International Schools in Beijing

With such a large expat population, it's no wonder that there is an abundance of international schools to choose from in Beijing. Popular options include the curriculum of the UK (including the Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels), the curriculum of the US (including SATs and AP subjects), and the International Baccalaureate. For English-speaking expats, this is the ideal alternative to the Chinese public school system. There are also international schools teaching their home country's curricula in other languages, such as French and German.

Expat parents can expect a high quality of education from international schools in Beijing. Most schools have modern, purpose-built facilities, and teachers are usually well qualified with many years of experience. Another advantage of international schools is the opportunity they provide for children to continue with a familiar and easily transferable curriculum, which makes the process of moving to a new country much less stressful.

International schools usually have rolling admissions policies, so new students can join any time of the year. While there are many options to choose from, international schools in Beijing do fill up quickly, so it's usually well worth it to apply as far in advance as possible.

Below is a list of reputable international schools in Beijing.

International schools in Beijing

International School of Beijing

Established more than 40 years ago, the International School of Beijing (ISB) continues to leverage its experience and passion for educational innovation to drive academic success and personal development for its students. With a dual-language programme from Early Years to Grade 5, students at ISB get the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture while still preparing to graduate into a globalised world. ISB has also developed Strategic Focus Areas, which include a deep focus on quality programming, particularly in STEAM subjects. Additionally, the staff and faculty at ISB place importance on community and life-long peer relationships. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and American
Ages: 3 to 18

Western Academy of Beijing

The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) was founded in 1994 and has since modified its pedagogical approaches and modernised its facilities to become a top international school in Beijing. With 1,400 students of 58 nationalities, WAB prides itself on fostering a student-centred environment where its pupils can become lifelong learners. The school offers more than 400 extracurricular activities in its efforts to ensure holistic student development. WAB offers the IB and Swiss curricula, with opportunities to learn a wide range of languages, including French, Danish and Japanese. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and Swiss
Ages: 3 to 18

Beijing City International School

Beijing City International School is an International Baccalaureate World School that also offers its own fully accredited curriculum known as the IDEATE programme. The student body is made up of close to 1,000 pupils from 40 different countries around the world. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and IDEATE (own curriculum)
Ages: 2 to 18

British School of Beijing, Shunyi

British School of Beijing, Shunyi is a Nord Anglia school situated close to the Beijing Capital Airport. This modern school utilises technology as a teaching tool. Information Computer Technology (ICT) is taught as a subject from Grade 1, and every classroom is equipped with interactive whiteboards, projectors and smart TVs. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE), International Baccalaureate and German
Ages: 1.5 to 18

Canadian International School of Beijing

Founded in 2005, the Canadian International School of Beijing offers the full range of International Baccalaureate programmes as well as the curriculum of the Canadian province of New Brunswick. The school has fantastic facilities, including specialised areas and equipment for learning, play, sports and the arts. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Canadian (New Brunswick) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 1.5 to 18 

Dulwich College Beijing

With links to the original Dulwich College in London, Dulwich College Beijing offers a quintessentially British experience in the heart of China. Facilities are top-notch and include bright, airy and modern classrooms as well as other exciting resources, including several sports domes, theatres and tennis courts, as well as a radio studio and a FIFA two-star-rated football pitch. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2 to 18

Lycée Français International Charles de Gaulle de Pékin

The Lycée Français International Charles de Gaulle de Pékin has a number of language options. Students can opt to join the French (with English and Chinese taught as additional languages) section, the British section (bilingual French/English) or the Chinese section (bilingual French/Chinese). Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: French
Ages: 3 to 18

Yew Chung International School

Since its pioneering start as one of the first international schools in Beijing in 1995, Yew Chung International School of Beijing has been providing outstanding education to expat students for nearly 25 years. The school's bilingual English/Mandarin programme combines the best of Eastern and Western educational philosophies. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2 to 18