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The Léman International School Chengdu campus is at No. 1080 Da'an Road, Zhengxing County, Tianfu New Area, Chengdu, Sichuan 610218. The 50-acre campus sits in the Tianfu New Area in the southern part of Chengdu, near modern housing and transport links. This location is designed to serve an international community with convenient access for commuting families.
The school serves students from Pre-Nursery to Year 13 (ages approximately 2–18). It is organized into Early Years, Primary, and Secondary sections, with Early Years serving the youngest learners and Secondary covering the upper grades.
Léman International School Chengdu is a private international school that operates as a co-educational day school. It serves expatriate families and follows international curricula including IB, with no public boarding provision listed.
The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and Learning Support/SEN services, including differentiated instruction and school-based learning supports. An Educational Psychologist's report detailing any special learning needs may be requested during admissions. The on-site inclusion lead and EAL department work with students to tailor learning plans.
No formal country affiliation is listed for LIS Chengdu. It is part of the Nord Anglia Education network of international schools.
The international school calendar runs from mid-August to late June. A typical school day includes morning classes, breaks, and a lunchtime period, with a focus on structured learning and activities; staff and student routines are described in the school's daily information and typical day plans.
Buses are provided for students, with over 20 school buses operating to major expatriate areas. Buses are equipped with seatbelts and a bus monitor, and there is no extra fee for taking the school bus. A bus service is available to support after-school clubs until 4:30 pm.
Uniforms are compulsory for all students and are designed to promote safety, identification, equality, and school pride. The uniform has summer, winter, and sport variants, and includes items such as blue polo shirts (summer), white shirts (secondary), navy shorts/pants/skorts, and a LIS hat; a PE kit and swimming gear are also required, with house PE shirts used for inter‑house events.
The on‑campus cafeteria provides a full lunch every day, prepared by Chartwells (Compass Group). Nursery through Reception have a set menu served at the table, while Year 1 to Year 13 can choose from menus at the service line, with Menu A or B options or a mixed plate; meals emphasize balanced nutrition with vegetables and fruit included. Chartwells emphasizes healthy cooking methods and avoids MSG, artificial flavours/colors, and peanut oil.
All students participate in the house system, which groups peers across year levels into four houses. Houses compete in sporting and academic events and each sponsor multiple charities throughout the school year, helping to build identity, teamwork, and community involvement.
Léman International School Chengdu is owned by Nord Anglia Education and is part of the Nord Anglia Education family of premium international schools.
Léman International School Chengdu follows a four-stage curriculum: Early Years Foundation Stage (ages 2–5); Primary (ages 5–11) combining the English National Curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC); Secondary (ages 11–16) based on the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP); and Sixth Form (ages 16–18) offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) alongside the Léman High School Diploma, with IB course certificates available. The Primary path uses the English National Curriculum with IPC, and the Secondary path transitions to the IB framework for Years 7–11 and then the IB Diploma Programme for Years 12–13. English is the main language of instruction; Mandarin is taught from Pre-Nursery through Year 13, French from Year 7, and Korean and German are available to native speakers. LIS Chengdu is accredited by CIS, NEASC, and COBIS and is a member of ACAMIS; as part of Nord Anglia Education, students access collaborations with Juilliard and MIT, plus Global Campus and university counselling support. In 2024–2025 LIS graduates achieved a 100% IB Diploma pass rate with an average score of 38, a perfect 45 was attained by one student, and 46% scored 40 or above.
Early Years teacher–student ratio is 1:8; overall classroom ratios by other stages are not published.
In 2024–2025 LIS graduates achieved a 100% IB Diploma pass rate with an average score of 38 points; one student achieved a perfect 45, and 46% scored 40 or higher.
A University Counsellor supports applications to top universities worldwide, including Oxbridge and leading art and design institutes.
Léman International School Chengdu supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through an Inclusion Team led by a Head of Inclusion who oversees EAL, SEN and pastoral provision across both Primary and Secondary. The Primary school has a specialist pastoral programme to support social and emotional development, while Secondary focuses on three facets: SEN, pastoral care, and English language support, coordinated by the Inclusion Team. The Head of Inclusion oversees the EAL programme and creates individualized support for students who need it, with a University Counsellor to guide university preparation and applications. Student voice is strengthened via a Student Council, and the House system builds belonging, teamwork and character. Mindfulness and wellbeing are encouraged through a range of after‑school clubs, including wellbeing activities.
