In 2021 China's Ministry of Education tightened regulation of private bilingual schools admitting Chinese nationals. Foreign curricula in compulsory education (ages 6 to 15) for Chinese nationals were restricted. Schools admitting only foreign-passport-holders were unaffected.
The 2021 changes
In 2021 China's Ministry of Education tightened regulation of private bilingual schools admitting Chinese nationals. Foreign curricula in compulsory education (ages 6 to 15) for Chinese nationals were restricted. Schools admitting only foreign-passport-holders were unaffected.
What 2026 looks like
The foreign-passport-only international schools (SAS Shanghai, BISS, Concordia, BISS Beijing, Dulwich Beijing, Harrow Beijing) operate under the same conditions as before. Bilingual schools serving Chinese nationals (such as Yew Chung in some segments, ISS schools in some segments) operate under Chinese-curriculum-led models with additional English provision.
For relocating foreign families
The choice is straightforward: foreign-passport-only schools deliver the international curriculum your children are likely already on. Bilingual schools serving Chinese nationals deliver a different proposition that suits families committed to long-term China integration.
Documentation
Visa eligibility for the chosen school must be verified before committing. Some schools require additional residence documentation from foreign families.
Related
See moving to China with children and China expat enrolment trends 2026.