The British School of Beijing Shunyi vs Western Academy of Beijing

	T The British School of Beijing Shunyi Beijing, China	W Western Academy of Beijing Beijing, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 165,000 - 361,100	Fees / year RMB 146,500 - 376,700
Age range	Age range 1½ - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), German Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,100	Pupils 1,400
Typical class size	Typical class size 11	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2009	Opened 1994
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The school is situated at No. 9 An Hua Street in the Shunyi District, a popular suburban area approximately 25 kilometers northeast of central Beijing. This neighbourhood is often described as an "expat oasis," known for its family-friendly residential compounds and proximity to the Capital International Airport.	Location WAB's campus is in Laiguangying, Chaoyang District (10 Lai Guang Ying Dong Lu), northeast Beijing — about 500 m off Jingmi Lu. The school is near bus stops on Jingmi Lu and is reachable from Line 15 (Cui Ge Zhuang) with local buses to the Ma Nan Li stop; visitor parking is available on campus.
Stages	Stages The school is divided into Early Years (ages 18 months to 5 years), Primary School (ages 5 to 11), and Secondary School (ages 11 to 18). The Secondary stage culminates in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for students aged 16 to 18.	Stages WAB is an Early Childhood–Grade 12 international school, organised into an Early Childhood Center, Elementary School (Junior/Senior Grade 1–Grade 5), Middle School and High School (Grades 9–12). The school follows IB programmes across the sections.
School type	School type The British School of Beijing, Shunyi is a co-educational day school. It does not offer boarding facilities.	School type WAB is an independent, non-profit international school and an authorised IB World School. It is co-educational and operates as a day school (no boarding facilities).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school offers dedicated assistance through its Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) departments. The EAL programme helps students access the English-taught curriculum through personalised support, which can range from one-on-one tutoring to integrated in-class assistance.	Additional learning support WAB uses an integrated student-support model; services include learning support, English as an Additional Language (EAL), counseling, educational psychology and psychological services, and access to therapies such as speech and occupational where needed. Teachers work with the Student Support team and parents to create individualised plans and reasonable adjustments.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is affiliated with the British education system, following the English National Curriculum and offering IGCSEs. Uniquely, it also provides a German Primary Programme for native German speakers to study core subjects in their home language.	Country affiliation The school is an independent international school founded to serve the expatriate community and is not affiliated with a particular country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not have a religious affiliation and welcomes families from all cultural and religious backgrounds.	Religious affiliation WAB is nonsectarian and does not have a religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure The school day typically begins with registration around 8:25 am, with lessons starting at 8:40 am. The day concludes at 3:30 pm, after which students may depart or attend optional co-curricular activities.	School day structure Standard school hours are 8:30am–3:20pm Monday–Friday. Elementary and Early Childhood bell times and break/lunch windows are published (for example, ES morning break and a lunch window around midday; detailed bell times are available on the school's ‘School Day' page).
Bus service details	Bus service details An optional bus service is available for students, covering major residential compounds in Shunyi and downtown Beijing. Regular buses depart the school at 3:40 pm, and a late bus service is available for Secondary students participating in after-school activities.	Bus service details WAB runs a student bus service to and from campus; buses typically arrive between 8:00–8:30am and afternoon buses depart around 3:25–3:30pm. The school also offers ASA (after-school activity) buses and a limited ‘late bus' service; families must communicate changes to the Transportation Manager and follow the school's procedures for bus changes. Public city bus lines and subway connections are also listed for families using public transport.