The British International School Shanghai, Puxi, is dedicated to shaping a generation of successful, creative, and resilient global citizens — a generation that will change our world for the better. We go beyond traditional education, motivating our students to achieve the best academic results and to attend the top universities in the world.
At BISS Puxi, we take pride in being part of a vibrant global community. With over 50 nationalities represented within our school, we create connections between students around the world through the Nord Anglia Education international family of schools. We have over 20 years of experience supporting our students on their academic journey, ensuring they achieve outstanding academic results, and go on to attend some of the world’s top universities.
| Number of students |
1200 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
50 |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
English as an Additional Language |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Korean, Chinese |
| Max. number of students per class |
21 |
| Average number of students per class |
15 |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
All classrooms are networked and there is access to specialist rooms throughout the school including ten PC labs and four Apple Mac suites which are ideal for creative music and media lessons. Wireless access allows students to access the internet for research wherever they are. Classrooms are fitted with smartboard technology and students are encouraged to utilise presentation software and internet evidence when delivering their work to the class. Teachers and students use a Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle) to share work assignments and resources outside the classroom. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma, IGCSE |
| Results in these examinations |
Class of 2024: 52% of all IGCSE grades at A/A* or equivalent
|
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Depends on the subject and grade level. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Special Educational Needs Department.
|
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes there is an assessment process |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
The process differs depending on the age of your child – from in-class observations in Early Learning through testing English and Maths levels in Secondary. You might also have an interview with the Head of Primary or Secondary (which can be done via video if you are not in Shanghai at the time). |
| Waiting list |
Possibly, it depends on the year group you’re applying for. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
No deadline |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, we accept students all year around |
| School start time |
8:25 |
| School finish time |
15:35 |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
For Primary children BISS offers around 60 different ECAs across the age ranges. They cover a range of subjects from super science to photography, from construction club to chess club. BISS always caters for a range of ECAs, covering sports, creativity, literacy, ICT, debating, eco-activities, science, drama and many more. Secondary students also have access to a huge range. BISS now offers 80 different ECAs with around 450 students joining in with an ECA each week. There are lots of opportunities, including (to give a flavour of the range on offer) many sports, photography, painting on canvas, acting for film, the Christmas pantomime, academic support and revision sessions, language programmes, gardening, newspaper editing, maths and science clubs. |
| Sports activities included |
Physical education |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Facilities at the school |
State of the art pure air filtration across the school, brand-new IB Academy, two outstanding STEAM centres, cinema and film studio facilities, music technology centre, two indoor swimming pools, full sports facilities and gym. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
BISS has extensive facilities on campus; two gymnasiums, a 25 metre swimming pool, a 20 metre training pool, a dance studio, a fitness suite, outdoor basketball courts, five hard tennis courts, athletics facilities, an 11 a-side all-weather football field and the first all-weather rugby field in China. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Established in 2004, BISS Puxi has an excellent reputation for creating successful students, both academically and socially. Our innovative teaching style and outstanding facilities make us one of the elite international schools in China with students who flourish inside and outside the classroom. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
At BISS Puxi, we’re dedicated to shaping a generation of successful, creative, and resilient global citizens – a generation that will change our world for the better. We go beyond traditional education, motivating our students to achieve the best academic results and to attend the top universities in the world. |
EARLY YEARS: ages 2-5
Our Early Years curriculum for Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception at BISS Puxi offers a child-centered, holistic approach to learning and follows the English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework.
PRIMARY: ages 5-11
Our Primary curriculum follows the framework of the National Curriculum for England, adapted to meet the needs of the international community through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).
LOWER SECONDARY: ages 11-14
Students are beginning to form opinions on future courses of study and choose their favourite courses, ready to study for IGCSE exams.
UPPER SECONDARY
IGCSE: ages 14-16
In many countries, it’s the last two years of compulsory school and a defining moment as, with our guidance, your child makes the academic choices that will give them access to top universities and other future goals. We prepare students for International General Certificate of Secondary Education exams, the international version of the GCSE courses taken by students in England.
IBDP: ages 16-18
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is widely regarded as the best pre-university course offered anywhere in the world. For those seeking a place at one of the world’s top universities, our IB Diploma Programme is one of the finest in China.
Purpose-built learning spaces, packed with cutting-edge equipment and technology bring your child’s learning to life, particularly in the STEAM subjects. World-class sports and creative facilities create the ideal surroundings for your child to discover and nourish their interests and talents.