Léman International School Chengdu maintains an Inclusion Team led by the Head of Inclusion to oversee SEN provision across the school, with the team experienced in catering to students with Special Educational Needs and in providing individualized support to families. The team develops specialist provisions to support students with SEN and coordinates services to meet diverse learning needs; secondary SEN is described as a focus alongside pastoral care and English language support. Learning Support Services are available to assist students with learning differences, offering standards-based learning and differentiated programming, including gifted programming where appropriate. The school emphasizes inclusive practice rather than presenting itself as a specialised SEN institution. In Secondary, SEN, pastoral support and English language support are described as three facets of inclusion, integrated to personalise learning for students.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided across Primary and Secondary, led by the Head of Inclusion who coordinates the EAL programme and creates individualized support for learners. EAL support includes in‑class and pull‑out sessions and is designed to help students develop English within the context of the curriculum; language development is monitored continuously. The EAL department supports a range of abilities in English and offers differentiated instruction to meet diverse needs; in Secondary, EAL is integrated with subject areas to support English language acquisition across science, humanities, and language arts. The school's additive bilingual approach aims to help students gain English proficiency while maintaining their other languages. A University Counsellor also supports students' academic and language preparation for higher education.
Mental wellbeing is supported through a formal pastoral programme in Primary designed to bolster social and emotional growth, and through a broader Inclusion framework in Secondary that includes pastoral care and language support. The Head of Inclusion oversees EAL and SEN, complementing pastoral provision to support students' wellbeing; the inclusion team emphasises a holistic approach to student development. A dedicated University Counsellor guides students in wellbeing and university preparation, alongside ongoing pastoral support. Mindfulness and wellbeing are reinforced in the student experience through Wellbeing‑related clubs and activities within the after‑school programme. The school also maintains a Health and Safety framework with a full‑time School Nurse and welfare procedures to help safeguard and promote student wellbeing.
LIS Chengdu has a safeguarding policy for visitors and a formal safeguarding framework focused on protecting children's welfare. A Health and Safety Committee oversees health, safety, safeguarding policies and procedures, with a full‑time nurse on campus and 24‑hour security to monitor safety on site. Staff undergo background checks and are required to provide references; staff training includes child protection elements recognized by external safeguarding bodies, to help staff monitor and respond to safeguarding concerns. The school provides access to the LIS Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and maintains procedures that uphold the principle that The Child's Welfare is paramount. The safeguarding policies and visitor guidance are publicly accessible as part of LIS's safeguarding resources.
1. Make online enquiry. Begin the application by submitting an online enquiry form. After submission, the admissions team will contact you to acknowledge receipt and answer initial questions about the school and the admissions process. You can request a campus tour or a virtual discovery meeting to learn more about the curriculum, facilities, and staff. You should start reviewing the entry requirements and preparing any documents you'll later need to provide.
2. Receive a reply from Léman. After you've submitted your online enquiry, you'll be contacted by the admissions office to discuss next steps and clarify any questions. This initial contact helps align expectations and can outline available visit options or next steps in the process. You may use this opportunity to confirm questions about timelines, documents, and program specifics.
3. Book a visit to campus or a virtual discovery meeting. Schedule a visit to the campus to explore facilities, learn about the curriculum, and meet with teachers or staff. If travel restrictions apply, you can opt for a virtual discovery meeting instead. The on-site or virtual session provides a chance to see classrooms, resources, and the school environment first-hand.
4. Make a formal admissions application. If you decide to apply formally for admission to Léman, fill out the online application form and submit supporting documents. The school notes a rolling admissions process, with applications accepted throughout the year as long as there are places available. You'll need to meet entry requirements and provide documents such as your child's passport, immunisation records, two years of school reports, parent questionnaire, language profile (Year 3-13), and teacher recommendations (Year 1-13).
There is no published information about internal, school-run scholarships at LIS Chengdu.
LIS Chengdu uses rolling admissions and accepts applications year-round, provided there are places available in the relevant year group. There is no published reference to a formal waitlist or pool system in the admissions materials.
CDIS is located at 60 Shuinianhe Nanlu, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China. The campus sits in central Chengdu and is described as being in the heart of the city. The current campus on Shuinianhe Nanlu was established in 2018 after earlier relocations.
