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Léman International School Chengdu

China, Chengdu

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees RMB 171,500 - 279,500
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1000
Type Co-educational
Opened 2009
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Mandarin, French, Korean, German
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, STEM, Performing Arts
Clubs Leadership and Professional, Leadership and Professional, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Léman International School Chengdu is a private international day school located in Tianfu New Area, Chengdu. The campus sits on a 50‑acre site at No. 1080 Da'an Road in Zhengxing County, reflecting the school's large but family‑friendly campus environment. The school serves Early Years (ages 2–4), Primary (ages 5–11), and Secondary (ages 12–18). It is part of the Nord Anglia Education family and delivers the International Baccalaureate curriculum through the IB Middle Years Programme (for Years 7–11) and the IB Diploma Programme (Years 12–13), with globally connected learning through Global Campus and collaborations with MIT and The Juilliard School. Language of instruction is English, with Mandarin and French offered as additional languages; Korean and German are available to specific cohorts. The school emphasises small class sizes (about 15 students) and a strong university‑placement track, including high IB results and extensive extracurriculars such as leadership and service opportunities, Model United Nations, and Duke of Edinburgh awards. The campus supports a broad cocurricular program, including arts, sports, and STEAM, and hosts a diverse international community with students from many nationalities.

1080 Chengren Road, Daan Road, Shuangliu District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

The Essentials

Léman International School Chengdu has 1,000 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location

The Léman International School Chengdu campus is at No. 1080 Da'an Road, Zhengxing County, Tianfu New Area, Chengdu, Sichuan 610218. The 50-acre campus sits in the Tianfu New Area in the southern part of Chengdu, near modern housing and transport links. This location is designed to serve an international community with convenient access for commuting families.

Stages

The school serves students from Pre-Nursery to Year 13 (ages approximately 2–18). It is organized into Early Years, Primary, and Secondary sections, with Early Years serving the youngest learners and Secondary covering the upper grades.

Type

Léman International School Chengdu is a private international school that operates as a co-educational day school. It serves expatriate families and follows international curricula including IB, with no public boarding provision listed.

Additional learning support

The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and Learning Support/SEN services, including differentiated instruction and school-based learning supports. An Educational Psychologist's report detailing any special learning needs may be requested during admissions. The on-site inclusion lead and EAL department work with students to tailor learning plans.

Country affiliation

No formal country affiliation is listed for LIS Chengdu. It is part of the Nord Anglia Education network of international schools.

School day structure

The international school calendar runs from mid-August to late June. A typical school day includes morning classes, breaks, and a lunchtime period, with a focus on structured learning and activities; staff and student routines are described in the school's daily information and typical day plans.

Bus service

Buses are provided for students, with over 20 school buses operating to major expatriate areas. Buses are equipped with seatbelts and a bus monitor, and there is no extra fee for taking the school bus. A bus service is available to support after-school clubs until 4:30 pm.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are compulsory for all students and are designed to promote safety, identification, equality, and school pride. The uniform has summer, winter, and sport variants, and includes items such as blue polo shirts (summer), white shirts (secondary), navy shorts/pants/skorts, and a LIS hat; a PE kit and swimming gear are also required, with house PE shirts used for inter‑house events.

Food Options

The on‑campus cafeteria provides a full lunch every day, prepared by Chartwells (Compass Group). Nursery through Reception have a set menu served at the table, while Year 1 to Year 13 can choose from menus at the service line, with Menu A or B options or a mixed plate; meals emphasize balanced nutrition with vegetables and fruit included. Chartwells emphasizes healthy cooking methods and avoids MSG, artificial flavours/colors, and peanut oil.

House System

All students participate in the house system, which groups peers across year levels into four houses. Houses compete in sporting and academic events and each sponsor multiple charities throughout the school year, helping to build identity, teamwork, and community involvement.

