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The British International School Shanghai Puxi

China, Shanghai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees RMB 271,600 - 385,090
Ages 0 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1000
Type Co-educational
Opened 2004
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, Korean, French, Spanish, German, Dutch
Typical class size 21
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The British International School Shanghai, Puxi (BISS Puxi) is a Nord Anglia school established in 2004 on a campus in Huacao, Minhang District. The school follows the National Curriculum for England through Primary and Lower Secondary, offers IGCSE in Upper Secondary and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and A levels for 16–18 year olds. BISS Puxi publishes average class sizes by phase (Early Years ~15; Primary and Secondary ~21) and lists over 300 after‑school clubs and activities, plus collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School and UNICEF. The campus address and admissions contact details are given on the school site; the school also publishes a downloadable 2025/26 fees schedule showing annual tuition (listed in RMB) by year group.

111 Jinguang Road Huacao Town Minhang District Shanghai 201107, China

The Essentials

The British International School Shanghai Puxi has 1,000 pupils, typical class sizes of 21, instruction in English.

Location
Located in Huacao Town, Minhang (Puxi), the school's main campus is at 111 Jinguang Road — a residential suburb of western Shanghai with good road links to the city and access by taxi; some local listings note nearby metro access (Xujing Dong is commonly used for this area).

Stages
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).

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.

Additional learning support
The school runs EAL (English as an Additional Language) programmes with tailored lessons and intensive English options for learners new to English, and provides learning‑support/EAL staffing to work with students in class and in small groups. Nord Anglia schools also describe Learning Support/AEN provision (individual plans and targeted interventions) as part of their approach.

Country affiliation
The school follows a British (English National Curriculum / IGCSE / IB) model and is branded as The British International School, Shanghai (Puxi).

Religious affiliation
The school is secular / non‑denominational; no religious affiliation is listed on the school's public information pages.

School day structure
Published campus hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm. After‑school activity transport is arranged separately (see transport notes below) for students participating in extended programmes.

Bus service
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.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of the Nord Anglia Education family.
Fees

Annual tuition at The British International School Shanghai Puxi ranges from RMB 271,600 to RMB 385,090 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

The British International School Shanghai Puxi teaches EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Australian Curriculum for students aged 0 to 18.

Curriculum
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).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school states that mindfulness is embedded across the curriculum and that wellbeing is included in its pastoral and guidance programme to develop students' social and emotional skills. It runs wellbeing programmes and seminars for students and parents that cover topics such as time management and stress reduction. Secondary pastoral structure includes Heads of Year and Form Tutors who provide regular registration time, assemblies and guidance lessons focused on social and emotional development. The school also uses outdoor and project-based activities (for example, a Year 3 farm project) to build resilience and social skills. These provisions are described on the school's webpages about wellbeing, pastoral care and recent project reports.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school publishes a named Head of Special Educational Needs (Louise King) and describes an Achievement Centre used for teaching pupils with SEN and enrichment requirements. The Louise King staff profile states the role leads whole-school, collaborative approaches to SEN and individualised teaching programmes. The school website does not publish a detailed list of specific categories of SEN it supports nor does it state that it is a specialist SEN institution. For clarity on which particular needs the school can support and any limits to provision, the school advises contacting admissions or the SEN team directly. This staff profile is the school's public source for its SEN provision.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school describes a bespoke EAL programme that uses the Cambridge English framework across Primary and into Secondary, alongside tailored Intensive English Lessons (one-to-one or small group) for learners new to English. It notes use of phonics (Read Write Inc.), visual resources, writing frames, and the Cambridge English assessments with reported pass rates in school communications. The Key Stage pages also state students with limited English are supported through the school's EAL provision. If you need current test outcomes or entry-level arrangements, the school's EAL news and curriculum pages provide the published details and the admissions team can confirm placement processes.

Mental Wellbeing
BISS Puxi states that wellbeing is built into the curriculum and pastoral guidance, with mindfulness explicitly referenced as embedded practice. The school runs wellbeing seminars and programmes for students and parents on topics such as stress reduction and time management, and reports nature-based projects to develop resilience. Nord Anglia's recent partnership activity also references wellbeing and performance coaching through its IMG Academy collaboration, which Nord Anglia describes as providing wellbeing coaching and mindset work across the group. For clinical or specialist mental-health services the school site describes school-based pastoral and guidance support; specific clinical provision or external referral pathways are not detailed on the public pages and should be confirmed with the school if required.

Safeguarding
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.
Parent Experience

History
The British International School Shanghai (Puxi) was established in 2004 and is part of the Nord Anglia Education family of schools. Over the following years the Puxi campus was expanded (a secondary building was added in 2008) and a larger secondary campus was officially opened in 2011. Governance, admissions and shared programmes are managed within the Nord Anglia network, so the school's development has been closely linked to that organisation's operations in China.

