Shanghai American School vs Wellington College International Shanghai

	S Shanghai American School Shanghai, China	W Wellington College International Shanghai Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 246,000 - 304,100	Fees / year RMB 292,400 - 391,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Reggio Emilia Approach, IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 2,900	Pupils 1,600
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 19
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 1912	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Two purpose-built campuses: Pudong (1600 Lingbai Road, Pudong) and Puxi (258 Jinfeng Road, Minhang). Both campuses are in residential parts of Shanghai with car- and taxi-access; Pudong campus is inside The Links community and has controlled vehicle access. For precise directions, campus maps and gate procedures see the school's campus access/contact pages.	Location Wellington College International Shanghai is in the Qiantan International Business District, Pudong New District (No.1500 Yao Long Road; campus main gate listed as No.100 Hai Yang Xi Road). The school also operates a separate Early Years Centre (No.195 Tongwan Road). The nearest metro is Oriental Sports Center (Lines 6, 8 and 11 — exit 4 is the recommended exit and involves a short walk via Yaoti/Yaolong roads).
Stages	Stages SAS is a Pre‑K through Grade 12 school with Early Childhood (Pre‑K), Elementary, Middle and High School divisions. The high school offers pathways including Advanced Placement (AP) and the International Baccalaureate (IB).	Stages The school runs an Early Years Centre for children aged c.2–5 (Pre‑Nursery, Nursery, Reception), a Primary/Prep phase and a Secondary phase up to Year 13. Years 10–11 follow IGCSE programmes and Years 12–13 study the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP); the school's published age range is from the Early Years through to graduation around age 18.
School type	School type Independent, non‑profit, co‑educational day school operating two PreK–12 campuses (no boarding provision listed). The school describes itself as an American‑style international school serving expatriate families.	School type Wellington Shanghai is a co‑educational private international day school offering a bilingual (English–Mandarin) curriculum and is part of the Wellington College Education (China) group, linked to Wellington College in the UK. The Shanghai campus does not operate a boarding programme (students must reside in Shanghai with a parent).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support SAS provides English language support/EAL and has dedicated Learning Support staff and student‑support roles across divisions; non‑native English speakers may be assessed (WIDA screener) and limited EAL places are available. The school and external reviews note support for mild-to-moderate needs but say admission and provision for severe or complex special educational needs (SEN) are handled case‑by‑case and may be limited. Families with specific SEN requirements are advised to discuss needs with Admissions before applying.	Additional learning support The school has a Learning Support department that provides bespoke support for pupils with learning difficulties, working with class teachers, families and — where needed — external specialists. Support is planned, reviewed regularly and sits alongside the school's pastoral and wellbeing provision.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school follows an American/international curriculum model (AP and American high‑school pathways) but is an independent international school rather than being officially affiliated with a single country's government.	Country affiliation The campus is affiliated with Wellington College (the founding school in the UK) and is part of the Wellington College Education (China) network — it is an independent international school rather than a government/state school.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation SAS is non‑sectarian and does not have a religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The Shanghai campus does not present itself as a faith school on its website. (For context, the original Wellington College in the UK has historical Church of England roots, but the Shanghai campus does not advertise a religious designation.)
School day structure	School day structure Daily timings vary by division; the school handbook (elementary example) shows campuses open around 7:55 a.m. with student dismissal near 3:00 p.m., and division‑specific start/end times and break/lunch periods are used. Exact start/end times and any staggered schedules are confirmed by the school for each division and year.	School day structure The school notes that every school day begins with a pastoral session; break and lunch arrangements and exact school start/end times vary by year group. Detailed daily timetables and term‑specific schedules are published to parents via the school calendar/parent portal — contact Admissions or consult the calendar/parent resources for the precise times for the year group you are considering.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates an optional student transport system: younger students are escorted by bus monitors to/from classrooms and parents must register for routes and seats. Route coverage, contracted bus providers, fees and pick‑up/drop‑off arrangements are managed by the school and can change year to year, so Admissions or the Transport office should be contacted for current operators, routes and costs.	Bus service details Wellington provides an optional daily school‑bus service operated with a licensed third‑party transport company; routes cover many pick‑up points (the school cites more than 130 in Puxi and 70 in Pudong) and each bus is staffed by a bus monitor responsible for pupils on the journey. Parents register via the EDU365 bus platform; the school publishes a general annual bus fee and a separate Welly Line (local) route and fee schedule (the website shows the Welly Line fee and the standard annual fee with termly breakdowns).
