How many international secondary schools in Shanghai
Shanghai operates roughly 38 licensed international secondary schools for the 2025 to 2026 academic year, with a further 15 private Chinese schools running international high school divisions that take foreign passport holders. The cohort splits roughly into 22 IB Diploma schools, 14 schools offering A Levels or IGCSE plus A Level, and 12 schools offering the American high school diploma with Advanced Placement. The numbers overlap because several schools, including Dulwich and Wellington, run dual or triple pathways at sixth form.
The strongest IB performers in Shanghai, including SCIS Hongqiao, Yew Chung International School and Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, average Diploma scores between 35 and 38 points, well above the global average of 30.3. A Level results at Dulwich and Wellington are equally strong, with A* and A grade percentages routinely in the 70 to 85 percent range. AP scores at SAS and Concordia track to the upper end of the international school distribution.
For families targeting a continuous secondary pathway, the cluster is mature enough that you can find a strong school in each major curriculum within a sensible commute of any expat district. The exception is the French and German cohorts, which are concentrated in single schools per language and worth weighing carefully against the bigger English-medium options if your child plans to continue in the home country system.
Fees and the sixth form premium
Secondary tuition at international schools in Shanghai ranges from about $28,000 a year at value-tier providers to $48,000 a year at the most premium British and American flagships. Sixth form tuition at Dulwich, SAS, Wellington and Harrow sits at the top of the range, typically $44,000 to $48,000. The median Year 9 tuition in 2026 is approximately $37,500. Our Shanghai fees guide breaks down the year by year curve and the loading items that push sixth form to nearly $55,000 once exam, trip and capital levies are paid.
Sixth form is also the stage where curriculum choice has the biggest fee impact. IB Diploma students pay the published tuition plus exam registration of $800 to $1,200 in the final year. A Level students typically face higher per-subject exam charges of $200 to $300. AP students pay per-exam at roughly $130 each. None of these change the school choice on its own, but they should be modelled into the sixth form budget.
Shortlist three Shanghai secondary schools
Take our 5 minute school finder quiz. We shortlist three schools based on your child's year group, sixth form pathway preference, your budget and your home district.
Illustrative example schools
The five schools below are illustrative, not a ranking. Each has been operating in Shanghai for at least a decade with a strong sixth form record.
Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong in Jinqiao runs both A Levels and the IB Diploma at sixth form. The largest British sixth form in mainland China and a feeder pipeline into UK Russell Group universities.
Shanghai American School operates Puxi and Pudong campuses with the largest American high school cohort in the city, AP heavy, and a strong record into US Tier 1 universities.
Wellington College International Shanghai in Qiantan runs A Levels with a smaller IB option at sixth form. Strong music, drama and sport pathways.
Harrow International School Shanghai in Lujiazui runs A Levels with a single sex sixth form structure. Newer to the city than Dulwich and Wellington but cohorts are growing fast.
Where secondary families live
Secondary-age families in Shanghai split along the same district lines as primary families, with one nuance: bus commute tolerance is higher in the teenage years. Jinqiao and Lujiazui in Pudong for American and British families using Dulwich, SAS Pudong, Concordia and Harrow. Hongqiao for villa living and proximity to SCIS, YCIS Hongqiao, SAS Puxi and Western International School of Shanghai. The former French Concession for families wanting central living and walkable streets near Shanghai Singapore International School and the smaller Puxi British and IB options. Qiantan for the new generation of sixth formers at Wellington and Harrow.
For a clearer view of typical commute times by school and district, our cost calculator weights housing and transport against each major school's bus catchment.
Admissions and the Year 12 window
Shanghai's main secondary intake is August. Tier 1 schools open Year 7 and Year 12 admissions in October of the previous year, run assessments and family interviews from November to January, and close their main intake by February. Year 12 sixth form admissions are particularly tight at the top schools because internal progression from Year 11 fills most of the cohort.
Mid-year transfers into Years 7 to 10 are usually possible subject to space, with the most movement in January and after the spring break. Diploma Programme transfers after October of Year 12 are difficult because subject choices and internal assessments are already underway. For broader context on the Shanghai market, see our Shanghai international schools guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many international secondary schools are in Shanghai?
Roughly 38 licensed international secondary schools operate in Shanghai for the 2025 to 2026 academic year. Around 22 offer the IB Diploma at sixth form, 14 offer A Levels or IGCSE plus A Level, and 12 offer the American high school diploma with Advanced Placement, with overlap where schools run more than one pathway.
What sixth form options exist in Shanghai?
The four main sixth form pathways in Shanghai are the IB Diploma, English A Levels, the American high school diploma with AP, and a smaller cluster of schools offering the Chinese Gaokao alongside an international pathway. The IB Diploma is the most popular at premium schools.
How much does secondary school cost in Shanghai?
Secondary tuition at international schools in Shanghai ranges from about $28,000 a year at value-tier providers to $48,000 a year at the most premium British and American flagships. Sixth form tuition at Dulwich, SAS, Wellington and Harrow typically sits at the top of the range.
When do Shanghai secondary schools open admissions?
Most international secondary schools in Shanghai open Year 7 and Year 12 admissions in October of the previous year for the August intake. Tier 1 schools close their main intake by February. Diploma Programme transfers after October of Year 12 are difficult because subjects are already chosen.
Can foreign children attend a Chinese state secondary in Shanghai?
Foreign passport holders are restricted from attending Chinese state secondary schools at the upper secondary level. The compliant routes are licensed international schools, the international divisions of private Chinese schools, and the limited high school exchange programmes operated by specific institutions.