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Registration Application Fee: RMB 2,500. This is a non-refundable fee required with every application submitted. Security Deposit: RMB 16,000. This is payable to secure a school place once the student has been accepted. Tuition Fees The tuition fees are payable annually or split by term. The termly breakdown is as follows: Pre-Nursery (Mornings): Autumn Term: RMB 66,000 Spring Term: RMB 49,500 Summer Term: RMB 49,500 Full Year Total: RMB 165,000 Pre-Nursery (Full Day), Nursery and Reception Autumn Term: RMB 99,000 Spring Term: RMB 74,000 Summer Term: RMB 74,000 Full Year Total: RMB 247,000 Year 1 and Year 2 Autumn Term: RMB 117,600 Spring Term: RMB 88,000 Summer Term: RMB 88,000 Full Year Total: RMB 293,600 Year 3 Autumn Term: RMB 123,000 Spring Term: RMB 92,000 Summer Term: RMB 92,000 Full Year Total: RMB 307,000 Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 Autumn Term: RMB 124,600 Spring Term: RMB 93,400 Summer Term: RMB 93,400 Full Year Total: RMB 311,400 Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 Autumn Term: RMB 132,400 Spring Term: RMB 99,300 Summer Term: RMB 99,300 Full Year Total: RMB 331,000 Year 10 and Year 11 Autumn Term: RMB 141,400 Spring Term: RMB 105,900 Summer Term: RMB 105,900 Full Year Total: RMB 353,200 Year 12 and Year 13 Autumn Term: RMB 144,500 Spring Term: RMB 108,300 Summer Term: RMB 108,300 Full Year Total: RMB 361,100 Additional Costs EAL Charge: A one-off charge of RMB 20,000 applies to students required to join additional English support lessons. Bus Service: Optional service arranged on request. Annual fees range from RMB 17,000 to RMB 21,200 depending on distance. Uniform: All students must wear the uniform and P.E. kit, which can be purchased from the school uniform shop. Examinations: Fees for Year 10 and above include entrance fees for examinations in accordance with the curriculum. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Due Dates: Tuition fees must be paid on or before the first day of the academic year or term. Early Bird Discount: A discount applies if the full year fees are paid by 6th June 2025. This discount becomes invalid if a student withdraws during the year. Payment Methods: Payments can be made via bank transfer to the school's Bank of China account. If paying in foreign currency, the exchange rate is based on the Bank of China middle rate at the time of payment, and all bank charges must be borne by the remitter. Refund Information Security Deposit: Fully refundable when the student leaves the school, provided all accounts are settled, school property is returned, and required written notice is submitted. Application Fee: Non-refundable.	Fee details Application fees - Application fee: RMB 2,100 per applicant (non-refundable). Annual tuition fees (by year group) — published for 2025–2026 - Early Years (3/4 years old, half day): RMB 146,500 per year. - Early Years (3/4 years old, full day): RMB 246,500 per year. - Junior Grade 1 – Senior Grade 1: RMB 293,100 per year. - Grades 2–5: RMB 314,300 per year. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): RMB 333,500 per year. - High School (Grades 9–10): RMB 367,100 per year. - High School (Grades 11–12): RMB 376,700 per year. Per-term (per-semester) guidance — calculated - WAB's academic calendar is structured in two semesters. The per-term figures below are calculated by dividing the published annual fee by two to provide a per-semester amount (this is an inferred per-term breakdown for database use; WAB publishes annual fees). - Early Years (half day): RMB 73,250 per semester (RMB 146,500 ÷ 2). - Early Years (full day): RMB 123,250 per semester (RMB 246,500 ÷ 2). - Junior Grade 1 – Senior Grade 1: RMB 146,550 per semester (RMB 293,100 ÷ 2). - Grades 2–5: RMB 157,150 per semester (RMB 314,300 ÷ 2). - Middle School (Grades 6–8): RMB 166,750 per semester (RMB 333,500 ÷ 2). - High School (Grades 9–10): RMB 183,550 per semester (RMB 367,100 ÷ 2). - High School (Grades 11–12): RMB 188,350 per semester (RMB 376,700 ÷ 2). Billing schedule and payment terms - Returning students: full annual tuition is due by April 30, 2025. - Newly admitted students: tuition fees must be paid within 21 calendar days of the invoice date. - A non-refundable portion of RMB 30,000 of the annual tuition is required each school year to secure a student's enrollment. - Prorated tuition is available for students enrolling after the October break: a 10% reduction of tuition per calendar month applies from October (excluding the non-refundable RMB 30,000). - Late payments incur a surcharge of 2% per month on overdue balances. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; WAB does not operate a boarding programme. Other costs and common additional fees - Laptops and calculators: students are required to purchase their own laptops and calculators (cost borne by the family). - Lunch and snacks: not included in tuition; lunch purchases via SmartCard typically range from RMB 30 to RMB 45 per meal. - Optional/extra-cost items not covered by tuition: intercity travel for competitions, conference-related travel, individual music lessons, additional after-school swim lessons, and home language programs. - Enriched Inclusion Program Fee (if applicable) is non-refundable. - Transportation: standard WAB school bus service within the designated WAB network is provided without an additional tuition charge. - Any school uniform costs or optional activity fees are treated as additional charges when applicable (families should expect occasional optional fees for external activities or equipment). Refund information - Application fee (RMB 2,100) is not refundable. - RMB 30,000 of the annual tuition is non-refundable. - The remaining portion of the annual tuition (the refundable Grade Level Tuition Fees) is