FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

• How old is the school?

  The British School of Beijing’s Shunyi campus opened in 2009, becoming the BSB family’s second setting, following the opening of BSB Sanlitun in 2003.

  BSB Shunyi is a member of the Nord Anglia Education group of premium international schools. We’re proud to be part of one of the oldest British heritage school systems and a well-established global family of more than 80 international schools worldwide. Nord Anglia schools educate more than 70,000 students across 30 countries – including learners in North America, Europe, the Middle East, China, and Southeast Asia.

• What is the quality of the school's staff?

  At BSB Shunyi, we only recruit the most highly qualified, motivated staff, who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our classrooms. They’re also committed to ensuring our students become skilled and creative thinkers. Most of our teachers are from the UK, with a few subject specialists – such as our Primary German language educators – from other countries. We also have a strong Chinese team that teaches Mandarin.

• What curriculum do you teach?

  Our broad and balanced curriculum develops our students’ skills and knowledge across 10 subject areas in Primary School (Years 1–6, International and Deutsche Grundschule Peking streams), with a focus on personalised learning. In Secondary School, we offer a range of courses at Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8, and 9), Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), and the IB Diploma (Years 12–13). These are complemented by offerings that span STEAM, music, the arts, and sports.

• How does the school ensure the personal development of each student?

  Upon entry, we use information from a student’s previous school (and their prior attainment) to set minimum and aspirational targets for all subjects.

  Students and teachers regularly review these targets, and we keep parents updated on their child’s progress. If a student is exceeding their goals, we may well set a new aspirational target that celebrates their excellent progress. If a student is falling short, experienced staff will work with the student, teacher, and parent to identify any changes needed to further their progress.

  Each student’s personalised targets are flexible as part of our high quality learning philosophy at BSB Shunyi.

• What nationalities can apply to BSB Shunyi?

  BSB Shunyi is licensed as an expat school under the Ministry of Education and can only accept qualified students who hold a foreign passport with the appropriate visa.

  In accordance with the requirements implemented by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission (BMEC) for applicants from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, a student must be a foreign passport holder (including passports of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan). Students from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan must also hold a valid travel permit (回乡证, 台胞证).

  If your family holds Permanent Residence (PR) of another country, or your child holds a foreign passport and travel document, please submit your documentation to our Admissions team for consultation.

  Please note that original documents need to be provided during the BSB Shunyi admissions process.

• What entrance assessment do students need to take for admission?

  Our entrance assessments will ensure your child joins the right classes and ability groups from day one. The assessments act as simple and quick checks, which enable us to meet a student’s individual needs. Our assessments also help us to spot talents and strengths, as well as to identify key developmental areas that we need to give special attention to, once the student joins us. We also assess the English language ability of non-native speakers to ensure they can access our curriculum with support from our English as an Additional Language team.

• My child comes from a different education system. How will the school ensure they settle in smoothly?

  Our transition policy ensures students and their families make a smooth start to life at BSB Shunyi.

  Prior to your arrival, we’ll send you lots of information about your child’s class and the school environment, and make sure everyone is ready to get off to a great start. Your child will be placed in the ability group and class that gives them the right level of support and challenge. To help your child feel secure, we’ll assign a ‘buddy’ to look out for them during their first few days.

  Our Parents' Association (PA) also has a welcome team, who will make sure your family feels settled. They also regularly organise events that bring our community together. We share these events through the PA Blog and a regular newsletter.

• Why should I choose BSB Shunyi over other international schools?

  With our small class sizes, BSB Shunyi provides a more intimate school experience – students, teachers, and staff know each other very well. Students are encouraged to take part in all school events, which creates a lasting sense of belonging. We put a lot of effort into fostering good behaviour and social graces at BSB Shunyi. Should problems arise, we act swiftly and discretely.

  Across the school, academically gifted students are challenged in differentiated groups (called ‘sets’). We also offer a fast-track Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) programme for advanced learners.

  We offer over 300 after-school activities and lunch clubs each year, too. These develop well-rounded students and active characters. Our clubs range from academics and languages to robotics, martial arts, cooking, sports, music, and more.