Ages 
A well-kept secret which we feel should bang its drum louder. A refreshing range of options on offer in parallel to a mainstream curriculum, allowing each pupil to flourish. WIS produces well-rounded, down-to-earth, happy teens with a strong grounding in who they are. The less expensive school fees are the cherry on top.
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Overview
- Student numbers
- 1,204
- Curricula
- British
- International
- SEN provision
- Mainstream with SEN support
- Religion
- Non-denominational
- Fees
- HK$ 167,100 – HK$ 152,900
Head of school
Principal
Vicki Hallatt
Since April 2024, Vicki Hallatt, MA PGCE NPQH. A UK national schooled in Edinburgh, completing her masters at St Andrews University (international relations) before heading off to Belize as part of her gap year. It was here, while building an arts
Entrance
For some, a natural progression from nearby (primary) ESF Kennedy School. Most are familiar with the school by the time they enter, worries surrounding cliques formed in primary are dispelled by students who tell us they made it their mission to
Exit
Usual movement across the year groups, the largest number exit at the end of year 11 (mostly Brits who head to UK boarding schools) - explains the dip in numbers for sixth form.
Majority of graduates to UK (Russell Group, Oxbridge), others off to
Latest results
In 2023, results are in line with 2019 - average score 36, five students achieved 44; six bilingual diplomas.
Eleven students awarded IB career-related programme (IBCP). Over 80 per cent on the BTEC international diploma achieved the highest
Teaching & learning
Celebrated as non-selective (we heard this time and again from parents, teachers and students), school considers all capabilities. A solid support structure in place for those who need it and optional pathways for all (academic and vocational);
- Curricula & qualifications
- British - International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
- International - International Baccalaureate (Diploma)
- British - National Curriculum for England
- British - BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) Level 3 Extended Diploma
- International - International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-related Programme (CP)
- International - International Baccalaureate - MYP (candidate)
Learning support & SEN
The school steps away from pigeonholing students, focusing instead on a range of individual needs from moderate learning disabilities (dyslexia, ADHD, global delay and dyscalculia) to extensions for gifted students.
Those with individual needs
Language support
English for academic purposes (EAP) is offered to students requiring additional support to develop their academic English. Those from different schooling systems in year 9 or 10 can join the WISCAL (WIS Centre for Academic Language) program. Students
Arts & extracurricular
The DT lab is the showcase of the school’s design and creative inspiration. With little involvement from the teacher, four enthusiastic and informative year 10 students showed us everything from wood and metalwork areas to plastic mouldings stations.
Sport
Strong sporting programme. Proudest moments to date include an alumni Olympic champion in the 50m freestyle at the 2016 Olympic games (the swimming pool made the cut for a recent upgrade) and a 2018 graduate who became the first person from Hong Kong
Ethos & heritage
Established in 1991, it is one of five senior schools in the 22-strong ESF group (HK’s largest English-medium international school organisation and a huge cog in the educational wheel).
Set close to the hillside in Pokfulam with stunning views
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Buddy system in place for all new joiners for the first few weeks, including upper years. Leadership opportunities range from heads of dynasty and event ambassadors to mentorship and pupil leadership at open days.
All abilities and individual
Classroom & community
Over forty nationalities represented including Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Australia, French and English. Parents are stalwart supporters of the school, ESF blood pumps through their veins. With very little to complain about (when pushed, ‘the upgrade
- School year
- Late August – late June, with three terms
- School hours
- 8:15am – 3:10pm
- Uniform requirements
- Yes, relaxed sixth form attire
Money matters
More affordable than other international schools, making this an attractive option for those who don’t have corporate school fee packages (they are dwindling in Hong Kong) yet want the same level of instruction and results.
Nomination rights
- Annual fee range
- HK$ 167,100 – HK$ 152,900
- Fee information
- Application fee: HK$ 2,800 (non-refundable)
Deposit, capital levy (non-refundable).
The last word
A well-kept secret which we feel should bang its drum louder. A refreshing range of options on offer in parallel to a mainstream curriculum, allowing each pupil to flourish. WIS produces well-rounded, down-to-earth, happy teens with a strong
Accreditations, inspections & memberships
- Accreditations/Inspections
- Authorised by International Baccalaureate Organization (not to be confused as an inspection or accreditation agency)
None (school may be licensed, or may be "inspected" by its own owner, but it is not independently accredited or inspected by recognised agency or organisation)- Memberships
- Part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF)