refundable according to a tiered schedule when the Admissions Office receives written withdrawal notice. The published refund schedule (examples of key cutoff points) is: on or before May 30, 2025 — 100% of the refundable portion; August — 90%; September — 80%; October — 70%; November — 60%; December — 50%; January — 40%; February — 30%; March — 20%; April — 10%; May and June — no refund. Specific dates and percentages are published by the school. Refunds require return of the original WAB fapiao and must be claimed within three months of the student's last school day. Fee payment options and instructions - Invoices are issued in RMB. WAB accepts bank transfers in RMB or other currencies (families should ensure the full invoiced amount is received after any bank charges). The school provides CITIC Bank account details and requires the invoice number or student number to be included with the remittance. SWIFT code and account information are published with invoices. Overseas RMB cash deposits may also be accepted. - Card payments: overseas debit/credit cards incur additional fees (example published rates: Visa/Master 2.8%; AMEX 3.0%; JCB 3.5%). Local credit/debit card handling fees are also noted (example: 0.6% for local credit cards plus RMB 20 administration on debit transactions). All bank fees are the payer's responsibility. - Fapiao (official Chinese tax receipt) will be issued for tuition only after full payment; WAB Finance issues fapiao on request and provides instructions for corporate and personal payers. Notes for records - The figures above are WAB's published annual tuition rates for 2025–2026 and the school's published payment and refund rules. Per-term numbers shown under “Per-term (per-semester) guidance” are calculated by dividing the published annual tuition by two to align with WAB's two-semester calendar and to provide a per-semester amount for database use (this division is an inferred breakdown; WAB's official invoices are issued as described above).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Day school; no on-campus boarding.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school enforces a strict uniform policy where all students from Early Years to Year 11 are required to wear the official school uniform, which must be kept neat, tidy, and clearly labelled with the student's name. Students in the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) are exempt from the standard uniform but must adhere to a "business smart" dress code, wearing professional attire such as suits to set a positive example for younger pupils.	Uniform requirement The school does not require a uniform.
Food options	Food options The school provides a comprehensive lunch service prepared fresh on-site by an in-house catering team led by an experienced Head Chef, ensuring nutritious and high-quality meals for all students. The menu changes monthly to offer a diverse range of options, including Western, Chinese, and other international cuisines, and features special "International Lunch Days" every Wednesday to introduce students to global flavours. The kitchen is fully equipped to handle specific dietary requirements, including allergies and religious restrictions, with all beef, lamb, and chicken served being certified Halal.	Food options Sodexo provides lunch options on campus; students can purchase meals using a SmartCard.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Part of the Nord Anglia Education family.	Governance and ownership Independent non-profit international school governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for its youngest students, moving into the English National Curriculum for Primary and Lower Secondary education. Uniquely, the school offers a German Primary Programme that allows native German speakers to study core subjects in their home language alongside the English curriculum. At the Upper Secondary level (ages 14-16), students prepare for and sit the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. For the final two years in the Sixth Form (ages 16-18), the school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as its pre-university qualification.	Curriculum details Western Academy of Beijing delivers the full IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (Early Years–Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). In Early Years and Elementary students follow the inquiry-based PYP framework (ages 3–12) with transdisciplinary subject coverage and a PYP Exhibition as an extended inquiry. Middle School runs the MYP across Grades 6–10 with eight subject areas taught concurrently, MYP objectives and assessment approaches, and a culminating Personal Project. High School (Grades 11–12) offers the IB Diploma Programme: students choose subjects across the six DP groups and complete the DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service) with a wide range of SL/HL course options. WAB's curriculum covers literacy/language and literature, language acquisition, individuals & societies, sciences, mathematics, the arts, design, PHE and school-wide social‑emotional learning, and it is informed by additional reference standards such as ACARA, CEFR and HSK while providing personalised pathways and experiential learning opportunities.
