Cover We're listing the best international schools in Hong Kong (Photo: Courtesy of DBIS)

Looking to enrol your children in one of the city's many international schools? We're listing the best options in Hong Kong

With so many international schools in Hong Kong, it can be a difficult process to narrow down your choices. Factors to consider include the quality of the education style the school provides, the campus and its facilities.

To make the process easier, we've put together a complete list of the best international schools in Hong Kong, including the top international primary and secondary schools. 

See also: Hong Kong Tatler Schools Guide

1. American International School 

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Above American International School

Type: Kindergarten, primary and secondary

Curriculum: US standards-based, academically focused and accredited by official US body WASC, with college prep and AP courses

Languages: Mandatory Putonghua for Pre-K to Grade 8; Putonghua, French and Spanish for Grades 9-12

Fees: Early Childhood 1 (half-day): HK$87,000 • Early Childhood 2-Grade 1 Junior (full day): HK$129,800 • Grades 1-4: HK$135,680 • Grades 5-8: HK$145,960 • Grades 9-12: HK$160,200

When to apply: Applications are welcome throughout the year.

Campus and facilities: In recent years, American International School (AIS) has upgraded classroom facilities and learning spaces across the campus. This includes a new multi-purpose design space that hosts student work zones, performances and events, as well as project spaces to support new programmes in engineering, robotics and design. Other facilities include three large multi-purpose indoor spaces, outdoor sports courts and a 25m outdoor pool.

Competitive advantage: AIS has built a strong reputation for the rigour of its academic programmes and its ability to successfully prepare its graduates to enter high-ranking universities in the US and worldwide. In addition, the school offers a robust AP programme to help prepare students for the demands of university education. AIS is also one of the few international schools in Hong Kong to offer the AP Capstone diploma programme.

SEE MORE: American International School 

2. Australian International School

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Above Australian International School

Type: Primary and secondary

Curriculum: Primary school: based on the Australian National Curriculum. Secondary school: New South Wales Higher School Certificate or IB Diploma.

Languages: English, with Putonghua offered to primary school students and French or Putonghua offered in New South Wales Higher School Certificate or IB Diploma.

Fees: Reception: HK$106,900 • Preparatory to Year 6: HK$153,400 • Years 7-10: HK$177,000 • Years 11-12 (NSW HSC): HK185,800 • Years 11-12 (IB Diploma): HK$223,100

When to apply: Reception to Year 10: any time. Year 11: before the first term of school. Year 12 applications are not normally accepted. Applications accepted up to two years before the expected year of entry.

Campus and facilities: The Green Roof is a multiuse educational platform where students learn about the environment. The indoor Aquatic Centre houses a 25m heated swimming pool and teaching pool. The Outdoor Field features a synthetic turf surface and a four-lane running track around its perimeter.

Competitive advantage: Operating on an Australian school year, from late January to mid-December, Australian International School Hong Kong offers a smooth transition to high-quality universities in Australia and around the world. With 1,100 students, the school is small enough to provide individual care and attention. It is also dedicated to providing a warm learning environment that balances academic excellence with student well-being, developing happy young people with resilience, compassion and character.

SEE MORE: AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

3. Canadian International School

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Above Canadian International School

Type: Primary and secondary

Curriculum: IB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma and OSSD

Languages: English, with Putonghua taught. French and Spanish also available.

Fees: Early Years 1-2 (half-day): HK$115,900 • Prep to Grade 3: HK$157,300 • Grades 4-5: HK$158,900 • Grade 6: HK$160,199 • Grades 7-8: HK$177,800 • Grades 9-10: HK$195,100 • Grades 11-12: HK$205,400

When to apply: Early Years 1-2: early October. Grade 1-2: early October. Grade 3-11: January 31

Campus and facilities: Canadian International School is in Aberdeen, on the south side of Hong Kong Island. The campus covers more than 452,000sqft, occupies 14 levels and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a design studio, science and innovation labs, a 604-seat theatre, a swimming pool, a green roof, gymnasiums and multiple outdoor spaces.