Pre-K through 12. Early Childhood (KG1–KG2), Elementary (Grades 1–5), and Secondary (Grades 6–12).
Co-educational day school.
CDIS provides on-site counseling, a health office, and dedicated support specialists. It is Cognia-accredited and a SENIA member school, indicating a formal commitment to inclusive education and support for students with special needs.
No formal country affiliation is stated. The school offers an American curriculum and is Cognia-accredited.
No religious affiliation is publicly stated.
School days run 8:00–16:30 Monday–Thursday and 8:00–15:30 on Fridays when in session; during holidays, hours may differ (9:00–16:00).
Bus service details are not published on the school's official materials; families should contact the school for transport options.
Cafeteria offers both international and Chinese menus prepared by professional chefs; lunch costs 35 RMB per day and is not included in tuition.
LifePlus International School; Cognia-accredited; SENIA member.
Chengdu International School provides Pre-K through 12 education in English, follows an American AP curriculum, and is Cognia-accredited, with an average class size around 20. Early Childhood (ages 3–6) includes Foundations, Junior-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten with developmentally appropriate literacy, numeracy, creativity, and social and physical development; classes are small and include a lead teacher and a co-teacher, with Kindergarten students also receiving daily Mandarin lessons. Elementary (grades 1–5) emphasizes a student-centered, project-based approach across language arts, social studies, science, and math, and includes a character education program. Secondary (high school) offers an extensive AP program with 14 AP courses (Biology, Calculus AB/BC, Chemistry, Chinese Language and Culture, English Language and Composition, English Literature, Physics, Psychology, Seminar, Studio Art: Drawing, Research, World History) plus AP Capstone, and PSAT/NMSQT in grades 10–11 with SAT/ACT guidance. Yearly program documentation, including the 2025–2026 Secondary Handbook and the 2024–2025 High School Profile, accompanies Cognia accreditation and SENIA membership.
Chengdu International School provides an in-house counseling team and a safety-conscious environment that supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). School counselors offer one-on-one meetings with students and classroom-based teaching about social and emotional issues; they also develop behavior plans in partnership with teachers and meet with parents as needed. The community is described as safe and caring, with an on-site health office to support student wellbeing. Counseling at the school focuses on helping students grow in confidence, social skills, and behavior development. This wellbeing framework is highlighted on the Safety + Well-being page.
Chengdu International School is a member of SENIA (Special Education Needs in International Education Association), indicating a commitment to inclusive education through collaboration with families, professionals and the community. The school is Cognia-accredited, reflecting participation in an international accreditation framework. SENIA membership signals a focus on inclusion and collaboration with external professionals.
Chengdu International School provides Pre K-12 education in English. The school positions itself as an English-medium international school delivering an American curriculum. Public information does not describe any dedicated EAL programs or staffing; no explicit EAL provision is listed in the public materials. EAL-specific policies or supports are not disclosed in the publicly accessible information. The absence of stated EAL provisions should not be interpreted as a lack of support, but no explicit EAL program is publicly disclosed.
The school offers on-site counseling and classroom-based social and emotional learning, with counselors assisting students to build confidence, social skills and positive behavior. Counselors provide individual sessions and collaborate with teachers to implement behavior plans, with opportunities to involve parents. The Health Clinic provides daily nursing support for students and staff on the main building's ground floor. Mental wellbeing is integrated into the overall safety and wellbeing framework, including regular student support through counseling and SEL instruction. These provisions are described in the Safety + Well-being content.
Chengdu International School has a Director of Child Safety, plus two staff members at each school designated as Child Safety Specialists who raise awareness and respond to concerns. There are Child Safety Policies and Codes of Conduct, with multiple language versions and a dedicated policy and procedures document. A confidential form is available for raising child safety concerns, and information submitted through it is kept confidential. The school emphasizes training in Child Safety for staff, volunteers and students, and maintains an environment where students can get help if they experience harm. The school is Cognia-accredited and SENIA member, reflecting ongoing safeguarding and inclusion commitments.
1. Submission. CDIS operates a rolling admissions policy and accepts applications for new students throughout the year. To begin, you must complete the application form. After submission, the Admissions team reviews the form and routes it to the appropriate staff for next steps. This first step sets the process in motion and signals the start of the enrollment cycle.