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and One‑time Entry Fees - Application fee: RMB 2,800 (non‑refundable). - One‑time entry fee for new entrants: Pre‑Kindergarten & Elementary: RMB 28,000; Middle & High School: RMB 33,000. This applies once at first enrollment (re‑entry after two years non‑enrollment normally requires payment again). Enrollment Fee - Non‑refundable Enrollment Fee: RMB 32,000 (applies to secure a place; due by April 1 for returning students; for new entrants due within five working days of invoice). Annual Tuition and Per‑term (installment) Amounts - Pre‑Kindergarten: Annual tuition RMB 246,000 — two equal installments of RMB 123,000 (due June 1 and November 1). Enrollment fee is additional. - Elementary (K–5): Annual tuition RMB 279,400 — two equal installments of RMB 139,700 (due June 1 and November 1). Enrollment fee is additional. - Middle School (6–8): Annual tuition RMB 287,200 — two equal installments of RMB 143,600 (due June 1 and November 1). Enrollment fee is additional. - High School (9–12): Annual tuition RMB 304,100 — two equal installments of RMB 152,050 (due June 1 and November 1). Enrollment fee is additional. - Prepayment discount: 1% discount if tuition installments are prepaid in advance under stated conditions (details apply). Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - Annual tuition billed as two equal installments due June 1 and November 1. Enrollment and entry fees billed according to invoice and timelines described above. All bank charges are the payer's responsibility. Other Fees and Typical Additional Costs - Transportation (optional): RMB 11,400 per semester (payable per semester). - Lunch: hot‑meal program available; cost varies by selection and is billed separately. PE uniforms (Grades 6–10) are purchased from the school shop. External exam fees (AP/IB) and school trip costs are invoiced separately. Students in Grades 6–12 must provide their own MacBook and backup drive (BYOM requirement). Refunds - Application Fee and Enrollment Fee are non‑refundable. Tuition refunds follow a structured schedule tied to written withdrawal dates (specific refund percentages and conditions apply for withdrawals on or before August 1, between August 1 and the first semester start, on or before December 1, and after December 1). Transportation refunds are prorated minus a handling charge. Outstanding obligations may be deducted from refunds. Accepted Payment Methods - By RMB or USD wire transfer to the school bank account; by RMB or USD debit/credit card direct to the school bank account; or by RMB cash deposit to the school bank account. Payments under RMB 5,000 may be paid in RMB cash at the Finance Office. All fees are set in RMB but may be paid in USD by wire using the Bank of China exchange rate on the school's published date. All bank/processing charges are the payer's responsibility.	Fee details Application fees - Application fee: RMB 3,500 (non-refundable; payable when the application is submitted). Tuition fees (annual and term amounts by year group) - Pre‑Nursery / Nursery / Reception: Annual RMB 292,400 — Michaelmas RMB 122,808; Lent RMB 92,106; Summer RMB 92,106. - Years 1–5: Annual RMB 324,600 — Michaelmas RMB 136,332; Lent RMB 102,249; Summer RMB 102,249. - Year 6: Annual RMB 341,800 — Michaelmas RMB 143,556; Lent RMB 107,667; Summer RMB 107,667. - Years 7–9: Annual RMB 356,700 — Michaelmas RMB 149,814; Lent RMB 112,361; Summer RMB 112,361. - Years 10–11: Annual RMB 380,300 — Michaelmas RMB 159,726; Lent RMB 119,795; Summer RMB 119,795. - Years 12–13: Annual RMB 391,000 — no termly payment option. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are published per term; a full term's fees are payable for any term in which the student attends (even if only part of the term). Years 12–13 are not available for termly payment. Boarding fees - The school does not offer a boarding service. All students must live in Shanghai with at least one parent. Other costs - Resource (acceptance) fee: RMB 18,000 (payable on acceptance; held against College property and refunded after return of property less any deductions). - Lunches: charged separately by the catering provider; parents pay the lunch provider directly (annual, termly or top-ups). - Bus service: Standard annual bus RMB 22,050 (termly Michaelmas RMB 9,261; Lent RMB 6,946; Summer RMB 6,946). Welly Line annual bus RMB 14,700 (termly Michaelmas RMB 6,174; Lent RMB 4,631; Summer RMB 4,631). Bus fees are generally non‑refundable once the service has commenced. - Uniform: approximately RMB 3,700 for a full set (items may be purchased separately). - Individual instrumental music tuition, voluntary trips and certain activities are charged separately. Sibling discount: families with three or more children enrolled receive 5% per child. Refund and withdrawal information - The resource fee is refundable after return of College property and deduction for damage or outstanding fees; official receipt/fapiao requirements apply for refunds. If withdrawing, parents must give one full term's written notice or pay one full term's fees in lieu of notice (dates and procedures are specified by the College). Bus fees are generally not refundable once service has started. Fee payment options - Payment accepted by bank transfer or cheque in RMB or USD; cash only in RMB. When paying by bank transfer in foreign currency, the amount received on arrival is used (Bank of China rate applies); remittance advice with pupil name and year group must be submitted to the finance office. Official tax receipts (fapiao) are issued for tuition payments; other service providers issue their own receipts.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school does not offer boarding. All students must reside in Shanghai with at least one parent.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for all students in Grades 6 to 10 who take Physical Education; PE uniforms (a T-shirt and shorts) are available for purchase at the Eagle Shop.	Uniform requirement Uniforms and sports kits are mandatory. The dress code is specified for each year group, and the uniform shop is on the first floor of Building A next to the V&A Café.
Food options	Food options A hot lunch program is provided on both campuses, with prices varying based on the items purchased.	Food options Catering is provided by Aden. Menus include daily Asian and Western options such as sandwiches and noodles with vegetarian choices, and allergens are posted; the environment is nut-free.
