Suzhou Singapore International School vs The British International School Shanghai Puxi

	S Suzhou Singapore International School Shanghai, China	T The British International School Shanghai Puxi Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 130,000 - 300,000	Fees / year RMB 271,600 - 385,090
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 0 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Singapore Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,400	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 21
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Mandarin	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1996	Opened 2004
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The URL you gave (ssis.asia) is the website for Shanghai Singapore International School (SSIS), not a Suzhou campus. SSIS's main campus is in Minhang District, Shanghai, with on-site directions and contact details on the site; it's reachable by road and is near established residential areas and transport links in southwestern Shanghai.	Location Located in Huacao Town, Minhang (Puxi), the school's main campus is at 111 Jinguang Road — a residential suburb of western Shanghai with good road links to the city and access by taxi; some local listings note nearby metro access (Xujing Dong is commonly used for this area).
Stages	Stages SSIS runs a continuous K–12 programme from Preschool (Pre‑Nursery/Kindergarten) through Primary (Grade 1–6) to Senior School (Grade 7–12). Senior School includes Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE (Grades 9–10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12).	Stages The school serves children from early years through to the IB/A‑level age range (listed as Early Years 18 months–5, Primary 5–11, Lower Secondary 11–14, Upper Secondary 14–16, and A level & IB Academy 16–18).
School type	School type SSIS is a co-educational international day school (K–12). The school does not advertise boarding facilities on its main site pages.	School type BISS Puxi is a co‑educational day international school and is part of the Nord Anglia Education group; it does not operate boarding at the Puxi campus.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support SSIS publishes an English Language Acquisition (ELA) programme for Primary students to support learners needing additional English instruction; the school also describes personalised learning approaches and school-based support but specific SEN caseload or detailed specialist services are described in admissions/downloadable registration materials. For specific individual needs it's best to contact the school's admissions or learning-support team.	Additional learning support The school runs EAL (English as an Additional Language) programmes with tailored lessons and intensive English options for learners new to English, and provides learning‑support/EAL staffing to work with students in class and in small groups. Nord Anglia schools also describe Learning Support/AEN provision (individual plans and targeted interventions) as part of their approach.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is named Shanghai Singapore International School and references Singaporean education influences in its curriculum, but it operates as an international school in China rather than being a government school of Singapore.	Country affiliation The school follows a British (English National Curriculum / IGCSE / IB) model and is branded as The British International School, Shanghai (Puxi).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation SSIS does not list any religious affiliation on its public pages; it operates as a non-denominational international school.	Religious affiliation The school is secular / non‑denominational; no religious affiliation is listed on the school's public information pages.
School day structure	School day structure The school's website describes standard K–12 timetabled days with breaks and a lunch period but does not publish a single fixed start/end time on the public overview pages; these times are typically provided to admitted families or in the registration pack. Contact admissions for exact daily timings for specific year groups.	School day structure Published campus hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm. After‑school activity transport is arranged separately (see transport notes below) for students participating in extended programmes.
Bus service details	Bus service details SSIS offers a regular school bus service for families; the site lists a transportation email and notes an annual transport fee (with distance-based rates quoted in the tuition page). For route details, pickup points and booking deadlines the school asks parents to contact the transportation office directly. }	Bus service details The school operates a paid bus service to and from campus; buses are described as fitted with seatbelts and accompanied by a bus monitor. The school also offers transportation specifically for its after‑school activities (noted as a 4:40pm service). For routes, fees and registration you should contact admissions/transport directly as the school arranges and manages routes locally.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Matriculation Fees - Application Fee: non-refundable, non-transferable — RMB 2,500. Payment is due within five working days of issuance. - Matriculation Fee: non-refundable, non-transferable — RMB 20,000. This fee cannot be applied to tuition. Tuition fees (annual and per-term amounts by year group) Note: the school offers either a single annual payment or termly (trimester) payments. Per-term figures below are calculated as the published annual fee divided by three (annual ÷ 3) to reflect the trimester payment option. This per-term breakdown is a calculated figure. - Toddler / Pre-N (Half Day) - Annual: RMB 130,000. - Approx. per term (annual ÷ 3): RMB 43,333. - Pre-Nursery to Kindergarten 2 - Annual: RMB 200,000. - Approx. per term: RMB 66,667. - Primary School (Grade 1 to Grade 6) - Annual: RMB 260,000. - Approx. per term: RMB 86,667. - Senior School (Grade 7 to Grade 8) - Annual: RMB 280,000. - Approx. per term: RMB 93,333. - Senior