Governance and Ownership

Léman International School Chengdu is owned by Nord Anglia Education and is part of the Nord Anglia Education family of premium international schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at Léman International School Chengdu ranges from RMB 171,500 to RMB 279,500 for 2026/27.

Tuition fees (annual, per student,)

- Pre-Nursery (Foundation, age 2): RMB 171,500; instalment (2 payments): RMB 85,750; per school-term estimate (annual ÷ 3): RMB 57,167.
- Nursery (Pre-Kindergarten, age 3): RMB 171,500; instalment: RMB 85,750; per school-term estimate: RMB 57,167.
- Reception (Junior Kindergarten, age 4): RMB 199,500; instalment: RMB 99,750; per school-term estimate: RMB 66,500.
- Year 1 (Senior Kindergarten, age 5): RMB 216,000; instalment: RMB 108,000; per school-term estimate: RMB 72,000.
- Year 2 (Grade 1, age 6): RMB 258,500; instalment: RMB 129,250; per school-term estimate: RMB 86,167.
- Year 3 (Grade 2, age 7): RMB 258,500; instalment: RMB 129,250; per school-term estimate: RMB 86,167.
- Year 4 (Grade 3, age 8): RMB 260,000; instalment: RMB 130,000; per school-term estimate: RMB 86,667.
- Year 5 (Grade 4, age 9): RMB 261,000; instalment: RMB 130,500; per school-term estimate: RMB 87,000.
- Year 6 (Grade 5, age 10): RMB 261,000; instalment: RMB 130,500; per school-term estimate: RMB 87,000.
- Year 7 (Grade 6, age 11): RMB 273,500; instalment: RMB 136,750; per school-term estimate: RMB 91,167.
- Year 8 (Grade 7, age 12): RMB 273,500; instalment: RMB 136,750; per school-term estimate: RMB 91,167.
- Year 9 (Grade 8, age 13): RMB 275,000; instalment: RMB 137,500; per school-term estimate: RMB 91,667.
- Year 10 (Grade 9, age 14): RMB 275,000; instalment: RMB 137,500; per school-term estimate: RMB 91,667.
- Year 11 (Grade 10, age 15): RMB 275,000; instalment: RMB 137,500; per school-term estimate: RMB 91,667.
- Year 12 (Grade 11, age 16): RMB 279,500; instalment: RMB 139,750; per school-term estimate: RMB 93,167.
- Year 13 (Grade 12, age 17): RMB 275,000; instalment: RMB 137,500; per school-term estimate: RMB 91,667.

Application and enrolment fees

- Application fee (new students only): RMB 2,500 (non-refundable).
- Enrolment deposit (new students only, payable when accepting an offer): RMB 20,000 (non-refundable; credited against the next term's tuition fees).
- Re-enrolment deposit (returning students only): payable by 30 May each year to guarantee a place and credited against the next term's tuition fees (amount not specified in the published fee summary).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Families may pay tuition in a single annual payment or in two instalments. Payment should be received within 30 days of the tuition invoice being issued. Overdue payments incur a penalty of 5% on the outstanding amount.
- Students enrolling after 1 October are charged on a prorated daily basis with a minimum charge of 10% of the annual fee. Students enrolling after 30 December must pay the tuition in one full payment.

Accepted payment methods and banking

- Electronic bank transfer (RMB and USD bank account details are published for payments). Cash payments are accepted only in Chinese currency (RMB). Debit card payments are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted for tuition payments. A copy of the bank remittance with the child's name and year group should be sent to the finance office after transfer.

Other costs and recurring fees
- Lunch: one-off lunch card fee RMB 20; daily lunch cost Pre-Nursery–Year 7: RMB 33; Year 8–13: RMB 35. Lunch payments are made directly to the contracted catering provider and can be paid in cash, by debit card, WeChat, or bank transfer.
- Uniform: a school uniform is required; items may be purchased online or from the school's uniform shop (specific uniform pricing is not listed in the published fees summary).
- After-school activities: standard after-school clubs are included in tuition; optional paid extracurricular activities provided by external providers incur additional charges.