Competitive advantage: Students are encouraged to maintain a balance between academics and extra-curricular opportunities, allowing them to thrive at top post-secondary institutions around the world.

SEE MORE: CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

4. Carmel School

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Above Carmel School

Type: Kindergarten, primary and secondary, Jewish day school

Curriculum: IB PYP, IB MYP and IB Diploma

Languages: English, Hebrew, Putonghua, French and Spanish as languages of instruction

Fees: Nursery and Pre-K: HK$103,500 • Kindergarten and primary school: HK$166,900 • International stream (secondary school): HK$195,500

When to apply: Anytime

Campus and facilities: Carmel is a through-train school with three campuses. Pre-school, nursery-aged Jewish children can enter the system at the unique Holly Rofé Early Learning Centre on Robinson Road. From there, students can progress to the Carmel Elementary School on Borrett Road before moving on to Elsa High School in Shau Kei Wan, which is open to all children.

Competitive advantage: Carmel believes the parent-school partnership underpins a child’s
ability to blossom and develop to his or her full potential. Carmel functions as one large family, providing support, care, help and direction, and developing the whole person within a strong moral and ethical framework.

SEE MORE: CARMEL SCHOOL

5. Chinese International School

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Above Chinese International School

Type: Primary and secondary

Curriculum: Primary: school-based dual-language programme in English and Putonghua.

Years 7-11: IB MYP, with Year 10 in Hangzhou. Year 11: school-based programme bridging IBMYP and IB Diploma. Years 12-13: IB Diploma.

Languages: English and Putonghua

Fees: Reception: HK$167,700 • Years 1-6: HK$222,300 • Years 7-11: HK$262,500 • Years 12-13: HK$266,100 • There is also a boarding fee for Hangzhou CIS in Year 10.

When to apply: Years 1 to 6: from September 1 to February 28, beginning one academic year before entry. Years 7-13: from September 1, beginning one academic year before entry.

Campus and facilities: The recent Phoenix Soaring campus redevelopment includes a new library; a 10-storey building featuring a science and technology hub that unites the sciences, design technology and visual arts around a common atrium; and a range of versatile communal spaces. Sports facilities include four gymnasiums, an outdoor sports field and climbing wall, and an indoor swimming pool.

Competitive advantage: The school takes a strengths-based approach and nurtures young people who excel in multiple dimensions and are motivated to give back to their communities. The school’s strengths include a stable, cohesive community with low student and faculty turnover and high alumni involvement; and flagship programmes such as the Hangzhou CIS one-year academic and residential programme in mainland China in Year 10, the China Experience Programmes in Years 7, 8 and 9, and a collaborative dual-language programme in the primary section.

SEE MORE: CHINESE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

6. Discovery Bay International School

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Above Discovery Bay International School

Type: Early years, primary and secondary

Curriculum: English National Curriculum, IGCSE, AS/A-Levels

Languages: English with mandatory Putonghua and additional French or Spanish during Years 7 and 8, with one language selected as a focus during Years 9 to 11.

Fees: Nursery and Reception: HK$113,300. Years 1-6: HK$122,800 • Years 7-11: HK$163,100 • Years 12-13: HK$185,500

When to apply: Anytime

Competitive advantage: The school’s distinction lies in the emphasis it places on small class sizes and a personalised approach to student learning, both of which allow teachers enough time to understand every child and develop strong home-school links.