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 integrates social development into its daily life through a "Behaviour and Social Graces" (BSG) programme, which emphasizes respect, good manners, and positive self-expression. In Primary School, the PAWS system (Positive Behaviour, Academic Achievement, Working Together, Sport) is used to encourage and record student achievements, fostering a strong community spirit. Secondary students engage in a "citizenship and PHSE" (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) programme delivered by their form tutors to support their personal development.	Social & emotional learning WAB describes SEL as an integrated part of its Student Support model, with homeroom/subject teachers as primary supporters working closely with counselors and specialist staff to develop individual plans. The Counseling Department uses a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate model addressing academic, personal, social, and global/intercultural domains across Elementary, Middle and High School. Counseling staff explicitly list social skills, relationships, and positive coping strategies among their areas of support, and the school links inclusion and belonging to improved social‑emotional outcomes. Counselors also provide resources to parents and collaborate with Learning Support and EAL teachers to support students' social integration.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school employs a dedicated Student Support Team that works with class teachers and external specialists to assist students with additional educational requirements. While the school can cater to mild to moderate needs on a case-by-case basis, it is not a specialist SEN institution and may require assessments during the admissions process to ensure they can meet a child's specific needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) WAB's Learning Support team provides inclusive, classroom‑based accommodations, pull‑out small‑group interventions, co‑teaching and targeted programs such as Individualized Literacy Support (ILS) and Enriched Inclusion, with progress reviewed regularly and Individual Education Plans where required. The school states it works with external specialists and coordinates on‑campus therapy (speech, language, occupational) when needed, and the Educational Psychologist supports assessment and program planning. Staff lists and roles for Learning Support are published for each school section, indicating an embedded, collaborative model rather than a segregated specialist facility. The school does not describe itself on its public pages as a specialist SEN institution; rather, it presents learning support as an integrated student support service.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school offers a comprehensive EAL programme delivered from a dedicated "EAL Hub" to ensure non-native speakers can fully access the English-taught curriculum. This support uses structured courses based on the Cambridge English Programme, with students grouped by ability and assessed regularly using CEFR-aligned tests to track progress. A one-off fee applies for students who are required to join this additional support programme.	English as an additional language WAB publishes a dedicated EAL program that uses co‑planning and co‑teaching with classroom teachers and offers in‑class support, small‑group instruction, one‑to‑one assistance, and targeted Emergent and Bridging English programs for students new to English. The school assesses progress using WIDA descriptors alongside teacher observation and regular assessments, and EAL teachers are named on the site for each section. The model is described as flexible and adaptive to individual needs and aims for maximum classroom integration while providing focused language blocks as required.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Student wellbeing is a primary priority, managed by a robust pastoral structure that includes class teachers in Primary and Form Tutors in Secondary. The Secondary School has a dedicated "Assistant Head of Secondary – Pastoral" who oversees student welfare, alongside university counsellors who support older students with future planning. The school emphasizes a close-knit community experience where staff are trained to identify and respond swiftly to social and emotional needs.	Mental wellbeing WAB's Counseling Department states its remit includes promoting personal well‑being, healthy relationships, and balance between academics and extracurricular life, with counselors working across personal and social domains in all school sections. The site also names an Educational Psychologist who provides psychoeducational assessment, individual and group psychotherapy, crisis management, and coordination of external therapy services on campus. The school publishes that psychological services include consultation with teachers and parenting workshops to support student mental health and home‑school partnerships. Together, these pages present a linked model of counseling and psychological services for student mental wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school strictly adheres to the UK statutory guidance "Keeping Children Safe in Education" and follows rigorous "International Child Protection Standards." A dedicated team, led by a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and supported by Deputy DSLs in both Primary and Secondary schools, oversees all child protection matters. All staff undergo strict recruitment vetting and are required to recognize and report any concerns regarding student safety immediately.	Safeguarding WAB states it is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students and aligns its approach with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and China's Law on the Protection of Minors. The site names Mr. Todd Hutchinson as the designated safeguarding officer and provides a contact email (safeguarding@wab.edu), and it describes child‑protection screening for staff including completion of ECIS online child protection training, police background checks, a Code of Conduct, and reference checks. A downloadable safeguarding policy is linked from the page. These published statements set out the school's public safeguarding responsibilities and contact routes.