Academics

Léman International School Chengdu teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum

Léman International School Chengdu follows a four-stage curriculum: Early Years Foundation Stage (ages 2–5); Primary (ages 5–11) combining the English National Curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC); Secondary (ages 11–16) based on the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP); and Sixth Form (ages 16–18) offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) alongside the Léman High School Diploma, with IB course certificates available. The Primary path uses the English National Curriculum with IPC, and the Secondary path transitions to the IB framework for Years 7–11 and then the IB Diploma Programme for Years 12–13. English is the main language of instruction; Mandarin is taught from Pre-Nursery through Year 13, French from Year 7, and Korean and German are available to native speakers. LIS Chengdu is accredited by CIS, NEASC, and COBIS and is a member of ACAMIS; as part of Nord Anglia Education, students access collaborations with Juilliard and MIT, plus Global Campus and university counselling support. In 2024–2025 LIS graduates achieved a 100% IB Diploma pass rate with an average score of 38, a perfect 45 was attained by one student, and 46% scored 40 or above.

Student Teacher Ratio

Early Years teacher–student ratio is 1:8; overall classroom ratios by other stages are not published.

Exam Results

In 2024–2025 LIS graduates achieved a 100% IB Diploma pass rate with an average score of 38 points; one student achieved a perfect 45, and 46% scored 40 or higher.

Higher Education Progression

A University Counsellor supports applications to top universities worldwide, including Oxbridge and leading art and design institutes.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Léman International School Chengdu supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through an Inclusion Team led by a Head of Inclusion who oversees EAL, SEN and pastoral provision across both Primary and Secondary. The Primary school has a specialist pastoral programme to support social and emotional development, while Secondary focuses on three facets: SEN, pastoral care, and English language support, coordinated by the Inclusion Team. The Head of Inclusion oversees the EAL programme and creates individualized support for students who need it, with a University Counsellor to guide university preparation and applications. Student voice is strengthened via a Student Council, and the House system builds belonging, teamwork and character. Mindfulness and wellbeing are encouraged through a range of after‑school clubs, including wellbeing activities.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Léman International School Chengdu maintains an Inclusion Team led by the Head of Inclusion to oversee SEN provision across the school, with the team experienced in catering to students with Special Educational Needs and in providing individualized support to families. The team develops specialist provisions to support students with SEN and coordinates services to meet diverse learning needs; secondary SEN is described as a focus alongside pastoral care and English language support. Learning Support Services are available to assist students with learning differences, offering standards-based learning and differentiated programming, including gifted programming where appropriate. The school emphasizes inclusive practice rather than presenting itself as a specialised SEN institution. In Secondary, SEN, pastoral support and English language support are described as three facets of inclusion, integrated to personalise learning for students.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided across Primary and Secondary, led by the Head of Inclusion who coordinates the EAL programme and creates individualized support for learners. EAL support includes in‑class and pull‑out sessions and is designed to help students develop English within the context of the curriculum; language development is monitored continuously. The EAL department supports a range of abilities in English and offers differentiated instruction to meet diverse needs; in Secondary, EAL is integrated with subject areas to support English language acquisition across science, humanities, and language arts. The school's additive bilingual approach aims to help students gain English proficiency while maintaining their other languages. A University Counsellor also supports students' academic and language preparation for higher education.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported through a formal pastoral programme in Primary designed to bolster social and emotional growth, and through a broader Inclusion framework in Secondary that includes pastoral care and language support. The Head of Inclusion oversees EAL and SEN, complementing pastoral provision to support students' wellbeing; the inclusion team emphasises a holistic approach to student development. A dedicated University Counsellor guides students in wellbeing and university preparation, alongside ongoing pastoral support. Mindfulness and wellbeing are reinforced in the student experience through Wellbeing‑related clubs and activities within the after‑school programme. The school also maintains a Health and Safety framework with a full‑time School Nurse and welfare procedures to help safeguard and promote student wellbeing.

