INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS Puxi ~ Shanghai, China

Admissions Procedures

A visit to the school is an obvious starting point to the entry procedure, but we have listed those things which you may require to see, receive, or have explained to you when you visit. You should also read our Admissions Policy. Our admissions procedures may be described in three stages as set out below, though stages 1 and 2 may in practice be concurrent.

The Admissions Officer at the British International School in Puxi is Mrs Karen Jones, who is based at our Primary campus, which is situated within walking distance of several of the most popular expatriate residential communities in Shanghai. Karen will be your initial point of contact with the school and will be happy to guide you through the admissions process and offer her support right up to the moment when your children enter the school.

Stage 1 - Initial Visit

We recognise that your first visit to the British International School may well be just one step in your introduction to a new life in Shanghai. It is often the case that parents have only a few days to find a school for their children, to choose a home and to begin the induction process in an unfamiliar place of work. With this in mind, we aim to make the choice and the transition as smooth as possible.

It is helpful if your children are able to accompany you on your initial visit, but we recognise that this is not always possible. However, it is certainly the case that the more information we have, the easier it is for us to prepare for your children’s first day at school. For this reason, we request that you bring with you on your initial visit a copy of your children’s latest school reports, preferably translated into English where possible, and any other relevant details such as examination results.

You will be shown around the school and this tour should include:

• a general tour of the appropriate school campus
• a particular look at the area of the school most relevant to your children
• specialist facilities including music, drama, science, art, physical education, the libraries and the information technology suites

During your visit, we will explain to you:

• the formal admissions procedure
• the details of the British Education system
• all payments due, stating refund and notice requirements
• whether or not there is a waiting list at your child's level (we generally place children in the correct chronological year group according to the British system).

We will expect to answer your queries on these or other matters and clear guidance is given in the documentation. You will be introduced to the Principal, Mr Kevin Foyle or the appropriate Head of School. It may also be helpful for you to meet other senior or specialist teachers, though this may not always be possible on your initial visit. Mrs Jones will be able to guide you through the process and advise you on class placement and choice of academic subjects. However, it must be clearly understood that such advice does not constitute part of the formal offer. Only senior academic staff can confirm such details after receipt of the formal application and following initial assessments.

Stage 2 - Application

Should you decide to apply formally for admission to the British International School, Shanghai on behalf of your children, we will require:

• a completed Application Form
• copies of your children’s latest school reports
• 2 copies of a recent passport size photograph of each applicant
• a photocopy of the passport (particulars page) of your child
• the registration fee of 6,000 RMB and a returnable deposit of 10,000 RMB for each child.

We will provide you with a school brochure and should you wish, answer your more detailed questions on such matters as school uniform, transport, school routines, extra curricular activities and lunch arrangements.

If at this stage you have a need to discuss the particulars of your application further with the Principal or the appropriate Head of School, we will be pleased to make an appointment for you. We will acknowledge your application as soon as we receive it, and, if there is a waiting list, will then contact you when a place becomes available. If you would like more information during the waiting period please contact our Admissions Officer, Mrs Karen Jones.

Stage 3 – Admission to the school

A formal offer of a place will be made in writing for your child/children immediately should a place be available or alternatively when a place becomes available if there is a waiting list at your child's year level.

Please note that, upon entry, we assess all students in order to ascertain their level of English, to screen for learning problems, and to see their level of achievement relative to our current students. Although we are an inclusive school and do not impose rigorous academic entry criteria, the level of attainment at the British International School is high and we need to be sure that your child will cope and settle happily with us. We have support staff who offer additional help where there are gaps to fill or, for younger children where additional reading or maths support is required. It is important to note that we do not have a specialist unit to deal with more serious learning difficulties and if your child has such needs, this could result in the withdrawal of the offer of a place. We do offer EAL support, the details of which may be found in our EAL Policy. Such support may incur an additional fee.

Your acceptance of the offer should be made prior to your child starting school. The payment of the registration fee and the refundable deposit constitutes your acceptance of a place.

If you have any further queries or concerns that have not been adequately addressed, please do not hesitate to draw them to our attention.

We look forward to seeing you at the British International School, and to welcoming you and your family to our special community.