From global university offers and world-stage robotics wins to charity football tournaments, TEDx talks, music awards, and hands-on kindergarten creativity, Shanghai's international school community has been busy this spring. This month's roundup highlights standout student achievements, campus milestones, and community events from schools across the city.
SCIS Class of 2026: A Remarkable Year of Global University Offers
Shanghai Community International School's Class of 2026 has received offers from top universities across 15 countries, including Columbia University, University of Toronto, London School of Economics and Political Science, National University of Singapore, and University of Hong Kong. Student interests span everything from Engineering and Game Design to Nursing, Finance, Psychology, and Law. Behind the results is SCIS's long-term university guidance program, which starts in Grade 9 and combines one-on-one counseling, academic planning, essay workshops, and direct access to university admissions representatives to help students find the right-fit path for their future.
Xiehe Education Leader Appointed to Duke of Edinburgh's International Award China Board
Xiehe Education General Principal Maxine Lu has been appointed National Board Trustee and Chair of the Award Advisory Committee for The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award China, recognizing the group's long-standing commitment to holistic education, outdoor learning, and student development. Since joining the DofE programme in 2011, six SUIS campuses have become official Award Centres, with more than 400 students participating and nearly 100 Bronze and five Silver Awards earned across the network. Two students from SUIS Wuxi were also recently named among the first cohort of DofE China Youth Ambassadors, highlighting the schools' continued focus on experiential learning, leadership, and community engagement.
Fortune Kindergarten OCT's Reading & Creativity Festival
A warm, literature-themed event designed to inspire young readers and strengthen parent-child connections through storytelling, interactive activities, and shared reading experiences. Centered around creativity, curiosity, and emotional growth, the festival encourages children to explore language, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of books in a supportive and imaginative environment.
Students Take the Stage at TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth 2026
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TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth returned to Shanghai Wanping Theatre this May with the theme "Seeds for Tomorrow," bringing together more than 100 students, teachers, and community members for a day of talks, workshops, interactive exhibitions, and student-led discussions. YCIS Shanghai students tackled topics like tech ethics, environmental issues, social welfare, and personal growth — basically, the kind of big-picture conversations today's teens are increasingly having. The event also featured a collaborative art exhibition co-created by Artists-in-Residence and students across campuses, showcasing fashion, design, and fine arts projects that blurred the line between school showcase and mini creative festival.
PTSA Spring Socials Bring Shanghai American School Together
This spring, the Shanghai American School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) brought the community together through two memorable events: the Pudong Spring Social and the Puxi Spring Formal. In Pudong, families, teachers, and school leaders enjoyed a relaxed evening of dinner, cocktails, conversation, and student jazz performances, with the Bund providing an unforgettable backdrop. In Puxi, guests celebrated SAS's 113-year history through historical photos, past logos, music, décor, and visual displays that honored the school's legacy and shared identity. Though each event had its own character, both reflected the same spirit of connection, gratitude, tradition, and belonging, while highlighting the strong partnership between families, faculty, school leadership, and the PTSA.
Outstanding Success of German School Shanghai Students at the "Hummingbird Music Awards"
Students from German School Shanghai delivered an impressive performance at the 11th edition of the Hummingbird Music Awards, taking home nine first prizes across piano solo, piano duet, and string ensemble categories. The school also picked up seven second prizes and three third prizes, with awards spanning piano, harp, flute, and chamber music performances. Participants ranged from Year 2 to Year 12, reflecting both the depth of musical talent at the school and the strength of its music education programme inspired by Germany's renowned youth music competition system.
Shanghai French School Named Among Shanghai's Top International Schools in HSBC x Forbes China Ranking 2026
Shanghai French School has entered the HSBC x Forbes China International Schools Ranking 2026 for the first time, earning recognition for its French curriculum and trilingual education model. Ranked among Shanghai's Top 10 foreign passport schools across Primary, Middle and High School divisions, the school was highlighted for its multilingual environment, where students study in French, English and Chinese alongside additional language options. The ranking also recognized the school's strong academic performance, including a 100% pass and honors rate in the French Baccalauréat, reflecting the growing visibility of multilingual and globally focused education models in Shanghai.
The British International School Shanghai, Puxi Awarded Silver in Social Impact Distinction Programme
The British International School Shanghai, Puxihas been awarded Silver in the Social Impact Distinction Programme, a global initiative developed with support from UNICEF UK that recognises schools for embedding children's rights, inclusion, diversity, and sustainability into everyday school life. The achievement highlights the school's ongoing efforts to foster global citizenship through student voice, community engagement, and values-driven education, as part of a wider initiative across the Nord Anglia Education network.
Dulwich Puxi Celebrates Founder's Day 2026 #ForeverDulwich
Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi celebrated its 2026 Founder's Day under the theme #ForeverDulwich, bringing together students, parents, staff and alumni for a campus-wide event focused on community, creativity and tradition. Honouring Edward Alleyn's legacy, the day featured music performances, house competitions, student talent showcases, the "Young Musician of the Year" finals, as well as student-led entrepreneurship booths, community stalls and food markets. From DUCKS to Senior School, students played a leading role in organising activities and fundraising initiatives, including charitable efforts, turning the campus into a vibrant festival that reflected collaboration, diversity and a strong sense of belonging.
Dulwich Aquatic Games 2026 Makes a Splash in Third Edition
Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong hosted the third edition of the Dulwich Aquatic Games 2026, an expanded international Water Polo and Artistic Swimming event featuring teams from across China as well as Russia and other parts of Asia. Over three days of competition, athletes delivered strong performances marked by skill, teamwork and discipline, supported by an energetic poolside atmosphere from families and coaches. The event also reflects the school's wider aquatics pathway—from curriculum swimming and the Dulwich Swimming Academy to the competitive Aqua Panthers team—focused on building confidence, technique and long-term engagement with water sports.
