Type: Secondary

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

Languages: English, with dual-language options

When to apply: Year 7: Central Application is open from September 1 to 23 of the year before. All year groups: any time during the year, with applications added to waiting lists.

Waiting list time: Varies by case

Fees: Years 7-11: HK$128,400 • Years 12-13: HK$135,500

Debentures: None

Campus and facilities: The school has purpose-built specialist rooms in all subjects and in particular: specialist science laboratories, a modern library, performance space for drama and dance, two gymnasiums, state-of-the-art design technology workshops, three art studios, seven music studios and two music classrooms that both have raised performance platforms. There are also outdoor courts for a range of sports, a 25m swimming pool and a large auditorium. The proximity to Hong Kong University’s playing fields provides further sports facilities. West Island School is a 1:1 laptop school with digital literacy as part of the curriculum.

Competitive advantage: The school motto of “Strength from Diversity” encourages students to think globally and appreciate the internationality of the school population. Over 120 activities are offered for students to enrich their studies with extracurriculars and leadership roles. The vast majority of students graduate and attend international universities, with 90 per cent achieving admittance to their first-choice institution. Following the International Baccalaureate programme, West Island School dedicates one week annually for students to exclusively focus on their Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) project; they also have a 1:1 tutoring programme for students to meet with a tutor about their progress and commitment to their CAS project.

Top university acceptances: Across all English Schools Foundation locations, graduates have been admitted to University College London, University of Toronto, The University of Edinburgh, New York University, University of California (Berkeley, Los Angeles), University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, The London School of Economics and Political Science

West Island School, 250 Victoria Rd, Sandy Bay, wis.edu.hk