Introducing an Exciting New Chapter for Dulwich College Shanghai
From August 2026, Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong and Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi campuses will unite under a 'One College, Two Campuses' model. Together, they will be known as Dulwich College Shanghai (DCS). This will allow us to combine and cultivate resources and expertise across both campuses, as part of our strategic vision to enhance academic opportunities and secure long-term sustainability across our Shanghai campuses.
This development reflects our commitment to strengthening educational excellence across Shanghai through closer collaboration, shared expertise and more effective use of resources, while maintaining the distinct strengths of each campus.
At its core, this next phase is designed to place students firmly at the centre of every decision, ensuring a coherent academic journey, a strengthened Upper School experience and consistently high standards across all stages of learning.
Leadership of Dulwich College Shanghai
Dulwich College Shanghai will be led by a single Head of College, Mr Garry Russell. Mr Russell, who is currently the Head of College at Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, has 25 years of experience in senior leadership at world-class, award-winning schools across the globe.
He will be supported by senior leaders across both campuses to ensure continuity, coherence and alignment:
- Ms Kelly King has been appointed Head of Campus, Puxi. As the Founding Head of Senior School, she has played a central role in shaping the Puxi campus since 2018 and brings continuity, experience and a deep understanding of the community.
- Dr Mark Hardeman will continue as planned in the role of Interim Head of College at Puxi until July 2026, maintaining leadership continuity through the transition period.
A Unified Academic Journey
A key benefit of the 'One College, Two Campuses' model is the development of an integrated, cohesive academic pathway through the College.
From the 2027–2028 academic year, all Upper School students (Years 10–13) will be based at the Pudong campus. This will enable:
- Greater subject breadth and timetabling flexibility
- Deeper academic specialisation at IGCSE and IB Diploma level
- A rich Upper School environment through a larger cohort
- Enhanced access to shared teaching expertise and facilities
To ensure stability for students, the transition will be phased:
- Year 10 and Year 12 (from August 2026): Begin IGCSE and IB Diploma studies at Pudong
- Year 11 (from August 2027): Complete IGCSE at Puxi before moving to Pudong for IB Diploma study
- Year 13: Complete IB Diploma at Pudong and graduate as planned
This approach ensures continuity during examination years, with strong pastoral and academic support from familiar teaching teams who know our students well.
The College remains committed to offering A-Levels where there is student demand, with plans to introduce A-Levels at the Pudong campus from the 2027–2028 academic year. Within the EiM network, A-Levels are already successfully offered at Dulwich College Beijing, Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou and Dehong Shanghai.
A Continued Focus on Puxi Campus
Within the unified College structure, the Puxi campus will continue to provide a distinctive and highly valued learning environment during the foundational years of education.
Recent developments, including the introduction of the Forest School programme, reflect an ongoing commitment to enriching learning experiences beyond the classroom.
Puxi will continue to offer:
- A warm, inclusive community where every child is known and supported
- A strong sense of identity shaped by House culture, traditions and student voice
- High-quality teaching and exceptional pastoral care grounded in strong relationships
- A clear and supported transition into Upper School at Dulwich College Shanghai
This ensures that Puxi remains focused on breadth, participation and foundational development, while enabling a seamless progression into Upper School.
Looking Ahead
The unification of Dulwich College Shanghai represents an important step forward in strengthening collaboration and academic excellence across both campuses. By bringing the two communities together under one College, we are enhancing opportunities for students, deepening expertise and building a more connected learning environment.
For detailed information regarding admissions Senior School placements at our Pudong campus or K-9 at Puxi, please contact our Admissions Team via the QR codes provided.