2. Paperwork. The Admissions office will contact you and may ask you to complete an online enrollment. You will be asked to provide supporting documents including your passport and visa/residence permit, your child's immunization record, an administrator and/or teacher recommendation (not ECC), and up to two years' previous school records or transcripts (not ECC). These documents help verify eligibility and placement.
3. Assessment. The school will invite you to the campus for an interview, and may require an assessment test in English and/or mathematics to support the application. Testing arrangements are coordinated with the Admissions team as needed. The assessment provides the school with a sense of the student's current level and potential fit.
4. Decision. After completing the application steps, you will be notified within one week about the decision to accept, decline, or place your child in a waiting pool. If accepted, you will be asked to complete a Student Medical Report and to prepare for starting classes. Age cutoffs are: Foundation must turn 3 by September 30, JK must turn 4, KG must turn 5, and Grade 1 must turn 6 by September 30 of the enrollment year. The school does not discriminate in admissions on gender, religion, race or ethnicity. New student admissions and enrollment processing fees are due at enrollment (20,000 RMB for new students; 10,000 RMB for returning students). Lunch is not included in tuition and costs 35 RMB per day if availed.
Scholarships. There is no scholarship program described in the admissions or fees pages for Chengdu International School.
Waitlist / Pool. CDIS uses a waiting pool when spaces are not immediately available for admitted applicants. If there is no space after the admission process, a student may be placed in the waiting pool. The waiting pool is dissolved at the end of the school year, and parents must re-apply to be considered for enrollment in the following school year. Families are encouraged to pursue other educational options while their child remains in the waiting pool.
SPGS International School Chengdu is located in Chengdu's High-Tech District (Gaoxin), on Shengxing Street 6, on the banks of Jincheng Lake. It is a purpose-built campus with dedicated spaces for both the Junior School and the Senior School.
Junior School for ages 3–10; Senior School for ages 11–18.
Co-educational; day school (no boarding).
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support; Chinese as an Additional Language (CAL) support; Learning Support Policy in place.
Affiliated with St Paul's Girls' School (London) as the overseas SPGS International school.
No formal religious affiliation; the SPGS network is non-denominational.
School day runs 8:30am–3:45pm; after-school activities run 4:00pm–5:00pm.
Bus service is available; routes are arranged by the Admissions team; contact admissions for details.
SPGS International School Chengdu is a day school and does not offer boarding. There are no on-site boarding facilities. The school runs an extensive programme of after-school clubs to extend the day. A bus service is available with routes arranged through the Admissions team.
Uniform is required every day. The uniform includes both formal and daily wear options.
An on-site canteen operates at SPGS International School Chengdu. Meals are provided through a contracted food service as part of the school's integrated facilities management. The canteen is part of the on-site facilities provided for students.
SPGS London has governance involvement in SPGS International School Chengdu, with oversight through an International Committee of Governors and a joint Advisory Board.
SPGS International School Chengdu is the first overseas school of St Paul's Girls' School in London, delivering a British-style education in Chengdu. In Junior School, for ages 3–10, the English National Curriculum is delivered with SPGS International's programme and Chinese language and culture. The Senior School, for ages 11–18, follows Key Stage 3, IGCSE, and A Level, with all teaching in English and an emphasis on inquiry and wider intellectual exploration. IGCSE offerings include core subjects with a range of options; A Levels cover Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, English Literature, History, Geography, Psychology, Economics, Art, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Chinese, and other languages. The SPGS Programme for the Senior School encompasses leadership development, entrepreneurship projects, and community service, with an enrichment timetable and a focus on academic English and essay writing; Sixth Form provides two-year A Level study with tailored guidance and enrichment activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Extended Project Qualification to prepare for top universities.
Pastoral care and student wellbeing are central to SPGS International School Chengdu's approach to social and emotional learning. The environment is described as welcoming and family-like, with a maximum capacity of around 600 international students and an emphasis on mutual care. Wellbeing, a supportive environment, and positive mental health are core elements of the education offered. In the Junior School, the class teacher is the focal point for each child's wellbeing and pastoral care. The leadership describes pastoral care as outstanding and a defining strength of the school.