House system	House system —	House system The house system comprises eight houses: Combermere, Hill, Hopetoun, Wellesley, Stanley, Lynedoch, Hardinge and Orange. Pupils are allocated to a house on joining and remain in it; houses coordinate academic, artistic and sporting activities and foster school identity.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Shanghai American School is a not-for-profit, not-owned international school with two campuses.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by Wellington College Education (China) (WCEC). The governing framework includes the WCEC Executive Board, School Affairs Boards and four sub-committees (Academic, Facilities and Services, Finance and HR, Safeguarding). Appointments come from Wellington College in the UK and WCEC.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Shanghai American School's early childhood program (Pre‑K) follows a play‑based, Reggio Emilia–influenced model with on‑site ateliers for hands‑on exploration. The elementary program (K–5) is an American‑style curriculum emphasizing literacy across the curriculum, a conceptual approach to mathematics, science, social studies, arts, physical education and languages. Middle school (Grades 6–8) uses inquiry‑based and conceptual learning in core subjects while offering exploratory courses (design technology, theater, global languages, etc.) to prepare students for high school. High school (Grades 9–12) culminates in a U.S. high‑school diploma (minimum 24 credits with specified credit requirements by subject) and offers multiple qualification pathways: Advanced Placement (including AP Capstone), the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, or a hybrid combination of AP and IB courses. Detailed grade‑level course lists, graduation requirements, and the IB policy manual are published in the school's course catalogs and resources on the SAS website.	Curriculum details Wellington College International Shanghai delivers a bilingual (English–Mandarin) curriculum across Early Years, Primary and Secondary stages, integrating Mandarin as a core subject and offering a Dual Language Pathway. The Early Years Centre (Pre‑Nursery, Nursery, Reception; ages 2–5) follows a bespoke programme linked to the UK Early Years Foundation Stage with play‑based and inquiry approaches. The Primary School (Years 1–6) uses the English National Curriculum adapted for international learners, delivered through a concept‑based Programme of Inquiry and substantial Chinese language provision. The Secondary School serves ages 11–18 (Years 7–13): pupils study towards IGCSE qualifications in Years 10–11 (core English, mathematics, sciences plus options in humanities, languages, arts and PE). Sixth Form (Years 12–13) follows the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP); Mandarin study routes include IGCSE Mandarin in Years 10–11 and IB language options (ab initio, Chinese B, or Chinese A at SL/HL) in the Diploma years.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning SAS describes a schoolwide counseling programme that provides a safe, supportive space for students to develop social‑emotional skills and to navigate transitions (elementary page). School communications and staff lists also highlight dedicated counselors and counselling teams across divisions (middle and high school), indicating counsellors work with students on resilience, voice, and wellbeing. The school uses student‑led initiatives and community supports (student ambassadors, PTSA newcomers committee) to help students settle and build peer connections.	Social & emotional learning Wellington states that pastoral care is central to the College and that every school day begins with a pastoral session led by class teachers, form tutors, heads of year and tutors to provide one-to-one and group discussions, quiet self‑study and wellbeing reflection. The school says its wellbeing curriculum was developed in partnership with the Institute of Positive Education and includes age‑appropriate PSHE elements and mindfulness to build emotional literacy. Pastoral provision is described as operating across Early Years to Year 13, with class teachers taking the lead in Early Years/Primary and heads of year and tutors leading in Senior School. Specific staff roles named on the site include heads of year, tutors and specialists from the Pupil Services department.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) SAS publishes staff and stories that include Learning Support teachers and teaching assistants, showing the school has an internal learning‑support provision. The website does not set out a public list of specific types of special educational needs the school will support, nor does it declare on its public pages that it is a specialist SEN institution; detailed eligibility and scope are not described online. Therefore, families seeking exact information about the range or level of SEN provision are advised to contact Admissions or Student Services directly for formal guidance.	Special educational needs (SEN) The College's website describes a Learning Support department that provides support and guidance to pupils with learning difficulties at varying levels and that the school works closely with teachers, pupils and parents to identify, plan and review bespoke support. The school states that, in some cases, it will engage external partners where the need demands it, and the site references external speech‑language specialists in related events. The website does not present Wellington College International Shanghai as a specialist SEN institution; provision is described as school‑based Learning Support rather than specialised residential or specialist SEN provision. Specific diagnostic categories (for example, autism spectrum disorder, specific learning disorders, etc.) are not listed on the public pages.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language SAS states that non‑native English‑speaking applicants (Grade 1 and up) may be given a WIDA Screener/WIDA assessment during admissions to determine EAL support needs, and that spaces for such support are limited. The school's staffing pages and news posts also reference EAL teachers and EAL roles within the division teams. Library and learning resources list materials for English‑language learners (e.g., BrainPOP for English Language Learners), suggesting curriculum‑adjacent resources are available.	English as an additional language Wellington publishes a dedicated explanation of its EAL provision: pupils are grouped by ability into three tiers (beginners, intermediate and highly proficient) and may receive targeted small‑group intervention, in‑class EAL teacher support or enrichment and challenge as appropriate. The site names a Director of English as Additional Language and describes practices such as withdrawal groups, in‑class support from EAL teachers and a 1:1 reading programme with interns to develop English proficiency. The pages emphasise immersion in an English‑rich environment alongside structured support to develop both conversational and academic English.