Safeguarding

LIS Chengdu has a safeguarding policy for visitors and a formal safeguarding framework focused on protecting children's welfare. A Health and Safety Committee oversees health, safety, safeguarding policies and procedures, with a full‑time nurse on campus and 24‑hour security to monitor safety on site. Staff undergo background checks and are required to provide references; staff training includes child protection elements recognized by external safeguarding bodies, to help staff monitor and respond to safeguarding concerns. The school provides access to the LIS Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and maintains procedures that uphold the principle that The Child's Welfare is paramount. The safeguarding policies and visitor guidance are publicly accessible as part of LIS's safeguarding resources.
Parent Experience

History

Léman International School Chengdu (LIS) was founded in 2009 as a premium international school in southwestern China. The campus spans about 50 acres in the Tianfu New Area to accommodate a diverse student body. In December 2011, the Ministry of Education approved LIS Chengdu to operate as an international school for foreigners. In 2014, LIS Chengdu received authorization to offer the International Baccalaureate programme, followed by authorization for the IB Middle Years Programme in 2020. In 2015, Nord Anglia Education acquired LIS Chengdu from Meritas, integrating it into its global network.

Community

LIS Chengdu sits within Nord Anglia Education's global community, with on‑campus students representing more than 30 nationalities. The school collaborates with The Juilliard School, MIT, and UNICEF, linking classroom learning to world-class opportunities via the Global Campus platform. It is a member of ACAMIS and CISA, hosting tournaments and participating in regional events for Chengdu's international schools. The school also features a house system and a weekly Model United Nations club, with the campus hosting an annual MUN event.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Léman Family Association (LFA) is a parent-run association that collaborates with the school to promote school spirit, enrich cultural diversity, and make the LIS experience positive and fun. Membership is automatic for all LIS parents/guardians, and the LFA committee is volunteer‑led, serving as a liaison between parents and the school. The LFA organizes a range of events and activities throughout the year, including social gatherings, sports support, traditions and celebrations, International Day, student awards, and teacher appreciation events. It provides a volunteer form and guidance on how parents can get involved, including homeroom‑level volunteering and event support. Through the LFA, LIS families help fundraise and contribute to school life, strengthening home–school partnerships.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Léman International School Chengdu sits on a 50-acre landscaped campus in the Tianfu New Area. The facilities include fully equipped, bright classrooms, science laboratories, and dedicated arts and music studios, along with technology rooms and a makerspace. The campus features a library and state-of-the-art media centre, a colorful Early Years playground, and outdoor play areas for Primary and Secondary students. On the sports side, the school offers an indoor gymnasium, a 25-meter heated indoor swimming pool, two full-size turf soccer fields, a 400-meter track, cross-country trails, indoor Gerfloor volleyball courts, and tennis courts. The campus is secure and enclosed with a modern security system monitored 24 hours a day.

Sports Facilities

Facilities include a 25-meter six-lane heated indoor swimming pool, indoor gymnasium, two full-size turf soccer fields, a 400-meter track, extensive cross-country trails, indoor Gerfloor volleyball courts, and tennis courts. These spaces support a broad athletic program with regular practices and fixtures and enable the school to host ACAMIS and CISA events. The on-site facilities are designed to accommodate both competitive teams and recreational sports for students across age groups.