Community
The school serves an international community with more than 50 nationalities represented among students and families. BISS Puxi participates in Nord Anglia's Global Campus and runs a Social Impact programme that works with partners such as UNICEF and links to wider UN forums; the school also schedules wellbeing seminars and local, national and international student expeditions. Large community events — for example the annual Christmas Fair and community carnival — bring families, students and local visitors together.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
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.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
BISS Puxi offers a comprehensive campus with dedicated spaces for Early Years through Upper Secondary. The sports facilities include two indoor gymnasiums, a 20m indoor swimming pool, a track and field athletics space, China's first all-weather rugby pitch, outdoor basketball courts, five tennis courts, a dance studio and a fitness suite, and an 11-a-side all-weather football pitch. The classrooms are fully connected with wireless access and air filtration, and they include interactive whiteboards. The Learning Centre provides a library and online resources for students and parents. The school runs two STEAM centres, one for Primary and one for Secondary, with science laboratories, 3D printers, and dedicated engineering spaces; there are ten PC labs and four Apple Mac suites, plus a music technology centre and cinema and film studio.

Sports Facilities
All sports are catered for. The facilities include two indoor gymnasiums, a 20m indoor swimming pool, a track and field athletics space, China's first all-weather rugby pitch, outdoor basketball courts, five tennis courts, a dance studio and a fitness suite, and an 11-a-side all-weather football pitch. The Lions compete at a high level within the Shanghai Schools Sports network, through ACAMIS competitions for international schools across China and FOBISIA competitions across Asia.

Academic Facilities
The Learning Centre offers a range of spaces, hundreds of books and interactive learning resources, with access to the latest technology; parents can loan books. There are two dedicated STEAM centres for Primary and Secondary, with specialist laboratories for chemistry, biology and physics and a dedicated practical room in the Primary building. The classrooms are equipped with wireless connectivity and interactive whiteboards, and the spaces feature air filtration. The campus includes ten PC labs and four Apple Mac suites, a music technology centre, cinema and film studio facilities.

Extra Curricular Facilities
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 Activities

Academic & Intellectual
BISS Puxi offers IGCSE (Upper Secondary) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with an A-level pathway introduced in 2025. An IB Bridging Programme supports a smooth transition from IGCSE to IB. All students complete the Duke of Edinburgh International Award and receive university guidance from a dedicated Higher Education team. In 2025, 52% of IGCSE grades were A/A*, and graduates have progressed to top universities including Oxford, Yale, Imperial College London, KAIST, and UC Berkeley.

Arts & Creative
Lower Secondary follows the National Curriculum for England with emphasis on the Performing Arts and STEAM. The IGCSE and IB frameworks provide opportunities for creative study and cross‑curricular inquiry. The IB Diploma Programme fosters inquiry-based learning and personal growth, supporting creative and interdisciplinary approaches.

Cultural & Language
Languages taught in Primary include English, Mandarin (native and as a foreign language), Korean, French, Spanish, German, and Dutch. This supports developing cross-cultural communication and a global perspective within the school's international framework.

Social & Hobbies
Students participate in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. Leadership opportunities exist through student-led initiatives such as ‘Becoming Leaders,' and through house leadership structures that organise events across the school.

Community & Service
The Duke of Edinburgh Award incorporates community service components. The IB Diploma Programme also emphasizes community involvement and personal growth as part of its core expectations.

Leadership & Professional
A dedicated Higher Education team provides guidance on university applications. Leadership development is integrated into the curriculum through student leadership roles and programs such as ‘Becoming Leaders.'

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
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.
Languages

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.
Reputation

Awards
(Only awards shown on the school's website and awarded to the school itself, within the past five years.)

• COBIS "Beacon Status" (renewal of COBIS accreditation) — Announced 20 August 2025: the school reports that it successfully renewed COBIS accreditation and was awarded Beacon Status, a recognition given by COBIS when a school's accreditation outcomes are exemplary in key areas (teaching and learning, leadership, student welfare, etc.).

• Nord Anglia Education Social Impact Bronze Certificate — Announced 21 August 2025: Nord Anglia awarded the school a Social Impact Bronze Certificate for embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into its programmes and practice. This is an internal Nord Anglia recognition of the school's progress on social-impact work.

• Pearson / Edexcel — Pioneer Award and 10th Anniversary Award (for the school) — Referenced 29 November 2023: the school's news item states that at a Pearson awards ceremony the school was to receive two awards for the school itself (the "Pioneer Award" for having students with outstanding results, and a "10th Anniversary Award"). These awards are noted on the school website as recognition from the examination board.

Accreditations
• Council of British International Schools (COBIS) — Listed by the school as an accrediting body; COBIS accreditation indicates the school has met externally reviewed standards for British-style international schools (teaching, safeguarding and governance).

• International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO / IB Diploma Programme authorisation) — The school is an authorised IB Diploma Programme provider; IB authorisation confirms the school meets the IBO's curricular and quality requirements for offering the IBDP.

• Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge international/IGCSE centre) — The school prepares students for Cambridge qualifications (IGCSEs); Cambridge recognition means the school is approved to enter students for these internationally recognised examinations.

