Our Higher Education and Careers Guidance team works with students and families from the secondary years onwards to help them understand their strengths, explore their interests, make informed academic choices, and navigate an increasingly diverse global university landscape.
The university landscape is changing rapidly. Students today have more choices than ever before, but making good choices requires more than knowing which universities appear highest in a ranking.
At BISS, we encourage students and families to consider three broad strategies when exploring higher education:
Global Selectivity
For students aiming for the world's most selective universities, we help them understand what different admissions systems value and develop a strong academic and personal profile over time.
Global Flexibility
For many students, applying across several university systems can create a broader and more balanced portfolio of opportunities. The United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia each offer different approaches to admissions, study and future progression.
Regional Advantage and Specialisation
Some destinations offer particular advantages for specific students, subjects and future ambitions. Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Mainland China and other regional hubs can provide outstanding academic opportunities alongside proximity to home, distinctive specialist programmes, and valuable connections to rapidly developing economies.
Through this approach, students learn to consider academic fit, programme strengths, career possibilities, location, cost, and long-term opportunities alongside university reputation.
Meet the team responsible for our students’ ongoing success. Inspiring leaders and world-class teachers providing guidance, support, and direction, create an environment where your child can flourish.
Alexander is the Head of Higher Education and Careers Guidance at the British International School Shanghai, Puxi Campus.
With over 11 years of university counselling experience, Mr Alexander Olya believes that preparing for university should begin with a much bigger question than “Where do I want to go?”: “Who do I want to become?” Since joining BISS in 2022, he has worked to bring university and careers conversations into earlier year groups, encouraging students to explore their interests, challenge their assumptions and think critically about what matters to them. He works closely with senior students to develop applications that go beyond grades and achievements to communicate what makes each student distinctive. For Mr Olya, successful university guidance isn't simply about getting students into university. It's about helping them find somewhere they can genuinely thrive.
Not sure where to begin? Whether your child is just starting to explore their interests or preparing university applications, we're here to help. You don't need to wait until Year 12 to start the conversation.
After nearly 20 years at BISS, few people know our students, families and school community quite like Ms June Yao. Her experience and personal connections make her an invaluable guide for families navigating university admissions, particularly in the United States, Mainland China and Australasia. Ms Yao is also the organisational force behind many of our university events and initiatives. Above all, she understands that the university application process can be stressful, and is someone students and parents can count on for practical advice, reassurance and a familiar face throughout the journey.
Every member of the BISS team contributes to our reputation as Shanghai's premium international school.
Joseph Gichana is Head of Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay at the British International School Shanghai, Puxi.
I started my teaching career in a community-funded school in rural Kenya before joining an international school in Nairobi. I then moved to Xi’an, China, after which I joined NAIS Pudong where I served as Head of Humanities as well as teaching TOK, Economics and Business Management.
I completed my BA (Economics) degree at Kenyatta University, Nairobi before graduating with an MBA from Tongji University, Shanghai and a PGCE from the University of Sunderland.
As a member of the school’s IB Team, I serve as the Head of Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay. I also serve as the teacher representative on Nord Anglia’s Charitable Giving Committee that promotes the funding of student-led community based initiatives.
I always look forward to drawing on real-world examples and case studies to bring Economics into the classroom and help students to enrich their conceptual understanding. I enjoy seeing the students develop attitudes to learning through research, communication and self-management which are skills they will carry on to the world of work.
I am married with two children, one of whom has joined university while the second is a student at BISS. I enjoy long distance running as well as travelling with family.
University is one stage of a much longer journey.
Our Higher Education and Careers provision therefore works alongside career exploration, academic planning, extracurricular development and work experience. Students are encouraged to explore possible futures, test their assumptions, and develop an understanding of the skills and qualities they may need in a rapidly changing world.
Our careers provision includes opportunities such as the BISS Careers Fair, work experience, career mentoring, alumni engagement and connections with our parent community.
We encourage students to think beyond the question:
"What job do I want?"
and towards:
"What am I interested in, what problems do I want to understand or solve, and what kind of future do I want to help create?"
This approach supports students whether they have a clear career ambition or are still discovering their direction.
Students leave BISS Puxi with ambition and equipped with the academic results, confidence and resilience they need to succeed at whatever they choose to do or be in life. What's more, they'll always be part of the Nord Anglia family.
“Many of the teachers at BISS Puxi have taught me to love learning, they have inspired me to learn about different perspectives and to understand the world”
Our Higher Education and Careers Guidance is closely connected to the wider opportunities available to BISS students.
Students can develop their interests through academic study, extracurricular activities, leadership, sport, the performing arts, community engagement, work experience and global opportunities through Nord Anglia Education.
As part of the Nord Anglia community, students can also access opportunities and collaborations that extend beyond our campus, including initiatives connected with institutions and organisations such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Juilliard and IMG Academy, as well as global experiences such as the Tanzania Expedition.
These opportunities allow students to explore their interests in authentic contexts and develop the curiosity, confidence, independence and adaptability that will serve them beyond school.
Speak to our Admissions Team about what makes us unique or arrange a visit to our campus and see for yourself.
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