. The Secondary Campus participates in athletics through the Pearl River Delta Conference and ACAMIS; sports include badminton, cross-country running, golf, soccer, table tennis, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic facilities include a well-stocked library, multimedia audio-visual classrooms, and advanced science laboratories; a theatre and a recording studio are on site, alongside landscaped gardens.	Academic facilities PLE Campus includes a library and a computer lab; over 22 full-time English-speaking teachers, including a librarian. PLE class sizes range from 16 to 20 students for 3- to 7-year-olds, with the 2-year-old class capped at 16. Main Campus has an extensive library and a technology-focused environment; Intensive English supports reading and writing; mainstream literacy courses are aligned with CCSS. Secondary Campus features 31 classrooms, an art studio, a library, three computer labs, a drama room, a music room, and five science labs; facilities include a dedicated arts and athletics space and secure hours for the library. AP and IB options are available in the secondary program, with pathways including the Academic Diploma, Academic Diploma with Honors, and the IB Diploma Programme. The curriculum is aligned with CCSS for core subjects and is viewable online.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular activities cover sports such as football, basketball, swimming and golf; arts and performance options include drama, music, choir and art CCAs. Academic CCAs such as debate exist, with opportunities to participate in international competitions. Outreach and community-service initiatives foster global citizenship.	Extra curricular facilities After-school activities are offered twice a week after school by professional providers. Main Campus includes DragonTV and yearbook production and film animation projects as part of its technology program. Extracurricular activities include drama, Model United Nations, debate, DragonTV, National Junior Honor Society, Math Olympiads, and more. ACAMIS Arts and Cultural Events occur across China, and ACE events provide additional opportunities for competitions and festivals.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Merchiston International School Shenzhen opened in August 2018 as the overseas branch of Merchiston Castle School (the Edinburgh school was founded in 1833). The Shenzhen school was established to operate a British-style boarding and day-school model for pupils aged 4–18 and later expanded to a second (Qianhai/Shekou) campus. The school was developed through a local education group led by Lighthouse International Education Group and operates under local corporate entities referenced on the school site. Governance is delegated to a Board of Governors working with the school leadership to set policy and strategic direction.	History QSI International School of Shenzhen was established in 2001 as a non-profit, co-educational day school serving students from early childhood through secondary graduation. It operates as an independently owned and operated school within the Quality Schools International (QSI) organization; QSI's origins trace to Sanaa International School founded in 1971. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges and serves largely expatriate families in the Shenzhen area. Leadership is provided by a campus director and senior staff who oversee the three campuses and academic programs.
Community	Community The school maintains a clan (house) system—Edinburgh, Lomond, Nevis and Balmoral—that groups students across year levels and provides opportunities for inter‑clan competitions, leadership roles and pastoral support. Regular community and cultural events on the school calendar include Founders' Day (Merchiston Day), St Andrew's Day, Halloween activities, Chinese New Year celebrations and a Christmas Winter Market; the school also runs summer MIS camps. Recent anniversary and Merchiston Day celebrations have combined performances, campus tours and student-led cultural or charity stalls.	Community The QSI Shenzhen community is made up of a multinational expatriate parent body, teaching staff recruited from English-speaking countries, and students across three campuses. The school posts an events calendar and runs regular school activities and cultural programs (for example, Dragon TV and student exchange information sessions are listed on the school events pages). After-school activities and language-support programs are part of the weekly routine, and the school promotes character-oriented Success Orientations across classes.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school's Parent Association (MISPA) states a mission to build an active, supportive community that benefits students, parents and staff and publishes an organisation chart and photo record of activities on the school site. MISPA works with the school to run community events and volunteer activities; for example, the Parents Association took a leading role in organising the school Christmas Market, where parents, teachers and students staffed stalls and ran activities. MISPA materials on the site show committees and member roles (an organisation chart) and a visual “MISPA Moments” record of past activities, indicating ongoing coordination between parents and school staff. The association also supports charitable or community-facing elements of larger events (such as cultural and creative charity sales held during Merchiston Day).	Parent teacher association QSI Shenzhen's Parent Support Group (PSG) is the school's parent-teacher association; all faculty, administration and parents of enrolled students are automatically members. The PSG is run by volunteer coordinators and a coordinating team that organizes campus and language coordinators to help communicate across the school's multiple campuses. Typical PSG activities include fundraising for non-curricular student programs, organizing community events, and providing volunteer opportunities across campuses. PSG meetings are open to all parents and are usually held after the monthly “Coffee with the Director” sessions; the PSG also maintains bulletin boards on each campus and distributes updates through the school e-newsletter. Parents can contact the PSG or volunteer via the school office or the PSG contact email listed on the school site.