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is located on a purpose-built campus in the Shunyi district, designed to provide a safe and engaging environment for students. Key general facilities include the "Chatter Box" community café and a warm, welcoming dining hall for students and parents. A standout feature is the custom-built, temperature-controlled air dome, which features a powerful filtration system to ensure year-round access to clean-air sporting activities. The campus also houses dedicated libraries for Primary and Secondary students. The Secondary library, built in 2019, serves as a central hub with over 10,000 books, quiet study areas, and integrated technology.	Facilities overview The campus is on one site with six buildings housing Elementary, Middle and High School sections. The classrooms are flexible and purpose-built to support a variety of learning experiences. The campus includes three libraries, Design Technology Studios, Science labs, Photography, editing and recording suites, and specialist language classrooms. The grounds feature gardens and trees with Duck Lake at the center, and dining courts, cafes and lounges. The campus has a state-of-the-art indoor air filtration system.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Facilities include a multi-use indoor sports hall, a 25-metre indoor heated swimming pool (plus a dedicated Early Years pool), indoor basketball courts, a full-size outdoor football pitch, tennis courts, and a dance studio.	Sports facilities The facilities support multiple sports with an indoor swimming pool, three full-size gyms, and the multi-sport Tiger L'Air dome. There is a FIFA-approved full-length football field with a track. A Vertex climbing wall and indoor basketball courts are available, along with tennis courts and a fully-equipped workout room.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school is equipped with specialist learning environments to support its rigorous curriculum. Classrooms feature interactive whiteboards and are supported by purpose-built computing labs, cutting-edge science laboratories, and design technology (DT) workshops. For creative and technical subjects, students have access to art and photography studios (including a darkroom), a cookery kitchen, and a LEGO Robotics lab with 3D printers. The school also provides an "IB Hub," a dedicated study space designed specifically for International Baccalaureate students to research and collaborate.	Academic facilities The campus includes three well-resourced libraries, Design Technology Studios, science labs, and photography, editing and recording suites. It features specialist classrooms for languages and learning kitchens. Music, drama and dance studios support performing arts, with three theatres on site. The six-building campus houses separate elementary, middle and high-school facilities designed to meet developmental needs.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Three theatres support performances and productions. Music, drama and dance studios enable arts-based extracurriculars, while design spaces, photography/editing/recording suites support visual media clubs. The libraries and learning spaces provide resources for clubs and competitions, contributing to a wide range of extracurricular options.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The school was originally established in 2003 and has since grown to become a leading institution in the region. It is owned and operated by the Nord Anglia Education family, a global network of premium international schools. The school recently celebrated "20 Years of Excellence," marking its long-standing presence in Beijing. Over the years, it has developed significant community traditions, such as the annual Unity Week and International Day, which celebrate the diverse nationalities within the student body.	History Western Academy of Beijing was founded on September 1, 1994 by a group of parents and teachers to provide additional schooling choices for Beijing's growing international population; it opened that day in a refurbished factory with 149 children from Nursery through Grade 6. In the early 2000s WAB moved to a purpose-built campus (August 2001) and added dedicated facilities over the next decade, including an Early Childhood Center (2002), a new Middle School (2003), the HUB (2005) and a High School (2006). WAB operates as an independent non-profit governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees; the board combines appointed and community‑elected members and limits any single nationality to no more than 50% of voting membership. Notable milestones in its history include an early partnership with Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots (from 1997), hosting China's first Swiss School at WAB in 2017, and a 30th‑anniversary community celebration on September 1–2, 2024.
Community	Community The school fosters a vibrant community through major cultural events like "Unity Week," where students dress in national colours and participate in cross-cultural learning activities. The "International Day," often the finale of this week, invites the entire community to celebrate with food, booths, and performances. Students also engage in "Week without Walls" residential trips across China to build friendships and cultural understanding. Furthermore, the community is deeply involved in service, with students and families fundraising for local charities such as "Dew Drops Little Flower."	Community WAB describes a diverse international community that extends beyond students to include parents, staff and alumni; parents are organized and active in school life. Regular community and cultural activities include markets and fairs (for example the Winter Community Market and annual Fun Fair), school‑hosted events such as the dragon boat race on Duck Lake, and city‑focused Community Link activities that bring families together around local sights and culture. The school also runs parent‑focused learning sessions and makes campus facilities available to families outside school hours to support social and recreational connections.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parents' Association (PA) plays an integral role in school life, organizing large-scale events such as the "Winter Fayre and German Market" and the "International Day," which features booths and global cuisine. They actively support student learning by creating educational presentations and videos about different countries during Unity Week. The PTA also arranges special assemblies with cultural performances, such as Chinese puppet shows and dance routines.	