International schools follow foreign businesses to China

The international education scene in the mainland is changing rapidly. The picture is altering almost daily as the economy booms, the WTO factor weighs in, and more companies from outside China set up businesses there.

Not only does this mean that increasing numbers of non-local families are now arriving but demand is rising locally for education that can give greater numbers of students the option of overseas as well as mainland higher education and the all-round development skills needed for the global job market.

The result is on the one hand a flood of overseas schools setting up in different parts of the country and on the other a growing number of mainland schools developing 'international' sections.

The international schools in this guide are selected from the sector that specifically caters for children who are holders of Hong Kong or foreign passports. A handful were established in the 1980s but most in the past few years. Founding histories vary, with some schools arising from diplomatic beginnings, some from economic development zone initiatives. Some are run by groups operating international schools elsewhere, some are parent-inspired. They may be for-profit or non-profit.

Several have connections with Hong Kong. These include Concordia International in Shanghai, a sister school to Hong Kong International School; and the Utahloy schools, Yew Chung schools, and International School of Sino-Canada, which come under Hong Kong education foundations or groups.

Although the expatriate population in many areas is rising fast, competition is appearing for these students as restrictions on local schools' recruitment of non-locals start to be lifted. International schools are still subject to a policy which precludes them from recruiting mainland students. Those from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau are eligible to attend.