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers a British international curriculum with a progression from Early Years to Year 13. The Key Stage 1 programme covers Years 1–2, and Key Stage 3 covers Years 7–9. In Key Stage 5, students pursue Cambridge International A-Levels or Edexcel A-Levels.	Academic & intellectual The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for secondary students.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative The school provides Art, Music, and Physical Education as specialist courses and electives. The secondary campus has dedicated spaces for art and drama including an art studio, drama room, and music room, along with a library. The curriculum includes Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer Technology, and foreign languages.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language The school uses English Language Immersion with an American-based curriculum. An Intensive English (IE) program is available for students starting in the 6 year-old class, with IE classes integrated into Reading and Writing time daily. The school offers a range of foreign languages.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies The school offers after-school activities and sports programs. The athletic program includes soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, touch rugby, and cross-country.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The school maintains a full-time school counselor at each campus who provides character education, friendship groups, and social-emotional support; the secondary campus counselor also provides college counseling.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school uses the Mastery Learning model to support student achievement and personal growth, guided by the 'Success for All' ethos. The athletic program and campus facilities support physical activity and wellbeing, with regular after-school activities and sports. The school day runs from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM with breaks and a 45-minute lunch.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the primary language of instruction; Mandarin Chinese is taught as a core language; senior students study IGCSE and A Levels; languages offered include English, Mandarin Chinese, and Mother Tongue; the Qianhai campus adds French and Spanish as part of its multi-lingual program.	Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction. The Secondary Campus offers an English-language based, college-preparatory program with AP and IB options. Foreign language offerings include Chinese (Mandarin) and Spanish; Mandarin is taught as a foreign language. Intensive English supports non-native speakers to achieve academic English proficiency.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school teaches in English and includes Mandarin language learning as part of the core curriculum; at the Qianhai campus all-English teaching is maintained while offering multi-lingual features such as French and Spanish.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Mandarin language learning is integrated into the core curriculum for Years 1–9; English is the primary language of instruction; the Qianhai campus maintains all-English teaching and provides multi-lingual features including French and Spanish.	Immersion programs English Language Immersion – American Based Curriculum accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. Intensive English (IE) program provides targeted English language support for students starting in the 6-year-old class, with IE classes during Reading and Writing time daily. The staff recruited from native-English-speaking countries hold certifications in their core content areas.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards 1) 2025 "Outstanding Pearson School Award" (also referred to on the site as the "Star‑Chasing Award") — awarded to the school by Pearson Edexcel; the school's news item (November 2025) announces the school received this school‑level award from Pearson, and explains it is given to a small number of centres whose students received outstanding Pearson learner recognitions in the 2024/2025 exam series. One‑line significance: a formal, school‑level recognition from the Pearson Edexcel awarding body of the school's performance and results in Pearson examinations. 2) 2024 Pearson Edexcel "Breakthrough Innovation Award" (site Chinese title: “新锐中心奖”) — announced on the school site (December 19, 2024) as an award given at the Pearson Edexcel China Annual Conference. One‑line significance: a Pearson Edexcel conference award recognising the school's growth, development and influence in the local market (an industry recognition presented to the school itself). Scope and source limitation: these are the school‑level awards and the accreditations/processes that are explicitly documented on Merchiston International School Shenzhen's public website. I did not include student awards or staff honours (the site contains many student achievements) because you asked only for awards given to the school as an institution. If you'd like, I can (a) extract the original Chinese award names and the exact article dates and linkable pages, or (b) check for any posted copies of formal accreditation letters (for example CIS accreditation certificates or College Board AP centre authorization) if you want confirmation of completed authorisations rather than the public statements and news items above.	Awards No school-level awards listed on the QSI International School of Shenzhen website for the five-year period from January 1, 2021 through January 1, 2026. I searched the school's public site (menus, About pages and news/events areas) and did not find any entries that identify awards given to the school (as opposed to awards or achievements by individual students). If you'd like, I can broaden the search beyond the school website (news, local press, QSI network pages) to look for any externally reported awards.
