This month's school news brings IGCSE awards, global university partnerships, student competition wins and cultural celebrations. From SAS's new entrepreneurship fellowship with the University of Pennsylvania to Harrow's Harry Potter Night and Wellington's 2027–28 scholarships, catch up on the latest achievements, events and admissions updates from Shanghai schools.
How SUIS Gubei Helps Students Navigate the Global University Landscape
In the latest edition of SUIS Gubei's Insights series, Academic Principal Rick Spadafora explores the school's new vision of becoming one of Shanghai's most respected international schools and what it will take to get there. He reflects on the school's academic results and university offers, while outlining plans to expand student opportunities through international competitions, sports, arts and diverse learning pathways. Beyond academic achievement, the article highlights SUIS Gubei's focus on holistic education and a vibrant school community where students feel supported, are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, and develop the confidence, adaptability and resilience to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Fortune Kindergarten Hongqiao Opens New Baby Class Focused on Nature, Play and Early Discovery
Fortune Kindergarten Hongqiao Campus has opened a new Baby Class, where the youngest learners get to know their surroundings through a daily mix of observation, exploration and play. From checking on plants and helping water the school garden to watching chickens and colorful birds, children are encouraged to explore the natural world through hands-on experiences. Outdoor play with cars, balls and slides adds opportunities for movement and discovery, while familiar daily routines help them settle into their new environment, build confidence and feel more comfortable at school.
YCIS Shanghai Students Earn Cambridge IGCSE 'Top in World' and 'Top in China' Awards
Three YCIS Shanghai students have received outstanding recognition in this year's Cambridge IGCSE examinations, with Masaki earning 'Top in World' for Mandarin as a Foreign Language, and Rui Xi and Ana receiving 'Top in China' awards for Global Perspectives and World Literature respectively. Their achievements reflect years of academic commitment, supported by YCIS's rigorous curriculum and East-meets-West approach to education, alongside opportunities in service learning, international competitions, performing arts and student leadership.
SAS Launches Venture Fellowship with the University of Pennsylvania
Shanghai American School (SAS) has launched the Venture Fellowship, an eight-month entrepreneurship and leadership program for high school students, developed in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) and Pharos Education. Building on the Catalyst @ Penn GSE Entrepreneurship Academy, the program takes students through five phases of researching, developing and pitching their own ventures, giving them hands-on experience and practical skills for the future world of work. The fellowship is exclusive to SAS high school students and aims to prepare them for life beyond university.
BISS Shanghai Students Achieve Top IGCSE Marks in China in Business Studies and English
The British International School Shanghai is celebrating two Year 12 students who have received Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards for achieving the highest marks in China in their IGCSE subjects. Jiwon earned the top score in Business Studies, while Moneshka achieved the highest mark in First Language English. With both subjects attracting a large number of candidates, the results highlight the students' hard work and dedication, as well as the academic and pastoral support they receive from the school. The students and their families will attend an awards ceremony hosted by Cambridge International Examinations in November.
Dulwich World Expo 2026: A Celebration of Our Vibrant Global Community
On October 23, 2026, Dulwich College Shanghai hosted its annual World Expo, bringing the school community together for a celebration of cultures from around the world. Organised by families representing different countries, the event featured booths showcasing traditional food, cultural customs and local heritage, creating a lively carnival atmosphere across campus. Beyond sampling international flavours and exploring different traditions, students and families had the opportunity to share their backgrounds, learn from one another and build connections across cultures, reflecting Dulwich's approach to international education and its commitment to fostering an inclusive, globally minded community.
No French at Home? How Shanghai French School Helps Young Learners Settle In and Thrive
Can children thrive in a French-speaking school without speaking French at home? Meet Jiayi, a Grade 1 student at Shanghai French School who arrived with no French experience and has since graduated from the school's language support programme. Through personalised learning and close communication with parents, LFS helps children build language skills, confidence and friendships. Find out more at the upcoming Open Days on November 2 (Yangpu) and November 16 (Qingpu).
Beyond the Textbook: What Learning Looks Like Outside the Classroom
At German School Shanghai, learning goes beyond the classroom through field trips, hands-on projects and partnerships with companies and institutions. Over the past two weeks, primary and secondary students travelled to destinations including Beijing, Xi'an, Xiamen, Huangshan and Zhangjiajie, exploring China's culture and history through first-hand experiences. Younger learners are also getting involved: preschoolers working on a self-directed space project visited the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and spoke with an astronomy expert in collaboration with the Heidelberg Research Station. These experiences help students develop curiosity, independence and teamwork while bringing classroom learning to life.
