International vs public (DSS) schools?

We're considering moving to HK around January 2015 with our two daughters (aged 6 and 9) for an exciting job offer. We’re very keen to come but have some concerns around schooling.


It sounds like the international schools are either too expensive for us or have crazy wait lists. The ESF schools (eg, Clear Water) appear to be the only ones we'd have a hope of affording, but is it even possible to get into them? If so, does anyone have any recommendations? Is it possible to sign up without being there, or are face-to-face interviews always required?


I’m wondering about local, public options. In general, I favour really getting into the local community rather than staying solely among expats, but I'm not sure whether the kids would receive enough support in a public school, particularly given that they don’t speak Cantonese or Mandarin. Also, I’m not keen on curricula with a strong emphasis on rote learning, competition, and homework. (Am I falling into stereotyping here? Are all local/public schools like this?)


I've looked at various DSS (Direct Subsidy Scheme) schools online, where the instruction appears to be in English. Are these somewhere between an international school and a local one? Their much smaller fees suggest so, and the curricula seem to be an ‘East meets West’ kind of mix. Does anyone have experience of them? Some that appear to be possibilities are:


HKUGA (Chai Wan)

Fukien Secondary School Affiliated School (Yau Tong)

Po Leung Kuk Camoes Tan Siu Lin Primary School (Kowloon)

Po Leung Kuk Hin Too Primary School (Po Lam)

HK Taoist Association Wun Tsuen School (Kowloon)


Any feedback on these? I should add that both girls are excelling at their school in NZ, so I'm not too worried about them academically. I'm more concerned that they have a positive school experience, in an environment that celebrates diversity and encourages critical thinking and creativity. Am I hoping for too much?


Thanks all!

AotearoaNZ,


I have four kids, all of who were born here, two who go/went to ESF and two who go to local schools. My observations/comments are:


1/school years here run August/September to June/July (ESF are not exactly in line with local schools). So if you come here in January it would be mid year whatever school you choose.

2/placement for ESF school year allocations are based on January to December birth dates whilst local schools are September to August. So a kid born in December at ESF would be the youngest in their class yet at a local school would be one of the oldest.

3/most schools, local or otherwise, will want to interview the kids and also the parents.

4/good schools are in demand whether they be government, DSS, ESF or international.

5/beware extra costs! At a DSS/ESF/international school expect to buy a quality laptop, pay for school trips, extra curriculum classes, school buses etc.

6/DSS & local schools that teach the curriculum in English still usually need kids to understand, or at least study, Cantonese & Mandarin. Mention is made of the English medium more to attract locals than aiming at expats.


Have you considered moving to HK in January alone and then bring the family over in the summer? Not easy to be apart but at least you would have more time to plan and be ‘on-the-ground’?

Thanks very much, Greene King, particularly re the info about the demand for schools and the hidden costs. The more research I do, the more I think an ESF school would be the best option for us, assuming that we could get in. Also interesting to hear about the emphasis on the English stream in the DSS schools.


Re moving in January, just not sure I can handle that much time away from my kids. I'm the mum, by the way - not that that necessarily changes things, but I've never been away from them for more than a week. I know, the luxury of being a Westerner ... However, I would probably go over at least a month earlier to set up. Good idea. Thanks again.

Thanks malka, that's really useful. The DSS is now sounding like a potentially positive option again. Have you been equally happy with your kids in ESF and DSS then? No issues with the DSS experience from your perspective? Thanks.

Given the age of your children I would be contacting the DSS schools directly to see if they even have spaces. They are highly competitive and sought after, and I know many families that fail to get into the DSS school they want even in a main intake year.

I would also call and ask ESF if they have spaces, if you can get one child in (sometimes easier for older child) then your other child will get sibling priority and signigficantly move up the waitlist.

Could also ask if your company would buy the corporate debeture, this would also move you to the top (nr top) of a waitlist

Thanks mall and Polish - I'll make that direct contact. In fact, I've already tried with one of the ESF schools, but unfortunately the enrolment person is away. Will need to cast the net a bit wider.

You actually have a reasonable chance with ESF as you are coming from overseas. You cannot formally apply until you have an address (ESF schools are zoned) but new arrivals go to the top of the waiting list for the first 6 months. Spaces often become available after Christmas, Chinese New Year, and Easter. Because we are in the middle of the summer holidays you won't get much info right now and all places will be full at the start of the term. They usually only get notice of a student leaving a month before they go so there will be no guarantee.


Have you looked at Delia English Primary School? Apparently they have a 6 month 'integration' program for student new to HK.

Fikiwii, thank you for this news! I feel much more hopeful all of a sudden. I'll certainly check out Delia. Also thanks, malka, for the link to Creative Primary School.