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing SAS describes multiple layers of mental‑wellbeing support: a divisional counselling programme, school counsellors in each division, and curricular/extra‑curricular activities that promote student wellbeing. The school also highlights wellness‑focused professional learning and events (for example, wellness themes in conferences and staff development) and lists athletic trainers and nursing staff who operate as part of health and wellbeing provision on campus. For clinical or specialist mental‑health services the website advises families to contact the school directly for specifics and referral processes.	Mental wellbeing The school describes a central Pupil Services hub that includes counselling, life coaches and learning support and states that wellbeing is delivered through timetabled lessons and specialist interventions. A news article on the site reports that the Pupil Services team includes trained coaches, counsellors, staff trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and art therapists, and that there are fortnightly wellbeing lessons from Year 1 to 13 developed with the Institute of Positive Education. The site also refers to workshops from external specialists (for example ELG) and parent workshops as part of the wider mental‑health provision. Specific hour‑by‑hour service schedules or clinical treatment protocols are not published on the public pages.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding SAS publishes a Child Protection Policy framework and states that all faculty and staff undertake annual child‑safeguarding training; the school says it adheres to international standards and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child alongside local law. The site also notes safer‑recruitment practices (background checks and reference checks), a full‑time risk manager, 24/7 campus security, divisional nurses, a dedicated athletic trainer, and medical coverage for school events.	Safeguarding Wellington's safeguarding pages state the College has robust child‑protection policies and procedures, requires all staff to read and sign the Safeguarding Policy and Staff Code of Conduct annually, and provides annual safeguarding training for staff. The school says it follows the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection for recruitment and requires rigorous background checks for staff appointments. The site gives a named contact for safeguarding concerns (Designated Safeguarding Lead, Gemma McDonagh) and offers the full Safeguarding Policy as a downloadable document. For details of policy text, reporting routes or statutory timings, the site directs readers to the downloadable safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Shanghai American School has two PreK–12 campuses in Shanghai, Pudong and Puxi. The campuses are built with university-level facilities to support collaboration and innovation. Both campuses feature an aquatic center, a performing arts center, green screen rooms, a recording studio, baseball and softball fields, a track, and multiple libraries. There are teaching kitchens, design studios and maker spaces, plus flexible classrooms designed to foster interdisciplinary work. The libraries provide English- and Chinese-language collections for students, parents and teachers.	Facilities overview The campus includes two swimming pools, a sports hall, a running track, football and rugby pitches, and the Dome. The Wellington College Theatre and Blackbox Theatre provide spaces for performances by pupils across year groups. Art and Design & Technology studios and private practice spaces support creative work. The academic facilities are state-of-the-art with interactive digital whiteboards, VR headsets, digital tablets, a robotics lab and a miniature planetarium. An all-new organic garden offers hands-on learning about sustainable food production and horticulture.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campuses include an aquatic center, baseball field, softball field, track, and extensive playing fields. These facilities support the school's athletics program and physical education for PreK–12 students.	Sports facilities World-class sports facilities include three 11-a-side football pitches, three basketball courts, three volleyball courts, up to seven netball and tennis courts, a 25-meter pool and a 15-meter pool, and a 400-meter athletics track. The Wellington Extra programme provides additional small-group training. The school recognises talent through Sports Fellowship and Scholarship programmes. The sports programme supports competitive teams and local, regional and international competition opportunities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Maker spaces and 25-meter pools are part of SAS's facilities. Laboratories support science education across divisions. There are middle school game areas. Design studios and other spaces support interdisciplinary learning. The libraries house English- and Chinese-language collections.	Academic facilities Academic facilities are state-of-the-art with interactive digital whiteboards, VR headsets, digital tablets, a robotics lab and a miniature planetarium.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Shanghai American School offers a broad range of student clubs and after-school activities. The programs include athletic and arts activities in addition to other clubs.	Extra curricular facilities The Dome and professional-grade theatre spaces support performances in dance, orchestra, drama and musical theatre. Regular productions and concerts engage pupils across year groups. Art and D&T studios, along with private practice spaces, support a wide range of creative pursuits. The organic garden provides hands-on learning about sustainable farming and horticulture.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Shanghai American School opened on September 17, 1912, beginning with 38 day and boarding students in a Victorian residence on North Sichuan Road. Its founding was organized by American missionary and expatriate communities to provide an American-style schooling option in Shanghai. Over the 20th century the school expanded, moved into purpose-built facilities and later evolved into a non-profit institution operating two campuses. The school's website maintains a detailed timeline that traces its growth, closures, relocations and re-openings alongside Shanghai's changing social and political context.	History Wellington College International Shanghai opened in 2014 as part of the Wellington College Education (China) group and sits within the wider Wellington College global network. The Wellington China group (WCEC) was founded by Joy Qiao in 2009 and had opened its first school in Tianjin in 2011 before expanding to Shanghai in 2014. The school is governed through WCEC's multi‑layered model, which includes a WCEC Executive Board and a School Affairs Board responsible for strategic oversight and school‑level governance. Wellington College Education (China) positions its schools as part of a coordinated network that shares leadership and standards across sites.
