With such a large expat population, it’s no wonder that Beijing has abundant international schools to choose from. Popular options include the UK curriculum (including Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels), the US curriculum (including SATs and AP subjects), and the International Baccalaureate.

This is the ideal alternative to the Chinese public school system for English-speaking expats. 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 education from international schools in Beijing. Most schools have modern, purpose-built facilities, and teachers are usually qualified and experienced.

Another advantage of international schools is that they allow children to continue with a familiar and easily transferable curriculum, making moving to a new country much less stressful.

International schools typically 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 often well worth applying as far in advance as possible.

Below is a list of reputable international schools in Beijing.

International schools in Beijing

Schoolchildren at desks

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 comprises over 1,350 pupils from 30 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

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: 3 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 over 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

What do expats say about international schools in Beijing?

"With so many high-quality international schools available to families in Beijing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, it’s important to ask yourself some basic questions about what kind of learning environment you desire for your children. What kind of curriculum do you want your children to learn? How much Chinese language and culture exposure would you like your children to have? Do you want a suburban campus or downtown location? Do you prefer a small, close-knit school community or a larger community and campus feel? Giving specific answers to these questions should help you narrow your choices substantially. " 

American national Greg shares more in his expat interview about Beijing.

Further reading

►Education and Schools in China gives an overview of education options in the People's Republic

►Cost of Living in Beijing gives information on living expenses in the city

Are you an expat living in Beijing?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Beijing. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.