SEE MORE: DISCOVERY BAY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

7. English Schools Foundation

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Above English Schools Foundation

Type: Primary: Beacon Hill School • Bradbury School • Clearwater Bay School • Glenealy School • Kennedy School • Kowloon Junior School • Peak School • Sha Tin Junior School • Quarry Bay School

Secondary: Island School • King George V School • Sha Tin College • South Island School • West Island School

Curriculum: IB PYP; IB MYP; IBCP; IB Diploma; GCSE/IGCSE; BTEC qualifications

Fees: Years 1-5: HK$115,800 • Years 6: HK$98,500 • Years 7-11: HK$133,800 • Years 12-13: HK$140,700

Languages: English, with dual-language options

When to apply: K1, Year 1 and Year 7: Central Application is open from September 1 to 30 of the year before. All year groups: Applications can be made anytime during the year, which will be added to waitlists.

Campus and facilities: All campuses and facilities are of world-class standard, designed to support the inquiry-based approach to learning that sits at the heart of the ESF philosophy.

Competitive advantage: ESF is on a mission to help its students become the leaders of the future. Walk into any of its classrooms and you’ll see students working together to problem-find, not problem-solve. You’ll see them grappling with complex issues and coming up with solutions. Its teachers instruct students on where to look, but don’t tell them what to see.

SEE MORE: ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

See also: Choosing The Best ESF SChool For Your Children  

8. ESF Discovery College

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Above ESF Discovery College

Type: Primary and secondary

Curriculum: IB PYP, MYP, IBCP and IB Diploma

Languages: English medium, with a strong emphasis on Putonghua as a second language.

Fees: Years 1-6: HK$129,700 • Years 7-11: HK$173,500 • Years 12-13: HK$175,400 • Non-refundable Building Levy: HK$7,530 per year

When to apply: Year 1: September 1-30 of the previous academic year. Years 2-13: ongoing; please refer to its website for the latest details.

Campus and facilities: An award-winning design incorporates an exceptional performing arts centre, gymnasium spaces, a 25m heated rooftop swimming pool, a library, science labs and design technology rooms.

Competitive advantage: The school’s classroom programmes are designed to be engaging and fun, while its diverse student body underscores the importance of the international mindset and shared spirit of respect that are tenets of the school. In addition to a comprehensive IB curriculum, sports and outdoor activities play a major part in the lives of the students.

SEE MORE: DISCOVERY COLLEGE

9. ESF Renaissance College

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Above ESF Renaissance College

Type: Primary and secondary

Curriculum: IB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma and IBCP

Languages: English, with Putonghua as a mandatory second language from Years 1-11, and additional second-language options available for Years 12-13

Fees: Years 1-6: HK$124,000 • Years 7-11: HK$166,000 • Years 12-13: HK$167,900

When to apply: Year 1: September 1-30 of the previous academic year. Years 2-13: ongoing; please see website for details. 

Campus and facilities: Facilities include the Performing Arts Centre, ICT Centre, black box theatre, 25m indoor swimming pool, music rooms, library, science laboratories, gymnasiums, climbing wall, outdoor basketball courts and outdoor sports field.

Competitive advantage: As one of the leading ESF schools in Hong Kong, Renaissance College is a private, independent IB school. In addition to being an IB World School, it is also accredited by US body WASC and the Council of International Schools. Home to over 2,000 students, you'd find students from more than 40 nationalities and 20 languages spoken. 

SEE MORE: RENAISSANCE COLLEGE

10. French International School

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Above French International School

Type: Primary and secondary, split into French (taught in French) and International (taught in English) sections.

Curriculum: French national curriculum for French stream; International Primary Curriculum and English National Curriculum to IGCSE, then IB Diploma for International stream.

Languages: Primary: French, English and Putonghua. Secondary: French, English, Putonghua, Spanish, German and Latin

Fees: French stream: HK$116,268 to HK$155,938 • International stream: HK$120,956 to HK$201,085 (subject to Education Bureau's approval). For full details, refer to their website

When to apply: Anytime

Campus and facilities: Four campuses: Blue Pool Road, Chai Wan, Jardine’s Lookout and Tseung Kwan O, the last of which opened in September 2018.

Competitive advantage: At primary level, there is a focus on the acquisition and development of language; an innovative collaboration between the two streams was introduced in September 2018. At secondary level, the school has achieved outstanding academic results in both streams, and excels in local and regional inter-school competitions.

