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)
National Curriculum for England/IGCSEs/IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 2,000 pupils
BISS Puxi, owned by Nord Anglia 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) teaching pupils from 18 months to 18 years. Students study for IGCSEs at 16 and take the two year IB Diploma course from 16 - 18.
Concordia International School Shanghai (CISS)
American High School Diploma(College Preparatory)/AP; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,055 pupils
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/IGCSEs/IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,300 pupils
Located in the expat suburb of Jinqiao in Pudong. An international school catering to students from all over the world, Americans (often American born Chinese)and British being the largest groups . Offering an English education but 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/IGCSEs/A-Levels: ages 18mths-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned; 400 pupils
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)
National Curriculum for England/IGCSEs/IB Diploma; ages 1-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,800 pupils
Previously the British International School of Shanghai Pudong, now owned (as is BISS Puxi) by the rapidly growing Nord Anglia group of 61 international schools. Follows the same academic programme as its counterparts in the UK, making a school switch simple for returning Brits. As well as other schools in China, Nord Anglia also runs schools in the USA, Europe, Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East.
Shanghai American School (SAS)
American High School Diploma (College Preparatory)/AP/IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 2,700 pupils
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 pupils
Located on campuses 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 all three elements of the IB programme.
Shanghai Livingston American School (LAS) (-pending)
American High School Diploma(College Preparatory); ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 600 pupils
Opened in 2003 to provide an American-style education and on the current campus in the Changning District since 2005. Following the American (Californian public school) curriculum and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 2009. Global school population offered intensive ESL classes to enable class participation in double-quick time.
Shanghai United International School (SUIS) (-pending)
National Curriculum for England/IGCSEs/A-Levels/Adapted East-West Curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,500 pupils
Founded by one of the largest education organisers in China, the Xiehe Group of 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
Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) (-pending)
PYP/MYP/IB Diploma/IBCP; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 800 pupils
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 only 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 Curriculum based on National Curriculum for England/IGCSEs/IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 2,350 pupils
Part of a network of schools in China and the Silicon Valley in California. 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 CIS and NEASC accredited.
