Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong

Located in the Jinqiao area of Pudong, the main Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong campus is at 266 Lan An Road (DUCKS Early Years is nearby at 425 Lan An Road); the site gives GPS coordinates and a phone contact. The campus is within the international Jinqiao neighbourhood and is about a 15-minute walk from Lantian Road (Line 9) metro station; the school's driving directions and local transport notes are on the contact and visitor pages.

The College educates children from Toddler through Year 13 (roughly ages 2–18) and is organised as DUCKS (Early Years and Years 1–2), Junior School (Years 3–6) and Senior School (Years 7–13). Admissions and assessment procedures are published by year group on the school's admissions pages.

Dulwich Pudong is a co-educational day school for international (foreign‑passport) families; instruction is in English with Mandarin taught from the early years. The College runs a short-term residential programme (Ignite: Switzerland) for a specific year group, but the main campus operates as a day school.

The school runs a Learning Support and English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) provision and says it admits only students whose needs it can meet; assessments and review of previous reports form part of the admissions process. DUCKS and Senior School pages note in-class and small-group support options and named Learning Support staff.

The school is part of the Dulwich College International family and was founded in partnership with Dulwich College (London); its governance and affiliations reflect that British heritage rather than formal national government control.

The College is non-denominational; it does not have a religious affiliation.

Typical published hours are: DUCKS 08:00–15:00; Junior School 08:00–15:30; Senior School 08:15–15:30. The admissions FAQ links to the full daily routines and the school calendar for term dates and more detailed timetables.

The school operates a paid bus service for families; route maps and stop information are published to parents (routes are shown via the school's parent/app links). The FAQ directs parents to view Main Campus and DUCKS route listings and the Admissions team handles route enrolment and practical details.

All students wear a uniform. Summer uniform is worn from April to November and Winter uniform from November to April. In Reception and above, students are assigned to a House, with Curie red, Maathai purple, Shackleton green, and Wing blue. In IB years (Year 12–13), students may select their own clothing within the uniform guidelines, and gender-neutral ties were introduced to promote inclusivity.

Sodexo provides catering. A set lunch is offered in DUCKS for 33 RMB per day; Junior School lunch is 34 RMB; Senior School dishes are priced 35–45 RMB. There is a no-nuts policy and meals are labelled for allergens; bringing lunch from home is allowed.

There are four Houses—Maathai, Curie, Shackleton, and Wing—providing belonging and leadership opportunities. House Captains, Ambassadors and Prefects lead across DUCKS, Junior School and Senior School, and House activities include events such as Got Talent.

Dulwich Pudong is operated by Education in Motion (EiM) under an agreement with Dulwich College London; governance is provided by a Board of Management and a Board of Trustees. In 2024 Hillhouse Investment Group acquired Dulwich College International's Asia schools from EiM.

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong's DUCKS Early Years (Toddler–Reception) follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage and includes a dual‑language Mandarin immersion pathway from the start. From Year 1 through Year 9 the school delivers a modified English National Curriculum with topic‑based learning and specialist lessons (Mandarin, PE, art, design technology, music) alongside expanding STEAM and technology provision. Students in Years 10–11 study a two‑year IGCSE programme (International General Certificate of Secondary Education). Years 12–13 follow the two‑year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), including the IB core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS) and options for a bilingual diploma. Across all stages the College embeds Mandarin pathways (Chinese native, second and foreign language), a whole‑school STEAM initiative, an extensive co‑curricular activity programme, and structured wellbeing and physical‑literacy provision to support holistic development.

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong embeds social and emotional learning across its curriculum, beginning with a self-care framework in Early Years and continuing with age-appropriate topics such as relationships, body and mind, mental health, digital intelligence and growth mindset in Junior and Senior schools. Students have formal leadership opportunities (Prefect and Ambassador programmes) and are invited to co‑create wellbeing initiatives and contribute feedback that informs the wellbeing curriculum. The school runs parent workshops to extend SEL learning into the home and involves parents in wellbeing planning. The programme explicitly links safeguarding policy to wellbeing provision. Source: Dulwich Pudong Wellbeing Programme.