SEE MORE: FRENCH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

11. German Swiss International School

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Above German Swiss International School

Type: Primary and secondary, split into English and German sections

Curriculum: German International Abitur for German stream; IGCSE followed by IB for English stream

Languages: German, English, Putonghua and French

Fees: Deutsche Vorschule, K1-5, Years 1-6: HK$161,450 • K6-10, Years 7-11: HK$192,420 • K11-12+, Years 12-13: HK$203,420

When to apply: Year-round

Campus and facilities: Primary school facilities include a new library with more than 20,000 resources in German, English and Chinese; a spacious multi-purpose atrium; a rooftop playground; and a primary gym. The secondary school features state-of-the-art laboratories; a senior library and senior study room; a new indoor swimming pool; and a renovated sports hall.

Competitive advantage: German Swiss International School offers a rigorous pedagogical programme within a vibrant, creative, caring community, and is renowned for academic excellence. GSIS students obtain a rounded, holistic education focusing on their creative, social and emotional development. GSIS is the only school in Hong Kong providing a German curriculum, and it is certified as an Excellent German School Abroad by the German government’s Central Agency for Schools Abroad.

SEE MORE: GERMAN SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

12. Harrow International School 

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Above Harrow International School

Type: Primary and secondary

Curriculum: Pre-prep school (Years 1-5) and prep school (Years 6-8): British National Curriculum. Senior school (Years 9-11): IGCSE. Sixth form (Years 12-13): A-Levels with Extended Project Qualification

Languages: English, plus Putonghua from Year 1, with the additional option of French or Spanish

Fees: Years 1-5: HK$171,671 •  Years 6-11: HK$196,091 •  Years 12-13: HK$203,868. Optional boarding for an additional HK$111,459 per year. 

When to apply: Two years before entry. The best time is towards the end of summer term, about 14 months before entry, when the student’s end of term/year report is ready.

Campus and facilities: The 400,000sqft campus includes excellent science laboratories, specialist art, music and drama facilities, a library and learning lounge, a bespoke Sixth Form centre, two large sports halls, a fitness room and an indoor swimming pool. Outdoor sports facilities include a state-of-the-art AstroTurf pitch, four tennis courts and basketball/netball courts. A new black box theatre is also under construction, which should be ready by the new academic year.

Competitive advantage: Harrow Hong Kong nurtures students to achieve academic excellence and acquire the skills and qualities required to become future leaders while enjoying a wide range of extra-curricular activities. With 1,300 students, it is the first and only international boarding and day school in Hong Kong. The school integrates elements of educational philosophy, practice and traditions from Harrow School in the UK.

SEE MORE: HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

13. Hong Kong Academy

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Above Hong Kong Academy

Type: Playgroup, kindergarten, primary and secondary

Curriculum: IB PYP, IB MYP and IB Diploma for students from early childhood to grade 12

Languages: IB world school from early childhood to graduation. Accredited for PYP, MYP and IB Diploma.

Fees: PK1-2: HK$149,800 • Kindergarten-Grade 5: HK$194,000 • Grades 6-8: HK$213,600 • Grades 9-10: HK$222,600 • Grades 11-12: HK$231,700

When to apply: From one year in advance of the student’s anticipated start date. Admissions are open all year round.

Campus and facilities: Hong Kong Academy (HKA) is committed to environmentally friendly, sustainable practices. Its provisional HKGBC BEAM Plus Platinum facility features environmentally friendly materials and classrooms filled with natural light. The school’s 1:1 technology programme begins at Grade 2, with computers and iPads available for classroom use.

Competitive advantage: In addition to being an IB World School, HKA is accredited by US body WASC and the Council of International Schools. HKA provides a wealth of co-curricular and interdisciplinary student opportunities that foster creativity, communication and problem-solving skills. An exceptionally low teacher-to-student ratio allows teachers to provide a differentiated education tailored to students as individuals.