Parent teacher association WAB's volunteer parent organisation is called Parent Link; all WAB parents and guardians are members and are invited to participate in its activities. Parent Link's stated mission is to connect, support and enrich the community and it communicates parent needs and views to school leadership. Sub‑groups and initiatives run or supported by Parent Link include Tiger Spirit Link (support for extracurricular sports and arts), Friends of the Library (book clubs, fairs and reading events), Charity Link (student‑led service collaborations) and the Parent Link shop (volunteer‑run clothing and gift sales). Parent Link organises signature events such as the annual Fun Fair, Community Market/Career Fair, Winter Community Market and Staff Appreciation Day, and also produces practical resources like the WAB Beijing Living Index to help families settle in. For questions or to get involved, Parent Link lists a contact email (parentlink@wab.edu) and encourages new volunteers.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual Model United Nations (MUN) is a student activity in which participants explore global issues and public speaking, following United Nations procedures to tackle world challenges. The World Scholar's Cup is a global competition where teams compete in debate, writing, and subject categories, with local rounds leading to opportunities to travel abroad for advanced rounds. ACAMIS Teams Mathematical Challenge involves teams of Grade 9 and 10 racing to answer increasingly difficult math problems.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Choir, band, orchestra, and instrumental programs provide opportunities for vocal and instrumental performances across school sections. The instrumental program includes String Orchestra, Beginner Band, Intermediate Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Band, and students may audition to represent WAB at APAC Music Conference and the ISCMS Festival. Visual arts are offered through after-school activities and exhibitions, and drama and film programs include student productions and related opportunities.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Chinese language is taught in all school sections, and Chinese language programs accommodate beginners through native speakers. China Studies trips for Grades 6–12 include week-long field experiences across different regions, with experts in Chinese culture and the arts visiting classes. Students engage in local community activities and authentic partnerships to deepen their understanding of China.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Elementary School After School Activities (ASA's) include WABTV, Elementary School Student Council, Stop Motion Movie Making, Physical Activities, Lego Clubs, and Reading for Pleasure. Middle and High School offer a broad range of activities and student-led clubs, including Student Council, MS STEAM Team, Inkblot, Model United Nations (MUN), ACAMIS Teams Mathematical Challenge, Yearbook Committees, and the Tiger Sports Entertainment Network (TSEN). World Scholars Cup is a competitive activity for debate and related topics.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Global Citizenship includes CAS (Creativity, Action, Service), a core IB Diploma Programme component that integrates service with learning. CAS is the heart of the diploma, emphasizing life outside academics. Korean InfoByte is a service club that translates the WAB weekly into Korean to support the local Korean community; TBD@WAB is a community service club partnering with Springsations to assist single mothers in China.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Tiger Leadership offers High School students leadership opportunities with certifications and real-world experience in areas such as event management, fitness center supervision, and lifeguarding. Coach in Training (CIT) provides a pathway to become a certified coach for Middle School teams and complete NFHS/CA coaching courses. Each school section maintains its own Student Council to voice student perspectives and contribute to school life.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The WABX program provides more than 100 sporting options and 16 competitive sports for students from Senior Grade 1 to Grade 12. The athletics program participates in interschool competitions through APAC, ACAMIS, and ISAC and includes a wide sports-exchange program with other international schools. The Olympic Dream Series offers a year-round emphasis on participation, teamwork, and athletic growth.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school's primary language of instruction is English, supported by a specialized English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for students who need assistance accessing the curriculum. Mandarin Chinese is a compulsory core subject for all students from Early Years through to Year 13, with classes streamed by ability to cater to everyone from absolute beginners to native speakers. From Year 7, students can expand their linguistic skills by choosing to study French or Spanish as a second foreign language. Additionally, the school supports home language maintenance by offering specialist native-speaker programmes for German students (from Early Years) and Korean students (from Year 7), ensuring they can develop high-level literacy in their mother tongue alongside their English studies.	Language provision English is the language of instruction and primary language of communication at WAB, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for all grade levels. Chinese is taught through a tiered program that serves students from Junior Grade 1 to Grade 12, including a China Studies program that uses Chinese for authentic purposes. From Grade 6 onward, Spanish and French are offered as curricular languages, and German is available through Swiss School Beijing up to Grade 9. The school also runs Home Language Programs for fluent speakers and a Dutch language program supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, with access to Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, and German as Home Languages.