Ningbo British International School (NBIS) is a Cambridge (Primary) / Cambridge (Secondary) / Cambridge IGCSE / Cambridge International AS Levels / Cambridge A Levels school in Ningbo, China. Founded in 2005. Annual tuition ranges from $1,667 to $27,780 USD.
Location & Getting There
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Key Details
Key facts
About
Ningbo British International School (NBIS) is a co-educational international school in Ningbo, China, offering the full Cambridge International Curriculum from Early Years through Year 13 (A-Levels). Part of the Zhejiang Wanli Education Group — which also includes the University of Nottingham Ningbo China — the school features bilingual instruction in English and Mandarin, boarding for secondary students, and a dedicated Inclusion Team providing EAL and SEN support. With small class sizes, a strong Cambridge track record, and a dual-pathway Chinese Language programme, NBIS serves students aged 2–18 in the Ningbo National Hi-Tech Zone.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
NBIS offers a full Cambridge pathway from Early Years through A-Levels within a single campus. It is part of the Zhejiang Wanli Education Group, which includes the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, providing an integrated education ecosystem from kindergarten to university. The school features a strong Chinese Language and Culture Programme with two pathways (Mandarin as Native Language and Mandarin as a Foreign Language), bilingual support at all stages with international homeroom teachers paired with Chinese co-teachers, boarding for secondary students, and a dedicated Inclusion Team supporting EAL and SEN learners.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Early Years (annual approx.) | RMB 130,000 |
| Primary Years 1-6 (annual approx.) | RMB 160,000 |
| Secondary Years 7-13 (annual approx.) | RMB 190,000 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: RMB 12,000 - 200,000. Application fee: $694.
Admissions Process
- 1Visit NBIS by appointment — campus tours focused on the relevant age range. 2. Assessments — Pre-school/Reception: group-based interactive games; Primary: Cambridge assessment; Secondary: CAT4 assessments (verbal, quantitative, non-verbal, spatial). A School Report from the previous school is required for non-preschool entrants. 3. Interview — student interview with the Head of the relevant section; at least one parent or legal guardian must attend. 4. Enrolment Application — complete the Enrolment/Application Form, submit required documents, and register. Early application is advised as the school is popular and oversubscribed for some year groups.
Admissions Details
NBIS does not publish a formal waitlist or pool system. The school notes it is popular and oversubscribed for some classes and advises early application.
Boarding Life
Boarding is provided for students in Years 7–13. The service was introduced in September 2021. Details on room types, gender separation, or full/weekly/flexi options are not published in publicly available materials. Boarding staff are subject to safeguarding training requirements.
Boarding is available for students in Years 7–13. The service was introduced in September 2021 to support families in outlying districts and to assist older students with examination preparation. Full, weekly or flexi boarding options are not published. Boarding staff have safeguarding training requirements.
School Day
Exact start and end times are not published. The school day includes a lunch break, with morning and afternoon sessions under the Cambridge curriculum.
Student Life
All students are required to wear a uniform. Uniform items are ordered via the uniform company through Tao Bao. NBIS-logoed tops are required and items must come from the approved supplier. Some flexibility is permitted (e.g. a shirt may be worn instead of a polo on the first day). Additional items include hats and spare clothing; formal attire is requested for certain occasions.
Lunch is provided in a spacious dining room near the classrooms. The menu offers Western and Asian dishes with a wide selection of vegetables, meat and fruit. The school caters for dietary restrictions and food allergies.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
The Inclusion Team focuses on social, emotional and behavioural skills to support students' mental wellbeing, implemented through inclusive practices and whole-school initiatives.
Safeguarding practices include risk assessments for trips, safeguarding training for staff (including boarding staff), and safeguarding awareness integrated into recruitment and ongoing staff development.
Student Demographics
School Background
NBIS is part of the Zhejiang Wanli Education Group, a multi-institution education group that includes the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. The Wanli Education Group governs NBIS as a member school and provides education from kindergarten to university level.