SEE MORE: HONG KONG ACADEMY

14. Hong Kong International School

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Above Hong Kong International School

Type: Pre-K, primary and secondary

Curriculum: US; AP courses offered in high school

Languages: Mandatory Putonghua for Reception 1 to Grade 5; Putonghua, French and Spanish offered from Grades 6-12

Fees: Years 1-6: HK$219,150 • Years 7-11: HK$224,950 • Years 12: HK$249,350

When to apply: Year-round. Reception 1 to Grade 2, priority deadline is October 31. Grades 3-12, priority deadline is February 1. Applicants may not apply more than two years in advance.

Campus and facilities: Hong Kong International School (HKIS) has two campuses on the south of Hong Kong Island. An extensive redevelopment of the Lower and Upper Primary Schools in Repulse Bay concluded in January 2019. The Middle and High Schools are in Tai Tam, with expansive grounds including a sports field, swimming pools, robotics labs, music and art wings, state-of-the-art classrooms and science labs.

Competitive advantage: HKIS serves students from more than 40 countries. As part of a warm, inclusive community, they are challenged and supported to learn, guided by HKIS’s mission, vision and Student Learning Results, which emphasise spirituality, character development, Chinese language and culture, academic excellence, self-motivated learning and contributing to society. HKIS’s counselling programme supports students from Reception 1 through to graduation. Extensive athletics facilities support a robust co-curricular programme unparalleled in Hong Kong.

SEE MORE: HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

15. Independent Schools Foundation Academy

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Above Independent Schools Foundation Academy (Photo: Courtesy of Ronald Lu & Partners)

Type: Primary and secondary

Curriculum: IB MYP and IB Diploma

Languages: Bilingual immersion programme focused on Putonghua and English

Fees: Foundation Year-Grade 5: HK$197,920 • Grades 6-10: HK$229,950 • Grades 11-12: HK$249,970

When to apply: Anytime

Campus and facilities: The Pok Fu Lam campus opened in 2007 on a 140,000sqft site. Classrooms have modular teaching spaces and a comprehensive IT system. There are two libraries, a gymnasium, basketball courts, a climbing wall, music practice rooms, art rooms, and a 500-seat dining hall. Additional facilities include a swimming pool, a performing arts centre, an auditorium, and an all-purpose ball court.

Competitive advantage: Independent School Foundation Academy educates students in a Chinese-English bilingual environment, deeply rooted in Chinese culture and with a global understanding. It anchors its values on the “eight virtues + one”: zhi 智 (wisdom); zhong 忠 (loyalty and commitment); xiao 孝 (respect and obligation); ren 仁 (compassion and kindness); ai 愛 (love and passion); li 禮 (etiquette and ceremony); yi 義 (principles and justice); he 和 (harmony and tolerance); and ping 平 (balance and equality).

SEE MORE: INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION ACADEMY

16. Kellett School

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Above Kellett School

Type: Primary and secondary

Curriculum: English National Curriculum: IGCSE, A-Levels

Languages: English; students study Putonghua from their first year and can opt to study French from Year 3.

Fees: Reception to Year 6: HK$172,600 • Years 7-11: HK$214,500 • Years 12-13: HK$220,800

When to apply: Anytime

Campus and facilities: Kellett has two preparatory schools, at Pok Fu Lam and Kowloon Bay, with the latter campus also hosting the secondary school. It features an indoor swimming pool, a sports hall, a sky pitch with running track, a theatre, a drama studio and art exhibition areas. The campus has won various international design awards.

Competitive advantage: Small classes, low student-to-teacher ratios and robust pastoral care. The school also has a strong focus on positive education and student well-being, helping students with issues such as stress resilience while at the same time enabling them to be better learners.

