Parent
The experience at the BIS (Britannia International School) in Guangzhou was absolutely poor. Initially, after the initial interview, we signed the contract because we were told that our son's teacher (NURSERY) would be native English speakers. After about three months, our son's class, without any notice from the principal, was divided into PRE-NURSERY and NURSERY. I state that my son is a mix (half Italian and half Chinese), and therefore having a native speaker to teach him in English was essential.
We have been many times to speak with the principal, a certain Tim Shepherd - of whom there is absolutely nothing on the internet, he began to say that in the pre-nursery course there would be a Chinese teacher who is not mother tongue but who has lived in Australia and his level of English was very satisfactory. My wife and I, nervous, pointed out that at the time of signing the contract we were told that the teacher had to be a native speaker as agreed, and not a Chinese who studied in Australia. He started calling me racist (I've been married to a Chinese woman for 8 years, ridiculous claim). The situation thus began to become more and more ridiculous. On the day of the delivery by the secretariat of the registration forms for the new year, it was written on our form that our son should have attended the RECEPTION, with a mother tongue teacher (Susan). We, excited, immediately contacted the principal who, with a furtive gesture during a party, took our form and took it to his office.
The next day, we made an appointment with the secretary, Michelle and took back our form certifying that our son had to go to the RECEPTION class.
From that moment, the ordeal began. The secretariat, Michelle and Jessy, two Chinese people who do not even have a basic knowledge of English, began to say to wait, to wait, also because the headmaster, without any warning, would go away (it seems in Africa, it will be true ? Who knows ...), to teach in another country.
When the new principal arrived, we had an interview with him who, in person and looking into each other's eyes, told us that he would take charge of the situation and within three days he would tell us if our son would have the possibility or not to access the Reception course and finally have an international education.
It goes without saying that after two weeks the school ended and we never got any response.
The school is inside a former shopping mall, with unused and dangerous escalators in the center. In previous years there was an accident in the chemistry class that also had injuries.
In addition, during the year, in the RECEPTION classroom, a child fell and caused a very large injury. The school didn't call an ambulance and the parent had to pick him up. Furthermore, parents were not given the opportunity to view the security cameras. In short, totally non-transparent.
We paid the price for the canteen during the year, but needless to say, the canteen was never open.
The school is a "fake" international institute, anyone can enter, and most are Chinese nationals. I state that generally, in international schools in China, it is possible to enter only with a foreign passport, from HK or Macao.
The school is not serious, the staff tease and stall and just try to earn students and "make money". This obviously has a strong impact on the education of students.
Furthermore, it should be noted that we were told that there were over 30 different nationalities inside, instead there is a high concentration of students from Arab, Chinese and no other countries.
The current nursery teacher is the mother of a student, I think she is of Eastern European or Russian nationality, therefore not a native speaker.
It looks like a "circus", where everything is allowed and the relatives pay the costs. Of course, anyone who wants evidence, chat and whatnot can contact me.
To sum up:
. They do not respect written contracts
. The principal keeps changing every year, probably due to inadequate skills
. Most of the staff, especially the Nursery, are not native speakers, affecting the education of the little ones.
. Security and structure absolutely not suitable for an international school
Beware of this scam school. Do not hesitate to contact me for clarifications and tests on the school.
29 other reviews for Britannia International School Guangzhou - (Reviews aren't verified )
Showing 24 reviews by parents and students.
Parent
The school’s culture and management lack honesty. I strongly suggest considering another school don’t let the low fees mislead you about what’s truly best for your child.
Parent
I don't recommend this school at a all
Parent
the school is not up to minimal standards
Parent
After one year at BIS, I can say my daughter has grown so much—not only in her English ability, but also in her confidence. She used to be shy, but now she speaks up in class, presents her ideas, and even corrects my English sometimes! We’re grateful that the school values both academic and personal development.
Parent
This was one of the worst schools we’ve experienced. The treatment was terrible, and I strongly believe many of the glowing reviews online are fake and created by their marketing team. I’ve already transferred my two children to another school where their physical and mental well-being, as well as their behavior, have significantly improved. The management from the director to the principal and staff is extremely poor. I strongly advise avoiding this school.
