Education and Schools in Guangzhou

Education and schools in Guangzhou are known for their rigorous academic expectations, with a strong focus on rote learning. As such, most expat parents choose to enrol their children in one of Guangzhou's international schools instead of public or private Chinese schools.

Chinese parents highly value education, emphasising hard work, long study hours, and memorisation. This approach to learning can be challenging for expat children to adapt to.

Public schools in Guangzhou

If you plan on staying in China long term and wish to integrate your children into the country, culture and language, you may opt for a state or private school that follows the Chinese curriculum. As this integration is easier for younger children, this option is more popular in kindergartens and nurseries, although preschool is not compulsory in China.

Expat children who are more accustomed to a less rigorous or a more balanced lifestyle may feel pressured in a Chinese public school. For this reason, as well as the language barrier's difficulties, selected private and international schools are usually the best option for expat children. 

Read Education and Schools in China for more on the education system in the country. 

Useful links

• The People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality – Education System

Private schools in Guangzhou

Private schools in Guangzhou can be a good middle-ground for families torn between public and international schools. Most private schools teach the national curriculum, but some provide bilingual education or offer an alternative curriculum or educational approach. These schools can be expensive, but fees are still typically well below what international schools charge.

Competition for placements in private schools can be stiff. We recommend submitting your applications as soon as possible if you're going this route. 

International schools in Guangzhou

If you're moving to Guangzhou, you'll find several international schools that teach foreign curricula, including the popular International Baccalaureate program. These schools let your children study a curriculum similar to that in your home country. That said, getting a spot can be difficult. Some companies that frequently relocate expats help by reserving spots in top schools.

You should discuss education with an employer before starting work in Guangzhou. International schools can also be expensive, so you should try to negotiate an allowance to cover the cost of your children's school fees before accepting a job in Guangzhou.

If you don't have a reserved spot at an international school in Guangzhou, you must begin the application process as early as possible because waiting lists at some schools are incredibly long. It is best to check the entry requirements for each school and have the necessary documents readily available, so the application process can be done as quickly as possible.

International Schools in Guangzhou

Homeschooling in Guangzhou

Although the extent to which the law applies to foreign nationals is questionable, homeschooling is essentially illegal in China. Many expats continue to opt to homeschool their children in Guangzhou, especially if they are on short-term employment contracts and find the school fees of international schools unmanageable.

If you're interested in homeschooling in Guangzhou, you must do your research extensively and make the decision cautiously. It is worth noting, for example, that homeschooled children aren't allowed to write the national school-leaving exam, which is required for entry into Chinese universities.

Special-needs education in Guangzhou

The level of support for special education needs in schools in Guangzhou varies. There have been moves to increase the admission of students with disabilities into mainstream public schools and provide necessary assistance to them. Still, international schools are more likely to provide holistic support.

While some schools in Guangzhou offer a range of facilities, support classes, assistant teachers, counsellors and assistive devices, other schools may only provide support for certain disabilities, as well as physical, psychological or behavioural disorders.

We recommend contacting schools directly and discussing all the support available and the child's particular requirements.

Tutors in Guangzhou

Tutoring has become increasingly popular in Guangzhou, among adults and children alike. Whether you're looking for a tutor to gain language skills or whether you would like your children to receive extra support during exam time, tutors are easy to find. 

Finding a tutor through word of mouth and networking with other parents is a great option, as are online tutor portals and companies, such as Preply and Apprentus.

Useful links

• Preply
• Apprentus