SEE MORE: KELLETT SCHOOL

17. Li Po Chun United World College

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Above Li Po Chun United World College

Type: Last two years of secondary, boarding school

Curriculum: IB

Languages: English, with second-language options

Fees: HK$300,000 for local Hong Kong students, HK$396,000 for overseas students, tuition and boarding fee all-inclusive

When to apply: Applications are accepted in three rounds, operating on a first-come-first-serve basis. First-round: Mid-July to early October. Second-round: Early October to mid-November. Third-round: Mid-November to early March. For more details, refer to their website

Campus and facilities: The purpose-built residential campus is in Ma On Shan. In addition to classrooms, laboratories and a library, LPCUWC has amenities including a well-equipped auditorium and theatre, a climbing wall, an outdoor pool, a basketball court, a tennis court, an indoor sports hall, a squash court, a dance studio and a gymnasium.

Competitive advantage: United World Colleges originated in the late 1950s, allowing students from all nations to be selected purely on merit, regardless of race, religion, nationality, background or financial means. LPCUWC is one of its 17 schools and colleges around the globe. Apart from academics, LPCUWC’s other two pillars are its EOTC Programme and residential life. At the heart of its EOTC curriculum are its Quan Cai activities, which aim to provide students with holistic development. LPCUWC is a 100 per cent residential community. Living together on the same campus enables students from different cultures to share, trust, learn from each other and forge friendships for life.

SEE MORE: LI PO CHUN UNITED WORLD COLLEGE 

18. Malvern College Hong Kong

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Above Malvern College Hong Kong

Type: Primary and secondary

Curriculum: MCHK is currently pursuing authorisation as an IB World School and is a candidate school for IB Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes. It is also working towards becoming a candidate school for the Diploma Programme.

Languages: English, with mandatory Putonghua as second language

Fees: Years 1-6: HK$173,670 • Years 7-10: HK$197,550 • Years 11-13: not available for the academic year 2021-22

When to apply: Rolling admission. No more than two years in advance of the desired year of entry.

Campus and Facilities: Malvern College Hong Kong’s 258,000sqft, state-of-the-art campus includes academic, sporting and recreational spaces, incorporating the latest innovations and technology in teaching, learning and environmental sustainability. Facilities include a 25m heated indoor pool, the AstroTurf Skypitch, a 450-seat auditorium, an open-plan library, seven science labs, a multi-purpose indoor sports hall, music rooms and a dining hall. A new pre-school under Malvern College has also opened in Sai Ying Pun. 

Competitive Advantage: A low teacher-student ratio of 1:10, coupled with strong pastoral care, are key to the school’s approach. The school also benefits from its sister school Malvern College UK’s academic rigour, scientific heritage and pursuit of holistic education, making it one of the leading IB schools in the country.

SEE MORE: MALVERN COLLEGE

19. Mount Kelly School Hong Kong

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Above Mount Kelly School Hong Kong

Type: Preschool, primary and secondary (known as Preparatory School and College)

Curriculum: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for the preschool years, English National Curriculum for the Preparatory School and College years

Languages: English with daily Putonghua lessons (Preschool, Preparatory School and College). French is taught from Year 1 (Preparatory School and College).

Fees: Year 1-2: HK$154,990, Year 3-4: HK$165,000, Year 5-6: HK$165,900, Year 7-8: HK$184,998, Year 9: HK$195,000.

When to apply: Rolling admissions. Please contact the Admissions Department for more details on availability within a particular year group.

Campus and facilities: All the Mount Kelly Schools are conveniently situated in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards as well as resources that cater to the specific age group of the students. The Preschool facilities include a climbing wall and three indoor multipurpose areas, with spacious, free-flow play spaces designed to enhance interaction and learning. The Preparatory School and College’s facilities include an art and design room, a music and drama room, science laboratories, a library, a STEM room with facilities for computing and robotics, and a multifunction gymnasium. Mount Kelly Schools use nearby sporting facilities, including King’s Park for rugby, football, athletics and general fitness.