The college states it enrols students only when the admissions process indicates the student's learning needs can be met by the services the school provides; the admissions team consults families, reviews previous records and conducts assessments as required. The school refers to an on‑site Learning Support function (including named Learning Support staff in DUCKS) that works with teachers, parents and students to provide additional support. The admissions FAQ and school pages indicate they accept students with learning challenges where they can provide appropriate support, but the site does not list a definitive catalogue of specific diagnoses or needs the school will or will not support. The school does not publicly describe itself as a specialist SEN institution. Sources: Admissions FAQ; DUCKS Learning Support profile.

The college says it can support a percentage of non‑native English speakers and that applicants may be assessed for academic English readiness during admissions. The school also lists an "English as Additional Language (EAL) Service" among additional services/fees, and DUCKS communications note Learning Support and EAL staff being available to support children and families. The website asks parents to provide prior language records and indicates EAL provision is considered during the admissions review. Sources: Admissions FAQ; Fees & Admissions page; DUCKS communications.

The college's Wellbeing Programme states mental health and healthy living are embedded in curriculum content and that students receive age‑appropriate lessons on mental health and related topics. The school runs parent workshops, student leadership roles related to wellbeing, nutritional/food committees and physical literacy programmes as part of a whole‑school approach to wellbeing. The site also highlights a Digital Wellbeing focus and a partnership with the National Online Safety organisation and a student Digital Safety Leader programme. Safeguarding policy is cited as underpinning the mental wellbeing work. Source: Dulwich Pudong Wellbeing Programme.

Dulwich Pudong states that safeguarding and child protection are of paramount importance and that its approach is child‑centred and informed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The college references a Dulwich College International Safeguarding Policy and training programme, safer‑recruitment procedures for new staff, regular refresher training, age‑appropriate student lessons in safeguarding and annual safeguarding audits. The school provides downloadable Safeguarding Policy documents (e.g., Safeguarding Policy 2025–26) on its site. Source: Dulwich Pudong Safeguarding page and policy materials.

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong opened in 2003 as the first Dulwich College International school, launched through a partnership between parents Fraser White and Karen Yung and Dulwich College London. It began with 23 students and has since expanded substantially within the Dulwich network. The school is part of the Education in Motion (EiM) family that developed the Dulwich College International schools. In 2024 the group that operates the Dulwich schools in Asia received new backing from Hillhouse Investment Group at group level.

The campus serves a broadly international student body—over 1,600 students from more than forty nationalities according to the school site—and uses a House system (Wangari Maathai, Marie Curie, Ernest Shackleton and Yung Wing) to build cross‑year connections. The school highlights coordinated pastoral support, student leadership through Houses, and a wide range of co‑curricular activities (sport, music, drama, and more) as the primary ways the community engages. Dulwich Pudong also works with the wider Dulwich network and schedules campus events and parent-facing activities to strengthen ties between families, staff and the local community.

The parent association is called Friends of Dulwich (FoD); all enrolled families are members and the group is run by volunteer parents working with the school's leadership. FoD runs newcomer and parent‑connection programmes—welcome coffees, monthly coffee mornings, luncheons and an Ambassador programme that pairs new families with established ones. Major events organised or supported by FoD include the Winter Fair, the World Expo (a cultural celebration), a Daddy‑Daughter Ball, Dads & Lads sports activities, a walk‑a‑thon and an end‑of‑year art auction. Ongoing FoD activities include community markets, used‑uniform and used‑book sales, charity fundraising, and committees that support class reps and year‑level communication. FoD's leadership is organised through a core committee (Chair, Treasurer, parent representatives by school phase and other officers) who typically serve one academic year and coordinate the annual calendar with school staff; FoD also produces practical resources for new families (for example a regular “Shanghai Secrets” guide).