The school references a Learning Support Policy and uses an Individual Education Plan (IEP) approach to support students requiring learning assistance. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided to students who need help with English proficiency. EAL support is delivered through a combination of in-class ongoing support and additional small-group sessions. Chinese as an Additional Language (CAL) is offered with in-class tutoring and extra individual lessons for students with zero or weak Chinese. The information available does not indicate a dedicated SEN unit; SEN support is described within the broader school framework.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support will be provided to students who need support in English proficiency, delivered through a combination of in-class ongoing support and additional small group sessions. CAL (Chinese as an Additional Language) provides in-class tutoring and additional individual lessons for students with zero or weak Chinese language skills. The main language of instruction is English, with language acquisition supported through a co-teaching approach that integrates English and Mandarin. Further information on language support is available in the admissions materials.
Mental wellbeing is a central element of SPGS International's pastoral care approach. The school emphasises a supportive environment and positive mental health as core components of education. In the Junior School, the class teacher acts as the focal point for pupil wellbeing and pastoral care. The pastoral framework is described as outstanding by school leadership. The wellbeing focus is integrated into the overall education and community life of the school.
SPGS International School Chengdu has a Safeguarding (Child Protection) Policy and is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. There is a designated Safeguarding Lead, and all staff receive a comprehensive programme of training and guidance on safeguarding, pastoral, and wellbeing issues. The approach includes the principle of ‘SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING' to encourage reporting of concerns. Policies are accessible to staff and families as part of the school's safeguarding framework.
1. Admissions Process
SPGS International School Chengdu accepts applications on a rolling basis, subject to space availability. Start by completing the online application form and submitting the required supporting documents; the admissions team reviews submissions and responds to enquiries within two working days. The process begins with the applicant submitting a non-refundable application fee of RMB 2,000. Supporting documents typically include copies of both parents' passports, the child's passport, any Residence Permits for foreign residents in China (if applicable), the child's birth certificate, previous school records, immunization information, and any education or psychology reports if relevant. After submission, the Admissions team will guide you through the next steps and confirm when an assessment can be scheduled.
2. Assessments
Following the initial submission and document review, an assessment is arranged either in person at SPGS International or online. Both the child and parents participate in the assessment process, which helps the school understand how well the applicant fits the learning community and programme. The admissions team coordinates the assessment and will provide details on scheduling and format.
3. Admissions Review and Decision
The Admissions Committee reviews the application and assessment results and aims to issue a decision within five working days. The decision is communicated to families by letter, outlining whether the application is accepted, placed on a waiting list, or declined. If declined, families may choose to reapply after a 12-month interval.
4. Offer, Enrollment and Waitlist
If an applicant is successful, the family must confirm acceptance within 10 working days. To secure a place, an enrollment fee of RMB 20,000 is required, and this amount is deductible from the first tuition payment. If more qualified applicants exist than spaces, a waiting list letter is issued and families are contacted when a space becomes available. The school does not publish fixed tuition figures on public pages; fees and financial arrangements are discussed during the enrollment stage. If you are not offered a place, you may reapply after 12 months.
2. Waitlist/Pool
SPGS International School Chengdu uses a waiting list when applicant demand exceeds available spaces. If there are more qualified applicants than spaces, a waiting list letter is issued. Families on the waiting list are contacted as soon as a space becomes available. The waiting list operates as part of the admissions outcome described after the assessment and review steps, and placement on the list does not guarantee a future offer. If a family chooses to remain on the waiting list, they should expect ongoing communication from the Admissions team as vacancies arise.
3. Scholarships
SPGS International School Chengdu offers scholarships that can provide up to 100% fee remission. These scholarships are designed to recognise exceptional academic ability and align with the school's partnership with St Paul's Girls' School in London. The Rosalind Franklin Academic Scholarships are one example of the merit-based awards available. Scholarships are awarded based on criteria set by the school, and they are described as part of the admissions and scholarships framework. Applications for scholarships accompany the admissions process, and successful scholarship recipients may be eligible for substantial fee reductions depending on the awarding criteria.
SPGS International School Chengdu offers scholarships that can provide up to 100% fee remission. These scholarships recognise exceptional academic ability and are linked to the school's collaboration with St Paul's Girls' School in London. The Rosalind Franklin Academic Scholarships are an example of the merit-based awards offered. Scholarships are awarded by the school and may be available alongside the standard admissions process.
SPGS International School Chengdu uses a waiting list when applicant demand exceeds available spaces. If there are more qualified applicants than spaces, a waiting list letter is issued and families are contacted when a space becomes available. The waiting list is managed in conjunction with the standard admissions decision timeline and is designed to provide opportunities for families as vacancies arise.