Competitive advantage: The institution offers a true preparatory school experience, with students from Year 5 upwards receiving specialist lessons for all subjects. It is a sister school of Mount Kelly School, the UK’s leading elite independent school, which provides a seamless educational path from infancy to pre-university level. The school provides a holistic education, with students benefiting from an extensive co-curricular programme as well as Mount Kelly’s exclusive leadership initiative, the Shackleton Programme. It organises annual visits to Mount Kelly in UK for its upper-prep students, and all graduates have a guaranteed place at Mount Kelly College in the UK.

SEE MORE: MOUNT KELLY HONG KONG

20. Shrewsbury International School of Hong Kong

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Above Shrewsbury International School of Hong Kong

Type: Primary

Curriculum: British

Languages: English and Putonghua

Fees: Nursery: HK$95,000 (half-day), HK$143,500 (full-day) • Reception: HK$154,000 •Years 1-6: HK$177,000 (subject to Education Bureau's approval)

When to apply: Anytime

Campus and facilities: The campus supports learning for more than 900 students in classes of about 20. Sports facilities include a 90m indoor running track above the Sports Hall; an Aquatics Centre with two swimming pools and a smaller splash pool; and a bespoke Gymnastics Centre for Excellence, which is equipped to a professional standard, helping students to develop balance and core strength.

Competitive advantage: Shrewsbury School in the UK was founded by Royal Charter in 1552, while the Hong Kong chapter opened in 2018. Shrewsbury’s unique college-style transition programme begins in Year 4, with individual support for students and their families planning their educational journey.

SEE MORE: SHREWSBURY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

21. Singapore International School

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Above Singapore International School (Photo: Courtesy of MKPL Architects PTE LTD)

Type: Preparatory, primary and secondary

Curriculum: Singaporean with British IGCSE and IB Diploma

Languages: Bilingual English and Putonghua

Fees: Preparatory: HK$83,048 • Primary: HK$131,200 • Secondary: HK$164,500 • IB Diploma: HK$198,800

When to apply: For the 2022-23 academic year, applications for primary 1-6 open from 1-30 September 2021. Secondary 1-3 applications open from 1 September 2020 to 15 October 2021. For full admission details, refer to their website

Campus and facilities: Singapore International School (SISHK) features two campuses linked by a bridge. Each campus features a state-of-the-art auditorium, multi-functional sports hall, multi-purpose rooftop court and library. The school also boasts a 25m indoor swimming pool, well-equipped science laboratories, dedicated music, dance and art studios, and outdoor basketball courts.

Competitive advantage: SISHK offers a Singapore-style curriculum that is supported by Singapore’s Ministry of Education. Character development and innovation are at the core of the learning experience; students are encouraged to be inquisitive and use their imagination. SISHK strives to create a caring, safe, rich learning environment that shapes values-driven, innovative mindsets with a global outlook.

SEE MORE: SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

22. Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong

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Above Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong

Type:  Co-educational primary

Curriculum: National Curriculum for England

Languages: English and Putonghua

When to apply: Accepting applications for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school year

Campus and facilities: The school will be in a newly renovated building in Tin Wan, Aberdeen, with dedicated facilities for drama, music, art, science and STEAM subjects. The atrium, in particular, will feature a three-story high climbing wall and a library stocked with 22,000 books.

Competitive Advantage: The school has created a bespoke curriculum that combines the National Curriculum for England with the Chinese language curriculum designed for native speakers at Wycombe Abbey School Changzhou in Mainland China. Chinese will be taught as a discrete subject in every year group, with a similar number of lessons allocated to Chinese, English and Maths each week. Students will study 14 subjects to prepare them for entry to the best secondary schools in the world. In addition, they will be prepared for the Common Entrance Exam, if they wish to apply for independent schools in the UK.