Community	Community The SAS community includes students, families, faculty, staff, alumni and parent volunteers who participate in year‑round activities and traditions. Annual gatherings—Friday Night Lights and Community Day, campus Carnivals, and International Fairs—bring together the Pudong and Puxi campuses and attract broad volunteer and sponsorship support. Parent-run Booster Clubs and the PTSA support teams, performances and large events, and the school often uses livestreams and school channels to share activities with the wider community.	Community The school community comprises pupils, parents, staff and alumni who take part in a busy annual calendar of community and cultural events organised with parental involvement. Regular highlights include UN Day and the International Food Festival (IFF), a Winter Bazaar, a Summer Festival and an Annual Ball, all of which bring together families and staff to celebrate cultural diversity and the school year. Parent and pupil testimony published by the school emphasises the role of the house system and co‑curricular activities in building community connections and cross‑year relationships.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA) is presented on the school site as a central organizing body that helps connect families and coordinate community programming. The PTSA organizes and supports signature events such as the Spring Carnival, International Fair, Winter Carnival, Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, the Chinese New Year Temple Fair and the senior breakfast. It also runs a newcomers committee and parent socials to help newly arrived families settle in and build peer networks. For large campus events, PTSA volunteers collaborate with student performers, parent volunteers and external sponsors to staff booths, manage entertainment and handle fundraising components. Booster Clubs work alongside the PTSA by focusing on game‑day support and cheering for athletic and performing arts teams. Details about PTSA committees, volunteer sign-ups and event calendars are published through the school's family portals and news stories.	Parent teacher association Friends of Wellington (FOW) is the school's parent‑teacher community group; the school describes it as more than a conventional PTA and says it brings parents, teachers and other community members together to share, learn and celebrate. FOW is explicitly involved in charitable activities and in organising many of the school's annual events, including the Winter Bazaar, Summer Festival, Annual Ball and UN Day/IFF. The group coordinates volunteers, runs event stalls and supports community fundraising and social programmes, with opportunities for parents to sign up or ask about involvement. Parents are invited to contact the FOW via friendsofwellington@wellingtoncollege.cn or through the school's admissions/enquiry form to find out about current volunteering roles and events. The school presents FOW as an integral part of college life that helps shape the community calendar and outreach work.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Between the two campuses, there are well over 100 after-school activities and student-led clubs. Options include computer programming, science experiments, Model United Nations, coding, photography, and VEX robotics. Scholarly clubs such as math and poetry are also available, with student-led initiative and mentorship.	Academic & intellectual The school uses English as the official language of instruction while Mandarin is taught as a core subject through Year 9, with many pupils continuing Mandarin through graduation. The bilingual curriculum seamlessly integrates English and Mandarin, supporting academic development across subjects. Pupils may follow Cambridge IGCSE or the IB Diploma Programme in the secondary years. There is a Dual Language Pathway that provides immersive English‑Mandarin learning from Early Years through Year 8.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Shanghai American School's performing arts program explores music, theatre, and dance, with opportunities to collaborate internationally and join honor societies such as Tri-M and Thespians. The program supports student performances and creative expression across campuses. APAC-style events also provide avenues for choir, dance, band, theatre, and orchestra participation.	Arts & creative The IB Diploma Programme includes arts subjects such as Music, Visual Arts and Theatre. The school integrates creative arts as part of the diploma and broader curriculum, supporting creative expression alongside academic study. Students have opportunities to pursue creative subjects within the standard IB/Diploma framework.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Model United Nations is among the clubs, offering opportunities to practice diplomacy and research skills. Cultural immersion activities include traditional Chinese games such as mahjong.	Cultural & language English is the official language of instruction, and Mandarin Chinese is taught as a core subject across the College. The Chinese learning programme is mandatory for all pupils through Year 9, with pathways to continue Chinese study into IGCSE and IB years. Courses cover Chinese language and culture for learners at every level from Year 1 to Year 13, and the school marks traditional Chinese celebrations with cultural events.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies There is a vibrant club scene with over 140 clubs reflecting student interests, including film, origami, manga, photography, and gaming/e-sports. Clubs are student-led and mentored, with leadership oversight by the Student Council. Students can propose and start new clubs to match their passions.	Social & hobbies A daily co-curricular activities programme provides opportunities beyond classroom learning, including cultural and linguistic activities that support language and social engagement.