Accreditations	Accreditations 1) Authorized overseas branch of Merchiston Castle School (MCS), Edinburgh — The school's About Us page identifies Merchiston International School Shenzhen as the authorized overseas branch of Merchiston Castle School, indicating an institutional affiliation with the original UK school and its educational model. 2) Relationship/recognition by Pearson Edexcel — The school's news pages record multiple formal recognitions from Pearson Edexcel (including the school-level awards listed below), which indicates an established relationship with the UK awarding body and that the school runs Pearson qualifications (A-level/Edexcel pathways are discussed on the site). (Note: the website shows Pearson recognition and the school's participation in Pearson assessments; it does not publish a separate "accreditation certificate" page.) 3) Council of International Schools (CIS) — CIS evaluators visited the campus as part of the school's accreditation process; the site describes this visit as a step toward achieving full CIS accreditation (i.e., the school is in the CIS accreditation process rather than announcing completed accreditation). 4) Curriculum authorisations / pathways shown on site — The school states it offers British (IGCSE & A‑Level) and American (AP) pathways for Years 10–13 on its public pages. The site therefore documents the school's delivery of those recognised international curricula, though it does not publish standalone copies of any external authorisation letters (for example, College Board AP centre approval) in the public pages I checked. Notes: the site's "Accreditations" area is shown with logos/images but without extended textual details; where the website indicates an accreditation process (CIS) or external recognition (Pearson), I cited the specific news or About Us pages above rather than inferring additional formal accreditations not explicitly published on the site.	Accreditations Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) — QSI International School of Shenzhen is accredited by the Middle States Association; the school's website states it has held MSA accreditation since 2006. MSA accreditation is an external, U.S.-based school-accreditation process that indicates a school meets a set of internationally recognized standards for governance, curriculum, student services and continuous improvement; QSI Shenzhen also notes that Quality Schools International is working toward system‑wide accreditation through MSA, which would align improvement planning across all QSI schools.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquiry and initial application — Contact Admissions, complete the school's application form and submit it with the required supporting documents and proof of payment of the non‑refundable application fee. Parents should include current passport/ID details, recent school reports, any assessments or Individual Education Plans, and a completed medical declaration so the school can identify support needs early. The school provides downloadable application material and specific contact emails for Longhua and Shekou admissions. 2. Admissions checks and entry assessment — After the application is accepted, the Admissions Department schedules the appropriate assessments. All applicants from Year 3 (age 7) and above take an online entrance assessment; Juniors (Years 1–2) are normally assessed by a meeting with the Head of Juniors and often by a morning or day in class, while Senior applicants sit CAT4 (cognitive) plus an English test and an interview. Parents should ask which specific test their child will sit, whether the assessment can be arranged at the current school (for overseas candidates), and whether EAL or SEN screening applies. 3. Interviews and trial visits — For many junior applicants the school recommends, and sometimes requires, a classroom trial or in‑person meeting; for senior applicants an interview with the Head of Seniors (and Head of Sixth Form for Years 12–13) forms part of the decision. Parents should prepare recent school reports and be ready to discuss any English‑as‑an‑additional‑language (EAL) needs or learning support so the school can assess whether it can provide appropriate support. The Head of Section has discretion to request additional evidence or a Student Support review if additional learning support is suspected. 4. Decision and acceptance — The Head of the admitting section (supported by Admissions and the Head of School) informs parents whether an offer is approved. To secure an offered place parents must confirm acceptance and pay the placement/security deposit (stated on the school invoice as RMB 18,000); the offer may be withdrawn if the deposit is not paid by the invoice deadline. Parents should note the school's invoicing currency (RMB), payment channels, and the credit‑card surcharges and deadlines set out in the fee policy. 5. Waiting list, refusal and re‑application — If places are full the school will place an approved applicant on a waiting list (placement is generally by date application + fee received, with some priority categories). If an application is denied, parents may reapply after six months and should follow any remedial recommendations given in the decline letter. Parents are advised to apply early and to keep their application documentation and contact details up to date while on the waiting list. 6. Pre‑entry requirements and ongoing obligations — Before attendance begins the school typically requests up‑to‑date medical checks and may take a confidential report from the applicant's current school; all students are screened for additional support needs on entry. Parents should understand the school's withdrawal and refund rules (for example, one‑term notice for withdrawal and the stated refund calculations) and the expectation that fees are paid by the due date to avoid late penalties or withheld reports. The school places students in year groups by age as of 1 September and will consider out‑of‑year placements case‑by‑case.	