Ages 
CIS is a rare and special school for its independence and self-belief, and is quietly regarded as the best school on the island for Mandarin and most other subjects. No question that the children who attend this school are probably the smartest on the island, which is why they seem a bit different from children at more all-round schools. They are a community happy in their own skin. The philanthropic work of the students is a great credit to them, and interest from Westerners wanting to enrol, further shows the school’s diverse and cultural offering.
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Overview
- Student numbers
- 1,613
- Curricula
- International
- SEN provision
- SEN considered case by case
- Offers boarding
- Boarding available
- Religion
- Non-denominational
- Fees
- HK$ 194,800 - HK$ 309,000
Head of school
Head of school
Sean Lynch
Since 2018, Sean Lynch BA MA MSc DEA. His qualifications (Yale and Sciences Po, Paris), awards (including Ordre des Palmes for distinguished academics, the Klingenstein Fellowship from Columbia University), and career to date made him without doubt
Entrance
Difficult, very difficult, but as the school does not intend to grow in numbers (a decision supported by the parents) the situation is not due to change any time soon. CIS is hugely popular, and competition is high.
It's best to apply at
Exit
In 2024, half of all graduating students went to the US and a quarter to the UK. Eight per cent to Hong Kong.
This school doesn’t give its students up easily! Around 7.5 per cent of children move before their schooling finishes, one of the lowest
Latest results
In 2024, the average IB was an astounding 39 points (compared to 38 in 2023). Twenty five students achieved a bilingual diploma.
Teaching & learning
One of the few bilingual schools, and children who attend must be smart in order to keep up. However, don’t be scared off by the Mandarin side - for those joining late (until year 10) no prior knowledge of Mandarin is required, although of course it
- Curricula & qualifications
- International - International Baccalaureate (Diploma)
- International - International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP)
- Bilingual programmes
- Chinese/English
Learning support & SEN
As admission is selective, most children cope perfectly well with the curriculum and do not have problems. For those that do, specialist teaching is available for both primary and secondary; those in Hangzhou are supported remotely.
Language support
Children must have a strong grasp of either English or Chinese to enter the school. Mandarin is compulsory and a Mandarin teacher works alongside an English teacher at all times.
Arts & extracurricular
Children are encouraged to participate in extracurricular - they are a pivotal part of the school. From 3.15pm activities include sport, art, music, chess club and languages. Some parents cite these classes as almost as difficult to get into as the
Sport
The school’s location gives it the big advantage of having a full-sized outdoor sports field (albeit shared with one other school) which, being at the top of a hill, gives the children some natural air-con in the summer months!
The school offers
Ethos & heritage
CIS was started in 1983 by Nelly Fung, Joyce Tai and Kin-Yue Fu, educated themselves between Asia and the West, who together wanted to create a high standard international school that also encompassed the values and traditions of Hong Kong.
A
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
CIS children have an excellent reputation in terms of behaviour. Previous heads have worked hard to maintain this and Mr Lynch looks set to continue.
Classroom & community
While 30 nationalities are represented at this school, 75 per cent of students are HK born so it does feel more Chinese than not. CIS parents are keen, devoted and perfect examples of the 'tiger mother' type. Mainly relatively wealthy local parents
- School year
- August – June
- School hours
- 7:55am – 3:00pm
- Student nationalities - total
- 38
- Uniform requirements
- Yes
Money matters
Typically for Hong Kong schools, fees are a fortune and the added extras are not cheap either. It is important to note that while the one-year boarding programme opportunity in Hangzhou is unique, so are the costly fees associated with it, which
- Annual fee range
- HK$ 194,800 - HK$ 309,000
- Fee information
- Capital Levy: HK$ 28,000;
Reservation Deposit: HK$ 70,000;
Uniforms, books, camps, laptop purchase program, school bus and school lunch.
Hangzhou boarding fees (Year 10)
The last word
CIS is a rare and special school for its independence and self-belief, and is quietly regarded as the best school on the island for Mandarin and most other subjects. No question that the children who attend this school are probably the smartest on
Accreditations, inspections & memberships
- Accreditations/Inspections
- Council of International Schools (CIS)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Authorised by International Baccalaureate Organization (not to be confused as an inspection or accreditation agency)- Memberships
- The College Board, NACAC (National Association of College Admission Counsellors), INACAC (international division of NACAC), CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education), EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools), ECIS (European Council of Independent Schools), NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools)