School (Grade 9 to Grade 10) - Annual: RMB 290,000. - Approx. per term: RMB 96,667. - Senior School (Grade 11 to Grade 12) - Annual: RMB 300,000. - Approx. per term: RMB 100,000. Optional / additional fees and typical ranges - English Language Acquisition (ELA) Programme (Grade 1–6 only): RMB 25,000 per academic year (payment required in full before service starts). - Transportation (regular school bus) per academic year: - Below 5 km: RMB 18,500 per year. - 5 km and above: RMB 20,000 per year. - The transportation fee must be paid in full before the school commencement date; refunds for transportation are pro‑rata per school day less a RMB 400 handling fee. - Paid After‑School Programmes (ASP): most ASPs are complimentary, but paid ASP sessions (8-week session) typically range RMB 1,400–3,800. Paid ASPs must be paid in full before the session; refund rules depend on timing and minimum enrolment. - External examination/test fees (IGCSE, IB, AP, SAT, HSK, Cambridge English, etc.) are not included in the tuition and will be charged separately when applicable. Daily school lunch is included in the tuition. - Uniforms: uniforms are ordered through the school's approved vendor; specific item prices are set by the vendor. The school offers an early‑re‑enrolment complimentary uniform credit for eligible returning students. The on‑site Sabres Store allows try‑ons. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment frequency options: - Annual (one-time payment), or - Termly (trimester) payments. - Application Fee and Matriculation Fee: timing requirements — Application Fee due within five working days of issuance; Matriculation Fee payment after offer is normally required within five working days. - Late payment charge: RMB 300 per day applied to overdue tuition fees for up to 7 days; after this period the school may suspend the student, withhold reports/transcripts, or offer the place to applicants on the waitlist. Refund and withdrawal terms - Withdrawal notice: parents must submit written notice to the divisional principal at least 30 days before the student's last day of school; otherwise days will be counted as absence and may affect refunds. - Late Withdrawal Notice Surcharge: if less than 30 days' notice is given, 10% of the annual tuition fee is deemed payable in lieu of notice. - Full‑term non-attendance: if a student does not attend any school days in a term, that term's tuition will be refunded in full. Partial attendance: if the student attends any day in a term, the full term's tuition is payable and non‑refundable. Annual payment discounts will be forfeited if the student withdraws mid‑year. - Optional services refund examples: - Transportation: pro‑rata refund per school day (1/180 of annual fee) less RMB 400 handling fee. - ELA Programme: fees are non‑refundable and non‑transferable. - Paid ASPs: full refund if withdrawn before the ASP start; no refunds once the ASP has started (unless minimum numbers not met). - Matriculation fee and other specified non‑tuition fees are non‑refundable. Refunds are processed after the student's last day; overseas transaction fees for refunds are borne by parents and refunds are made to the original payer. A VAT e‑fapiao (tax receipt) will be issued upon payment confirmation. Boarding - No boarding fees are listed; the fees schedule and enrolment materials describe day services and optional transport but do not include boarding provisions. (No boarding programme/boarding fees are published.) Discounts and concessions - Sibling discount: 10% discount on the total annual tuition fee for families enrolling two or more siblings. - Corporate discount: 10% discount on the total annual tuition fee for companies enrolling and paying for five or more children of their employees. - Note: sibling and corporate discounts cannot be applied to the same student. Accepted currencies and payment methods - Accepted currencies: RMB and USD for payments. - Payment methods accepted: - Point‑of‑Sale (POS): credit or debit cards (local UnionPay cards accepted for RMB payments). - Bank transfer: payment to the school's designated bank account; email proof of payment with student full name and class to invoice@ssis.asia. The exchange rate for overseas remittances is based on the central parity rate set by the People's Bank of China on the first working day of each month; any exchange differences are borne by parents. Other practical notes on fees - Tuition covers textbooks/library use, online resources, basic stationery, school‑sponsored CCAs/complimentary ASP offerings, compulsory Shanghai learning trips (within the city), technology fees, and daily lunch for students. External exam fees, optional off‑Shanghai trips, specialist fee‑based services, and certain optional programmes are charged separately. - VAT e‑fapiao will be issued after payment; you may request specific details (student name, period of study) to be added to the fapiao. If you need any of the numeric figures presented above in another currency or as exact instalment amounts calculated to a specific rounding convention, indicate which currency and rounding you prefer and I will compute them directly.	Fee details Application & enrolment fees - Application Fee: RMB 3,500 (non-refundable, payable on submission of the application). - Enrolment Fee: RMB 4,000 (non-refundable, payable on acceptance of a place). - Resourcing Fee: RMB 16,000 (refundable on leaving provided all accounts are clear and school property is returned undamaged). Tuition fees (per student) — annual and per-term - Pre‑Nursery, Nursery, Reception — Annual: RMB 271,600; Term 1: RMB 112,000; Term 2: RMB 84,000; Term 3: RMB 84,000. - Year 1 to Year 6 — Annual: RMB 319,130; Term 1: RMB 131,600; Term 2: RMB 98,700; Term 3: RMB 98,700. - Year 7 to Year 9 — Annual: RMB 354,050; Term 1: RMB 146,000; Term 2: RMB 109,500; Term 3: RMB 109,500. - Year 10 to Year 11 — Annual: RMB 378,300; Term 1: RMB 156,000; Term 2: RMB 117,000; Term 3: RMB 117,000. - Year 12 to Year 13 — Annual: RMB 385,090; Term 1: RMB 158,800; Term 2: RMB 119,100; Term 3: RMB 119,100. Billing schedule & payment terms - Fees may be paid by electronic bank transfer or cheque in USD, HKD, GBP or RMB; cash payments accepted only in RMB. A copy of the bank remittance with the child's name and year group must be sent to the school. Conversion from foreign currency to RMB is based on the exchange rate at time of payment. - All winter term and annual fees are due by 30 May. Pupils may only attend school once required fees have been paid. Boarding - The Puxi campus operates as a day school; boarding is not provided at this campus. Other charges - Uniform: All students are required to wear school uniform and a separate PE kit; items are purchased from the school uniform shop. - School lunch: estimated set-lunch prices vary by option and age group (examples in the fee information range approximately RMB 34–60 per set meal; specific prices depend on option chosen). - School bus (optional): Term 1 RMB 9,650; Term 2 RMB 7,350; Term 3 RMB 5,150. - Compulsory residential trip charge invoiced with tuition for specified year groups (years 3–10 and Year 12); no refunds are given for absence from trips. Withdrawal & refunds - Six weeks' written notice (via the school's withdrawal form) is required prior to the student's last day. If six weeks' notice is not given, six weeks' fees will be charged in lieu of notice. - If notice of withdrawal is received at least six weeks before the last day, remaining pre-paid tuition will be refunded in full; resourcing fee refundable subject to conditions. A cancellation charge of RMB 16,000 applies for new students who do not attend after a place has been reserved. Fee payment options (summary) - Accepted: electronic/bank transfer and cheque (USD, HKD, GBP, RMB). - Cash: RMB only. - Parents should forward a copy of the bank remittance to the school when paying by transfer; currency conversion uses the exchange rate at payment time.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement SSIS has a formal school uniform. Shanghai Xinxinle Dress Co., Ltd is the uniform vendor since March 2019, and uniforms are ordered online with home delivery in about one week. The Sabres Store on campus offers fitting and purchase, with hours 08:00–09:00 and 11:40–14:00; contact sabrestore@ssis.asia or +86 21 6221 9288 ext. 7487.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Food is sourced from Mahota Farm at Chongming Island and other licensed suppliers. An in-house purchasing department manages the process with no intermediaries and reviews suppliers and products regularly. The weekly menus include Chinese, Western, Japanese, South Korean and Southeast Asian dishes, with vegetarian options and accommodations for dietary restrictions; preschool meals are tailored, and Chinese festival foods are served.	Food options —
House system	House system SSIS uses a House System with four houses: Ruby, Amber, Pearl and Sapphire. All students and staff are assigned to a house and remain in the same house throughout their SSIS journey, with younger siblings able to join the same house. The system supports a range of activities and competitions, and house points determine a yearly House Championship.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership SSIS was founded and invested by Prime Group International.	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Nord Anglia Education family.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details SSIS's Preschool (Early Years) is bilingual, aligns with Singapore's Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) framework and is organised around seven learning areas (Aesthetics; Discovery of the World; English literacy; Chinese; Motor skills; Numeracy; Social and emotional development). Primary School follows a Singapore‑based curriculum drawing on Singapore Math and Science with Cambridge Primary English and a three‑track Chinese Language and Culture programme (Basic, Singapore system‑based, Advanced integrating Singapore and Shanghai curricula). Senior School is divided into three stages: Grades 7–8 follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme (CLSP) to prepare for IGCSE; Grades 9–10 take Cambridge IGCSE with four compulsory subjects (English, Chinese, Mathematics, Science) plus up to six option subjects designed to enable the Cambridge ICE group award. Grades 11–12 study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP); SSIS states that 100% of students undertake the IBDP, which comprises six subject groups and the DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS). Across all stages the school supplements subject learning with STEAM, sports, arts and co‑curricular activities, Mandarin immersion and technology integration (ICT/Computer Science/Robotics), and uses ManageBac for home‑school communication and personalised learning records.	Curriculum details The British International School Shanghai, Puxi offers a continuous British-rooted, internationally adapted pathway for learners aged 18 months–18 years: Early Years (EYFS), Primary (English National Curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum), Key Stage 3, IGCSE and the IB Diploma, and the school notes A‑levels will be available from August 2026. Early Years (18 months–5 years) follows the English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with the seven areas of learning (three prime and four specific areas) and play-based provision. Primary (ages 5–11) uses the English National Curriculum adapted through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), with emphasis on core subjects (English, maths, science), language learning including Mandarin and preparation for YCT/HSK where appropriate. Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3, ages 11–14) follows the English National Curriculum in a subject-focused model with specialist teaching, language options (Mandarin plus other modern languages), STEAM and performing-arts provision to prepare students for subject choices. Upper Secondary (ages 14–16) prepares students for Cambridge IGCSE qualifications (core: English, mathematics, Global Perspectives and a second language with a range of optional subjects) and post-16 students follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (six subject groups plus Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS).
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 SSIS describes a whole-division wellbeing and pastoral care programme delivered through form time, wellbeing lessons and assemblies to develop students' social and emotional skills. Counsellors and form tutors lead the programme and the school reports structured pastoral activities such as character and leadership camps and house-based programmes. The Senior School also operates a Mentor Programme that assigns students a teacher mentor for regular guidance on academic and personal matters. The school links pastoral care directly with academic guidance, noting counsellors, form tutors and heads of houses as part of the support structure.	Social & emotional learning The school states that mindfulness is embedded across the curriculum and that wellbeing is included in its pastoral and guidance programme to develop students' social and emotional skills. It runs wellbeing programmes and seminars for students and parents that cover topics such as time management and stress reduction. Secondary pastoral structure includes Heads of Year and Form Tutors who provide regular registration time, assemblies and guidance lessons focused on social and emotional development. The school also uses outdoor and project-based activities (for example, a Year 3 farm project) to build resilience and social skills. These provisions are described on the school's webpages about wellbeing, pastoral care and recent project reports.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) SSIS's Student Services page states the school provides Academic Learning Support including personalised learning plans, one‑to‑one and small‑group interventions, assistive technology, and examination accommodations for students with diagnosed learning needs. The school lists Learning Support staff on its faculty pages, indicating specialist staff are in place to deliver these services. The website does not list specific categories of SEN (for example, dyslexia or autism) that it will or will not support. The school's public pages do not describe SSIS as a specialist SEN institution, instead presenting learning support as part of its broader Student Services.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school publishes a named Head of Special Educational Needs (Louise King) and describes an Achievement Centre used for teaching pupils with SEN and enrichment requirements. The Louise King staff profile states the role leads whole-school, collaborative approaches to SEN and individualised teaching programmes. The school website does not publish a detailed list of specific categories of SEN it supports nor does it state that it is a specialist SEN institution. For clarity on which particular needs the school can support and any limits to provision, the school advises contacting admissions or the SEN team directly. This staff profile is the school's public source for its SEN provision.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language SSIS publishes an English Language Acquisition (ELA) programme aimed at Grade 1–6 students who require additional English support, with dedicated ELA staff and integration of language support across the curriculum. The Student Services page describes ELA specialists working with classroom teachers and also references a Cambridge English programme for formal exam preparation. The ELA programme is offered as a year‑long, fee‑based option in the school's tuition schedule for primary grades. Contact details for ELA and student services are provided on the school site for families seeking placement or assessment.	English as an additional language The school describes a bespoke EAL programme that uses the Cambridge English framework across Primary and into Secondary, alongside tailored Intensive English Lessons (one-to-one or small group) for learners new to English. It notes use of phonics (Read Write Inc.), visual resources, writing frames, and the Cambridge English assessments with reported pass rates in school communications. The Key Stage pages also state students with limited English are supported through the school's EAL provision. If you need current test outcomes or entry-level arrangements, the school's EAL news and curriculum pages provide the published details and the admissions team can confirm placement processes.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school's counselling team provides individual and group counselling, crisis intervention, and social‑emotional support embedded into the curriculum and pastoral routines. SSIS publishes resources for wellbeing during school closures, including regular Student Wellness Surveys, digital pastoral curriculum content, and remote counselling by appointment. Counsellors are reachable via the published school contact email (counselling@ssis.asia) and the site highlights proactive outreach to students and families identified as needing extra support. These provisions are presented as part of the Student Services and Counselling function on the school website.	Mental wellbeing BISS Puxi states that wellbeing is built into the curriculum and pastoral guidance, with mindfulness explicitly referenced as embedded practice. The school runs wellbeing seminars and programmes for students and parents on topics such as stress reduction and time management, and reports nature-based projects to develop resilience. Nord Anglia's recent partnership activity also references wellbeing and performance coaching through its IMG Academy collaboration, which Nord Anglia describes as providing wellbeing coaching and mindset work across the group. For clinical or specialist mental-health services the school site describes school-based pastoral and guidance support; specific clinical provision or external referral pathways are not detailed on the public pages and should be confirmed with the school if required.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding SSIS publishes a Child Protection Policy and states it has a Campus Safety Committee that conducts regular checks and enforces safety protocols to protect students' physical and emotional welfare. The school's Campus Safety Measures describe visitor procedures, ID/family card controls, and an Outdoor Activities Response Policy as part of its campus safety framework. The website provides a downloadable Child Protection Policy and directs enquiries to designated campus safety contacts. SSIS explicitly states a zero‑tolerance position on bullying, neglect and abuse and outlines procedures for responding to concerns.	Safeguarding Nord Anglia Education publishes a group Safeguarding Policy and states that safeguarding and child protection procedures are applied across its schools; the school's pages reference that group-level education and quality-assurance teams drive safeguarding best practice at BISS Puxi. BISS Puxi also reports renewal of accreditation with the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), and the COBIS accreditation statement on the school news page highlights standards for safeguarding and governance. Nord Anglia has recently publicised senior safeguarding appointments at group level to lead and advise its safeguarding strategy. The school's public pages point parents to group and school contacts for detailed safeguarding policies and designated safeguarding leads.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview BISS Puxi offers a comprehensive campus with dedicated spaces for Early Years through Upper Secondary. The sports facilities include two indoor gymnasiums, a 20m indoor swimming pool, a track and field athletics space, China's first all-weather rugby pitch, outdoor basketball courts, five tennis courts, a dance studio and a fitness suite, and an 11-a-side all-weather football pitch. The classrooms are fully connected with wireless access and air filtration, and they include interactive whiteboards. The Learning Centre provides a library and online resources for students and parents. The school runs two STEAM centres, one for Primary and one for Secondary, with science laboratories, 3D printers, and dedicated engineering spaces; there are ten PC labs and four Apple Mac suites, plus a music technology centre and cinema and film studio.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities All sports are catered for. The facilities include two indoor gymnasiums, a 20m indoor swimming pool, a track and field athletics space, China's first all-weather rugby pitch, outdoor basketball courts, five tennis courts, a dance studio and a fitness suite, and an 11-a-side all-weather football pitch. The Lions compete at a high level within the Shanghai Schools Sports network, through ACAMIS competitions for international schools across China and FOBISIA competitions across Asia.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The Learning Centre offers a range of spaces, hundreds of books and interactive learning resources, with access to the latest technology; parents can loan books. There are two dedicated STEAM centres for Primary and Secondary, with specialist laboratories for chemistry, biology and physics and a dedicated practical room in the Primary building. The classrooms are equipped with wireless connectivity and interactive whiteboards, and the spaces feature air filtration. The campus includes ten PC labs and four Apple Mac suites, a music technology centre, cinema and film studio facilities.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The school offers a broad range of extracurricular activities across sports, performing arts, STEAM and global citizenship. The Juilliard-Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme enriches learning in music, dance and drama, with Juilliard hosting workshops and providing teacher development. The MIT collaboration supports STEAM through project based learning, with two STEAM centres and access to advanced equipment. UNICEF collaboration engages students with the Sustainable Development Goals and models United Nations activities, including opportunities to travel to New York for events and participation in Model United Nations. The IMG Academy partnership provides elite coaching for sports and wellbeing, with teachers also benefiting from professional development. Amazing expeditions include local, national and international trips such as citizenship expeditions to Tanzania and trips to Switzerland, along with year group expeditions and service projects.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Suzhou Singapore International School (operating as Shanghai Singapore International School on its website) was founded and invested in by Prime Group International and opened with the approval of the Ministry of Education, PRC on 3 September 1996. The school began with 18 students and nine teachers and expanded over the following decades with additional campuses and programmes. SSIS obtained authorisations for the IB Middle Years Programme (2003), the IB Diploma Programme (2005), Cambridge IGCSE (2011) and the IB Career-related Programme (2014), and continued campus and facilities development through the 2010s. In 2025 the school lists WASC accreditation among its credentials.	History The British International School Shanghai (Puxi) was established in 2004 and is part of the Nord Anglia Education family of schools. Over the following years the Puxi campus was expanded (a secondary building was added in 2008) and a larger secondary campus was officially opened in 2011. Governance, admissions and shared programmes are managed within the Nord Anglia network, so the school's development has been closely linked to that organisation's operations in China.
