Applications Process

Stage 1 - Make an Enquiry

You can make an enquiry online today, and one of our Admissions Advisors will be in touch within 24 to 48 hours.

Stage 2 - Initial Visit

It is helpful if your child is able to accompany you on your initial visit, but we recognise that this is not always possible. However, it is certainly the case that the more information we have, the easier it is for us to prepare for your child’s first day at school. For this reason, we request that you bring with you a copy of your child’s latest school reports, preferably translated into English, and any other relevant details such as examination results.

During your visit, we will explain to you:

• the formal admissions procedure
• the details of our British Education
• all payments due, stating refund and notice requirements
• whether or not there is a waiting list at your child’s level (we generally place children in the correct chronological year group according to the British system).

We will provide you with a school brochure and should you wish, answer your more detailed questions on such matters as school uniform, transport, school routines, extracurricular activities and lunch arrangements.

You may also have the opportunity to meet with the Principal or the appropriate Head of School. It may also be helpful for you to meet other senior or specialist teachers, though this may not always be possible on your initial visit. The Admissions Advisor will be able to guide you through the process and advise you on class placement and choice of academic subjects. However, it must be clearly understood that such advice does not constitute part of the formal offer. Only senior academic staff can confirm such details after receipt of the formal application and following initial assessments.

Stage 3 - Application

Should you decide to apply formally for admission to The British International School Shanghai on behalf of your child, we will require:

• a completed Online Application Form
• a copy of your child’s passport and residence visa
• copies of your child’s latest school reports
• a copy of both parents’ passports and residence visa
• a copy of the working parent’s work permit
• child’s immunization records

educational psychologist report for any special learning needs (if applicable).
If at this stage you have a need to discuss the particulars of your application further with the Principal or the appropriate Head of School, we will be pleased to make an appointment for you. We will acknowledge your application as soon as we receive it, and, if there is a waiting list, will then contact you when a place becomes available. If you would like more information during the waiting period please contact our Admissions Advisor.

Stage 4 - Admissions to the School

Please note that we assess all students in order to ascertain their level of English and to see their level of achievement relative to our current students. The level of attainment at The British International School is high and we need to be sure that your child will cope and settle happily with us. We will also request references and reports from your child’s previous schoolWe have support staff who offer additional help where there are gaps to fill or, for younger children where additional reading or maths support is required. We do offer EAL support, the details of which may be found in our EAL Policy. Such support will incur an additional fee. A formal offer of a place will be made in writing for your child/children should a place be available or alternatively when a place becomes available if there is a waiting list at your child’s year level.

Application and Enrolment Fee 

We will require a non-refundable application fee of RMB 2,000 payable on submission of the application and a non-refundable enrolment fee of RMB 4,000 payable on acceptance of place in school. Your acceptance of the offer should be made prior to your child starting school. The payment of the application and enrolment fees constitutes your acceptance of a place.