Education and Schools in Beijing

Education and schools in Beijing are among the best in China, offering expat parents options at public, private and international institutions. Schools in Beijing can, however, be expensive for foreign students, as expat parents often prefer to send them to international schools. 

Although this is not a guarantee, the best option is to try to negotiate an education allowance as part of your relocation package. Those who manage to get this benefit tend to have a much easier time finding and choosing a school in Beijing.

Public schools in Beijing

The basic public education system consists of preschool, primary and secondary school. Primary school typically begins at age 6 and lasts six years, followed by junior and senior secondary school, where students either follow an academic or vocational programme.

Beijing’s public schools' primary concern is preparing students for the gaokao, the National Higher Education Entrance Examination. This exam plays a large role in how successful Chinese children become in their adult lives, as it is how they enter a Chinese university.

Unfortunately, in Chinese public schools, creativity and individual thinking come second to logical thinking and analytical skills, and teaching styles and content may not be the best fit for everyone. Many expats find that the transition to rigorous public schools in Beijing is too much for their families to handle, so they prefer to enrol their kids at private or international schools.

Useful links

• Beijing Municipal Education Commission

Private schools in Beijing

Local private schools in Beijing generally cater to wealthy locals, even though the academic standards at public schools are often considered better. This might partially be owing to the lack of government funding and involvement, which can also mean that school standards vary in quality and approach.

Some schools do provide different academic tracks for local and international students. An English track may be based on a foreign curriculum with a Chinese requirement, while the Chinese track is based on the national curriculum, although the best of these will frequently have a strong emphasis on English as well.

International schools in Beijing

English-language international schools in Beijing typically offer classes taught in English by qualified and experienced teachers, most of whom are from English-speaking countries. There is also usually a wide range of sporting and cultural extracurricular activities.

Depending on the school, your children can continue with their home country’s curriculum or pursue an International Baccalaureate programme. Although most international schools teach in English, many offer other foreign curricula and teach in the language of the school's country of origin, such as French, Japanese, and German. 

Securing a placement at international schools can be challenging. Some companies that regularly relocate expats will reserve spots in select top schools. We recommend discussing your education options and the admissions process with your employer well before arriving.

Best International Schools in Beijing

Useful links

• The People's Government of Beijing Municipality – Educational Services for Children of Foreign Nationals in Beijing

Homeschooling in Beijing

In China, homeschooling is technically illegal, but some families still choose it because of a legal loophole. The law requires children to attend school for at least nine years, and the government openly discourages homeschooling, having issued many statements against it. 

Homeschooled children are also not allowed to take the gaokao (China’s college entrance exam), which prevents them from enrolling in Chinese universities.

Despite these challenges, more Chinese parents are turning to homeschooling because they are unhappy with the rigid, rote-learning focus of the public education system. This option also appeals to expats staying in China temporarily and cannot afford private or international schools.

If you decide to homeschool your children while living in Beijing, it's essential to seek out social activities that will allow their children to engage with their peers and learn more about Chinese culture. 

Special-needs education in Beijing

The level of support for special education in Beijing schools can vary. It’s best to contact schools directly to get the most accurate information.

International schools in Beijing are often a good option for special-needs education. Many of these schools include students with disabilities and learning difficulties in regular classes. 

They may offer extra support, assistant teachers, and counsellors, and they can address a range of physical, psychological, and behavioural needs. That said, this support is not guaranteed in every school, so parents should start looking for schools as early as possible.

If you’re moving to Beijing, relocation companies can help you find schools that are the best match for your child’s needs.

Relocation Companies in China

Tutors in Beijing

It’s easy to find a tutor in Beijing for both adults and children. Many parents hire tutors to help their kids with specific subjects or to prepare for exams. Parents can find tutors by asking friends, checking with their child’s school, or searching online on tutor websites and platforms like Apprentus.

Tutoring is fairly common in Beijing, with parents often hiring English tutors to help their children practice their language skills. Children regularly spend three hours or more with their tutors daily to help them prepare for the gaokao, as Chinese universities are incredibly competitive. 

Useful links

• TeacherOn
• Apprentus
• Spires Online Tutoring