Community	Community The school serves an international student and family community and runs recurring community events that invite broad participation, such as the annual International Family Bazaar and preschool NatureFest. School-wide occasions including sports days and arts exhibitions bring students, staff and families together across grade levels. SSIS has also co‑organised external cultural events that engage the wider Singaporean and expatriate communities in Shanghai, for example Chingay@Shanghai.	Community The school serves an international community with more than 50 nationalities represented among students and families. BISS Puxi participates in Nord Anglia's Global Campus and runs a Social Impact programme that works with partners such as UNICEF and links to wider UN forums; the school also schedules wellbeing seminars and local, national and international student expeditions. Large community events — for example the annual Christmas Fair and community carnival — bring families, students and local visitors together.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association SSIS's parent organisation is called the Parent Support Group (PSG); an elected PSG Executive Committee organises volunteer efforts and events across the school. Regular PSG activities listed on the school site include Book Week, Santa's Workshop, Chinese New Year celebrations, International Friendship Day, a Teacher Appreciation lunch and contributions to the International Family Bazaar. The PSG also coordinates parent volunteers who support classroom activities and extracurricular events, and it arranges workshops for parents delivered by staff, parent volunteers and external providers on parenting and academic topics. The PSG uses a dedicated contact address (psg@ssis.asia) for parents who wish to volunteer or participate. Overall, the PSG frames its role as a platform for parent involvement and for enriching students' learning experiences through organised events and workshops.	Parent teacher association The Puxi campus maintains an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that organises community-facing events, commonly cited examples being the Welcome Back Party, the Christmas Fair and an International Food Evening. The PTA also supports a New Parent Programme to help families arriving in Shanghai and operates a Room Parent network (class-level volunteers who coordinate communications, reading helpers and small social activities). PTA volunteers typically run stalls and fundraising activities at fairs, help co-ordinate year-group socials and support staff-appreciation and classroom initiatives; the school's Parent Essentials pages and newsletters are used to publicise PTA activities and recruit volunteers. The PTA's events therefore serve both social and fundraising roles and are a regular channel for parents to engage with school life and with one another.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual SSIS offers a Co-Curricular Programme (CCA) and an After School Programme (ASP). The CCA for Grades 1–6 develops leadership, social skills and interactions with teachers beyond academics. CCAs span sports (Floor Hockey, Gymnastics, Softball, Soccer, Basketball, Rock Climbing, Badminton), aesthetics (Dance, Creative Drama, Gu Zheng, Singing, Xylophone, Orchestra) and special-interest clubs (STEAM Club, Knitting Club, Lego Building Club, Origami, Scrapbooking). ASP runs three eight-week sessions for K1 to Grade 12; activities are organized by teachers and external vendors, with signups on the SchoolsBuddy platform.	Academic & intellectual BISS Puxi offers IGCSE (Upper Secondary) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with an A-level pathway introduced in 2025. An IB Bridging Programme supports a smooth transition from IGCSE to IB. All students complete the Duke of Edinburgh International Award and receive university guidance from a dedicated Higher Education team. In 2025, 52% of IGCSE grades were A/A*, and graduates have progressed to top universities including Oxford, Yale, Imperial College London, KAIST, and UC Berkeley.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Aesthetics Programme provides opportunities in art, dance, drama and music. Visual arts are showcased in campus exhibitions and students may participate in external art competitions. The Performing Arts Programme covers music, drama and dance, with platforms such as musical productions, festival celebrations, International Family Days, student talent competitions, summer concerts and external performances. The Music Programme offers instrument study in small groups, with vocal work, theory and music appreciation; SSIS is an ABRSM exam centre and has a dedicated Performing Arts Centre with a 646-seat auditorium.	Arts & creative Lower Secondary follows the National Curriculum for England with emphasis on the Performing Arts and STEAM. The IGCSE and IB frameworks provide opportunities for creative study and cross‑curricular inquiry. The IB Diploma Programme fosters inquiry-based learning and personal growth, supporting creative and interdisciplinary approaches.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The Chinese Language and Culture Programme combines the national Chinese and Singaporean curriculums. Chinese language classes are differentiated to accommodate diverse abilities: daily Advanced Chinese, Standard Chinese and Foundation Chinese; from Grade 9, students can study Chinese as Language and Literature, another language, or start Chinese as a new language during IGCSE and IB. An Immersive Chinese Culture Class covers traditional culture, poetry, calligraphy and geography. The programme provides platforms for student language expression, including the International Schools Chinese Debating Competition, the Footprint anthology, Chinese Culture Week and Sabres Broadcasting.	Cultural & language Languages taught in Primary include English, Mandarin (native and as a foreign language), Korean, French, Spanish, German, and Dutch. This supports developing cross-cultural communication and a global perspective within the school's international framework.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Sports, aesthetics and clubs are integral to SSIS's holistic education, with opportunities outside the classroom. The school offers a broad range of clubs and after-school activities across athletics, arts and special-interest groups; signups occur on the SchoolsBuddy platform. The SSIS Weekend Programme provides paid activities by external vendors to develop skills and progress. Learning Outdoors offers farm-to-school experiences, excursions and camps to broaden horizons and connect learning to the real world.	Social & hobbies Students participate in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. Leadership opportunities exist through student-led initiatives such as ‘Becoming Leaders,' and through house leadership structures that organise events across the school.