More Than University Counseling: A Team Behind Every HIS Student
Hangzhou International School (HIS) takes a personalised approach to university counseling, helping students explore their options from Grade 9 through to graduation. Following its Hangzhou University Fair on October 17, which welcomed nearly 100 universities from 14 countries, the school highlights how its Guidance and University Counseling team supports students with course selection, university research, essays and applications. The Class of 2026 offers a snapshot of these pathways, with 80% of graduates enrolling at universities and programs ranked among the world's top 100, nearly US$1 million in scholarships awarded, and 51% earning a Bilingual IB Diploma. Graduates went on to universities across North America, Asia, Europe and Australia, reflecting the school's focus on helping each student find a university that fits their individual goals and interests.
Concordia Shanghai Sends Eight Students to World Math Finals
Concordia International School Shanghai hosted the World Mathematics Championships (WMC) Regional Qualifier on October 25, bringing together students from six schools to compete in problem-solving challenges. Eight Concordia students qualified for the 2027 Senior World Finals at Imperial College London, while several others received awards. The competition tested students' critical thinking, creativity and teamwork through rounds including a relay race and a cryptography challenge. The results follow another strong performance at this summer's Senior World Finals in London, where six Concordia high school students earned gold and bronze medals despite being among the youngest competitors.
NAIS Pudong Lantern Festival - Experience the Magic of Chinese Traditions
NAIS Pudong is hosting a Chinese cultural evening on November 8, bringing traditional festivities to campus with colourful lanterns, spectacular dragon and lion dances, Sichuan face-changing performances, food stalls and live music by NAIS students. Families and friends can enjoy an evening of cultural entertainment, local flavours and festive activities together. The event runs from 17:00 to 20:00 at 2888 Junmin Rd, Pudong, with tickets priced at rmb 30 online or rmb 50 at the door. Booking online saves rmb 20 per ticket.
Harrow Shanghai Brings Harry Potter Night Back with Spells, Potions and Magical Activities
Harrow Shanghai celebrates Booktober with its annual Harry Potter Night, inviting pupils into a world of spells, potions and reading-inspired fun. Activities include making their own wands, shared readings of classic passages, drawing Patronuses, magical treasure hunts and spell-guessing games, with older pupils also taking on the role of magical messengers delivering treats. It's a playful way to bring stories to life and encourage a love of reading through imagination and shared experiences.
Wellington Shanghai Opens 2027–28 Scholarships Worldwide
Wellington Shanghai's 2027-28 Scholar and Scholarship programme is now open to external applicants worldwide from Year 7 and above. The holistic award recognises excellence in academics, the arts or sport, celebrating outstanding talent, leadership, curiosity and community contribution. Exceptional Scholars may receive scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition fees. External families should scan the poster QR code to complete an enrolment enquiry form; the Admissions Team will then arrange next steps. The application deadline is 18 December 2026. For more information, contact Wellington Shanghai Admissions at admissions.shanghai@wellingtoncollege.cn.
WISS Tigers: Teamwork, Competition and a Season on the Volleyball Court
From powerful spikes to hard-fought matches, the WISS Tigers have been putting their teamwork to the test in Shanghai and Suzhou's inter-school volleyball league. The boys' team finished in the top five of Division 1, securing their place in the league's top tier next season, while the girls' team celebrated two wins with a promising group of young players. At WISS, sport is one of the four pillars of education, giving students opportunities to build confidence, resilience and friendships both on and off the court.
Magnolia Kindergarten October: Exploring Professions, Autumn and the Natural World
Magnolia Kindergarten's October newsletter highlights a month of hands-on learning under the theme "People Around Us, Professions and Autumn." Children explored different careers through role-play and parent visits, discovered seasonal changes during trips to four Shanghai parks, and experimented with soil, natural materials and air during Autumn Discovery Week. Through outdoor activities, creative projects and family participation, the programme encourages curiosity, independence and a deeper connection with the world around them.
MEINS Kids Take Halloween Fun Into the Local Community
Melody Preschool's Autumn Farm Trip: Animal Encounters, Fruit Picking and Family Fun
Melody Preschool took their little ones to Xiaozhao Village Farm for an autumn outing filled with outdoor adventures and seasonal discoveries. Wearing their little yellow caps and carrying their schoolbags, the children explored the farm together, met and fed small animals, enjoyed fruit picking and let off steam on the playground and grassy lawns. The trip gave children a chance to experience the sights and sounds of the countryside, discover more about nature and enjoy hands-on activities beyond the classroom. With parents joining in the fun, the outing also offered valuable opportunities for family bonding, shared discoveries and making lasting autumn memories.
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SmartShanghai hosts Shanghai's largest English-language Education Directory used by more than 75,000 parents every year to research international schools, bilingual schools, kindergartens, and education services. Schools in our network regularly share their latest news, events, and admissions updates with us, with selected highlights featured in our monthly education roundup. Want your school featured? Get in touch with us anytime.
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