Local vs. International School: How To Choose The Right School For Your Child In Hong Kong

If you’re new to Hong Kong, you might wonder whether to opt for a local or international school. Or you may even be considering a private, independent school. Not sure how to choose? We get you all the deets about every type of Hong Kong school so you can make an informed decision.

Deciding where to send your children to school in Hong Kong can feel extremely daunting for first-timers, whether you’re expats new to the city or new parents in general. Hong Kong’s education system is one of the best in the world offering a variety of academic options for families. It can be hard, however, to determine which school, curriculum or stream, and exactly what needs to be done to apply to these schools. Sassy Mama is here to help! We break down the pros and cons of local schools vs international schools so you make these important decisions and choose the right school for your child and family.

Read More: Downloadable International School Calendar And Hong Kong Public Holidays 2024-25

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What Are The Three Types Of Schools In Hong Kong?

There are three options to choose from when considering what type of school to send your child to – International, Private Independent and Public schools. Regardless of type, each school within these sectors must be registered with the Education Bureau. There are more than 800 public sector schools (details about these below). There are nearly 100 private primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong, making up the International and Private Independent sectors. In addition to this, there are also a handful of local or public schools offering non-local curricula under the DSS.

If much of these options sound like jargon to you, here’s what you need to know about each sector and the pros and cons of each.

Read More: Top Bilingual Schools And Bilingual Kindergartens In Hong Kong 

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Understanding The Public Schooling System In Hong Kong

The Hong Kong government provides 12 years of free public education, from primary to secondary. While the majority of these schools are instructed in Cantonese, many public schools have international programmes to help non-Chinese speaking (NCS) students acclimatise to the local learning environment. There are also Direct Subsidy Schools that offer non-local curricula and language mediums. There are three different types of schools within the public sector:

1. Government
2. Aided
3. Direct Subsidy Schools

What are Government Public Schools?

Government schools are directly governed by the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong government. These schools are fully funded by the government and follow the Hong Kong curriculum. There are 60 government schools in Hong Kong.

What are Aided Public Schools?

Aided schools take up the majority of public schools in Hong Kong, with 700 to choose from. Aided schools are also directly funded by the Hong Kong government but are also sponsored by an approved supporting sponsoring body, usually a charity, and also follow the Hong Kong curriculum.

What are Direct Subsidy Schools (DSS)?

DSS was launched in 1991 with an effort to offer flexibility in curriculum choices for families. The schools are still government-funded but they offer non-local curricula and/or differing language mediums. DSS schools can also collect additional fees for providing additional supportive services and campus facilities. There are 80 DDS schools in Hong Kong with 20 of them offering non-local curricula.

Read More: Top Montessori Schools In Hong Kong

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What are the pros of Public Schools in Hong Kong?

• Kids learn how to speak, read, and write Chinese.
• Successfully passing through the public school system usually guarantees easier entry to science-related and academic college courses.
• Children gain a deep understanding and appreciation for Hong Kong and Chinese culture.
• Local schools are very affordable, with usually only nominal fees for uniforms and supplies.

What are the Cons of Public Schools in Hong Kong?

• The teaching style is generally dominated by teacher-led lessons, textbook learning and extensive rote learning with a strong focus on science and math-based subjects, leaving little room for creativity, critical thinking, or emotional development.
• Class sizes tend to be large at a maximum of 40.
• Special needs support is limited. Many of the public schools say that they offer support for special educational needs (SEN) and while the teachers are trained to do so, schools often lack the resources or support to be able to provide it adequately due to large class sizes.
• Academic and homework expectations are usually quite high. The academic focus means that often after a full day of school, students require additional classes, leaving little time for personal interests.
• Tutoring and translation support may be needed both from an academic and an administrative point of view for both parents and students.

You can find a range of public school options on the following lists for easy reference. We recommend getting in touch with the school of your choice if you have questions about the admission and selection process.

• Local Schools: Early Years
• Local Schools: Primary
• Local Schools: Secondary

Read More: Best International Pre-Nursery, Kindergarten And Preschools In Hong Kong

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Understanding The Private Schooling Options In Hong Kong

International Schools In Hong Kong

Hong Kong is home to many top-rated international schools. This sector was created to meet the needs of international and expat families in Hong Kong and there are currently 54 International schools operating in Hong Kong. International schools offer a variety of different curricula and language variants to choose from. Most international schools in Hong Kong have an agreement with the government to have no fewer than 70% of non-local students, ensuring a rich, diverse, and global school environment.

Some international schools have catchment zones, in which you need to live within a certain vicinity to have a good chance at entering the school but many do not and some have been dropped recently in the international sector, most notably and recently within the ESF Schools (read about the change in requirement here).