Community & service	Community & service SSIS is a Duke of Edinburgh International Award Centre; Senior School students aged 13 and above can pursue the DoE Award at Bronze, Silver or Gold levels with teacher mentors. The DoE sections include Voluntary Service, Skills, Physical Recreation, Adventurous Journey and, for Gold, a Residential Project. The programme emphasizes learning beyond the classroom, resilience, independence, goal setting and community involvement.	Community & service The Duke of Edinburgh Award incorporates community service components. The IB Diploma Programme also emphasizes community involvement and personal growth as part of its core expectations.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The DoE Award fosters leadership, independence and self-management through student-led learning with guided support. Sabres Broadcasting develops bilingual public speaking and media communication skills, offering opportunities to speak in English and Chinese and to participate in live broadcasts. SSIS provides additional avenues for student leadership through school events and projects showcased in SSIS publications and events.	Leadership & professional A dedicated Higher Education team provides guidance on university applications. Leadership development is integrated into the curriculum through student leadership roles and programs such as ‘Becoming Leaders.'
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports form a core part of SSIS's program, with facilities including four indoor basketball courts, three all-purpose soccer fields, a competition swimming pool, an athletic track, tennis courts and spaces for fitness and dance. The school runs specialized programs such as the SSIS Golf Programme and the SSIS Go Swim Programme. Learning Outdoors supports wellbeing through field trips, excursions and the farm-to-school project to connect physical activity with environmental awareness.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Lower Secondary emphasizes sport and physical education as part of the curriculum, with a focus on well-being and balanced learning through STEAM and the Performing Arts. The school's approach supports a healthy, holistic educational experience.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The curriculum is Singapore-based and international, with Preschool and Primary taught to the Singapore Curriculum and then progression to IGCSE and IB Diploma Programmes. The Chinese Language Programme aggregates the national Chinese and Singapore curricula; from Grade 1, students are placed into Advanced Chinese, Standard Chinese, or Foundation Chinese; from Grade 9, Chinese can be studied as Language and Literature, as an additional Language, or as a new language within IGCSE and IB Diploma.	Language provision The international primary curriculum follows the English National Curriculum, adapted through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Mandarin is taught in the primary years with native and non-native provision; beginners start learning and progress toward YCT and HSK tests. Enrichment opportunities include native and non-native Mandarin, French, German and Spanish. In Key Stage 3, students study two languages of their choice from Mandarin, Korean, French, German, Spanish and Dutch, and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme is available for non-native English speakers.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching SSIS uses a bilingual education model combining English instruction with Chinese language learning through a Cambridge English Programme and a Chinese Language Programme (CLASS Model).	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs The Chinese Language and Culture Programme includes an Immersive Chinese Culture Class, with a learning approach that blends language study with hands-on experiences. Platforms include the International Schools Chinese Debating Competition, the Footprint anthology, Chinese Culture Week, and Sabres Broadcasting.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards (Only school-level awards/recognitions explicitly reported on the SSIS website in the past five years are included below; I did not include student-level prizes or internal student awards.) - Listed in Forbes China: "Forbes China International School Annual Selection" — SSIS was named on Forbes China's 2025 annual list of international schools (post dated June 20, 2025). The school's news item presents this as an external selection/recognition of the school. - China League IB ranking (2024) — SSIS is reported to have secured 8th place in the 2024 China League IB Table (news post dated December 2, 2024). This is an external ranking placed to the school rather than to individual students. - School trophy for International Economics Olympiad (IEO) preliminary round — SSIS reports that all 23 students who took the IEO preliminary test on December 12, 2024 passed and that "the school was awarded a trophy" for that result (reported in the Senior School newsletter, posted February 26, 2025). The school-level trophy is described in the newsletter. Notes and limits: - I reviewed only information published on the SSIS website and included items where the school itself is the named recipient. External recognitions such as rankings and listings are presented as the school reports them on its site. - Items mentioned on the SSIS site that relate to student awards, internal prize ceremonies, or that describe the school as a "finalist" (for example the China Schools Awards 2022 finalist mention) were not counted as school "wins" here because the site either describes them as finalist status or attributes the award to students. Where helpful, I included exact post dates and source links (citations) so you can verify details directly.	Awards (Only awards shown on the school's website and awarded to the school itself, within the past five years.) • COBIS "Beacon Status" (renewal of COBIS accreditation) — Announced 20 August 2025: the school reports that it successfully renewed COBIS accreditation and was awarded Beacon Status, a recognition given by COBIS when a school's accreditation outcomes are exemplary in key areas (teaching and learning, leadership, student welfare, etc.). • Nord Anglia Education Social Impact Bronze Certificate — Announced 21 August 2025: Nord Anglia awarded the school a Social Impact Bronze Certificate for embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into its programmes and practice. This is an internal Nord Anglia recognition of the school's progress on social-impact work. • Pearson / Edexcel — Pioneer Award and 10th Anniversary Award (for the school) — Referenced 29 November 2023: the school's news item states that at a Pearson awards ceremony the school was to receive two awards for the school itself (the "Pioneer Award" for having students with outstanding results, and a "10th Anniversary Award"). These awards are noted on the school website as recognition from the examination board.