Parent
What we like most is the international mix of families. Our child has friends from different countries, and it’s amazing to see how naturally they learn to respect and enjoy other cultures.
Parent
A small but caring school with excellent English-speaking teachers, a global outlook, and a community that feels like a big family. Choosing BIS was absolutely the right decision for us.
Parent
We chose BIS because we wanted our son to learn in a truly English-speaking environment, with native teachers and an international curriculum. The Cambridge programme is well organised and already helping him not only gain knowledge but also develop his thinking skills. As parents, it’s very reassuring to know he’s on a clear path towards future study.
Parent
My child’s homeroom teacher is from England, and we feel this gives them an excellent start in English. It’s wonderful to see their confidence in language growing day by day, and we feel very lucky to have such a teacher guiding them.
Parent
Moving to Guangzhou with children was not easy, but BIS really made the transition smooth. The homeroom teacher was warm and patient, and the small class sizes meant my kids quickly felt comfortable and supported. It didn’t take long before they were happy to go to school every morning.
Parent
I like the school because it's a cambridge school, and it has the same curriculum that my child had before.
The students at the school come from all kinds of backgrounds so I can see different cultures here. My kid has even found friends who speak the... read full review
Parent
bad school to be in avoid this school and its lies
Student
my school is so boring the teachers are boring and everything at school is just plain boring
Parent
We enrolled our child at this school believing it was a true international school. We were promised small class sizes and year-round activities. Instead, we found overcrowded classrooms, a playground that’s more of a safety hazard than a place to play, and a complete lack of engaging activities for the students. On top of that, my child never brought home any homework. I ended up withdrawing my son from what they call BIS though in our experience, it might as well stand for Barely International School.
Parent
Bad experience, bad school not happy.
Parent
The new management is letting in students with behavior problems and accepting anyone just to get more students. Right now, BIS feels more like a business than a school.
Student
some teachers really care about us, but you can count them on one hand the rest just seem to show up for work. the toilets are super old and always smell bad. The food is average andthey keep changing the menu. The playground is big, but we love playing football, and they never fix it, which is really annoying!
Parent
(((AVOID AWAY AT ALL COSTS ))) Terrible service the administration staff make false promises just to get you enrolled, but once you're in, it's a completely different story. I'm grateful I was able to transfer to another school. Wishing the best to the students who remain there.
Parent
This school has poor management and is not honest with parents There is no play equipment for the kids, and despite numerous requests to the Chinese manager, she doesn’t seem to care. The school is cheaper than others, but the low cost reflects the quality you get. I took my kids out of this school and regret not making this decision sooner.
Parent
This school is a very caring school and my child has had a great time here and is well looked after. The main teacher is from England and is a very patient lady.
Parent
Came from Russia and I was worried where to put my kids I found BIS to be the best Value school not only the cheapest my son love the school and i am happy with everything there , I am planning to stay at BIS for the next 3 years that i am staying in china
↳ Reply from Britannia International School Guangzhou 
Parent
Since my daughter started attending school in nursery, she is now in year 1. I have observed significant improvements at the institution, and we now consider it to be our home. We are pleased with the administration, the faculty, and the management.
↳ Reply from Britannia International School Guangzhou
Parent
Great school, staff are friendly I recommend a visit to school.
↳ Reply from Britannia International School Guangzhou
Your positive feedback is truly valued and brings us immense joy! Knowing that you had a satisfying experience with us at BIS is incredibly rewarding. Our team is dedicated to cultivating an environment that nurtures both academic and personal growth for our students.
Parent
I would want to share my feedback about Britannia International School based on my own experience. After reading some of the school's past unfavorable reviews, I felt it was only fair to share my unbiased viewpoint.
My daughter started with Mr. Michael in Nursery class, a kind and patient teacher, when she was 3 years old.
I always felt pleased and carefree after going to Miss Suzanne, another caring and compassionate teacher, because I knew my daughter was in wonderful hands.
Wherever the child is from, they have been cared for at BIS. The school has students from diverse ethnicities and nations, including Australia, Russia, Brazil, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Sudan, Iraq, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.
I was one of the parents that wanted to transfer my daughter to another school, but before the new principal took over, things changed, and the school advanced to a higher leve... read full review