SEE MORE: WYCOMBE ABBEY SCHOOL

23. Yew Chung International School

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Above Yew Chung Hong Kong International School

Type: Primary and secondary

Curriculum: International, based on the English National Curriculum, with a Chinese language and culture programme; IGCSE for Years 10 to 11 and IB Diploma for Years 12 to 13

Languages: English and Putonghua

Fees: Years 1-6: HK$214,960 • Years 7-11: HK$210,300 • Years 12-13: HK$215,110

When to apply: Anytime, but early application is encouraged

Campus and facilities: Yew Chung International School (YCIS) is equipped with flexible learning spaces, including a Global Learning Centre and Learning Communities. It also has an auditorium, a gymnasium, an indoor swimming pool, computer labs, music rooms, art and design studios, an exercise room, a basketball court, a cafeteria and outdoor playgrounds.

Competitive advantage: YCIS is a through-train school that offers multicultural, bilingual learning in a Christian context. Two co-principals, one Western and one Chinese, work in partnership to provide academic leadership to the school’s early childhood, primary and secondary levels.

SEE MORE: YEW CHUNG HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

24. Stamford American School Hong Kong

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Stamford American School Hong Kong

Type: Kindergarten, primary and secondary

Curriculum: American standards-based curriculum based on American Education Reaches Out (AERO) and Common Core Plus standards. Choose from three graduation pathways: IB Diploma with US Diploma, US Diploma, and IB Course Pathway with US Diploma

Languages: Two language learning programs are available, a daily Mandarin or Spanish program, or a bilingual Mandarin and English program

Fees: 2021-2022, Pre-primary to Year 5: HK$187,400 • Year 6-8: HK$204,950 • Year 9-10: HK$211,550 • Year 11-12: HK$226,200 (subject to the approval of the Hong Kong Education Bureau)

When to apply: Anytime

Campus and facilities: Unveiled April 2021, SAIS's newest expansion and facilities include a ground floor open-plan play space specially designed for the STEM program as well as an outdoor activity and sports space on the rooftop. The school also boasts a design technology workshop, a few art rooms, and state of the art science laboratories. 

Competitive advantage: Aside from the core curriculum, students from kindergarten to grade eight are required to attend a dedicated lesson in socio-emotional education each week to promote learning, empathy, emotional management and conflict management. A STEM learning program is also part of the core curriculum, teaching students science, technology, engineering and math to encourage innovation. 

The school uses an inquiry-based approach to encourage higher-order thinking skills from students. As part of the global private schools group Cognita Schools, students can transfer to selected UK Cognita Schools such as Akeley Wood School, North Bridge House School and Quinton House School.

See more: Stamford American School Hong Kong

25. Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong

Type: Pre-school, primary and secondary
 
Curriculum: EYFS, IGCSE, IBDP
 
Languages: English, Mandarin is taught on a daily basis from age 3 up, Spanish, French, German also available.
 
Fees: Nursery (age 3): HK$114,000 (AM), HK$81,000 (PM) • Kindergarten: HK$75,000 (lower, age 4), $81,000 (upper, age 5) • Primary: HK$163,000 • Secondary: HK$182,000
 
Debentures: Please contact the school for more information.
 
Campus and facilities: Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong has 3 campuses, two Early Years campus in Tai Tam and Sai Kung; Primary and Secondary in Lam Tin campus equipped with state of the art facilities including library, art/dance studio, science laboratories, gymnasium, swimming pool, outdoor basketball court, rock climbing wall, and other athletics facilities.

Competitive advantage: The school's Julliard-Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme collaborates with The Julliard School to allow students to explore performing arts education through dance, drama and music. Julliard visiting specialists and artists combined with the school's teachers work together to provide the best performing art curriculums to students. 

For students who are more interested in science and technology, the school also provides an MIT-immersive curriculum to encourage creativity. 

Top university acceptances: Students across the NAE family produce final year results well above the world average with one in three students admitted into the world’s top 100 universities each year.

See more: Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong

See the full collection of the best international schools in Hong Kong here


This article was originally published on May 17, 2018 and was updated on March 24, 2021.

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