International Schools in Shanghai

As a major global city, there are a number of excellent international schools in Shanghai offering foreign curricula. The International Baccalaureate and the national curricula of the UK and US are the most popular. 

The best international schools in Shanghai have modern facilities and offer a good mix of academics and extracurricular activities. Small class sizes, highly qualified teachers and a diverse student body can also be expected. The most desirable schools often have limited space, so we recommend applying early to secure a seat.

International schools benefit not just an expat child's education, but can also ease the adjustment to life in Shanghai. A familiar curriculum is often comforting in such a new and different environment, and allows for an easy transition to schools back home, should the family return.

Here is a list of the most prominent international schools in Shanghai.

International schools in Shanghai

British International School Shanghai, Puxi

BISS is a diverse school of 2,000 students from more than 50 countries around the world. The school has excellent facilities, well-qualified teachers, varied extracurriculars and a top-tier academic programme. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2 to 18

Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong

NAIS Shanghai, Pudong is an established and leading international school in Shanghai, Pudong offering the British and International Baccalaureate curricula. The school specialises in driving academic excellence while developing a love for lifelong learning in its students. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2 to 18

Britannica International School, Shanghai

Britannica International School, Shanghai is a centrally located British school for pupils aged 2 to 18 with the English National Curriculum at the core of its education programme. The school's purpose-built campus features a wide range of facilities. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels)
Ages: 2 to 18

Concordia International School Shanghai

With an average SAT score higher than that of students in the US, Concordia offers a prestigious American-based education. Classes are limited to 18 students, ensuring that students receive individualised attention. Teaching is entirely in English, but the importance of Mandarin is emphasised with daily classes in preschool and elementary school. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 3 to 18

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong is a proudly British school that believes in educating and inspiring students by encouraging them to learn from everything they do. Founded in 2003, the school has a diverse student body of 1,500 pupils of more than 40 different nationalities. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2 to 18

Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi

Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi is a school of teachers who are passionate about their chosen field and believe in the benefits of small class sizes to nurture and support the individual. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2 to 18

Shanghai American School

The Shanghai American School has an excellent academic programme, offering a number of choices and routes to graduation. Though the most common nationalities at the school are American and Canadian, there's plenty of room for diversity, with the student body as a whole being made up of 45 different nationalities. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18

Shanghai Community International School

Shanghai Community International School is a fully certified IB World School. The school has exceptional facilities across three centrally located campuses. Resources such as Smart Boards, science labs and 3D printers are freely available, making it easy for teachers to integrate technology into the classroom. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2 to 18

Western International School of Shanghai

With students of more than 50 nationalities, this diverse school has no dominant or majority nationality in its student population. Offering the full range of IB programmes, the Western International School of Shanghai is well-equipped to offer its students a high-quality, globally minded education. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 19

Yew Chung International School of Shanghai

Yew Chung International School of Shanghai has five centrally located campuses in the city: two in Pudong and three in Puxi. Bilingualism is nurtured and encouraged, with 'co-teaching' in Mandarin and English by two teachers throughout kindergarten and elementary school. There are also English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Chinese as an Additional Language (CAL) programmes. Read more 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2 to 18