Choosing a School in Hong Kong: A Guide for Expat Families
Here’s what expat families need to know when choosing a school in Hong Kong in 2026.
How Does the Education System Work in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong operates a dual education system: a local system overseen by the Education Bureau, and a large, well-established international school sector catering to expatriates and globally minded local families.
Local Schools in Hong Kong: Pros and Cons
Local schools in Hong Kong are known for their strong academic outcomes, discipline and emphasis on mathematics and sciences. They are also significantly more affordable than international schools and can offer deep cultural immersion, with students becoming fluent in Cantonese or Mandarin.
However, local schools are highly exam-driven, with long school days, substantial homework and intense pressure from an early age. Teaching is primarily in Cantonese or Mandarin, with limited English instruction, which can be challenging for non-Chinese speakers. Class sizes are often large, and there is less focus on pastoral care and extracurricular balance compared to international schools. For these reasons, local schools tend to suit families planning long-term stays who are confident their child can thrive linguistically and academically in a high-pressure environment.
Which Curricula Are Available in Hong Kong?
International schools in Hong Kong offer a wide range of programmes, including:
- British curriculum (National Curriculum, IGCSEs and A levels)
- International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP and Diploma)
- American curriculum
- Australian, Canadian, French, German and Japanese curricula
- Bilingual and Mandarin-immersion programmes
Most international schools are private and fee-paying, with annual fees broadly comparable to London independent schools.
Key Considerations When Choosing a School in Hong Kong
With so much choice, families should think carefully about what matters most.
- Location
- Curriculum and exam pathway
- School culture and wellbeing
- Language exposure
- Fees and additional costs
Commute times can be long. Schools on Hong Kong Island are popular but limited in space, while newer campuses in Kowloon and the New Territories offer modern facilities but longer journeys.
Consider where your child may move next. British and IGCSE pathways suit families likely to return to the UK, while IB programmes are ideal for globally mobile families.
Academic results matter, but so does pastoral care. Many parents now prioritise mental health support, outdoor space and a balanced approach to learning.
Some families actively seek bilingual or Mandarin-heavy schools, while others prefer English-only environments. Be realistic about your child’s language ability and confidence.
Beyond tuition fees, budget for capital levies, bus fees, uniforms, lunches and extracurriculars.
International Schools in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is home to over 60 international schools, ranging from long-established institutions to newer global brands.
For families who are relocating Hong Kong international schools offer a huge choice of curriculums including Australian, British, American, German and French. Relocating families also need to consider the school’s location.
Demand fluctuates, but compared with a decade ago, securing a place is generally more achievable, particularly outside peak entry years.
Traditionally, expats have preferred to live on Hong Kong island with easy access to the Central district where most business is done and the best restaurants and shopping are located.
“The most popular schools are still the longest established ones on the island” says Ruth Benny, education consultant and founder of Top Schools. According to Benny, highly regarded schools include:
- Hong Kong International School (HKIS) – American curriculum
- Chinese International School (CIS) – bilingual English-Mandarin with IB (where all pupils spend year 10 in Hangzhou)
- German Swiss International School (GSIS) – bilingual German-English
- Canadian International School (CDNIS) – IB World School
- Kellett, the British International School
- International schools under Nord Anglia Education, which combine English curriculum foundations with global enrichment programmes
According to ISC Research these ultra-premium school brands (often offshoots of prestigious UK independent schools) make up just over one per cent of the internationals schools market, but it’s a growing segment. Parents seek out these brands because they are known to them, but they are also popular with wealthy locals as an alternative to sending their children away to boarding school.
ISC Research also identifies demand from local families for a quality education at a more affordable price and says there is a market here in the near future.
Global educator Nord Anglia has a network of 56 international schools in 26 countries including a new stand-alone secondary school in Kwun Tung, Kowloon, which opened in 2021. It joins Nord Anglia’s two primary schools in Hong Kong and follows the English curriculum to IGCSE followed by IB in years 12 and 13. The school encourages its pupils to see themselves as global citizens and has collaborations with world leading institutions such as the Juilliard School, MIT and UNICEF.
My daughter is at Nord, and we’ve been with the school in two international locations and couldn’t be happier.”
Saima Islam – London Expat
British Schools in Hong Kong
British schools are among the most popular choices for expat families in Hong Kong, particularly those from the UK or families seeking a structured, academically rigorous education with a familiar framework. These schools are typically based on the English National Curriculum, adapted for an international setting, and place strong emphasis on pastoral care, extracurricular activities and character development.
At secondary level, British schools in Hong Kong usually offer IGCSEs, followed by either A levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, depending on the school. This gives families flexibility, whether they are planning a return to the UK or expect their children to move between countries.
Kellett School, one of Hong Kong’s longest-established British international schools, follows the English National Curriculum and offers IGCSEs and A levels. It is one of only a small number of schools in Hong Kong to retain the A level pathway, making it particularly attractive to families focused on UK university entry.