The campus comprises three schools—DUCKS, Junior School and Senior School—alongside shared facilities. Shared facilities include a fully refurbished theatre with two drama black boxes, music classrooms, a recording studio and five music practice rooms. Sports facilities include a 25-metre six-lane FINA swimming pool, a training pool, two gymnasiums, a dance studio and a 14,000 square metre grass lawn. DUCKS has its own building with a music classroom and library, plus extensive shaded outdoor play areas, a running track and multiple tennis courts. Junior School features a film studio with an editing suite, Maker Space, The Lab (science laboratory), an art room and a fully stocked library, with access to outdoor classrooms and shaded play spaces. Senior School houses SE21, opened in 2017 to support STEAM and entrepreneurship; there are basketball courts, large sports fields and shaded external areas, and the University Counselling service is based in the renovated IB Common room.

The campus offers two gymnasiums and a dance studio. There is a function room, a 25-metre six-lane FINA swimming pool and a training pool. A 14,000 square metre grass lawn provides outdoor playing space. Senior School includes basketball courts, large sports fields and shaded external areas.

SE21 is a state-of-the-art Senior School facility opened in 2017 to support STEAM and entrepreneurship. Junior School has a film studio with an editing suite, Maker Space, The Lab (science laboratory), an art room and a fully stocked library. DUCKS has its own building with a music classroom and library. The Senior School also includes a University Counselling service based in the renovated IB Common room.

Arts and performance are supported by a theatre with two drama black boxes, music classrooms, a recording studio and five music practice rooms. Junior School has a film studio with editing suite, Maker Space and The Lab, plus an art room and a library for creative projects. DUCKS offers a dedicated building with a music classroom and library that supports musical activity and study. Senior School's SE21 facility fosters STEAM and entrepreneurship, while basketball courts, large sports fields and shaded external areas support sports and after-school clubs.

The school offers CCAs in Technology, Journalism and Media, expanding EdTech and media engagement beyond the classroom. Students can participate in Dulwich TV (Senior School), the Dulwich Reporter (Junior School), and contribute to the Yearbook editorial committee (Upper School). Robotics and coding are taught in the classroom, but CCAs provide opportunities to develop technology skills further. Academic Enrichment and Learn Through Play CCAs include activities such as cup stacking, Rubik's Cube, and retro-gaming to nurture independent learning and curiosity.

The CCA categories include a strong emphasis on music and drama, alongside visual arts and other creative pursuits. The program supports high-level ensemble performances, and student-led initiatives such as a rock band. Drama CCAs cover acting, stage management, technical roles, AV and costume design. The school is known for sport, music and drama programs, and CCAs reflect this emphasis with opportunities across these disciplines.

The CCA program includes a Global Citizenship category and a Cultural Enrichment category focused on cultural understanding. The GC framework emphasizes respect and understanding for other cultures, and students are encouraged to participate in at least one GC CCA per year. The Cultural Enrichment category supports cross-cultural awareness as part of the Value Every Voice ethos.

CCAs include a mix of sports for fun or competition, music and drama, and hobby groups. A majority of CCAs are run by staff, including the Dulwich Football Academy and the Dulwich Swimming Academy, with external providers offering tennis, golf, chess, and coding. The program also supports student‑led, interest‑based clubs such as rock bands and drama crews. Past examples include cup stacking, Rubik's Cube, and retro-gaming.

Service and Sustainability is a CCA category addressing care for animals, people and the planet. Students volunteer with community partners in Shanghai, across China, and globally; activities include gardening CCAs, selling domestically sourced coffee beans, raising awareness for animal shelters, and volunteering with partner organizations.

Upper School CCAs are framed around Leadership: Make a Difference, Creativity – Activity - Service, with emphasis on developing decision-making and leadership skills. The CCA pathway supports independent growth across age groups, leading to leadership opportunities in the 15–18 age range. Students may initiate and lead CCAs under staff supervision to develop professional and collaborative skills.

Sports and wellbeing are central to the CCA offer, with internal programs such as the Dulwich Football Academy and Dulwich Swimming Academy. External providers offer tennis, golf, and chess to broaden sporting opportunities. CCAs promote physical activity for fun and competition and contribute to overall wellbeing.

Mandarin is taught through three pathways: Mandarin A (CNL), Mandarin B (MSL), and Mandarin C (MFL). Wohui Mandarin supports Year 1–2 Mandarin as a foreign language. Dual Language Learning in DUCKS integrates English and Mandarin in daily classroom activities with two teachers (one for English and one for Mandarin).

Dual Language Learning in DUCKS is a fundamental part of student development. In DUCKS, learning occurs with one teacher focusing on English and another on Mandarin in the same classroom.

Mandarin learning pathways provide immersive, technology-enhanced environments. There are three pathways: Mandarin A (CNL), Mandarin B (MSL), and Mandarin C (MFL). Wohui Mandarin supports early Mandarin learning for MFL students, and Dual Language Learning in DUCKS exposes young learners to both English and Mandarin throughout the day.

Below are awards and school-level recognitions shown on the school website that the College itself received within the past five years (I excluded awards that were explicitly given to individual students). Each item includes the award name, the date shown on the school site, and a one-line note on what the award recognises.

- China Schools Awards 2025 — Students for Sustainability (winner, for the Waste to Wonder project). Date on site: Mar 7, 2025. One-line note: national-level recognition from the British Chamber of Commerce in China for school-led sustainability practice linked to the College's Waste to Wonder social‑enterprise project.

- Sustainability & Innovation Award for Social Impact (winner). Date on site: Apr 29, 2025. One-line note: a British Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai award (Social Impact category) recognising the school's Global Citizenship programme and its social‑impact initiatives.

- Holistic Education Award (winner). Date on site: Mar 5, 2024. One-line note: an award from the British Chamber of Commerce in China recognising the school's whole‑school approach to students' academic, social and wellbeing development.

- Top position in the China IB Schools League Table (Education Advisers Ltd) — listed on the site as the school claiming top place for 2024. Date on site: Nov 25, 2024. One-line note: an independent league-table ranking (Education Advisers Ltd) showing the school at the top of the 2024 China IB Schools list based on average IBDP points; the school presents this as a national recognition of its IB results. (This is a ranking/league‑table recognition published by Education Advisers and reported on the school's site.)

Notes and exclusions:
- I used only material published on the school's website, as you requested.
- I did not list awards that were given to individual students (for example, Outstanding Cambridge Learner / "Top in China/World" awards), because you asked for awards awarded to the school itself.
- The school's affiliations page also lists items such as the SAPERE Bronze Award and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award (programme availability); SAPERE is included above under accreditations/recognitions but the page does not provide a date for that award.

If you'd like, I can: (a) extract the exact text snippets and dates from each award page into a short timeline; or (b) check any external sources referenced on the school site (for example, the Education Advisers league table or the China Schools Awards organiser) and bring back their original listings for cross-reference.

Below are the accreditations, memberships and official test-centre authorisations that Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong lists on its website, with a one-line note of what each means or why it matters.

- Council of International Schools (CIS): an international non-profit membership and accreditation body for schools that indicates the school has met a set of internationally recognised school-quality standards.

- The Heads' Conference (HMC): membership/accreditation by the HMC (accredited in February 2025) aligning the school with a network of British independent schools and subject to HMC inspection and standards.

- International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO / IB World School): authorised to offer IB programmes, which indicates the school has met the IB Organisation's requirements for curriculum delivery and school authorization.

- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): a recognised US-region accrediting body for schools and colleges; WASC accreditation shows the school meets specified academic and institutional standards used by US and international schools.

- FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia): a regional membership that supports British-style education in Asia and provides opportunities for inter-school collaboration and events.

- ACAMIS (Association of China and Mongolia International Schools): a regional membership that organises activities and professional development among international schools in eastern Asia.

- Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): the school is associated with Cambridge international qualifications (the page notes CAIE as a partner/provider of international exam programmes).

- Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (IA Award): the school runs the International Award programme (a widely recognised youth achievement programme) for eligible students.

- SAPERE Bronze Award: listed on the school's affiliations page as recognition for the school's work in Philosophy for Children (P4C). (The school's site lists this award but does not give a date on the affiliations page.)