Read More: Ultimate List Of Best International Schools In Hong Kong In 2024

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Private Independent Schools (PISs)

PISs are similar to International schools in that they belong to the private sector and that they generally offer non-local curricula. What makes them different is that PISs are targeted towards local families and not expatriates. PISs are required to have their school population be 70% Hong Kong permanent residents. PISs can be highly competitive to enter as the curricula may differ but there are still very high academic expectations and requirements. There are currently 8 PIS schools in Hong Kong.

What are the Pros of International and PIS Schools?

• Students from elite international secondary schools receive a high-quality education and often go on to get admitted to top-notch universities.
• They get a multi-faceted global education that creates cultural sensitivity and a global mindset.
• English is often the main language, while some offer bilingual and multi-lingual instruction.
• Some international schools offer priority to their nationals, siblings of existing students, and children of staff and alumni.
• Some schools provide services for students with special needs.
• Many schools provide college training and guidance, extra-curricular activities, and alternative ways of learning.

What are the Cons of International and PIS Schools?

• Competition to secure spots at the top schools is high, have extensive interview and application processes, and you may need to deal with long waiting lists.
• Some schools are not through schools and are split by academic ability at the secondary school level. That means that if the students’ examination results at the end of primary school are not up to the mark, they may find it difficult to get placed at a quality secondary school.
• International schools usually have very high tuition fees.
• International schools sometimes offer an isolated language learning experience. Mandarin is often a required learning subject in many international schools which is fantastic but it offers a limiting language learning experience if the school isn’t offering a bilingual education.

Read More: Best British International Schools in Hong Kong 2024

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Curriculum Options In Hong Kong Schools

Public schools follow the local curriculum with graduates receiving the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). This system of learning is often very traditional rote and teacher-led learning with a strong emphasis on science and maths. Academic expectations and focus are high within the public sector and offer great choices of universities and colleges for students who perform well.

For International schools and PISs, there are a wide range of curriculums offered such as the curriculums widely used in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. The majority of International and PIS schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) or have it as an option. Each of these curriculums offers a variety of things to consider such as language learning opportunities and are great options if you know that you’ll be moving back to your own country or another to create a smooth academic transition for your child.

Read More: IB Schools in Hong Kong – The IB Curriculum Explained

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Things To Consider While Choosing A School In Hong Kong

Now that you know some of the essentials of the education system in Hong Kong, make a list of schools that you’re interested in and begin considering some of the following to help narrow down your search:

General considerations while choosing a school in Hong Kong

• If you are settling in Hong Kong, do you want your child to speak and read Chinese? Or do you want an international or English-based school that offers flexibility if your family moves abroad?
• Does the school offer a school bus from your home?
• What language medium is the school operating under and what additional language learning opportunities are available?
• Is it a through-school (kindergarten, plus primary and secondary) and is this important to you?
• What curriculum do you value and what diploma do you want your child to finish with (IB, HKDSE, IGCSE/GCSE etc.)?
• What sorts of extracurricular activities does the school offer?
• Does your child have special needs and will the school make considerations for them?
• Does the school have a catchment area? Are you willing to move to a different district in Hong Kong for a good school?

Considerations while choosing international or private schools in Hong Kong

• How challenging are the school’s entry requirements? Many international schools have extensive and expensive interview processes. Are they feasible for your child?
• Is the school within your budget?

Considerations while choosing public schools in Hong Kong

• What is the homework load and academic pressure of the school you’re considering?
• Do you have the ability for your child to make extra academic commitments outside of school?

Read More: Tutorial Centres In Hong Kong – Where To Find The Right Tutor For Your Child

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Recommendations For Applying To A School In Hong Kong

Just like there is always job application best practice, there is also a school application best practice!

• Always visit a school you’re interested in

Not only does this show interest towards the prospective school and may increase your chances of getting in, but it will also help you check out the school and get an idea of the availability of admissions.

• Plan ahead for the school application process

After making a list of schools you are interested in, start contacting admissions departments to get the information you’ll need – application forms and deadlines. Plan and prepare your visits and applications well ahead of time to avoid disappointment. If your child needs time to prepare for the interview, give them time to get used to the process and work with an educator who is familiar with the interview process to help bring out the best in them.

• Apply to more than one school in Hong Kong

A common mistake among parents is to put all your eggs in one basket, so to speak, and only apply to the one school that you want. To avoid disappointment, always apply to more than one school to give yourself a choice. This is especially important with primary school placement as they are the most competitive.

• Don’t be afraid to follow up with the school of your choice

If you don’t get your first choice of school, don’t be afraid to contact the school and ask what you can do next time to improve your chances.

• If your child has special needs, let the school know

Another common mistake parents make is not letting a school know about any special needs your child might have as parents are worried it might put them at a disadvantage. Be upfront about your child’s requirements and find the right school to support your child.

Read More: SEN Resources In Hong Kong – Schools, Rehab And Support For Special Educational Needs

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published by Talia Sanchez in May 2019 and recently updated by Danielle Roberts in July 2024.