Wellington China schools have earned recognition in the 2026 HSBC Forbes China International School Annual Selection, with Wellington College International Shanghai ranking first nationally across primary, middle and high school divisions. The results offer families a useful starting point when comparing international education options in China.

All six schools in the Wellington College Education China network secured places in the annual selection. Meanwhile, campuses in Tianjin and Hangzhou achieved leading positions in their respective cities.

The results also highlight the performance of Hiba Academy, the group’s bilingual school brand. Its campuses in Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nantong secured recognition across several age groups, reflecting the range of educational pathways available within the wider network.

How Wellington China Schools Performed In The 2026 Selection

Wellington College International Shanghai achieved the strongest national result within the group, taking first place across all three divisions. This gives families considering the school recognition of its provision from primary through to senior education.

Wellington College International Tianjin maintained its leading position in Tianjin. Additionally, Wellington College International Hangzhou secured first place in its city, strengthening the group’s regional profile.

The bilingual Hiba Academy schools also recorded notable results.

  • Hiba Academy Shanghai ranked fifth nationally in primary, sixth in middle school and 14th in high school.
  • Hiba Academy Hangzhou ranked first in Hangzhou for primary education and 16th nationally for middle school.
  • Hiba Academy Nantong entered the national top 10 for middle school and ranked 16th nationally for primary education. Both results placed it first in Jiangsu province. Wellington College China

These results matter because international and bilingual schools can serve different family needs. While some parents prioritise an international curriculum, others seek bilingual education that maintains a strong connection with Chinese language and learning.

What The Forbes China School Selection Measures

The 2026 HSBC Forbes China International School Annual Selection was jointly launched by Forbes China and HSBC China. It evaluates schools across four areas: academic achievement, teaching quality, facilities and resources, and innovation and development.

The assessment also places greater emphasis on how schools prepare for future educational needs. In particular, the 2026 framework considers the practical application of artificial intelligence in education, alongside academic outcomes and the quality of teaching.

For parents, these criteria provide a broader reference than examination results alone. However, a ranking cannot fully capture the day-to-day experience of pupils, the quality of pastoral care or how well a school supports individual learning needs.

Families should therefore consider the selection alongside school visits, curriculum information, university destinations and conversations with current parents.

Why Bilingual And International Education Matters In China

China’s international education sector includes schools for foreign nationals as well as bilingual schools serving Chinese families. These settings may offer different curricula, admissions requirements and routes towards university.

Consequently, parents need to understand which school category fits their child’s circumstances. An international school and a bilingual school may differ in language of instruction, eligibility, curriculum structure and progression routes.

The 2026 selection covers both international and bilingual schools, providing families with a wider view of the sector. Its results also recognise schools beyond China’s largest education hubs, including campuses in Tianjin, Hangzhou and Nantong.

For educators and school leaders, the findings offer insight into the priorities shaping school development. Academic performance remains important, but teaching quality, resources and the ability to respond to changing educational needs also feature in the assessment.

What The Results Mean For Families Considering Wellington

Wellington College International Shanghai’s performance makes it a school for families to investigate when comparing international education options in China. Its results across primary, middle and high school also provide a point of reference for parents considering longer-term educational continuity.

Meanwhile, the wider network’s results show that families can explore different locations and educational models within the Wellington and Hiba brands.

Nevertheless, parents should look beyond league-table positions before making a decision. Fees, admissions eligibility, class sizes, language support, safeguarding, learning support and the availability of suitable university pathways all deserve careful consideration.

Ultimately, the 2026 selection provides one measure of school performance, rather than a definitive answer for every family. The most suitable school will be the one that meets a child’s academic, social and personal needs while supporting their future ambitions.