The British International School Shanghai Puxi vs Wellington College International Shanghai

	T The British International School Shanghai Puxi Shanghai, China	W Wellington College International Shanghai Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 271,600 - 385,090	Fees / year RMB 292,400 - 391,000
Age range	Age range 0 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Australian Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 1,600
Typical class size	Typical class size 21	Typical class size 19
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 2004	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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).	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 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).	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 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.	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 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.	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 a British (English National Curriculum / IGCSE / IB) model and is branded as The British International School, Shanghai (Puxi).	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 The school is secular / non‑denominational; no religious affiliation is listed on the school's public information pages.	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 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.	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 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.	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 & 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.	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 —	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 —	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 The school is part of the Nord Anglia Education family.	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 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).	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 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.	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) 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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 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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.'	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	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 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.	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 —	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 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.	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 • 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.	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. 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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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