# Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong: Curriculum, Fees, Admissions & Parent Reviews (2026 Guide)

Choosing the right China international school is one of the most important educational decisions your family can make. In the bustling international school landscape of Shanghai, <a href="https://alifaedtech.com/schools/dulwich-college-shanghai-pudong">Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong</a> (DCSPD) is a well‑established choice for globally minded families seeking a rigorous and holistic education from early years through to pre‑university. This 2026 guide breaks down the curriculum, fees, admissions process, and parent reviews — with actionable tips to help your search be more effective and confident.

🏫 Overview: A Legacy of Global Education in Shanghai

Founded in 2003, Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong is a co‑educational international school serving students aged 2–18. It is part of the global Dulwich College International network, drawing on over 400 years of education tradition from its founding school, Dulwich College London. The school blends British curriculum foundations with international programmes to prepare students for success in university and beyond.

Key Highlights

Ages: 2–18

Curriculum: English National Curriculum, IGCSE, IB Diploma

Language: English primary instruction (Mandarin and additional languages offered)

Campus: Jinqiao, Pudong, Shanghai

Student community: ~1,600+ diverse learners

📘 Curriculum: From Early Years to IB Diploma

DCSPD’s academic programme follows a structured learning journey designed to develop academic excellence, critical thinking, and global citizenship:

🎓 Early Years & Primary Years

DUCKS (2–7 years) introduces children to play‑based learning and dual‑language immersion in English and Mandarin.

Primary Years (Years 3–6) are anchored in an enriched version of the English National Curriculum tailored to international learners.

Actionable Tips

📅 Visit an Early Years class to observe how language learning is integrated into play.

📚 Request sample curriculum maps to understand the skills developed each year.

👶 Check class sizes and teacher qualifications for younger learners to ensure personalized support.

📚 Secondary Years (IGCSE)

From Year 10, students begin study for IGCSE examinations, internationally recognised secondary qualifications.

Actionable Tips

✏️ Ask about IGCSE subject options — science, humanities, languages, arts — to align with your child’s strengths.

📊 Review past IGCSE performance data if available to gauge academic rigor.

🗣️ Check for language support if English is not your child’s first language.

🎓 IB Diploma Programme (Years 12–13)

Senior students follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), preparing them for global universities. Research shows schools that successfully support IB students often see average Diploma scores above global norms — a good indicator of academic strength.

Actionable Tips

🎯 Ask about IB subject groups and core components (TOK, EE, CAS).

📈 Inquire about recent IB score averages — this gives insight into academic expectations.

🎓 Connect with university counsellors to understand how the IBDP guides university placement.

💰 Fees & Cost Structure (2025–26)

Tuition at DCSPD is considered premium within Shanghai’s international school sector. Fees vary by age and programme complexity:

📊 2025–26 Estimated Annual Tuition

Nursery / DUCKS: ~RMB 274,000–305,000

Primary: ~RMB 338,000–342,000

Middle School: ~RMB 366,000

IGCSE & Diploma Years (10–13): ~RMB 390,000–399,750

💸 Additional Fees

Application fee: RMB 3,500 (non‑refundable)

Resource fee: RMB 15,000 (refundable in some conditions)

Capital development fee: RMB 15,000 (one‑time)

Costs for school lunch, transport, uniforms, trips, and EAL support are extra.

Actionable Tips

💡 Budget for extras like lunch, buses, uniforms, and optional trips — these add up.

💳 Ask if tuition can be paid by term or annually and what discounts might be available.

📋 Clarify refund policies for resource and capital fees before applying.

📝 Admissions: What to Expect

Admissions at DCSPD are competitive and generally require:

A completed application form with supporting documents (transcripts, passports).

Age‑appropriate assessments and interviews.

Eligibility under international school policy (e.g., foreign passport or relevant permits).

Actionable Tips

🗓️ Start the application early — top international schools fill quickly.

📞 Attend an open or immersion day to meet staff and ask questions directly.

📄 Prepare a checklist of documents required to avoid delays.

🧑‍👩‍👧 Parent Reviews & Community Sentiment

Parent and student feedback varies — many praise DCSPD for its academics, strong community, and opportunities beyond the classroom, including university placement support and a broad range of co‑curricular activities. Independent review sources note excellent IBDP results with averages above global norms and high IGCSE success rates, reflecting academic strength.

Actionable Tips

👪 Speak to current parents to get firsthand impressions of campus life.

📍 Attend school tours and open houses to meet teachers and students.

📝 Read verified parent reviews on multiple platforms for balanced perspectives.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Why It Matters

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong is a well‑established China international school that combines British educational roots with global programmes like IGCSE and the IB Diploma. Its holistic approach — balancing academics, languages, and co‑curricular experiences — prepares students for future success in a rapidly changing world. Whether you’re new to Shanghai or exploring options, understanding each school’s curriculum, cost, and community voice can lead to a confident, well‑informed choice for your child’s education journey.

Remember: Choosing a China international school is more than reviewing fees and test scores — it’s about finding a place where your child feels supported, curious, and inspired every day. With thoughtful planning and deep inquiry, you can find a school that truly fits your family’s aspirations.