British schools in Shanghai are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best British schools in Shanghai, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why families choose a British school in Shanghai?
Choosing the right school for their children is one of the most vital decisions that expatriate families face when relocating to Shanghai. British schools have become a popular choice, thanks to their robust curriculum, emphasis on holistic development, and the seamless transition they offer for those moving from or planning to move to the UK or other Western countries in the future.
Global Recognition and Academic Excellence
British education is renowned globally for its rigorous standards and academic excellence. Schools in Shanghai that follow the British curriculum maintain these high standards, ensuring that students receive an education that is respected and recognized worldwide. This is a crucial factor for parents who want their children to have the best possible qualifications, opening doors to prestigious universities and lucrative career paths globally.
English as a Primary Medium of Instruction
For many expatriate families, ensuring their child continues to receive education in English is paramount. British schools in Shanghai predominantly use English as the language of instruction. This not only helps in maintaining language proficiency but also in easing the transition for children who have moved from English-speaking countries. Additionally, being fluent in English is a significant advantage in the global job market, which is an attractive prospect for parents thinking about their children’s future careers.
Cultural Familiarity and Extracurricular Balance
British schools often mirror the culture and ethos found in schools across the UK, which can be comforting for families seeking a sense of familiarity in a foreign country. Moreover, these schools typically offer a balanced approach to education, where equal importance is given to extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and other clubs. This holistic approach contributes significantly to the development of well-rounded individuals, ready to take on the challenges of the future.
Supportive Environment for Expatriates
The community aspect of British schools in Shanghai cannot be overstated. These institutions often attract a large number of expatriate families, which can ease the transition for both parents and children alike by providing a ready-made community of others who are experiencing similar adjustments. This sense of community helps in faster acclimatization to the new environment and provides a network of support for academic and emotional needs.
In conclusion, the decision to enroll children in a British school in Shanghai is driven by the desire for academic rigor, the necessity of English language instruction, the comfort of a familiar cultural environment, and the support of a community. These schools not only prepare students for global opportunities but also ensure a well-rounded development, making them an ideal choice for many expatriate families.
How much does it cost to attend British schools in Shanghai?
The yearly tuition fees for British schools in Shanghai generally range from $15,000 to $30,000 per year. This cost can vary based on factors like the curriculum, the quality of campus facilities, the standard of boarding, and the services – with some top-tier schools exceeding $35,000 annually.
Category | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $15,000 | $30,000 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $1,250 | $2,500 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $1,000 | $2,000 |
Uniforms & Materials | $200 | $400 |
Extras & Trips | $500 | $1,000 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $17,700 | $34,400 |
Top British schools Shanghai 2026
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Yew Chung International School of Shanghai
Shanghai, China •Co-Education •- from 1
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American Curriculum - British Curriculum - Cambridge Curriculum - OtherLanguage of instruction: Bilingual - Chinese - English - SpanishYearly fee: from 163,600 to 359,100 CNY
Foundation: 1993Nationalities: 50 different nationalitiesNr of students: 50 studentsExaminations: Cambridge - IB Diploma - IGCSE - SATYCIS Shanghai marks our first footprint in the Chinese mainland. Over the past 30 years, the school has expanded with six campuses across Puxi, Pudong and Lingang, offering a unique education pathway and competitive international curriculum for expatriate children aged 2 – 18.The Yew Chung International Curriculum (based on internationally recognized learning standards from the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, integrated within Yew Chung’s own framework, which incorporates the best educational practices and extends its focus to include Chinese language, global citizenship, international-mindedness, character education, and the arts), IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme), HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education), as well as a comprehensive and unique Chinese language and culture program.Annual tuition fees at Yew Chung International School of Shanghai range from CNY 163,600 to CNY 359,100, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong
Pudong, Shanghai •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: Chinese - EnglishYearly fee: from 131,193 to 375,196 CNY