Academic Facilities

Academic spaces include fully equipped, bright classrooms, a library and state-of-the-art media centre, science laboratories, and dedicated spaces for the arts (music, dance, theatre, and art studios). Technology rooms and a new makerspace with advanced equipment support STEAM learning, complemented by interactive whiteboards, iPads, and 3D printers. The school integrates technology across learning through the Nord Anglia network and Global Campus, enhancing project-based and collaborative work. These facilities are designed to support a high level of inquiry, experimentation, and creative production across curricula.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Extracurricular activities include extensive arts and sports programs beyond regular class time, supported by dedicated spaces for music, dance, theatre, and art, as well as a makerspace for student projects. The campus offers STEAM-focused spaces to encourage creativity and innovation, and access to Nord Anglia's Global Campus enables global challenges and collaboration. Léman Chengdu participates in ACAMIS and CISA events, hosting regional tournaments and competitions. The school also benefits from Nord Anglia collaborations with The Juilliard School and MIT, providing opportunities in performing arts and STEAM initiatives, plus UNICEF partnerships that broaden social responsibility outcomes.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Léman International School Chengdu offers an extensive after-school program focused on academic enrichment and STEAM. The STEAM program, headed by Mr. James Drake, includes a Digital Design module that teaches digital creation and prepares students for potential DP Computer Science studies. The MIT collaboration brings real‑world problem solving into classroom‑oriented projects. Additional clubs such as a Reading Club and other academic activities support student learning outside regular classes.

Arts & Creative

The campus provides dedicated art and music studios and a makerspace to support arts‑and‑design projects. The performing arts program is enhanced through a collaboration with The Juilliard School, expanding opportunities in music, dance, and drama. Co‑curricular offerings include a String Orchestra and the LIS Theatrical Society.

Cultural & Language

Mandarin and French are offered as foreign languages, with Korean and German available to native speakers. Language and culture activities include clubs such as Chinese fables and other culturally focused groups. The Nord Anglia network's global projects and UNICEF collaboration support cross‑cultural awareness and international engagement.

Social & Hobbies

After‑school clubs cover recreational and hobby activities, including Mindfulness and Wellbeing, Dodgeball, and Chinese Chess and Calligraphy. There are music‑related groups such as the String Orchestra and theatre activities like the LIS Theatrical Society. These offerings complement the school's sports and arts programs and encourage social interaction among students.

Community & Service

Community service and charitable activities are integrated into student life, including house‑based charity work. The school collaborates with UNICEF to foster global citizenship and engagement with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and students participate in UNICEF programs and related service activities. The Léman Family Association also coordinates fundraising for local and global causes.

Leadership & Professional

Student leadership is supported by a peer‑elected Student Council that represents each year group and coordinates activities and service projects. The University Counselor provides guidance on portfolios, resumes, and university applications starting in Year 10. The house system supports character development and leadership through teamwork and charity work coordinated across the school.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The campus offers extensive sports facilities, including a 25‑meter indoor pool, an indoor gym, two turf fields, a 400‑meter track, cross‑country trails, and indoor volleyball courts. Mindfulness and wellbeing activities are available through dedicated clubs and programs. Participation in interschool competitions is supported through ACAMIS and CISA events as part of the overall lifestyle and wellness program.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the main language of instruction across LIS Chengdu. Mandarin is offered from Pre-Nursery through Year 13; French is offered from Year 7; Korean and German are available to native speakers. In the IB programmes, Mandarin AB, Chinese B, English A LAL, English B, French B, Korean A LAL, and German AB are among the language offerings. English-language support for non-native speakers is provided by an EAL program with in-class and pull-out sessions.

Bilingual Teaching

English is the main language of instruction across LIS Chengdu. Mandarin and French are taught by specialist language teachers as part of the foreign language program. Mandarin is available from Pre-Nursery through Year 13, while French begins in Year 7. An additive bilingual approach is used to language learning, with English development supported by the English as an Additional Language (EAL) department as needed.

Immersion Programs

No explicit language immersion program is described in LIS Chengdu's language offerings. Mandarin is offered as a standalone language subject across all year levels. In the IB programme, Mandarin is available as Mandarin AB and Chinese B, reflecting language learning rather than an immersion pathway. English-language support for non-native speakers is provided by the EAL program.
Reputation

Awards

COBIS Accredited Membership (May 24, 2022) — LIS received COBIS Accredited Membership, a recognition by the Council of British International Schools that confirms high standards and access to COBIS networks and quality assurance.

