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In today’s interconnected world, English is more than a subject on the timetable. It is a global tool for communication, access and opportunity. The ability to use English fluently touches every part of a young person’s life: academic success, social confidence and future career prospects. Organisations such as the British Council have documented how English can drive economic and educational opportunity across countries, making language learning a strategic investment for families and schools alike.

Knowledge applied is the process of gaining both the necessary knowledge and hands-on experience to excel in the shortest possible time. My thirst for knowledge has driven me to travel the world, seeking new ideas and different perspectives. I've never been intimidated by those who are better than me — I see them as an opportunity to learn and push myself to the next level.

The Juilliard–Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme is celebrating its 10th anniversary as of today, marking a decade of transforming education through the performing arts. Launched in 2015 through a pioneering collaboration between Nord Anglia Education and The Juilliard School, the programme has become a key part of Nord Anglia’s educational approach, enriching school cultures, transforming classrooms, and inspiring a new generation of confident, creative global citizens.

There is no destination – it’s all about YOUR journey. This has been my mantra for as long as I can remember. So many people equate my success, or my “destination,” to the Gold medal—a marker to show the world my success. However, Gold medals are elusive. They can prey on your mind; you can try too hard and get injured.

We are delighted to announce that Mr. Andrew Lancaster, Principal of BISS Puxi, has been awarded the prestigious Gold Magnolia Award as part of the Shanghai Magnolia Awards conferred by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. This recognition celebrates his sustained contributions to international education, community engagement, and cross-cultural exchange in Shanghai.

The rules are the rules—except when, as is often the case, they are open to interpretation. Rules play a crucial role in sport, and referees, umpires, or adjudicators are frequently cast as the villains as they make split-second decisions that can change the course of an athlete's performance.

Humour is an essential element of elite performance. It provides a natural release from the pressures of a demanding schedule and plays a crucial role in navigating the ups and downs of the competitive world of athletics, business, or even school.

Elite performers transform strategy into execution to achieve their desired outcomes. In this blog, I’ll share personal insights about my journey toward earning that Great Britain jersey and my dreams of gold.

Having the Shanghai Dutch School within BISS is a unique part of our international community. But what is learning like there? We ask the Head of Dutch School, Marloes Manni, five questions to understand how different the classes are from the rest of the school.

The moment I felt my hamstring pull, I knew I had pushed myself too far. The Sydney Olympics represented years of preparation and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to achieve my goals. In just one training session, my dreams were shattered. Little did I know, this marked the beginning of my long journey back to fitness, ultimately leading to my Olympic gold four years later in Athens.

Catch up with the latest news from our BISS Lions sports teams!

As an elite athlete, I was meticulous about nutrition, recovery, and maintaining the right balance to achieve peak energy levels during competitions. I discovered that my energy was influenced not only by my diet but also by the people I surrounded myself with. Positive energy from like-minded individuals amplified our collective drive.

There’s no crystal ball for decision-making. At various points in life—whether you’re a student choosing courses, a professional considering a career move, or facing a personal crossroads—difficult choices arise. This was my reality as I approached the end of my athletic career, forcing me to confront the inevitable.

The British International School Shanghai, Puxi is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its 2025 IGCSE cohort. This year’s students have once again demonstrated exceptional academic performance, achieving results that significantly exceed UK national averages.

Over 20 years of competing against the best in athletics, I was always striving to improve. In just over 10 seconds, I needed to explode into action, be aggressive yet in control, and push myself to my limits while remaining completely relaxed. There’s no time to think; everything must happen at a subconscious level, executed with supreme control and confidence. So, how do we express and build true confidence?

As a junior athlete beginning my journey in athletics, I was part of a group of young British athletes with the potential to transition from under-20 junior ranks to senior competition. As a young sprinter, I faced a particularly challenging progression through age groups. The U23 category was in its infancy, lacking established competition. Many athletes, including myself, attempted to leap directly from junior to senior categories.

The British International School Shanghai, Puxi (BISS Puxi) has been awarded the Nord Anglia Education Social Impact Bronze Certificate, a significant accolade that recognises the school’s deep commitment to embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into its core ethos and daily practice.

We're very proud to announce that BISS has successfully renewed its accreditation with the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). On top of this, BISS has been awarded 'Beacon Status'.

As a professional athlete, I was fortunate to have access to exceptional coaches who mentored and challenged me to reach my full potential. The gold medal we won at the 2004 Olympics is a testament to the collective effort of many individuals who supported me through difficult times and encouraged me to push my limits.

The British International School Shanghai, Puxi (BISS), is proud to continue investing in world-class facilities that support students’ physical development, creativity and overall wellbeing. The school is delighted to announce some major upgrades to its campus that will significantly enhance both sporting and performing arts provision across Primary and Secondary.