Foundation: 2002Nationalities: N/ANr of students: N/AExaminations: IB Diploma - IGCSEFor over 20 years, NAIS Pudong has welcomed our students into a diverse international community, motivating them to achieve the best academic results and to attend the top universities in the world.National Curriculum for England; The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE); International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)Annual tuition fees at Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong range from CNY 131,193 to CNY 375,196, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
The British International School Shanghai, Puxi
Puxi, Shanghai •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: Chinese - EnglishYearly fee: from 262,385 to 375,196 EUR
Foundation: 2004Nationalities: N/ANr of students: N/AExaminations: IB Diploma - IGCSEFor over 15 years, our high-scoring students have gone on to attend the top universities in the world. Our teachers coach, support and inspire students to achieve outstanding results.National Curriculum for England, The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)Annual tuition fees at The British International School Shanghai, Puxi range from EUR 262,385 to EUR 375,196, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi
Puxi, Shanghai •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British CurriculumLanguage of instruction: English - MandarinYearly fee: from 137,800 to 390,000 CNY
Foundation: 2016Nationalities: 30 different nationalitiesNr of students: 30 studentsExaminations: A Level - IB Diploma - IGCSE - SATAt Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi the curriculum is academically rigorous, yet the education of the whole child is seen as critical. The wellbeing programme and range of co-curricular opportunities available to all children encourages academic, physical, social and emotional growthDulwich College Shanghai Puxi educates children from age 2 to 18. The primary teaching language is English, with a Dual Language approach in Mandarin and English in DUCKS (Toddler to Year 2). Children up to age 5 follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, and from Year 1 to Year 9, follow the National Curriculum of England, which is enhanced to meet the needs of our international student body. In Year 10 they begin the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), a rigorous two-year course that requires students to take a broad range of subjects covering maths and sciences, English and foreign languages, and the humanities. The IGCSE culminates in exams at the end of Year 11, and prepares students well for the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)...Annual tuition fees at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi range from CNY 137,800 to CNY 390,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: Tuition Fees may be paid annually or by term. Tuition Fees paid annually enjoy favourable rates compared to fees paid by term. An Application Fee of 3,500 RMB is non-refundable and valid for the year ...Boarding tuition: -
Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
Pudong, Shanghai •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: Bilingual - Chinese - EnglishYearly fee: from 266,000 to 390,000 CNY
Foundation: 21Nationalities: 45 different nationalitiesNr of students: 45 studentsExaminations: Cambridge - IB Diploma - IGCSE - PSAT - SATSince 2003, Dulwich Pudong has been a leading international school in Shanghai with a strong academic reputation.Annual tuition fees at Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong range from CNY 266,000 to CNY 390,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: Examination Fees are included. Additional costs for items such as School Uniforms, Lunches, and Optional School Trips are excluded.Boarding tuition: -
Wellington College International Shanghai
Shanghai, China •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 273,000 to 365,000 CNY
Foundation: 2014Nationalities: 40 different nationalitiesNr of students: 40 studentsExaminations: IB Diploma - IGCSEWellington College International Shanghai is a co-educational day school with over 1,600 pupils, aged 2 to 18 years old.Wellingtonians graduate at the age of 18 as confident, independent and resilient young adults. This is the result of their journey through our educational programme. We create the conditions for our pupils to flourish. This means not only achieving the best examination results possible but also acquiring the skills needed to thrive in the wider world. Whether it is in the classroom, on the sports field, on the stage or while engaging in community service projects, our pupils receive an all-round education designed to help them become successful global citizens.Early Years (ages 2-5) Our Early Years Centre will provide your child with a stimulating, nurturing and, most importantly, fun learning environment. Home to two year groups, Nursery and Reception, our curriculum is linked to the expe...Annual tuition fees at Wellington College International Shanghai range from CNY 273,000 to CNY 365,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: Our fees cover day-to-day tuition, use of text and library books, public examination fees, basic stationery and general educational materials appropriate to the particular year group. They also cover ...Boarding tuition:
Summary
Families choose British schools in Shanghai for their globally recognized curriculum, English as the medium of instruction, cultural familiarity, and supportive expatriate community. These schools prepare students for worldwide opportunities while ensuring holistic development.