Harrow International School Hong Kong opened in 2012 and follows a traditional British model, offering IGCSEs and A levels alongside a strong emphasis on leadership, co-curricular activities and house traditions. Located in Tuen Mun in the New Territories, the purpose-built campus caters for up to 1,500 pupils and offers optional boarding, appealing to families seeking a British public-school style education in Asia.
Several British-branded schools combine a UK-style education with the IB Diploma at sixth-form level. Malvern College Hong Kong which opened in 2018 near the Chinese University of Hong Kong, teaches the English curriculum in earlier years before transitioning to the IB Diploma Programme. It forms part of a global Malvern network with schools in Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong follows the English National Curriculum and offers IGCSEs before progressing to a pre-university pathway aligned with international best practice. It is particularly popular with younger families and those prioritising strong foundations in English education.
Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong, which opened in Aberdeen in 2019, offers a British-style education with a bilingual English-Mandarin approach. An offshoot of the highly academic UK school, it places strong emphasis on language learning, academic excellence and global citizenship.
According to ISC Research, bilingual schools now account for over a third of the global international schools market, reflecting growing demand for dual-language education.
Across British schools in Hong Kong, parents can expect high academic standards, well-developed extracurricular programmes and strong pastoral systems. Class sizes are generally smaller than in local schools, and teaching approaches tend to be more holistic than exam-focused, particularly in the junior years.
For many expat families, British schools provide a reassuring balance: the familiarity of a UK education combined with the opportunities and perspectives of an international city.
English Schools Foundation (ESF)
For many families relocating to Hong Kong, the English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the first choice with 22 preschool, primary and secondary schools.
Founded in 1967 when demand for English language education was growing as a result of Hong Kong’s expanding economy, it offers an English medium curriculum with students taking IGCSE exams followed by the IB Diploma. Fees are more reasonable than at some other schools, but parents say class sizes are bigger (around 30) and there can be a huge range of abilities in each class.
We just moved from Melbourne to HK in April this year. Look at ESF or International Schools if you want the education to be in English and comparable to Australia. The Australian International School runs on the southern hemisphere calendar. Everywhere else runs on the northern hemisphere school calendar of September through to June.”
Kristin Hamer-Ryan – Australian Expat
Five Things Families Need to Know About the School Day in Hong Kong
- School hours are long
- Lunchtime is structured
- After-school activities are a big deal
- Homework expectations can be demanding
- School buses are the norm
A typical school day runs from 8.00–8.30am until 3.00–4.00pm, with older pupils often staying later for sports or activities. Some British-style schools run an extended day similar to UK independents.
Lunch is usually eaten on campus, either in a cafeteria or classroom setting. Many schools offer hot lunches, while others allow packed lunches. Food standards are generally high, and vegetarian options are widely available.
After-school programmes are an important part of school life, especially for working parents. Sports, music, drama, coding and language clubs are common, and many schools offer paid after-school care until early evening.
Hong Kong has a reputation for academic intensity, and this extends to international schools. Homework loads are often heavier than in Europe, particularly in British and IB schools, though many schools are now more mindful of balance and wellbeing.
Due to Hong Kong’s geography, most international schools operate extensive door-to-door bus services, which can significantly affect daily schedules and should be factored into school choice.
Many international schools in Hong Kong have traditionally operated a debenture system, which can be costly for new arrivals. Basically parents, or their employers, have to make a lump sum payment on admission which may be refundable, depreciating or non-refundable at the end of their child’s education, depending on the school. Increasingly, these are being replaced by capital levies – annual non-refundable one off fees. “Debentures are a thing of the past,” says Benny. “The school may mention them on a website but there are a lot of waivers and no family should be buying one.”
Debentures are a thing of the past. The school may mention them on a website but there are a lot of waivers and no family should be buying one.”
Ruth Benny, Education Consultant and Founder of Top Schools
Top Tips When Applying to a School in Hong Kong
- Start early
- Stay flexible
- Prepare documentation
- Visit the school
- Plan your budget
- Seek expert advice
Begin the admissions process six to twelve months in advance, especially for popular schools and key entry years.
Being open to different locations and curricula can significantly improve your chances of securing a place.
Most schools require recent school reports, teacher references and, for older children, entrance assessments or interviews.
Arrange in-person tours or virtual visits to assess the school’s culture, facilities and pastoral approach, not just academic results.
Factor in additional costs such as capital levies, school bus fees, uniforms and extracurricular activities.
If applying from overseas or navigating the system for the first time, an education consultant can help streamline the process.
In summary, as with any international family move, research is key. Choosing the right Hong Kong school for your child (or children) will depend on their age, their needs, academic temperament, language skills, as well as your location, budget and priorities. Thankfully, Hong Kong has a wealth of options, and with a smaller expat population than in years gone by, less demand for places.
We recommend seeking professional relocation advice as well as getting involved in expat forums to ask the on-the-ground questions you may have. Good luck!
