There are 54 international schools in Hong Kong that provide families in the city the option of sending their children to education institutions that teach non-local curricula. Some of these schools have more than one campus in the territory, and others offer different language streams for their students. Choosing the right international school for your child can be a difficult process, whether you’re a long-time resident of Hong Kong or new to the city. Here’s our pick of some of the top schools in the SAR that have international education systems.
Malvern College Hong Kong — Pak Shek Kok
Malvern College Hong Kong is an IB World School that offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The seven-storey state-of-the-art campus spread across 26,000 square metres houses all its academic, sporting, and recreational spaces for the school’s primary and secondary pupils.
Some of the hallmarks of Malvern College Hong Kong are the small class sizes, low teacher-pupil ratio of around 1:10, dedicated tutor time, and a genuine concern for each child. In addition, they offer mandatory daily Chinese classes in Mandarin and simplified Chinese for all pupils, use the Nuffield Science approach to promote the study of science through experimentation and discovery, and adopt an experiential approach to the study of literature.
Malvern College Hong Kong pupils also have the opportunity to study at The Downs Malvern from Year 7 and Malvern College UK from Year 9. In addition, they have pre-school campuses in West Kowloon and Sai Ying Pun.
Location: 3 Fo Chun Road, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Phone number: +852 3898 4688
Email: admissions@malverncollege.org.hk
American School Hong Kong — Tai Po*
American School Hong Kong (ASHK) is a through-train international school located in Tai Po. ASHK offers a rigorous American curriculum and the IB Diploma Programme, taught by highly experienced international teachers who inspire, motivate, and challenge students to achieve excellence.
Fully accredited from Kindergarten (age 5) to Grade 12 by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Middle States Association (MSA), ASHK is also authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) to offer the IB Diploma Programme for students in Grades 11 and 12. ASHK is operated by Esol Education, the world’s largest operator of international American schools, with over 45 years of experience in establishing and running high-standard international schools worldwide.
Location: 6 Ma Chung Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Phone Number: +852 3919 4111 or WhatsApp
Email: admissions@ashk.edu.hk
International Montessori School — Multiple Locations
This innovative, Dual-Language Montessori community fosters the full development of each child, and caters for children aged 1–12 years old. They have campuses in Aldrich Bay, Mid-Levels, South Horizons, and Stanley, where they encourage children to be curious and learn in a natural way through exploration, experimentation, and collaboration. Every classroom is guided by two teachers, one who always addresses the children in English while the other always speaks Chinese.
Contact: Website
Stamford American School Hong Kong — Kowloon
Students here can choose between the IB Diploma with US Diploma, US Diploma, and IB Course Pathway with US Diploma pathways. They have two language-learning options: a daily Mandarin or Spanish programme, and a bilingual Mandarin and English programme. Students from kindergarten to Grade 8 must attend weekly lessons in socio-emotional education to encourage learning, empathy, emotional management and conflict management.
Contact: Website
English Schools Foundation — Multiple Locations
This vast network of primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong is the largest provider of English-medium international education in the territory, with IB and GCSE/IGCSE, and BTEC options. They accept applications for K1, Year 1, and Year 7 from September 1-30 of the previous year. Admissions for other classes are open through the year, subject to wait lists.
Contact: Website
French International School — Multiple Locations
With campuses in Happy Valley, Chai Wan, Jardine’s Lookout, and Tseung Kwan O, the French International School offers French and International streams. It follows the French national curriculum for the French stream, and the International Primary Curriculum and English National Curriculum to IGCSE, then IB Diploma for the International stream. The school also offers its students an innovative collaboration between the two streams.
Contact: Website
Singapore International School (Hong Kong) — Aberdeen
Preparatory, primary, and secondary students here are taught a curriculum supported by Singapore’s Ministry of Education. The Singaporean curriculum with British IGCSE and IB Diploma offers a bilingual English and Putonghua programme. The school’s two campuses are linked by a bridge, each of which has a state-of-the-art auditorium, multi-functional sports hall, multi-purpose rooftop court, and library.
Contact: Website
German Swiss International School — The Peak & Pok Fu Lam
The primary and secondary classes here are split into English and German sections, with the German International Abitur offered for the German stream, and the IGCSE followed by IB provided for the English stream. Primary school facilities include a new library, a sprawling multi-purpose atrium, a rooftop playground, and a gym. Secondary school students have access to state-of-the-art labs, a library and study room, an indoor swimming pool, and a sports hall.
Contact: Website
Harrow International School — Tuen Mun
This school integrates elements of educational philosophy, practice and traditions from Harrow School in the UK, and requires applications to be submitted two years before entry. It follows the British National Curriculum for pre-prep and prep, followed by the IGCSE and A-Levels. Harrow is Hong Kong’s first and only international boarding and day school, and has excellent facilities on its 400,000 square feet campus.
Contact: Website
Kellett School — Pok Fu Lam & Kowloon Bay
This is one of the foremost British schools in Hong Kong, and follows the English National Curriculum (IGCSE, A-Levels). While the medium of instruction is English, students study Putonghua from their first year and can choose French from Year 3. They have two preparatory schools at Pok Fu Lam and Kowloon Bay, with the secondary school on the latter campus as well. Kellett is known for its small classes, low student-to-teacher ratios, and robust pastoral care.
Contact: Website
Choosing the right international school in Hong Kong can be a daunting task, as there are plenty of options available and parents’ needs differ from one family to another. Read through the following links for more information:
- International schools in Hong Kong (Education Bureau)
- Tips for choosing an international school in Hong Kong (Education Bureau)
- List of private independent schools in Hong Kong (Education Bureau)
FAQ about international schools in Hong Kong
What is the difference between international schools and private independent schools in Hong Kong?
International schools in Hong Kong typically cater to the needs of non-local families and particular cultural or linguistic groups, and /or whose students do not wish to sit for local examinations. Private independent schools are primarily for local families who want an alternative to public schools, and at least 70% of its students must be Hong Kong Permanent Residents.
What curricula do international schools in Hong Kong offer?
Both international schools and private independent schools offer curricula from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Singapore, the UK and the US, as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programmes.
Are there government-funded international schools in Hong Kong?
There are 20 schools that offer non-local curricula in Hong Kong that come under Hong Kong’s Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS). They receive government subsidies, and have greater flexibility in areas such as resources deployment, curriculum design, and student admissions.
How can I choose the best international school for my child?
There are many international schools in Hong Kong that offer kindergarten, primary, and secondary education options. When considering which one to place your child in, consider the school’s curriculum, location, facilities, learning values, the student-teacher ratio, and the cost. You can sign up for school tours, called “open days”, to visit the campuses, which can give you a better idea of the school’s facilities and philosophy.
How much do international schools cost in Hong Kong?
International school costs in Hong Kong vary significantly, and are dictated by the grade level, the campus facilities, and additional fees. Fees typically range from HK$100,000-HK$300,000 per year. Students who opt for boarding will have to pay an extra fee, and some schools may ask for debentures and other non-refundable fees.
Header image credits: Malvern College Hong Kong, American School Hong Kong, International Montessori School
* This article was done in collaboration with the above-mentioned international school. Reach out if you’d like to be included!