• Pearson Edexcel (Edexcel examination board) — The school is recognised by the Edexcel (Pearson) examination board for IGCSE/GCSE entries; this means it is authorised to register and enter students with Edexcel and to participate in Edexcel assessment programmes.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Make an enquiry. Parents should have the child's preferred start year and any deadlines or sponsor (company) billing details ready, because the admissions team will ask for these during first contact. (Source: school admissions pages and contact details).

2. Discover the school (tour / virtual meeting). The school will offer a campus tour or a virtual discovery meeting; for Early Years, Primary or Secondary you may meet a member of the Senior Leadership Team or a relevant phase lead. Use this meeting to ask about class sizes, the curriculum pathway (National Curriculum → IGCSE → IB) and any specific support needs your child may have. Bring a copy of recent school reports and a list of questions about wrap‑around care, transport and extra‑curricular programmes.

3. Complete the application. Parents complete the online application form and upload supporting documents: passport details, medical records, and school reports (the school requests recent reports — commonly the last two years). An application fee is payable at submission (the published non‑refundable application fee is RMB 3,500); keep the payment receipt and include the child's name and year group when you pay. Depending on the child's age, references and additional paperwork may also be requested at this stage.

4. Assessment and references. The school requires an age‑appropriate assessment: Early Years candidates typically join an in‑class assessment with their peer group, while older children sit written or verbal assessments appropriate to the year they join. For specialist scholarships or sports/music places, the school may ask for audition evidence, portfolios or trial sessions; you will be given clear instructions if this applies. Make sure any previous school recommendations or external certificates (e.g., music grades, club records) are ready because they can be requested.

5. Application review and decision. Once the application and assessments are completed, the Head of School and admissions team review the materials and will contact you with the outcome and next steps; the school estimates this process can often be completed within about two weeks but timing depends on how quickly you provide documents. If a place is offered, the offer letter will detail the fees and the deadline to accept. If you are on short notice (for example, moving city), state this to admissions so they can advise on timelines and availability.

6. Accepting the place: fees and deposits. To secure an offered place parents pay the non‑refundable enrolment fee (published at RMB 4,000) and the resourcing/resource fee (published at RMB 16,000). The school's published wording shows the resource fee is refundable when a student leaves (subject to conditions) but also notes a cancellation charge of RMB 16,000 applies to a new student who does not attend after a place has been reserved — parents should confirm how these rules will apply to their specific payment. Read the offer letter carefully and keep copies of all receipts.

7. Payment, start dates and practical checks. The school accepts payment by electronic bank transfer or cheque in USD, HKD, GBP or RMB (cash only in RMB); if paying by transfer, send a copy of the bank remittance with the child's name and year group. Note the published deadline: all winter term and any annual fees are due by 30 May each year — confirm exact due dates on your offer and invoice. Before the first day ensure medical records and any required forms are submitted and that uniform and lunch arrangements have been made.

8. Withdrawal and refunds. If you later need to withdraw you must submit the official withdrawal form in writing (the school requires six weeks' notice) and follow the school's withdrawal procedures to be eligible for any refunds; the resourcing fee is refundable only once accounts are settled and school property returned undamaged. If the six‑week notice is not given, fees are charged in lieu of notice; for new students who do not take up a reserved place the school publishes a cancellation charge (RMB 16,000). If anything in the offer or fee schedule is unclear, request written confirmation from admissions/finance.

Scholarships
Overview and eligibility. BISS Puxi publishes a scholarship programme open to new students joining Years 5–12 with five categories: Academic, Leadership, Performing Arts, STEAM and Sport. Applications are accepted at any time; the published process requires completion of a scholarship application form, review by a Scholarship Committee, and may include an interview and requests for supporting evidence (portfolios, certificates, trial sessions). Successful applicants are notified following the Committee's decision and the school states there are typically up to five awards each year (one per scholarship category), although additional awards may be made at the committee's discretion.

How scholarships work and financial detail. The website states scholarship recipients receive a tuition discount; the page contains inconsistent statements about the maximum discount (the “Key Facts” section says “Up to a 25% discount” while the FAQs later state “this can be up to 50%”). Because the published wording is contradictory, you should ask the admissions or finance team for the current scholarship value, its duration (which years it covers), any conditions attached to the award, and how it is applied to invoicing. Scholarships are awarded for demonstrated ability or potential in the chosen area and the award level (partial discount and the percentage) is decided by the Scholarship Committee.

Application steps and practical notes. To apply complete the scholarship application form on the school website, include a short personal statement (the school prefers the student to write this for Years 5–6 but parents may assist), and provide supporting evidence when requested. The Scholarship Committee reviews applications and may invite candidates for interview; decisions are communicated promptly (the page states notification is within two working days following the Committee meeting). Because of the inconsistency in the published discount maximum, confirm the timing of application windows (the site says applications are accepted any time) and whether a scholarship affects the enrolment/enrolment‑fee or resourcing‑fee rules.

Waitlist
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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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