Britannica International School is a British Curriculum / Cambridge IGCSE / Cambridge International AS Levels / Cambridge A Levels / Pearson Edexcel IGCSE school in Shanghai, China. Founded in 2013. Annual tuition ranges from $35,322 to $49,938 USD.
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Location & Getting There
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Past scholarship campaigns have included up to 100% tuition scholarships for some secondary entry years and a 50% tuition scholarship for certain Year 10 and Year 12 entrants (events recorded in 2019). There is no currently published standing scholarship programme; prospective families should contact the Admissions office directly for the latest information on any available scholarship days or fee assistance.
Key facts
About
Britannica International School, Shanghai is a British-curriculum all-through day school for students aged 18 months to 18 years, located at 1988 Gubei Road in the Gubei residential district of Puxi, Shanghai. Founded in 2013 and owned by Orbital Education, it offers the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to A-Levels (via Cambridge CAIE and Edexcel), with a current enrolment of over 400 students in classes capped at 22 pupils. The school is distinguished by its extensive Native Language Programme — offering Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish and Hebrew taught by specialist native-speaking teachers — and by its emphasis on personalised pastoral care.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
Smaller than most Shanghai international schools (400+ students, all classes under 22 pupils); British-owned and British-managed all-through school from 18 months to 18 years; extensive Native Language Programme delivered by specialist native-speaking teachers (Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew and others); personalised pastoral care with every teacher knowing every pupil; centrally located in Gubei (Puxi) with comprehensive door-to-door bus service.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Nursery | RMB 264,300 |
| Year 1-2 | RMB 310,400 |
| Year 3-4 | RMB 310,400 |
| Year 5-6 | RMB 319,200 |
| Year 7-9 | RMB 339,300 |
| Reception | RMB 281,900 |
| Year 10-11 | RMB 347,900 |
| Year 12-13 | RMB 356,700 |
| Pre-Nursery | RMB 252,300 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: RMB 252,300 - 356,700. Application fee: $350.
Admissions Process
- 1Contact Admissions to enquire, book a school tour or join an open day (virtual tour available for overseas families). 2) Submit the online application form and upload required documents: birth certificate, child and parent passports, residence/work permits, recent school report, immunisation record, medical insurance card and passport photo. 3) School arranges a formal assessment and meeting with the Principal or Head of Phase — format varies by age: informal observations for EYFS, NVR test for Years 1–9, NVR plus English and Maths for Years 10–11, prior IGCSE-equivalent results for Years 12–13. 4) If criteria are met, the Principal issues an offer; parents pay the non-refundable RMB 2,500 registration fee and RMB 20,000 enrolment deposit (credited against next term's tuition) to secure the place.
Admissions Details
If a year group is full, applicants who meet entry requirements are placed on the waiting list once the registration fee has been paid. Priority order is: siblings of current students, returning students, sister-school children, staff children, native first-language English speakers, then other applicants based on completion of the admissions process. Families may register up to a year in advance. Places are reallocated if fees are unpaid before term start.
School Day
School day runs 08:20–15:00, with After School Activities from 15:00–16:00. Buses begin arriving from around 08:00, registration is at 08:20, and formal lessons begin at 08:40, with a morning break and lunch during the day.
Student Life
Four Houses; all pupils are allocated to a House and compete in sporting, academic and entertainment activities. Three termly championships are held each school year with a Cup awarded to the winning House. House events use House T-shirts in the corresponding colour.
Uniform and PE kit are required for all students and are sold at the school's uniform shop. House T-shirts in the corresponding House colour are also available via the uniform shop for House events.
Lunch is provided in the dining hall at RMB 31–35 per meal (RMB 31 per meal, RMB 4 per snack); vegetarian and medical dietary provisions are accommodated. Lunch is mandatory and invoiced by the school caterer.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
The school runs recurring wellbeing initiatives including Global Wellbeing Week with mindfulness workshops, assemblies, self-care activities, physical exercise and reflective projects across all phases. Pastoral care is delivered through form teachers, year leads and designated pastoral leaders in both Primary and Secondary. The school aims to create an environment where children feel comfortable discussing worries and teachers actively monitor welfare.
The school publishes a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy naming Designated Safeguarding Lead Anthony O'Brien and Deputy DSL Katherine Mustoe. All staff must complete approved child protection training; the school requires DBS or equivalent police checks and mandates regular safeguarding induction and training. The policy follows UK safeguarding guidance, requires annual review, and sets out reporting procedures, record-keeping, and safer-recruitment checks.
Student Demographics
School Background
Owned and operated by Orbital Education; a School Board governs Britannica International School, Shanghai.