The British School of Beijing, SanlitunVerified
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$23K - US$43K
Curriculum: British
Age Range: 1-12
Students: ~610
Location: Chaoyang, Beijing
Updated April 2026
In Brief
BSB Sanlitun is the best primary option in Beijing for embassy, CBD, and Sanlitun-based families - the most central international school in the city, with a strong Early Years and British primary programme. The key fact to know upfront: it is primary-only to Year 6, and almost all families then transfer their children to BSB Shunyi for secondary.
BSB Sanlitun sits on Sanlitun Road in Chaoyang, placing it within easy reach of the embassy district, Guomao, and the Sanlitun-Workers' Stadium residential corridor - an unusual convenience for Beijing's international schools, most of which are either in Shunyi or on the ring roads. Around 610 students from 60+ nationalities, aged 1 to 12 (Tadpoles through Year 6). British National Curriculum. Jo Prabhu leads the school. BSO inspected; COBIS member; Nord Anglia network with MIT STEAM and Juilliard Performing Arts programmes.
The school is deliberately primary-focused: strong Early Years provision, small class sizes at KS1, and a structured British primary programme that prepares students well for secondary transfer. Because BSB Sanlitun runs only to Year 6, you are committing to a school change at age 12 - the natural route is BSB Shunyi for secondary, which most families plan from the start. Fees for 2025-26 run CNY 165,000 (half-day Pre-Nursery) to CNY 311,400 (Year 6). One-time fees: application CNY 2,500; refundable security deposit CNY 16,000; EAL charge CNY 20,000 (one-time, if applicable). No phone policy and no smart watches - worth knowing if your child is used to a different environment.
What parents value
- –Most central international school in Beijing - Sanlitun Road location is genuinely accessible for embassy, CBD, and Guomao families without the Shunyi commute. 20+ year history.
- –Strong Early Years provision; Nord Anglia MIT STEAM and Juilliard Performing Arts from primary level. BSO inspected; COBIS member. 60+ nationalities in a community of ~610.
- –Primary-only focus means specialist attention to KS1 and KS2 that larger all-through schools sometimes spread thin. Smooth feeder path to BSB Shunyi for secondary.
Points of consideration
- –Primary-only to Year 6 - plan the Year 7 transfer from day one. BSB Shunyi is the typical next step; factor in whether Shunyi suits your family before committing here.
- –No secondary options on-site; the curriculum is entirely British National Curriculum with no IB until students transfer elsewhere. Not suitable for families who need secondary provision to continue in Chaoyang or downtown Beijing.
- –Parent expectations in the Sanlitun corridor are high and the community is active - a positive for many families but worth considering if you prefer a lower-pressure school culture. Ask current parents about the atmosphere at school events.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tadpoles Half Day (age 1) | 1 | NaN |
| Tadpoles Full Day (age 1) | 1 | NaN |
| Pre-Nursery Half Day (age 2) | 2 | NaN |
| Pre-Nursery Full Day (age 2) | 2 | NaN |
| Nursery Half Day (age 3) | 3 | NaN |
| Nursery Full Day (age 3) | 3 | NaN |
| Reception (age 4) | 4 | NaN |
| Year 1 (age 5) | 5 | NaN |
| Year 2 (age 6) | 6 | NaN |
| Year 3 (age 7) | 7 | NaN |
| Year 4 (age 8) | 8 | NaN |
| Year 5 (age 9) | 9 | NaN |
| Year 6 (age 10) | 10 | NaN |
Fees converted from CNY. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | NaN |
| Security Deposit (refundable) | NaN |
| EAL Charge (one-time, if applicable) | NaN |
Academic Results
| Student Nationalities | 60+ |
| BSO Inspection | Good |
Key results: Student Nationalities 60+, BSO Inspection Good.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Beijing's leading international schools draw students from across the expatriate community and a growing number of Chinese families with foreign passports. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
Jo Prabhu
Jo Prabhu serves as Head of School at The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun.