For newcomers heading to Hong Kong, the local and international education system can seem daunting, but the good news is that the choices have broadened enormously, with genuinely great alternatives to the overseas boarding school route.
- Education in Hong Kong
- Choosing a school in Hong Kong
- Special education needs in Hong Kong
- Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Hong Kong
- Best schools in Hong Kong
Education in Hong Kong
Overall, the situation in Hong Kong has vastly improved as new schools have opened up (including some British ones), which has in turn eased the strain on old favourites.
Architecturally, Hong Kong schools are either old and scruffy (local and less expensive international ones) or take on a very modern, smart aesthetic more akin to a university. Sadly, playing fields are lacking, but schools try their best with the available space and bus children to sports grounds if need-be.
The small size of Hong Kong means that most areas will be served by school buses. However, for ease it may be advisable to live on the same side as the school ie Hong Kong Island or the New Territories. Check with the school before you commit to school and housing contracts. After school activities are more manageable if you live close by, whether sports matches (fairly few – most sports are done in clubs) or school productions (a lot!). Volunteering and community involvement are encouraged here.
Definitely plan to put your name on the wait list for your top choice schools, even if you think you won’t be in Hong Kong long enough to get in. You’d be surprised at the amount of movement or how long most people end up staying here. If you do return to your home country, it is usually fine if coming from the same curriculum. Some of the schools have exceptional maths (and other subject) standards as children in Hong Kong have a lot expected of them and are heavily tutored from an early age. If they need to switch curriculum (eg from IB to English curriculum) tutors tend to be employed.
Choosing a school in Hong Kong
A stint in Hong Kong is seen as a great opportunity for more and more expats, with or without Chinese heritage, to enable their children to learn Chinese. One (budget friendly) option is to put your child into a local Chinese school, although the application process can be difficult for non-Chinese speakers and for home-to-school and child-to-school communication. Also, being taught in a completely new language can cause significant social and emotional upheaval, so is not a decision to be taken lightly, particularly as children get older. It is easier at an early age, which is why many opt to use a Cantonese nursery or Kindergarten (most local schools still teach in Cantonese rather than Mandarin).
The workload in the local schools, as well as the stress level, goes up enormously once the child hits the primary level. Tutoring is the norm and there is little time for sports or anything play-based. Academic results are the be-all-and-end-all. For these reasons, most international families move their children to international schools at this point, more of whom are now offering a serious Chinese (Mandarin) programme, allowing children to develop language skills without sacrificing breadth and depth of curriculum.
However, it’s horses for courses, and many families still choose to down the Chinese route for the sake of language acquisition and local integration.
When it comes to international schools, the English Schools Foundation (ESF) runs the majority of the English-speaking schools. But due to the transition from English National Curriculum to IB, they are no longer British-dominated and have morphed into a completely multi-cultural mix (particularly popular with Europeans and Australians).
It used to be that if you were a British family, you would either send your child home to the UK for boarding school once they had finished at an ESF primary school or Kellett (the British International School) at 11, or you would go to one of the ESF through-schools that offered English National Curriculum. Other nationalities would send their children to their respective international schools (ie Australian, French, German and Swiss) where preference is given to national passport holders.
But as these sought-after schools became overstretched, it became increasingly difficult to find places (especially for years 1 and 7). The government tried to overcome this by giving licences, land and grants to new international school groups. In 2007, Kellett opened a new senior school and a second primary campus in Kowloon, with other international schools also opening up (a handful following the English National Curriculum), easing the burden on popular schools.
However, with some of the new schools using IB and, with ESF primaries having moved from English National Curriculum to IB PYP, there is still a shortage of National Curriculum schools. The few international schools that still teach it are mainly all-through schools so they don’t bother teaching the UK Common Entrance. Parents therefore rely on tutors.
International schools offering a strong Chinese language programme are exceptionally sought-after. Some offer very strong academics in both English and Chinese. They also offer good sports and are fairly well-rounded, so are an excellent (if expensive) alternative to the local system. It is worth noting that in schools where there are two language streams eg French/international or German/international all students must study the school’s native language from P2 (primary 2) upwards and as a result Mandarin is not introduced until P3 – later than schools offering a Chinese programme from the get go.
Beware, the application (generally done entirely online) for international schools can be arduous (at least a few hours per application due to the mountain of supporting documents which need to be scanned in and attached) with hard copies requested more often than not.
In terms of fees, the Hong Kong government has now begun phasing out the subvention (subsidy) on ESF fees, so they are now in line with most other international schools. However, the waiting lists are still long as these schools remain hugely sought-after and very popular with local families. ESF schools only take children who reside within their catchment areas both at primary level and at most secondaries, which means all have a strong community feeling. And even if you move inside the catchment area, there is no guarantee you’ll be offered a place. Indeed, as more and more places are taken up by permanent residents, there are few places for new arrivals. So in order to allow for immediate entry, as well as raise funds, ESF have started introducing debentures. Most other schools (including some pre-schools) also run a debenture system, both individual and corporate to help secure a place. The corporate debentures cost more and therefore help more, so if you can get your hands on one through your company, do. In fact, if you are moving with a company, make it a negotiating point if you can. Be warned that schools don’t always give sibling priority, so you might want to consider that issue too, before you jump in to accept the debenture for one child (you might be kicking the can down the road and not be able to get the sibling in). Some schools offer a non-refundable annual levy as an alternative. This helps ease the burden of debentures which can be crippling particularly for the more sought after schools as they can be set at a high price.
Special education needs (SEN) in Hong Kong
In recent years there has been an uptick in international schools who support mild forms of SEN. Although it is very much down to each individual school at the time of admissions, the school will assess the child and look at how and if they will be able to fulfil their individual needs. Those schools worth noting in this area include The Harbour School and Hong Kong Academy who recognise educating the ‘whole child’.
For those who are looking for more support, moderate to high needs, then there is only one English speaking special needs school in Hong Kong who meets this criteria, The Jockey Club Sarah Roe School (ESF).
Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Hong Kong
Early years, more often than not, are provided for within the larger realm of an international school setting although there are a few reputable stand-alone ones which provide early years education in a smaller environment. We hear good things about Woodlands Pre-School which has eight campuses on Hong Kong island and one in the New Territories. A preferable option to parents who view this as a less daunting environment in which to provide the fundamental early years in a small, cosier space before moving into the larger international arena. We hear good things about Woodlands Pre-School (eight campuses on Hong Kong island and one in the New Territories) which has been in operation for over forty years, delivering an international curriculum alongside the English EYFS and a Montessori approach at one campus.
Best schools in Hong Kong
Australian International School (AISHK) 
Adapted Australian curriculum/ New South Wales HSC/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,100 students
An all-through school located in Kowloon Tong in Kowloon West, offering an Australian education and the alternative qualification of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The students come from around 25 different nationalities but with the majority holding Australian passports. Amazing roof top aquatic centre. Sport and non-sporting activities are available outside the school curriculum.
Click here to read our full review of Australian International School
Canadian International School
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma/ Ontario HSD; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,580 students
Founded in 1991 and still teaching a majority of Canadian students, although there are also passport holders from over 40 other countries. Dually accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Click here to read our full review of Canadian International School
Chinese International School
Adapted curriculum/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,420 students
The school is a charity, with governance run by a Board of Governors. Based in a modern high tech building at the top of Braemar Hill. 25 per cent each, British and American students, the remainder ‘global Chinese’ of which, over 60 per cent are Hong Kong born. Known for Mandarin and the high standard of academics. Wide sporting provision including golf and sailing.
Click here to read our full review of the Chinese International School.
ESF Bradbury School
PYP; ages 5-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 720 students
International primary school, one of the 22 English Schools Foundation (ESF) schools in Hong Kong.
Click here to read our full review of the ESF Bradbury School
ESF Kennedy School
PYP; ages 5-11; co-ed; day; private non-profit; 900 students
One of the ESF primary schools for English-speaking children, located in western Hong Kong. Music and performing arts are major elements of the education offered here and the school is more sporty than some of the other ESF primaries.
Click here to read our full review of ESF Kennedy School.
ESF South Island School
MYP/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 11-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,200 students
Nestled in the tropical jungle of southern Hong Kong Island, ESF South Island School is a non-selective, English-medium, co-educational, international secondary school that follows the IB and IGCSE curriculum.
Click here to read our full review of ESF South Island School
ESF West Island School
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma/ IB Careers/ BTEC; ages 11-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,250 students
An English Schools Foundation (ESF) secondary school offering a mixed curriculum but is a candidate for authorisation to teach the IBMYP and at present the only school in the network to offer BTECs.
Click here to read our full review of ESF West Island School
French International School (FIS)
French curriculum/ National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma/ OIB; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 2,600 students
Now on four campuses, including the brand-new state of the art eco-campus at Tseung Kwan O. Pupils from over 40 different nationalities split into French (bilingual) and International streams. First international authorised International Baccalaureate World School in Hong Kong. The school provides additional teaching in English for certain subjects, through the American section, which leads to the international (French/English) Option Internationale Baccalaureate.
Click here to read our full review of French International School
German Swiss International School (GSIS)
German curriculum/ International Abitur/ IGCSE; A Level; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,240 students
Established in 1969 by German and Swiss families looking for a bilingual German/English education. To this end they offer the alternative of the German International Abitur (DIAP) or the English alternative of IGCSEs and A Levels. Located on The Peak.
Click here to read our full review of German Swiss International School
Harrow International School
National Curriculum for England/ GCSE/ A Level; ages 2-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,300 students
Only British school in Hong Kong to offer boarding. Opened in 2012 and located in the Western New Territories. The school’s license stipulates that 50 per cent of the student body should be non-local, however the second passport held by most Hong Kong Chinese, high net-worth families circumnavigates this rule. Huge demand for places.
Click here to read our full review of Harrow International School.
Hong Kong Academy (HKA)
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 600 students
Founded in 2012 and offering all three of the original International Baccalaureate Programmes. Brand new, eco-friendly award winning campus in Sai Kung in the New Territories surrounded by performance and athletic spaces, which are shared with the local community. The school is now fairly close to its capacity of 660 students.
Click here to read our full review of Hong Kong Academy
Hong Kong International School (HKIS)
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 2,600 students
Large American-style, lower primary, upper primary, middle and high school, over 50 years old and probably the largest international school in Hong Kong, assisted by the US State Department. The school teaches over 2,500 pupils from around 40 different nationalities. Located at two campuses on the south side of Hong Kong island – middle and high schools in excellent facilities in Tai Tam and primary schools in Repulse Bay. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Click here to read our full review of Hong Kong International School
Kellett Senior School
National Curriculum for England/ I/GCSE/ A Level; ages 11-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 570 students
Now on a cool, industrial-style modern campus in Kowloon, the school was started by a group of parents over 40 years ago. Still governed by 12 elected parent members. Retains A Levels (rather than the IB Diploma) and results are above the UK average. Arts considered a strength and a strong music department leads on to both GCSE and A Level. Wide variety of sport and extra-curricular activities put on after school.
Click here to read our full review of Kellett Senior School Kowloon Bay
Kellett Kowloon Bay Preparatory School
National Curriculum for England; ages 4-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 325 students
Brand new modern campus, opened in 2013, with light classrooms spread across two floors. Majority of families British, followed by Australian or European and a (very) few local Chinese. Most pupils move on to Kellett senior school or boarding school in the UK but exams have to be taken externally. School days are short and sport mainly takes place out of school.
Click here to read our full review of Kellett Preparatory School Kowloon Bay
Kellett Pok Fu Lam Preparatory School 
National Curriculum for England; ages 4-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 475 students
Older and less eye-catching campus, than its sister school in Kowloon Bay, closer in appearance and feel to an English preparatory school. Maths and English are strong. Subjects, especially history, sometimes have an added local or Asian twist (such as the occupation of Hong Kong by the Japanese in WWII). Games usually take place off-site.
Click here to read our full review of Kellett Preparatory School Pok Fu Lam
Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong
IB diploma; ages 16-19; co-ed; day and boarding; independent private non-profit; 256 students
Part of the United World College (UWC) network of schools and educational programmes. Li Po Chun UWC is a senior years only (16-19-years-old) school in the New Territories for motivated and curious teenagers seeking to become change-makers.
Click here to read our full review of Li Po Chun UWC
Malvern College Hong Kong
Adapted PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 960 students
A branch of the English public school, Malvern College that is a new entrant (2018) to the big brand-name English schools here. Authorised to teach the International Baccalaureate PYP and MYP programmes but, as yet, still a candidate for teaching the IB Diploma.
Click here to read our full review of Malvern College Hong Kong
Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,200 students
A private pre-school, elementary and secondary school, opened in 2014 and now on two campuses (Sai Kung and Tai Tam). Part of the Nord Anglia Education group’s empire. Families come from around 40 different nationalities and 80 per cent of the enrolled students are expats. Inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) for British Schools Overseas (BSO).
Click here to read our full review of Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong
Adapted National Curriculum for England; ages 3-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,000 students
Brand new nursery and primary school opened in 2018. Located on an impressive, purpose-built campus in Tseung Kwan O. The expectation is that pupils will mainly come from an international background but we will report further once it has bedded in.
Click here to read our full review of Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong
Stamford American School
Adapted American/ candidate PYP/ candidate MYP/ American High School Diploma/ AP/ candidate IB Diploma; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 350 students
A newly-opened (2016) school, owned and run by the global education company, Cognita. In addition to its American programme, the school is a candidate to teach the IBPYP and IBMYP and IB Diploma.
Click here to read our full review of Stamford American School Hong Kong
Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ Chinese; ages 5-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit
Opened in 2019 in Tin Wan, Aberdeen by the international arm of the famous (and very academic) English girls’ boarding school. A bilingual primary, using an adapted English and specially developed Chinese curriculum, with a strong emphasis on learning Mandarin Chinese and imbibing Chinese culture. Aiming to give students the necessary grounding to move on to top global secondary schools.