Accreditations	Accreditations - International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) — SSIS is authorised to deliver multiple IB programmes: the Middle Years Programme (MYP; authorised May 2003), the Diploma Programme (IBDP; authorised 2005), and the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP; authorised 2014). Authorisation means the IBO has evaluated and approved SSIS to implement those specific IB curricula and related quality standards. - Cambridge International Examinations (Cambridge IGCSE) — SSIS received Cambridge authorisation in 2011 to offer the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). Cambridge authorisation indicates the school is approved to teach and assess Cambridge programmes and examinations. - Council of International Schools (CIS) — SSIS received full CIS accreditation (first noted in 2010) and has undergone CIS evaluation visits (including a documented accreditation visit/re-accreditation process). CIS accreditation is an external, ongoing quality-assurance process that evaluates a school's governance, curriculum, staffing, and student support against international standards. - National Centre for School Curriculum and Textbook Development (NCCT) — SSIS received full accreditation from NCCT in 2010. This is a China-based accreditation/approval indicating alignment with the national centre's curriculum and textbook standards (as reported by the school). - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — SSIS earned initial WASC accreditation on May 13, 2025. WASC is a U.S.-based regional accrediting commission; WASC accreditation indicates the school meets recognised standards in areas such as curriculum, leadership, teaching, and student wellbeing.	Accreditations • Council of British International Schools (COBIS) — Listed by the school as an accrediting body; COBIS accreditation indicates the school has met externally reviewed standards for British-style international schools (teaching, safeguarding and governance). • International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO / IB Diploma Programme authorisation) — The school is an authorised IB Diploma Programme provider; IB authorisation confirms the school meets the IBO's curricular and quality requirements for offering the IBDP. • Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge international/IGCSE centre) — The school prepares students for Cambridge qualifications (IGCSEs); Cambridge recognition means the school is approved to enter students for these internationally recognised examinations. • Pearson Edexcel (Edexcel examination board) — The school is recognised by the Edexcel (Pearson) examination board for IGCSE/GCSE entries; this means it is authorised to register and enter students with Edexcel and to participate in Edexcel assessment programmes.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Create an OpenApply account. Parents must register at SSIS's OpenApply portal before they can submit an application or sign up for open days; this account is the school's primary channel for application notifications and next-step instructions, so use a reliable email address you check regularly. (Make the account at https://ssis-sh.openapply.cn and keep the login details safe.) 2. Complete and submit application documents via OpenApply. All required documents must be uploaded to OpenApply and any non-English/Chinese documents must be translated by an authorised translation company; bring original documents to the Admissions Office for verification on the day of the Admissions Assessment. Required paperwork varies by nationality—examples include the SSIS Registration Kit, signed Code of Conduct and Confidential School Recommendation (for Grade 1+), the child's birth certificate and vaccination record, the family's passport pages, and Shanghai residence/permit or property/tenancy proof—so check the list that applies to your family and prepare certified copies before applying. 3. Pay the application fee (and follow payment timing). After you submit documents, SSIS issues a proforma invoice; the non-refundable application fee (RMB 2,500 for AY2025/2026) must be paid at least five working days before the Admissions Assessment date using bank transfer or on-site card/cash as instructed by SSIS Finance. Keep proof of payment and email any bank-transfer receipts to the school when requested—missing payment deadlines can delay or invalidate your booking for an assessment. 4. Attend the Admissions Assessment. All applicants are required to complete an Admissions Assessment; SSIS Admissions will contact you with the assessment schedule and details once they have a complete application. After the assessment SSIS will notify you of the outcome. 5. Complete the application by paying the matriculation fee and confirming enrolment. If your child is offered a place you are asked to pay the non-refundable matriculation fee (RMB 20,000 for AY2025/2026) within five working days to secure the place; tuition choices (annual or termly) and optional services (school bus, ELA programme at RMB 25,000/yr for Grades 1–6, paid ASPs) are detailed in the Registration Pack and on the Tuition & Fees page. Read the Registration Pack's payment schedule, discount rules (10% sibling or corporate discount conditions), and refund and late-payment policies carefully—late-payment penalties and enrolment consequences are explicitly stated.	Admissions 1. Make an enquiry. Parents should have the child's preferred start year and any deadlines or sponsor (company) billing details ready, because the admissions team will ask for these during first contact. (Source: school admissions pages and contact details). 2. Discover the school (tour / virtual meeting). The school will offer a campus tour or a virtual discovery meeting; for Early Years, Primary or Secondary you may meet a member of the Senior Leadership Team or a relevant phase lead. Use this meeting to ask about class sizes, the curriculum pathway (National Curriculum → IGCSE → IB) and any specific support needs your child may have. Bring a copy of recent school reports and a list of questions about wrap‑around care, transport and extra‑curricular programmes. 3. Complete the application. Parents complete the online application form and upload supporting documents: passport details, medical records, and school reports (the school requests recent reports — commonly the last two years). An application fee is payable at submission (the published non‑refundable application fee is RMB 3,500); keep the payment receipt and include the child's name and year group when you pay. Depending on the child's age, references and additional paperwork may also be requested at this stage. 