Overseas schools are targeting Chinese pupils as young as kindergarten and primary school age.

They believe Chinese parents are willing to spend large sums so that their children can learn English and acquire an international perspective from an early age.

For the first time, a kindergarten and primary school exhibited at the China Education Expo — which is known for overseas education exhibitors — in Shanghai this weekend.

Leo Shiao, business manager of Canada-based Willowbrook Montessori Preschool and Daycare and Fraser Valley Elementary School, said the schools are aiming at the Chinese market because Chinese parents place great value in their children’s education.

“The younger the children are, the quicker they can learn English and adapt to a foreign culture,” Shiao said.

The number of overseas Chinese students is expected to exceed 450,000 this year, up 12.5 percent from last year.

The United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada are the top destinations.