Click here to read our full review of Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
American International School
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 850 students
Founded by Dr. Thomas Liang in 1986, to give local students the right preparation, so that they could apply to US universities. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
American School Hong Kong (ASHK
Adapted American curriculum; ages 5-16; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
Owned and operated by Esol Education, the global network (nine schools on three continents) dedicated to running American international schools. Dually accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Beacon Hill School
PYP; ages 5-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 540 students
Founded in 1967 and one of the 22 English Schools Foundation (ESF) schools in Hong Kong. Classes in English and priority given to non-Cantonese speaking children, who cannot access the local system.
Clearwater Bay School
PYP; ages 5-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 720 students
International primary school, one of the 22 English Schools Foundation (ESF) schools in Hong Kong.
Discovery Bay International School
Adapted curriculum/ IGCSE/ A Level; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,000 students
A British kindergarten, primary and secondary school founded in 1983 in Discovery Bay, Lantau Island. Recently expanded into year 13 with the first A Level results in 2019. A high percentage of candidates achieve A*-A at IGCSEs. It’s situation has led to it developing better sporting facilities than at some Hong Kong schools. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Discovery College
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma/ IB Careers; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,320 students
One of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) all-through schools and one of only two Hong Kong schools to offer all four programmes of the International Baccalaureate.
English Schools Foundation (ESF)
A group of 22 preschool, primary and secondary schools for 17,770 pupils from over 70 nationalities. All authorised IB World Schools - five international kindergartens, nine primary schools, five secondary schools and three all-through schools. Zoning apples to the primary and secondary schools according to the current or expected Hong Kong address of the family. No zoning for Renaissance and Discovery Colleges offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme or for the all-through Jockey Club Sarah Roe School for SEN students.
Glenealy School
PYP; ages 5-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 360 students
A two form entry primary and part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) network. Re-accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) in 2019.
ICHK (Primary)
PYP; ages 3-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 400 students
An English Schools Foundation (ESF) kindergarten and primary school was established in 1983, in the New Territories. The campus is in the Hong Lok Yuen residential estate and includes a Forest school. Primary school students are offered guaranteed places at the senior school. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS).
ICHK (Secondary)
Adapted/ I/GCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 11-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 380 students
This English Schools Foundation (ESF) secondary school was opened in 2009 in a rural area near Plover Cove Country Park. The majority of pupils arrive from the primary school of the same name. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS).
Island School
MYP/ I/GCSE/ IB Diploma/ IB Careers; ages 11-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,200 students
An English Schools Foundation (ESF) secondary school, offering three International Baccalaureate programmes and both GCSEs and IGCSEs.
Japanese International School (JIS)
PYP; ages 3-12; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 170 students
The small international section opened in 1997 and is now on a separate campus in Tai Po. Licensed to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme since 2007.
Jockey Club Sarah Roe School
Adapted/ SEN; ages 5-19; co-ed; independent; private non-profit; 70 students
Small, long-standing (founded 1986) Special Needs school, part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF).
King George V School
Adapted curriculum/ MYP/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 12-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,750 students
One of the oldest schools in Hong Kong, opened in 1894 to cater for British families, living in Kowloon. International secondary school and part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF).
Kowloon Junior School
PYP; ages 5-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 900 students
A large international primary school, founded in 1902. Part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF).
Peak School
PYP; ages 5-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 360 students
The oldest of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) primary schools in Hong Kong, teaching the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.
Quarry Bay School
PYP; ages 5-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 360 students
A long-standing English Schools Foundation (ESF) primary school, opened in 1924, teaching the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.
Renaissance College Hong Kong
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma/ IB Careers; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 2,050 students
One of two English Schools Foundation (ESF) all-through schools offering all four programmes of the International Baccalaureate.
Sha Tin College
Adapted curriculum/ MYP/ IB Diploma/ IB Careers; ages 12-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,200 students
International secondary school on a campus in Fo Tan since 1985. Member of the English Schools Foundation (ESF). Very impressive International Baccalaureate Diploma results with over 50 per cent regularly scoring in the high thirties against a global average of 30.
Sha Tin Junior School
PYP; ages 5-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 900 students
An English Schools Foundation (ESF) primary school opened in 1988 and sharing facilities with the senior school, Sha Tin College. Authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme since 2009.
Singapore International School (Hong Kong)
Adapted/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,500 students
Located on two campuses with the majority of students being local or coming from Singapore. Highly impressive average International Baccalaureate Diploma scores, which are consistently in the high thirties against the global figure of 30.
Victoria Shanghai Academy
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,870 studentsB
Opened in 1965 and teaching mainly local students. International Baccalaureate Diploma averages are consistently in the high thirties as opposed to the global average of 30. The school is dually accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Yew Chung International School Hong Kong
Adapted bilingual curriculum/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 680 students
Operated by the Yew Chung Education Foundation, with the majority of students holding Chinese passports. The school offers an English and Chinese programme. In the kindergarten and primary sections, responsibility is shared by a teacher from both language systems.
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on the Good Schools Guide international section.