Admissions 1. Start the online application. Begin by completing the school's online application through the parent portal (portal.qsishenzhen.cn). After you submit the online form the Admissions Office will contact you to schedule an in-person Admissions appointment for document drop-off and testing; parents should book any campus tours in advance to ensure staff availability. 2. Prepare and bring required documents to the Admissions appointment. The school requires proof of the child's and parents' passports/visas, two years of school records (if applicable), immunization records, and two passport photos for each parent and the child; school records not in English must be officially translated. Failure to bring all items on the application checklist will delay processing, so download and follow the Application Checklist before your appointment. 3. Pay the application/registration fee at the appointment. A non-refundable application/registration fee (stated on the site as RMB 2,100) is due at the time of the Admissions appointment and is typically required in cash; keep the receipt as it is part of your application record. The Admissions Office will not proceed with document processing or testing until this fee is paid. 4. Admissions testing and initial placement. Students age 5+ will take the NWEA MAP computerized adaptive tests in Reading, Math, and Language Usage (all in English); students age 8+ also complete a written essay. MAP results are used for placement but are not the sole determinant—previous records and the Director of Instruction's evaluation also factor into final grade placement. 5. Interview with the Director of Instruction. After testing and document review you will be scheduled for an interview with the campus Director of Instruction; the Director makes the admission decision and places students (age and previously completed grade are primary considerations). Expect the school to place students according to age first, with some exceptions decided by the Director; secondary (high‑school) applicants must demonstrate the English level needed for success in the secondary program. 6. Decision timeline and deposit to hold a space. The Admissions Office aims to return a decision (accepted, denied, or waiting list) by email within one to two days after the interview if all documents were submitted. If accepted, parents must pay a non‑refundable tuition deposit (listed on the site as RMB 25,200) within 10 working days to secure the place; this deposit is applied to fees but forfeited if the student does not enroll. 7. Final invoicing, payments and start. Tuition invoices are issued after the child begins school; the school publishes a Capital Fund Fee and describes a discount policy for timely full‑term/annual payments. Payments are accepted by RMB bank transfer or cash; students may be restricted from class, and records withheld, if fees are not current—so confirm payment deadlines and invoicing procedures with the Finance Office.
Scholarships	Scholarships Merchiston publishes a formal Scholarship Policy and runs a scholarship programme that applies to tuition fees only; other costs (boarding, application fees, lunches, extracurricular fees, uniforms, textbooks, etc.) remain payable by the family. Scholarship awards are tiered (examples published include full, 75%, 50%, 25% and smaller discounts) and are normally time‑limited and subject to renewal criteria (academic standards, conduct, attendance and participation), with specific durations varying by year group. The school runs multiple scholarship categories (academic, music, sport, leadership/service/global citizenship, and specific programmes such as a golf scholarship) and evaluates candidates using a mix of tests (e.g., standardised tests/CEM), interviews, written statements, references, and evidence of achievement; sporting scholarships use performance evidence and may require tournament rankings. Application windows and exact eligibility/award levels are published on the school site for specific cycles (for example the school has recent public scholarship campaigns and separate calls for particular programmes), so parents should check the current Scholarship Criteria page and contact Admissions for the latest timelines and the documents required.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Merchiston operates a formal waiting list. Placement on the waiting list is generally determined by the date the application and application fee are received, though priority is explicitly given to (1) children of full‑time faculty, (2) qualified siblings of current students who have completed the application process, and (3) children transferring from another Merchiston Castle school. Positions on the waiting list are not disclosed to parents; if an applicant does not obtain a place for the term applied for they are automatically carried forward to the waiting list for the following term and, at the end of the academic year, to the appropriate year level for the new school year. The school advises early application because waiting‑list position and available spaces can change; for operational details parents should contact Admissions.	Waitlist QSI Shenzhen states that the Admissions outcome may be “accepted,” “denied,” or “waiting list,” and families are informed by email shortly after the Director of Instruction's interview. The website does not publish detailed rules for how the waiting list is ordered (for example, whether it is strictly by application date, placement testing results, or other criteria), so parents should ask Admissions directly about their child's position and expected timeline if a waiting‑list offer is issued. For up‑to‑date information about availability at a specific campus or age level, contact admissions@shenzhen.qsi.org or the Admissions Office phone numbers listed on the site.
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