Britannica International School, Shanghai is proud to announce its shortlisting for the prestigious TES International School Awards 2025 in the category of Curriculum Initiative of the Year.
This nomination is a significant recognition of our innovative and transformative World Languages Programme.
The TES Awards are highly competitive, celebrating the very best in international education on a global scale.
To be shortlisted highlights the exceptional quality and impact of Britannica's curriculum initiative, which has been lauded for its breadth, depth, and commitment to fostering global citizenship.
Our World Languages Programme is a cornerstone of its educational philosophy, offering an impressive 10 languages:
- English
- Mandarin
- Korean
- Japanese
- French
- Italian
- Spanish
- Hebrew
- Portuguese
- Hindi
This diverse offering, which includes including its pioneering offering of Hindi Portuguese as native languages—a first for a school in China—is a testament to Britannica's dedication to creating a truly multicultural community.
The programme goes beyond vocabulary and grammar, using language as a gateway to deepen cultural understanding, promote empathy, and equip students with the skills to thrive in an interconnected world.
"The success of our program is evident in our students' enthusiasm, their significant progress in language proficiency, and their active engagement in cultural events," says Britannica Principal Paul Farrell. "We are cultivating not just linguists, but informed, empathetic global citizens."
The programme's strength is driven by a team of dedicated native-language teachers who provide personalised instruction and invaluable pastoral care.
Their mentorship is a key factor in the students' remarkable progress and achievement, as well as the school's impressive record of graduates gaining admission to highly selective universities.
From vibrant language fairs and international festivals to the recent Global Wellbeing Week that connected over 4,000 students across nine countries, the programme seamlessly integrates language learning into the fabric of school life.
This holistic approach ensures that every student, representing nearly 50 nationalities, feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to explore their own identity while embracing the richness of others.
This nomination is a celebration of the entire Britannica community—the dedicated teachers, the passionate students, and the supportive families—who together are shaping a generation of confident, compassionate, and globally-minded individuals.