Community & service	Community & service Service clubs organize volunteering and community service initiatives. One example is clubs that bring sports to the children of migrant workers in China.	Community & service The IB Diploma Programme includes Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) as a core requirement, integrating community involvement, personal development and service.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Clubs are professionally mentored and student-led, offering leadership development and opportunities to build professional skills. The Student Council oversees clubs and supports charter renewals.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports are a major component of well-being, with 13 sports offered on each campus. The aquatics program includes two 25-meter pools and cross-divisional participation, with SAS competing in APAC events.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is an integral part of the curriculum. Lessons and workshops address physical health, mental wellbeing, ethics, relationships and identity, and careers and aspirations, helping pupils develop empathy, self‑awareness, resilience and independence.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages taught include Chinese, French, and Spanish. Other languages are available through self-study options.	Language provision The language of instruction is English. Mandarin Chinese is taught as a core subject throughout the College and is mandatory for all pupils until Year 9, with many pupils continuing to graduate. Chinese language and culture courses are offered for pupils at every level from Year 1 to Year 12. Chinese is complemented by foreign languages: Year 7–9 pupils select an extra language from French or Spanish (or Chinese Study in addition to Chinese). From Year 10 to Year 13, pupils may choose any one foreign language from Chinese, French and Spanish as part of the IGCSE or IB options. Elective courses in Chinese culture are available as part of the Chinese language programme. The school assesses pupils' abilities and places them in classes accordingly.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school offers a bilingual curriculum that seamlessly integrates English and Mandarin. Bilingual programs exist alongside the British curriculum. This approach supports international-mindedness and cross-cultural communication.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Cultural immersion in Chinese language begins in Early Childhood Education. Students immerse themselves in the Chinese language from the start, and the Chinese program is more than language, fostering cross-cultural connections.	Immersion programs The Dual Language Pathway provides fully bilingual immersion in English and Chinese, from the early years through Year 8. Classes are taught by a native English speaker and a native Chinese speaker in parallel, with a native-language assistant supporting activities such as PE and co-curriculars. The pathway prepares pupils to progress to first-language English and Chinese IGCSE courses and, finally, the bilingual IB Diploma.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Only awards and recognitions explicitly described on the SAS website and awarded to the school itself in the past five years (2021–2025): 1) Named #1 High School in China by Forbes China (published on SAS site Aug 14, 2025) — SAS's story on the site reports that the school's high school program placed first in the 2025 Forbes China International School Rankings; the item is presented as a school-level ranking. 2) Ranked #1 International School in Shanghai by Hurun Education (published on SAS site Sep 2, 2025) — the SAS site reports it was ranked #1 for foreign passport holders in Shanghai in the 2025 Hurun Education Top International Schools in China ranking. The same story also notes SAS earned a place on the HSBC Hurun Education Global High Schools 2025 list. These items are presented on the school site as recognitions received by the school. Note: I included only awards or recognitions that are described on SAS's own website and that are clearly attributed to the school (not to individual students or teams). If you'd like, I can also check other publicly available sources for additional recognitions and provide dates and source links.	Awards (Only awards and recognitions explicitly reported on the school website and awarded to the school or the school organisation are listed, with the school's own wording and dates.) - Carfax Education – The Schools Index: Top 150 Private Schools in the World (recognition) — Wellington College International Shanghai was named among the Carfax Education ‘Top 150 Private Schools in the world' (reported on the school website on 30 Oct 2024). This is a published international index in which the school appears. - Forbes China International School Annual Selection (2024) — Wellington College International Shanghai is reported on the school site as placing 3rd nationwide in Forbes China's 2024 International School Annual Selection (reported 15 Jul 2024). This is a rankings/selection published by Forbes China and the school reports that placing. - Hurun Education Top International Schools in China (listed results reported on school site) — the school reports being ranked #1 in Shanghai and #4 in China in Hurun Education's Top International Schools (report on 5 Apr 2024 referring to the Hurun list); later reporting shows the Wellington China schools on the Hurun 2025 list with Wellington Shanghai listed as 6th in China (reported 6 Aug 2025). These are national/regional rankings published by Hurun and published on the school website. - HR Asia ‘Best Companies to Work for in Asia' and related employer awards (2024) — the school's site reports that HR Asia named ‘Wellington' one of the Best Companies to Work for in Asia (announcement dated 18 Nov 2024) and that the organisation also received HR Asia DEI and ‘Most Caring Company' awards that year. These are employer/organisation awards reported on the school site. - British Chamber / British Business Awards — Business Partnership Award (2024) — the school's site reports that Wellington College Education (China) won the Business Partnership Award at the 2024 British Business Awards (reported 7 Jan 2025). The school's article makes clear this award was presented to Wellington College Education (China) (the group), and that the school reports it on its news feed. - Forbes China Annual Selection — 2025 family recognition — the school's site reports (19 Jun 2025) that all six Wellington College Education (China) schools were recognised in the Forbes China 2025 International Schools Annual Selection (this is reported as a multi-campus recognition that includes the Shanghai campus). How I compiled this - All items above are taken from pages on the Wellington College International Shanghai website (news items, curriculum pages and the site footer links). Each award or accreditation listed is accompanied by the specific school web page where it is reported or linked. If you want, I can now verify institutional accreditation entries (dates and current status) directly against the issuing organisations' public directories and return a short verification list (with direct links to each accreditation record).
Accreditations	Accreditations 1) Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — WASC is a U.S.-based regional accrediting body that evaluates K–12 schools against standards for school improvement, governance and student learning; SAS's history page and site footer note WASC accreditation for the school. 2) International Baccalaureate (IB) — SAS is an IB World School authorized to deliver the IB Diploma Programme; IB authorization indicates the school meets the IB Organisation's requirements for curriculum, teacher preparation and assessment practices. (SAS references its IB programme across its academic pages and in site affiliations.)	Accreditations - International Baccalaureate (IB) — The school offers the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP); the IB is the international organisation that authorises and quality-assures IB programmes and indicates the school is authorised to deliver the Diploma. - Cambridge IGCSE (Cambridge Assessment International Education) — Wellington Shanghai offers IGCSE examinations (including Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin) as part of its secondary pathway; Cambridge IGCSE is the international qualification-awarding body for those exams. - Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) — ACS WASC is a regional accrediting body whose mention on the school site indicates the school's relationship with an internationally recognised U.S.-based accreditation process for schools. (ACS WASC is linked from the school's website footer.) - Council of British International Schools (COBIS) — COBIS is a UK-based membership and quality-assurance organisation for British international schools; the school's site links to COBIS, indicating membership/association. - Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) — FOBISIA is a regional association of British-style schools in Asia (member schools take part in FOBISIA events and networks); the school's site links to FOBISIA. - Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS) — ACAMIS is a regional association for international schools in China and Mongolia (sporting and academic events and networking); the school both links to ACAMIS and appears as an ACAMIS host/participant in its news. - Council/Association of International Schools (COIS/CIS) — the site links to COIS/CIS resources; CIS-style accreditation/membership is a school-wide evaluative and improvement framework used by international schools. (The school footer includes a link to the organisation.) - Fieldwork Education / primary-curriculum relationship — the school's site links to Fieldwork Education (provider of internationally used primary curriculums), indicating curriculum alignment or use at primary levels. Note: the items above are taken from the school's own website (main pages, curriculum pages and footer links). Where the site links to an external body (for example ACS WASC, COBIS, FOBISIA, ACAMIS, IB), that is the publicly visible indication on the school site of the school's relationship with those organisations. If you would like, I can (a) check each organisation's public directory to confirm the exact accreditation/membership status and the dates of accreditation, or (b) request copies of the school's accreditation certificates (if you want formal verification).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Submit the application online. Create or sign in to an OpenApply account, complete the student and parent sections, and submit the form. The “Grade Applying for” is automatically filled from your child's date of birth; if you want a different grade, use the “Requested Grade Level” field and explain why. After submission you'll receive an automated confirmation email and an Admissions team member will contact you within five business days. 2. Upload required documents and pay the application fee. After applying you'll get a checklist in your OpenApply account showing required documents (school reports, government documents and confidential recommendations) and instructions for how to submit them. The application invoice is usually raised within three to five business days; the non‑refundable application fee is listed on the school's fees page and must be paid before the Admission Committee evaluates the file. The Admissions team will let you know if any documents are missing or don't meet the requirements. 3. Application marked complete once paperwork and fee are received. When all required documents and the application fee are received the school marks the application as complete and the Admissions team will confirm the status and outline next steps. Keep copies of submitted school reports and the confidential recommendation contacts—SAS sends recommendation requests directly to the current school for grades and teachers specified in the checklist. Applications are not considered complete until all eligibility documents (including government/visa paperwork where required) are on file. 4. Interview and academic/English assessments (as required). Selected applicants (and parents) are invited to assessments and/or interviews; the exact format depends on grade level and the candidate's background. For families in Shanghai assessments are on campus and must take place during school hours (sessions can take up to four hours); overseas applicants may be assessed online. Non‑native English speakers (Grade 1 and up) may be given a WIDA screener to assess English proficiency—spaces for language support are limited, so strong English results influence placement. 5. Admissions review and placement in the wait pool. The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically—considering academic potential, English proficiency, social/emotional development and family alignment with SAS's mission. Qualified applications are placed into a wait pool rather than being offered on a strict first‑come, first‑served basis; qualified applicants are then considered in rounds when seats become available. If the school determines it cannot support a student's individual needs or if the applicant pool is unusually strong relative to seats, the application may be closed. 6. Decision rounds and updates. SAS uses scheduled decision rounds (and rolling/adhoc updates) for each admissions cycle; the Admissions site lists the round dates and when families can expect an update for the 2026–27 cycle. Possible outcomes include an enrollment offer, placement in or continuation in the wait pool, remaining under consideration for further evaluation, or application closure. Because seat availability and applicant volumes vary by grade and campus, timelines can shift; the Admissions team will inform families if processing is delayed. 7. If offered: accept and complete enrollment requirements (deadlines and fees). If you accept an offer you'll be invoiced for the one‑time entry fee (for new entrants), the non‑refundable enrollment fee to secure the place, and the annual tuition per the published Schedule of Fees. Enrollment fees and payment deadlines are specific: returning students' enrollment fee is due by April 1 of the year prior to the school year; for newly admitted students the enrollment fee is due within five working days of the invoice due date. Read the tuition and refund policy carefully (refund rules vary depending on withdrawal date) and follow the stated methods of payment. 8. Campus selection, transfers and practical notes. Families choose Pudong, Puxi, or Two‑Campus consideration on the application; if you request Two‑Campus consideration you may be offered a place at either campus depending on seat availability. If an offered seat is at one campus and you request a campus change after an offer is made, your child may be returned to the wait pool (placement not guaranteed). Once enrolled, students are expected to attend their original campus for two years before a campus transfer is considered, and transfers are not guaranteed—factor commuting, housing and sibling/transport arrangements into your campus choice.	