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school offers a dedicated bilingual education pathway through its German Primary Programme for students in Klasse 1 to 4. In this stream, native German speakers are taught core subjects, which includes Mathematics, German, and Topic (Humanities and Science) all in German, strictly following the Thuringian Curriculum from Germany. To ensure full integration and bilingual development, these students join their English-speaking peers for non-core subjects such as Music, Art, and Physical Education, as well as for whole-school assemblies and break times.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards China Schools Awards 2025 (Finalist) – Holistic Education Award The school was selected as a top-three finalist in this category, recognizing its commitment to educating the "whole child" and providing outstanding opportunities for student development outside the classroom. China Schools Awards 2025 (Finalist) – Diversity and Inclusion Award The school was shortlisted as a finalist for this award, acknowledging its efforts to create a supportive environment where all community members feel celebrated and safe. China Schools Awards 2022 (Finalist) – Holistic Education Award The school was named a finalist in this category, highlighting its innovation and commitment to meeting students' emotional, social, ethical, and academic needs	Awards All entries below are taken from WAB's public website (news and school pages) and refer to awards or recognitions given to the school or its school sections in the past five years (2021–2025). • China Schools Award (CSA) — Arts & Creativity (WAB, Mar 11, 2025): CSA judges the strength and breadth of arts provision across a school; the school's news item reports WAB won the 2025 Arts & Creativity category. • KingLead: China's Most Innovative International School (WAB, Mar 20, 2025): KingLead's annual ranking/recognition named WAB “China's Most Innovative International School” (the school's news item notes this was the fifth consecutive year of recognition). This is a sector ranking/recognition reported by WAB's news pages. • KingLead: Top‑30 / Five‑A Kindergarten recognition for WAB ECC (Jun 17, 2024): WAB's Early Childhood Center (ECC) was listed among KingLead's Top‑30 international kindergartens in China and rated as a Five‑A kindergarten in the published ranking. This recognition applies to the ECC section of the school. • China Schools Awards (CSA) — Science & Technology Award (WAB, 2024): WAB's site states the school won the 2024 CSA Science & Technology Award, which recognises integration of STEM and educational technology across a school's programmes. • China Schools Awards (CSA) — Staff Development & Wellbeing Award (WAB, 2024): WAB's site states the school won the 2024 CSA Staff Development & Wellbeing Award, which recognises schools prioritising professional growth and staff wellbeing. • China Schools Awards (CSA) — Holistic Education Award (WAB, 2023): WAB's site reports it received the 2023 Holistic Education Award, which recognises a school's commitment to emotional, social and broader developmental provision beyond academics. • ISC Research International Schools Award — Strategic Leadership (WAB, 2022): WAB's internal accreditation/strategy pages note the school was the 2022 winner in ISC Research's International Schools Award Strategic Leadership category, an external recognition tied to the school's Strategy 2022+ work. If you'd like, I can: (a) pull the individual news pages for each of the 2022–2025 awards so you have the school's full news text and dates, or (b) produce a short, dated timeline of these awards for use in a brochure or summary document.
Accreditations	Accreditations Beijing Education Commission (International Department) The school is officially registered with the local education commission under the International Department, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) The school is inspected by the ISI, an organization approved by the UK Government, and holds status as an officially accredited British School Overseas. IB World School The school is approved to deliver the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a pre-university qualification for students aged 16-19. IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) The school is a member of this association, which represents world-class headteachers and preparatory schools delivering the British curriculum. ACAMIS (Association of China and Mongolia International Schools) Membership in this organization connects the school with other international schools in the region for student sports, cultural events, and professional development. Cambridge International Examinations Testing Centre The school is approved to administer examinations from Cambridge International, a provider of international qualifications like the IGCSE. Edexcel Testing Centre The school is an authorised centre for Edexcel, allowing students to take academic and vocational qualifications through this UK examination board. College Board SAT and ACT Testing Centre The school is authorised to administer these standardized tests, which are key requirements for students applying to universities in the United States. HSK and YCT Examination Centre The school is an approved centre for the HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) and YCT (Youth Chinese Test), enabling students to gain official certification for their Mandarin skills.	Accreditations • International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP) — WAB is an IB World School offering the full IB continuum (Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes); this means the school is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organisation to deliver those programmes. • New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) — WAB is a NEASC‑accredited international school and is participating in the IB‑NEASC Collaborative Learning Protocol (CLP), a contemporary accreditation/evaluation pathway focused on learning impact and improvement. • Council of International Schools (CIS) — WAB is accredited by CIS and has engaged in the CIS Deep Dive pathway (Global Citizenship & Intercultural Learning) as part of its school improvement work. CIS accreditation indicates the school meets international standards for governance, teaching and student support. • Licensed in China as a “School for Children of Foreign Nationals” — WAB's campus operates under the Chinese licensing category for schools serving foreign‑national children, which is the local regulatory status that governs its operation in China. • IB Preferred Training School designation — WAB is listed on its site as one of the IB's preferred training schools, a designation meaning the school hosts and/or supports recognised IB professional learning and training.