4. Assessment and references. The school requires an age‑appropriate assessment: Early Years candidates typically join an in‑class assessment with their peer group, while older children sit written or verbal assessments appropriate to the year they join. For specialist scholarships or sports/music places, the school may ask for audition evidence, portfolios or trial sessions; you will be given clear instructions if this applies. Make sure any previous school recommendations or external certificates (e.g., music grades, club records) are ready because they can be requested. 5. Application review and decision. Once the application and assessments are completed, the Head of School and admissions team review the materials and will contact you with the outcome and next steps; the school estimates this process can often be completed within about two weeks but timing depends on how quickly you provide documents. If a place is offered, the offer letter will detail the fees and the deadline to accept. If you are on short notice (for example, moving city), state this to admissions so they can advise on timelines and availability. 6. Accepting the place: fees and deposits. To secure an offered place parents pay the non‑refundable enrolment fee (published at RMB 4,000) and the resourcing/resource fee (published at RMB 16,000). The school's published wording shows the resource fee is refundable when a student leaves (subject to conditions) but also notes a cancellation charge of RMB 16,000 applies to a new student who does not attend after a place has been reserved — parents should confirm how these rules will apply to their specific payment. Read the offer letter carefully and keep copies of all receipts. 7. Payment, start dates and practical checks. The school accepts payment by electronic bank transfer or cheque in USD, HKD, GBP or RMB (cash only in RMB); if paying by transfer, send a copy of the bank remittance with the child's name and year group. Note the published deadline: all winter term and any annual fees are due by 30 May each year — confirm exact due dates on your offer and invoice. Before the first day ensure medical records and any required forms are submitted and that uniform and lunch arrangements have been made. 8. Withdrawal and refunds. If you later need to withdraw you must submit the official withdrawal form in writing (the school requires six weeks' notice) and follow the school's withdrawal procedures to be eligible for any refunds; the resourcing fee is refundable only once accounts are settled and school property returned undamaged. If the six‑week notice is not given, fees are charged in lieu of notice; for new students who do not take up a reserved place the school publishes a cancellation charge (RMB 16,000). If anything in the offer or fee schedule is unclear, request written confirmation from admissions/finance.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Overview and eligibility. BISS Puxi publishes a scholarship programme open to new students joining Years 5–12 with five categories: Academic, Leadership, Performing Arts, STEAM and Sport. Applications are accepted at any time; the published process requires completion of a scholarship application form, review by a Scholarship Committee, and may include an interview and requests for supporting evidence (portfolios, certificates, trial sessions). Successful applicants are notified following the Committee's decision and the school states there are typically up to five awards each year (one per scholarship category), although additional awards may be made at the committee's discretion. How scholarships work and financial detail. The website states scholarship recipients receive a tuition discount; the page contains inconsistent statements about the maximum discount (the “Key Facts” section says “Up to a 25% discount” while the FAQs later state “this can be up to 50%”). Because the published wording is contradictory, you should ask the admissions or finance team for the current scholarship value, its duration (which years it covers), any conditions attached to the award, and how it is applied to invoicing. Scholarships are awarded for demonstrated ability or potential in the chosen area and the award level (partial discount and the percentage) is decided by the Scholarship Committee. Application steps and practical notes. To apply complete the scholarship application form on the school website, include a short personal statement (the school prefers the student to write this for Years 5–6 but parents may assist), and provide supporting evidence when requested. The Scholarship Committee reviews applications and may invite candidates for interview; decisions are communicated promptly (the page states notification is within two working days following the Committee meeting). Because of the inconsistency in the published discount maximum, confirm the timing of application windows (the site says applications are accepted any time) and whether a scholarship affects the enrolment/enrolment‑fee or resourcing‑fee rules.
Waitlist	Waitlist SSIS's published enrolment materials reference a waitlist: the Registration Pack and fee policy state that if a student is suspended or leaves for non-payment the school may “offer the student's seat to new applicants on the waitlist.” That language indicates SSIS maintains a pool of applicants it can draw on when places become available, but the website and Registration Pack do not publish a detailed public waitlist protocol (for example: ranking criteria, how long applicants remain on the list, or automatic expiry of a position). Therefore, if you want to know how the waitlist would apply to your child (how places are prioritised, expected waiting times, or whether acceptance requires immediate matriculation-fee payment), contact the Admissions Office directly (admission@ssis.asia / +86 21 6221 9288) for current practice and your applicant's position. Note: the statement about offering seats to waitlisted applicants appears in the school's refund/late-payment section and is the basis for the above summary; the rest is an informed inference because the school does not publish a full waitlist procedure.	Waitlist The school's public pages do not describe a formal, published “waiting‑list/pool” mechanism. Admissions information states applications are accepted throughout the year but that places are subject to availability; there is no clear public description of how candidates are prioritised on a waitlist or whether an automated waitlist is used. Given that spaces can be limited, the practical approach is to submit the application and required documents as early as possible and to tell admissions if you require a place urgently; admissions can confirm whether they operate an active waitlist and where your child stands. If you want a definitive answer about waitlist procedures for a specific year group, ask admissions directly (admissions@bisspuxi.com) so they can confirm current practice and any internal queueing rules.
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