A snapshot overview of schools in Shanghai that are considered (although not necessarily chosen) by English-speaking expat parents.
If there is no ribbon, pending or otherwise, it means we are aware of the school but have elected not to review it at this time. This could be for a number of reasons, but we continually update information and add or remove reviews as deemed appropriate.
Schools selected for full GSGI review are noted with 
next to their names. Pending means that we are planning to review that school.
By full GSGI review, we mean the school write-ups that are completely selected, researched, visited and written by our own editors. Our final write-ups take the good with the bad, warts and all, but we look for a preponderance of good before we drill down for in-depth details descend on the school for an exhaustive visit.
Schools in Shanghai reviewed by The Good Schools Guide International
British International School Shanghai (BISS) Puxi Campus (-pending)
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,970 students
BISS Puxi, owned by the Nord Anglia Education Group, offers an international version of the National Curriculum for England. On two campuses in the south-west of the city and non-selective (no English requirement). Impressive facilities, from the new Learning Resources centre, complete with sandpit to the first all-weather rugby field in China, designated computer labs and an internet café. The school also incorporates the Shanghai Dutch School (SDS) with three native Dutch teachers.
Concordia International School Shanghai (CISS)
School developed curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,055 students
Opened in 1998 with the support of the Hong Kong International School, with which it still has close relations. All ages on one campus and offering a US education and college preparation to over 25 nationalities, with American passport holders in a clear majority. In JInqiao, a favourite residential spot for expats in Shanghai.
Click here to read our full review of Concordia International School Shanghai.
Dulwich College Shanghai
National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,400 students
Located in the expat suburb of Jinqiao in Pudong. An international school catering to students from all over the world, Americans (often Chinese nationals, born in America) and British being the largest groups. Offering an English education up to the age of 16 but then substituting the IB Diploma for A-Levels. A delightful kindergarten section called ‘Ducks’ (with a long waiting list), housed in a separate building.
Click here to read our full review of Dulwich College Shanghai.
Harrow International School ((pending)
National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A-Level: ages 18mths-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned; 400 students
The fourth Harrow International School, opened in 2016 in the northern part of Pudong, on a state-of-the-art, brand-new campus with the welcome features of an air-filtration system and roof-top gardens. Licensed by Harrow School to an independent owner but incorporating the ethos of its UK parent. Pupils of 26 nationalities taught in English throughout.
Nord Anglia International School (formerly BISS Pudong) ((pending)
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IPC/ IB Diploma; ages 1-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,800 students
Previously the British International School of Shanghai Pudong, now owned (as is BISS Puxi) by the rapidly growing Nord Anglia Education Group of over 60 international schools. Follows the same British academic programme, followed by the IB Diploma as its sister school with the addition of the International Primary Curriculum, making a school switch simple for more nationalities than just returning Brits.
Shanghai American School (SAS)
American Elementary & Middle School/ American High School Diploma/ AP/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 2,700 students
Considered modern and forward-thinking and amongst the best schools in Asia following the American curriculum. SAT scores and AP results are well above national averages and leavers head to a spectacular range of universities and colleges. Over 40 nationalities; the majority US passport holders but Asian students dominate, particularly at the Puxi campus. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Click here to read our full review of Shanghai American School (SAS).
Shanghai Community International Schools ((pending)
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,800 students
Located on three campuses on both sides of the Huangpu river of Shanghai. Two in Changning (Hongqiao ECE for nursery and kindergarten, Hongqiao for grades 1-12) and one in Pudong (nursery – grade 12). Now over 20 years old, an IB World School, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), offering three out of four of the elements of the all-through IB programme.
Shanghai Livingston American School (LAS) (pending)
American Elementary & Middle School/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 600 students
Opened in 2003, after a US Congressman, Bob Livingston, launched a campaign to open American schools in foreign cities with a US consulate, moving to the current campus in the Changning District in 2005. A global school population is offered intensive ESL classes to enable participation in English classes in double-quick time. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 2009.
Shanghai United International School (SUIS) (pending)
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A-Level/ IB Diploma; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,500 students
Founded by the Xiehe Group, one of the largest education organisers in China with over 40 schools and kindergartens in Shanghai and other Chinese cities. Four schools in Shanghai (three in Minhang, one in Pudong) with varying curriculums, for example, SUIS Pudong follows the National Curriculum of England, leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels and SUIS Gubei an adapted East meets West Curriculum followed by the IB Diploma. Parents need to check each school’s offering carefully
Wellington College International, Shanghai (pending)
School developed curriculum/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,100 students
Part of Wellington College China, which aims to establish schools across the country. Opened in 2014 on a brand-new campus with ultra-modern facilities, disguised in a classical style building echoing its English counterpart but looking slightly unlikely beside its high-rise neighbours. English is the official language but Chinese is taught throughout as a core subject. Not accredited as yet but it is a new kid on the block.
Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) ((pending)
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma/ IBCP; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 800 students
Located in Xujing Town, west of the city, half an hour from downtown Shanghai and close to Hongqiao International Airport. An 18 acre modern, purpose-built campus providing an all-through education. A selective IB World School and the first one in China to offer the IB Careers Program but also providing a significant exposure to Chinese language and culture.
Yew Chung Shanghai International School (YCIS) ((pending)
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 2,350 students
Originally founded in Hong Kong, the Yew Chung network of international kindergartens, schools,and colleges has locations in Hong Kong, mainland China and the Silicon Valley in California. The school has five campuses in Puxi and Pudong, in the south-western area of Shanghai, providing a bilingual environment (an international and a Chinese teacher in each class) and a strong Chinese language and culture programme. Over 50 different nationalities represented, and accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the North Eastern Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