Admissions 1. Initial enquiry and information-gathering. Contact the Wellington Admissions team (phone and email are published on the school site) or use the online enquiry/OpenApply link to request the Admissions booklet and the application checklist; parents should download and read the booklet and checklist so they know exactly which documents the school requires. 2. Complete the online application. Applications are submitted via the school's OpenApply portal; you will need to upload the documents listed on the published checklist (for example: passport/ID, recent school reports and any assessment records). There is a non‑refundable application fee (RMB 3,500) that must be paid for the application to be reviewed — make sure you attach all required files before submitting. 3. Assessment scheduling and format. After a completed application is received the school arranges an age‑appropriate Wellington admission assessment; assessments are usually held at the campus but can be arranged remotely if your child lives outside Shanghai. Parents should prepare for an assessment that looks at age‑appropriate literacy, numeracy and learning behaviours — the school notes assessment results are considered but are not the sole basis for decisions. 4. Admissions Committee review and decision timing. Applications (including assessment outcomes and submitted documents) are reviewed by the Admissions Committee; the school aims to notify applicants within five working days but warns that busier year groups may take longer. Keep in regular contact with your assigned admissions officer if you need a faster update or if you must meet any internal deadlines. 5. Offer, acceptance and deposits. If you receive an offer the school issues an offer letter; to secure the place parents must accept the College's terms and pay the stated resource fee (the site lists RMB 18,000) within the published acceptance window (the school's page specifies a five‑day deadline). Check the offer letter carefully for the exact payment deadline and the method (bank transfer instructions/terms will be on the letter). 6. Waiting pool / provisional placement (if no place is immediately available). If no places are available you may be placed in the school's waiting pool (the school uses the term “waiting pool” rather than a simple first‑come queue); placement into that pool only happens after a completed application, assessment and a recommendation by the Admissions Committee. The school emphasises that the waiting pool is managed by “best fit” (not strictly by application date) and that not all applicants in the pool will be offered a place. 7. Practical documents, timelines and re‑application. An application remains valid for one academic year (August–June); if you wish to apply for the following year you must submit a fresh application. Parents should also prepare routine documents (proofs of guardianship/residency, up‑to‑date school reports, immunisation/health records where required) in advance to avoid delaying assessment and review. 8. Fees, what they cover and when to review them. The school publishes a detailed fee schedule (the site's 2025–26 schedule lists annual and term breakdowns by year group) and states which items are included (most curriculum materials, basic co‑curricular activities and some trips) and which are excluded (school lunches, uniform, transport, individual music tuition and voluntary trips). Parents should download the full fee schedule from the school site and check the exact figure for their child's year group before accepting an offer. 9. Final enrolment steps and contact. After you accept an offer and complete payment, follow any onboarding instructions from Admissions (medical forms, start‑date confirmation, orientation details). If you have timing constraints (relocation dates, visa timing, sibling placements) communicate these early to your Admissions officer as published contact details are available on the school site.
Scholarships	Scholarships Shanghai American School's public materials (admissions and tuition pages) do not advertise a general student scholarship or means‑tested financial aid program for external applicants. The school's published benefit information does show an internal tuition assistance benefit (Eagle Assistance Tuition Assistance) available to employees (one tuition assistance benefit per employed teacher/administrator as part of staff benefit packages). If you are seeking fee‑reduction, special considerations, or exceptions, SAS advises contacting the Admissions or Finance offices directly—these are handled case‑by‑case and are not described as an open scholarship program on the website. If you'd like, I can draft an email template you can send to admissions or finance to ask about any available assistance or special arrangements.	Scholarships Wellington Shanghai runs a Fellows & Scholars programme plus means‑tested bursaries. The Fellows Programme recognises pupils (years 10–13) for exceptional contribution in academics, the arts or sport and does not carry a monetary award; Fellows gain additional enrichment opportunities. The Scholars (scholarship) awards are merit‑based, limited in number, focused in Academics, Arts or Sport, carry a bespoke programme of study and may include a fee reduction (the school's communications and news posts reference scholarships that can provide either 50% or 100% reductions in tuition for successful applicants). Applicants for scholarship consideration are typically identified or nominated by subject/department leaders during the admissions process (the site notes there is no separate formal application for scholarship — nominations are reviewed by a scholarship committee). In addition, the College offers bursaries for families in financial need; bursaries are awarded annually after objective means testing and the level of support is limited, so families should contact Admissions for the specific process and timeline. For full details, eligibility criteria and current deadlines consult the school's Fellowship, Scholarship and Bursaries page and the scholarship announcements on the school site.
Waitlist	Waitlist Shanghai American School does not operate a simple first‑come, first‑served waitlist; instead it uses a qualitative “wait pool.” Qualified applicants who are not immediately offered a seat are placed into this wait pool and considered alongside other qualified candidates in scheduled decision rounds and on a rolling basis. The Admissions Committee reviews the pool in rounds (round dates and expected update windows are published for each admissions cycle) and issues outcomes that include offers, continued wait‑pool placement, requests for additional evaluation, or application closure. The school notes that priority consideration (not automatic placement) may be given in cases such as U.S. and other foreign citizens, applicants with international schooling backgrounds, stronger English proficiency, siblings already at SAS, and returning students in good standing; admissions also balance multilingual learner needs and cohort diversity when filling seats. For current seat availability and advice about applying outside the main cycle, SAS asks families to contact admissions directly because seats are often very limited.	Waitlist Wellington College International Shanghai operates a formal waiting pool (referred to on the site as a “waiting pool”). A child is placed into the waiting pool only after the application has been completed, the assessment has been carried out and the Admissions Committee has recommended placement. The school states that the waiting pool is managed by suitability/best fit rather than strictly by application order, and that families will be contacted if a place becomes available; it also warns that not all applicants in the pool will ultimately receive an offer.
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