Education in China: Choosing an international school in Beijing and Shanghai

Looking to continue your child’s education in China? Fret not, there are scores of options to choose from whether you are going for local or international schools. With that said, demand is especially high for international schools in China. There were a measly 22 English-medium international schools in 2001 compared to more than 500 today. Complete with a global flair, high-quality education and cutting-edge facilities draw in locals and expats alike. Naturally, the admission process can be cut-throat as well, with parents fighting to secure the limited spots in the school of their dreams. In this Pacific Prime China article, find out which school system is right for your child, and tips on choosing international schools in Beijing and Shanghai.

Chinese school system vs. international school system

The Chinese approach education quite differently from the West. Here, you’ll find this reflected in the brief description of their system. Also, see what international schools are like in China, and your options for education in China below.

Would a Chinese school be a good fit for my child?

Expat children can be admitted into public schools. In fact, they are required by law to accept children of legal foreign residents. With that in mind, students who can’t speak Mandarin are held back at first grade until their language skills reach the required level. Note that all classes except for English are taught entirely in Chinese.

What is the Chinese school system like?

Public schools are state-run and administered by the Ministry of Education in China. They are free for Chinese citizens 6 to 15 years old. In other words, primary school to the first three years of middle school are mandatory. After junior middle school, your child can choose to continue their education at a senior high school, vocational school, or professional school.

Cultural and educational differences at Chinese schools

Chinese schools tend to value discipline and are more strict. These ideas are introduced as early as kindergarten. Generally speaking, 60% of class time is allocated to Chinese and Math (aka. “The Big Two”). In major cities, kids usually start going to primary school at aged 6 compared to aged 7 in rural china.

Workload

On that note, the Chinese education system can be incredibly stressful. Gaokao, or the National Higher Education Entrance Exam, is the major source of stress for high school students. It determines if and which higher education institutions will admit your child. Having said that, this exam is a whopping 9 hours long – to be taken in 3 days. However, only 40% of students pass it the first time. Combined with the pressure of a language barrier, you might want to consider opting for the international system instead.

What are international schools in China like?

Excellent international schools are aplenty in metropolises like Shanghai, Beijing, as well as other popular expat destinations. Here, the teaching methods and curriculum may be more similar to what they have back home. Primarily, you’ll find English-based/language schools like the British, or American schooling systems. Though rare, you can also find German, French, Singaporean, or other national school programs here. Many schools offer the renowned International Baccalaureate program, which is great for expats who move around a lot or prefer an international atmosphere.

It’s not a stretch to say that international schools are extremely popular in China. Locals and expats alike often compete over the very limited spots at these schools. The main difference between public and private education in China is that private schools tend to use bilingual teaching. However, watch out for the expensive tuition fees. It can easily reach up to CNY ¥18,000 per month or more. To save up on money, some expats successfully negotiated for tuition fee cover as part of their expat packages. Here is what you should ask for in a remuneration package for families living in China.

How to choose an international school

Depending on your child’s age, there’s a range of options to choose from. International nursery schools, primary and secondary schools, and kindergartens are just a few. You can even opt for sister boarding schools to leading British independent schools. Most international schools have

small class sizes, first-rate facilities, and a plethora of extracurricular activities. If you’re applying for one (or a few!), be prepared for waiting lists. Since international schools are so popular, admissions are fiercely competitive.

Keep in mind that Chinese citizens are not allowed to be admitted to foreign-owned international schools. So, to be eligible, your child should possess a foreign passport. Failing that, you or your partner should have one. Do none of these options work for you? Fret not, public and Chinese-owned private schools may have set up an international stream alongside the Chinese curriculum.

Check out the following sections for non-exhaustive lists of top international schools in Beijing and Shanghai.

List of top international schools in Beijing

Beijing BISS International School

3e International School

Beijing International Bilingual Academy

Beijing City International School

Canadian International School of Beijing

Dulwich College Beijing

Yew Chung International School of Beijing

Harrow International School Beijing

House of Knowledge Beijing

International School of Beijing

Saint Paul American School

Western Academy of Beijing

The British School of Beijing

Hope International School

List of top international schools in Shanghai

Concordia International School Shanghai

Yew Chung International School of Shanghai

Shanghai Community International School

Dulwich College Shanghai

Shanghai Livingston American School

The British International School Shanghai, Pudong

The British International School Shanghai, Puxi

Shanghai American School

Britannica International School Shanghai

Wellington College International Shanghai

Protect your loved ones with family insurance today

International school curriculums are ambitious, and so are their tuition fees. Should accidents happen, make sure you won’t be making any out-of-pocket medical payments by securing family health insurance in China.

Living in Shanghai by yourself? Secure Shanghai health insurance so that you will always have access to the best treatments at top medical facilities in the city. Alternatively, protect yourself with China health insurance. Contact our team of insurance experts for a free plan comparison and impartial advice!