Harrow International School Shanghai Marks 10 Years with Community Bike Ride
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Harrow Shanghai: 10 Years, Together as One - students, parents, and staff joined a massive community bike ride, pedalling side-by-side to symbolize a decade of shared journey and unity. The event serves as a heartwarming prelude to the upcoming 10th year anniversary. The day beautifully showcased the extraordinary Harrow spirit, celebrating a legacy of 10 years of warmth, achievements, and shared memories as the community rides forward into a bright future.
Concordia Students Finish Third in the World at VEX Robotics Championship
Five students from Concordia International School Shanghai have placed third globally at the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship Skills Challenge in St. Louis, one of the most competitive high school robotics events worldwide. Team 13212D delivered a near-perfect performance with a combined score of 238, executing flawless autonomous and driver-controlled runs that briefly put them at the top of the global leaderboard. After an intense season that included an APAC Championship win just weeks earlier, the team faced top-tier international competition, with final rankings decided by tiebreakers after multiple teams matched their score. Notably, four of the five members are freshmen, highlighting a young but highly capable lineup guided by Concordia educators Dr. Yujiro Fujiwara, Mr. Robert Knight, and Dr. Steve Dignin.
HIS Ranked in Forbes China Top 30 International Schools with Strong University Offers
Hangzhou International School has been named in the 2026 HSBC | Forbes China International Schools Selection, ranking among the Top 30 international high schools in China in the foreign-passport category. The recognition reflects its strong academic outcomes, teaching quality, and full K–12 pathway, from Early Childhood Education to graduation. The Class of 2026 has also secured offers from leading global universities including Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, UBC, McGill, and top universities in Australia and the US, with over RMB 6 million in scholarships awarded.
NAIS Pudong Hosts First Make-a-Wish Cup Charity Tournament
Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong (NAIS Pudong) recently hosted its first-ever Make-a-Wish Cup charity football tournament, bringing together eight teams and nearly 100 players from international schools, bilingual schools, football academies, and parent groups across Shanghai. The competition stayed tight throughout, with both the semi-finals and final decided by a single goal, as Ole Brazil edged out Stars FC to take the title. Off the pitch, families enjoyed food stalls, pool activities, and a bouncy castle, while the event ultimately raised RMB 24,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through community donations and sponsorship support.
A Servant of Two Masters: WISS Students Celebrate Creativity, Craft, and Collaboration on Stage
Students at Western International School of Shanghai recently took to the stage with a lively production of Carlo Goldoni's A Servant of Two Masters, showcasing sharp comedic timing, physical theatre, and strong ensemble collaboration. From mistaken identities to chaotic dinner scenes, the performance highlighted months of rehearsal, teamwork, and creative risk-taking. Beyond delivering laughs, the production helped students build confidence, adaptability, communication skills, and emotional awareness—reflecting WISS's broader approach to developing resilience and self-expression alongside academics.
Wellington College International Shanghai Hosts Wellington Wonderland Festival
Wellington College International Shanghai hosted "Wellington Wonderland," a summer festival that transformed the campus into a vibrant celebration of creativity, performances and community activities, bringing students, parents and staff together for a day of hands-on workshops, games and entertainment. Beyond the festivities, house charity booths raised over RMB 22,495 for UNICEF's Protection of Children in Emergencies Fund, highlighting the school's focus on service and global citizenship. The event showcased both the energy of the school community and its commitment to making a positive impact beyond the classroom.
NACIS Marks 10 Years with Forum on Education in the AI Era
At its 10th anniversary media forum, Nord Anglia Chinese International School Shanghai reflected on a decade of "not judging by scores" and "not labelling students," exploring how education can build resilience in the age of AI. Under the theme "Concrete Strength: Educational Stability in an Uncertain Era," the school highlighted its focus on metacognition, 6C skills, and AI-integrated learning developed with global partners such as Cambridge. Educators and parents discussed rejecting exam-driven shortcuts in favour of long-term, personalised development, while student voices reinforced the idea of nurturing independent, reflective learners prepared for an uncertain future.
MEINS Explores the World of Minibeasts Through Sensory Play
Children at MEINS Kindergarten have been diving into the world of summer-themed minibeasts through a series of hands-on sensory and creative activities. From bumblebee painting and worm mark making to fossil discovery trays, pasta sensory play, and counting ladybird spots, the classroom has been buzzing with texture, color, and curiosity. The activities are designed to support creativity, fine motor skills, and early numeracy while introducing young learners to the tiny creatures that come alive during summer.
Magnolia Kindergarten Wraps Up a Month of Nature Exploration, Creativity, and Family Learning
Students at Magnolia Kindergarten recently wrapped up their May Review under the theme "Exploring Nature & Embracing Love," with hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and emotional growth. From insect observation and outdoor exploration to Mother's Day celebrations, art projects, and family workshops, children engaged in immersive learning experiences that combined nature discovery with self-expression and social development. The month-long program reflected the school's play-based bilingual approach, encouraging students to build confidence, empathy, and a stronger connection with the world around them.
Melody Preschool Brings The Three Little Pigs to Life Through Play and Creativity
At Melody Preschool, children embarked on a playful learning journey inspired by The Three Little Pigs, turning a classic fairy tale into a hands-on, immersive experience. Through storytelling, number games, vocabulary learning, role-play, art activities and even a pretend feeding session, the children explored language, creativity, maths and emotional expression in a playful environment. From retelling the story to building "houses" and reimagining the Big Bad Wolf, the activities encouraged collaboration, imagination and early learning skills, continuing the school's approach of learning through curiosity, exploration and guided play.
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SmartShanghai hosts Shanghai's largest English-languageEducation 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.
