Pre school

Hong Kong has over 700 kindergartens all of which are privately run. The English Schools Foundation (ESF, see below) run three kindergartens for children between 3 and 5. ESF schools are for English-speaking children.

School

Hong Kong children receive nine years' of free education. Starting at the age of six, they enjoy six years of primary education plus three years of secondary education. Some students elect to go to study for a further four years at secondary school.

Some schools adopt a whole-school approach, supporting students with special education needs or with a mild disability. There are also special schools for those with severe or multiple disabilities.

Government and aided schools make up about 90% of the school places. Another 4% come from direct subsidy scheme schools and non-profit-making private independent schools.

There are some 15 schools operated by the English Schools Foundation and 55 international schools. These schools add to the city's vibrant international character and can offer overseas residents an opportunity to continue their children's studies in their home nations' curricula and language. The international schools provide over 30,000 places.

English Schools Foundation

This foundation runs ten co-educational primary schools and five secondary schools with classes being held in English. The schools follow the English curriculum adapted for the Asia Pacific context.

The primary schools accept children aged 5 to 11. Admission to these schools is permitted at any time during the school year subject to places being available. For Year One, the official admission time is September every year for children who have reached the age of five or will be five by December of that year.

Secondary schools are for children in the 11-18 group. The courses offered lead to the General Certificate of Secondary Education examinations in year 11 and to GCE Advanced level examinations in year 13.

For a child to qualify for entry to an ESF school, one of the parents should be a resident taxpayer in Hong Kong. A zoning system operates for all ESF schools, and children are normally expected to attend the school serving their residential area. The demand for paces is strong.

It is advisable for parents to contact the ESF before arrival in Hong Kong to determine whether their child(ren) can join an ESF school.

Other schools for expatriate children. There are some 40 private schools offering places at primary and secondary levels suitable for expatriate children. These schools cover a range of non-local curricula including American, Australian, British, Canadian, French, German-Swiss, International Baccalaureate, Japanese, Korean and Singaporean.

In addition to paying tuition fees for enrolment to most of these international schools, parents or companies are often required to buy a debenture or pay an additional annual contribution.

Demand for places in these schools is also strong so parents are advised to contact the Education and Manpower Bureau for information before arrival in Hong Kong.