- Test‑centre and examination authorisations: the school states it is certified to offer IB, ACT, pre‑ACT, PSAT and SAT exams and is a certified test centre for ABRSM (music) and LAMDA (drama); Beijing and Shanghai campuses are also audition centres for Berklee College. These authorisations mean the school can administer those external examinations and auditions on site.

doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

1. Initial enquiry and online application: Start by submitting an online enquiry or the College application form on the Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong website; the school operates rolling admissions for the coming academic year and opens applications for the next year on a published date (for example, applications for 2026/27 open from 1 September 2025). Include the required supporting documents at this stage (passport copies, proof of parents' work and residence permits in Shanghai, and the child's birth certificate) because the College checks eligibility against the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission rules. Note that the application fee is RMB 3,500 and is non‑refundable and valid for the year of application, so budget for that when you apply.

2. Eligibility check and documentation review: After you submit an application the Admissions team will review whether the child meets the SMEC eligibility requirements (for example, foreign passport or qualifying parental documentation) and whether Dulwich can meet the child's educational needs. Parents should be ready to provide passport pages, residence/visa documents, work permit pages, and any recent school reports; missing or inconsistent paperwork can delay processing. If both parents are PRC nationals, the College notes that a waiver from the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission may be required — contact Admissions early to clarify your family's status.

3. Assessment / interview stage: Dulwich Pudong assesses applicants by year group: Early Years applicants attend a meeting with an Early Years teacher, Year 1–2 assessments are typically 20–30 minutes, Years 3–6 assessments run about two to three hours, and Years 7–13 assessments usually last three to four hours. Parents should expect the assessment to include observation, age‑appropriate literacy and numeracy activities and, for older applicants, classroom tasks and interviews; bring recent school records and be prepared for the school to request additional information where English language support is needed. Admissions guidance on the site explains that applications to Year 11 are considered case‑by‑case and Year 13 entry is very rarely accepted (applicants must usually be transferring from a nearly identical IB Diploma programme).

4. Offer, resource fee and acceptance: If the College offers a place you will be given formal offer paperwork and instructions for payment. For new pupils parents should expect to pay a Resource Fee (RMB 15,000) which is held against school property and refunded after the return of College property subject to deductions, and a one‑time Capital Development Fee for new entrants (RMB 15,000) which is non‑refundable; the Resource Fee will be forfeited if a child is withdrawn before the first day of school in some circumstances. Read the offer letter carefully for exact payment deadlines and refund conditions, and ask Admissions about timelines for confirming the place to avoid losing it.

5. Tuition invoicing, payment options and additional costs: Tuition fees are invoiced separately and may be payable annually or by term; annual prepayment typically carries a more favourable rate. Parents should plan for additional costs outside basic tuition — the College lists items such as school lunches, bus services, uniforms, EAL support, technology and optional trips as extra charges. Confirm the tuition amount for your child's year group with Admissions (published fee schedules vary by year and year group) and check the deadline for tuition payment to avoid late payment administration charges.

6. Enrollment, onboarding and starting school: Once required fees are received (resource fee and the first tuition instalment as specified in the offer), the Admissions team will send onboarding information and guidance about start‑of‑term procedures, timetables and any required health or enrolment forms. Parents should complete any outstanding medical and emergency contact forms and, if relevant, arrange school bus or lunch accounts before the child's first day to ensure a smooth start. If you are relocating from overseas, ask the College about assessment arrangements at your child's current school so testing can be completed before arrival if necessary.

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong's public admissions and fees pages do not list an active scholarship programme on the Pudong campus; the College's published fee pages describe the application fee, resource fee and capital development fee but do not advertise campus scholarships. Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi (the sister campus) does publish a scholarship programme (selection process, eligible year groups and potential tuition reductions) — if you are interested in financial support or merit awards, contact Dulwich Pudong Admissions directly to ask whether any scholarships, bursaries or fee‑relief arrangements are offered at the Pudong campus or whether cross‑campus schemes apply. The Admissions office can confirm current availability, eligibility rules and application deadlines.

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong operates waiting lists for year groups where demand exceeds places. If a year group is full, applicants who meet the entry requirements are placed on a waiting list and offered places as they become available; the College's published priorities give preference to siblings of currently enrolled students, returning Dulwich students, and children transferring from another Dulwich College campus. Parents should apply early because availability varies by year and term, and being on the waiting list does not mean there is no chance of an offer — the school advises families to maintain contact with Admissions for updates.