Forbes China International Schools Annual Selection — Top 100 recognition (July 19, 2023); LIS was named among the top 100 international schools, ranking 75th in 2023, reflecting strong overall performance and international standing.

SI Distinct Bronze (July 8, 2024) — LIS was awarded the Nord Anglia Social Impact Programme Distinction (Bronze), recognising commitments to children's rights, global goals, and social impact work within the school.

Academic Edge Tops the World (October 29, 2025) — LIS ranks 37th globally and 4th in the Chinese Mainland for average IB scores, according to provisional IB-Schools.com statistics as of May 2025, signifying strong IB performance.

Academic Strength Recognised at Global Levels (December 1, 2025) — LIS is recognised in the 2025 Top IB School League Tables published by IB-Schools.com, confirming LIS's standing among leading IB World Schools globally.

Accreditations

Council of International Schools (CIS) — Léman International School Chengdu is a member of CIS with full accreditation, a global standard-setting network for international schools that validates quality, governance, and educational outcomes.

New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) — Léman International School Chengdu is a member of NEASC with full accreditation, a U.S.-based regional accreditor whose standards are recognized widely for international schools.

Council of British International Schools (COBIS) — Léman International School Chengdu is a member of COBIS with full accreditation, a British international schools network that provides quality assurance, safeguarding, and professional development opportunities.

Licensed by Chinese Authorities — Léman International School Chengdu is a fully licensed International School, approved by the Sichuan Provincial Department of Education and The Chinese Ministry of Education, ensuring adherence to Chinese regulatory requirements.

Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS) — Léman International School Chengdu is a member of ACAMIS, a regional association that promotes collaboration, events, and a shared approach to international schooling in China and Mongolia. SAT Examination Centre — We are a registered testing centre for SAT, allowing on-site administration of the College Board SAT exam.

AP Examination Centre — We are a registered testing centre for Advanced Placement Tests, authorised by the College Board.

IB Diploma Programme — Léman International School Chengdu is authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme by the International Baccalaureate Organization.

IB Middle Years Programme — Léman International School Chengdu is authorised to offer the IB Middle Years Programme by the International Baccalaureate Organization.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Make online enquiry. Begin the application by submitting an online enquiry form. After submission, the admissions team will contact you to acknowledge receipt and answer initial questions about the school and the admissions process. You can request a campus tour or a virtual discovery meeting to learn more about the curriculum, facilities, and staff. You should start reviewing the entry requirements and preparing any documents you'll later need to provide.

2. Receive a reply from Léman. After you've submitted your online enquiry, you'll be contacted by the admissions office to discuss next steps and clarify any questions. This initial contact helps align expectations and can outline available visit options or next steps in the process. You may use this opportunity to confirm questions about timelines, documents, and program specifics.

3. Book a visit to campus or a virtual discovery meeting. Schedule a visit to the campus to explore facilities, learn about the curriculum, and meet with teachers or staff. If travel restrictions apply, you can opt for a virtual discovery meeting instead. The on-site or virtual session provides a chance to see classrooms, resources, and the school environment first-hand.

4. Make a formal admissions application. If you decide to apply formally for admission to Léman, fill out the online application form and submit supporting documents. The school notes a rolling admissions process, with applications accepted throughout the year as long as there are places available. You'll need to meet entry requirements and provide documents such as your child's passport, immunisation records, two years of school reports, parent questionnaire, language profile (Year 3-13), and teacher recommendations (Year 1-13).

Scholarships

There is no published information about internal, school-run scholarships at LIS Chengdu.

Waitlist

LIS Chengdu uses rolling admissions and accepts applications year-round, provided there are places available in the relevant year group. There is no published reference to a formal waitlist or pool system in the admissions materials.
School Events
The school has not added events