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Make an Enquiry: Parents are encouraged to start the process by submitting an online enquiry form, sending an email, or calling the admissions team directly to express interest. 2. Discover Our School: Families are invited to visit the campus either in person or virtually to meet the academic team, ask questions, and share their specific educational needs. 3. Apply for a Place: Parents must submit an online application form along with supporting documents; depending on the child's age, the school may also request further references and an assessment to ensure the right class placement. 4. Application Review: The school Principal reviews the completed application, after which the admissions team contacts the family to confirm the admissions status and outline the next steps for enrolment.	Admissions 1. Submit an enquiry (OpenApply enquiry form). Start by submitting the online enquiry form (OpenApply) so the Admissions team has your basic family details and can set up an account for you; this lets you save progress and return to the application. Parents should use the same email address they plan to use for official communications and check spam folders for replies. 2. Complete the OpenApply application (one form per child) and upload documents. Each child needs a full OpenApply application with supporting documents (school reports, passport copies, student and parent statements, and a confidential teacher reference); check the online checklist so nothing is missed. Be prepared to pay the non-refundable application fee (listed on the school's fees page) and note that WAB requires a non-refundable portion of tuition (enrollment deposit) once a place is accepted. Parents should confirm their child's birthdate against WAB's August 31 cut-off and have scanned copies of passports and recent school reports ready. 3. Admissions review and timeframe. After you submit a complete application, the Admissions team reviews documents to understand academic background, language needs and any support requirements; the school aims to respond within a few working days but the review can take longer (for example if additional documentation or specialist reports are needed). If your child has identified learning support needs, expect the review to include follow-up with student-support staff. Parents should upload full and clearly legible documents and respond quickly to any Admissions requests to avoid delays. 4. Interview / assessment stage (if required). WAB will schedule interviews or assessments as appropriate: language assessments for students from JG1 who are not native English speakers and math placement testing for Grade 10+ applicants; other assessments or conversations may be used to check fit and to identify required support. Prepare your child by explaining the purpose of the assessment (it is to place them correctly and identify support needs, not to “pass/fail”) and bring originals of documents to any on-campus meetings. If your child needs English-language support, ask Admissions about the school's EAL arrangements before enrollment. 5. Decision, offer and enrolment paperwork. Admissions decisions are made by a committee (section leaders and support teams) and families are notified by OpenApply email; a formal offer will include invoicing instructions, deadlines and the non‑refundable enrollment amount (the tuition page lists payment deadlines and the 30,000 RMB non‑refundable portion required each year). Newly admitted families must meet the invoice payment deadline (typically within 21 calendar days for new students) and returning-student payment deadlines are published annually; review the Tuition & Fees page for proration rules (e.g., reductions for mid-year entry) and late-payment surcharges. Parents should read the Tuition & Fees Terms & Conditions carefully before accepting an offer.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not explicitly list academic or talent-based scholarships for incoming students.	Scholarships WAB's public website does not advertise a general, school-wide tuition scholarship or needs-based financial-aid program for families; the official Tuition & Fees pages and Admissions materials describe fees, deposits and limited fee-related policies but do not list routine tuition scholarships. There are a few exceptions and related supports to be aware of: the Swiss School Beijing section (a WAB section) has a Tuition Fee Discount Policy for Swiss families; the school also publicises project and student grants (for example Global Citizenship / changemaker grants that fund student projects, not tuition), and staff contracts commonly include dependent tuition benefits for employees' children. If you need information about any exceptional financial support or one-off awards, contact Admissions directly (they can confirm whether any limited bursaries, discounts or staff-dependent rates apply and advise on documentation and eligibility).
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not explicitly detail a specific "waitlist" or "pool" system policy. However, they do note that students are placed in year groups according to their date of birth, academic level, and language ability, and that they accept applications throughout the school year.	Waitlist WAB does use a waitlist approach when the requested grade is full. Admissions policy and the Swiss School section both note that places are offered based on availability and that later applications are more likely to be waitlisted; when a place opens, Admissions will contact waitlisted families through the OpenApply system. Your position on the waitlist depends on timing, the completeness of your application and the school's assessment of fit and support capacity, so submitting a complete application early improves your chances. OpenApply (the platform WAB uses) also supports explicit “Waitlisted” statuses and re‑application workflows, which is how WAB typically manages offers, notifications and any subsequent moves from waitlist to offer. If you're time-sensitive (for relocation or visa steps), tell Admissions your preferred timelines so they can advise on realistic likelihoods and timing.
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