University Preparatory school

Hi! I am a Filipino living in HK for 15 years. My son is currently studying in La Salle secondary school. We were so glad that he was able to get into a reputable school but now that he is F5...he's been asking to be transferred to Li Po Chun United World College. He's worried that the current system will not be able to carry him through to get a place in University. Is there a point for his concern??? I desperately need advice as he feels that everybody is leaving and he is worried that not acting now is damaging to his future... ( :) ) thanks in advance.

Li Po Chun WC is the top IB school in HK in terms of results. It is also a FREE IB boarding school for those few who can gain entry (only 6th form; last 2 years). There is no harm in letting your son apply and see if he is given an offer. There are about 150 students per year (total 300), and over 50% are from HK schools.


You don't mention where your son will pursue university education. If he is targetting HK universities, I don't think he will be disadvantaged with the new HK secondary degree. After all, this is the degree the majority of students will have that apply to HK universities. However, if he is targeting overseas universities, many HK families feel the new secondary degree is too unknown and is not favoured by the international universities. Therefore, kids who are in the final HK secondary years are now leaving in droves to either overseas boarding or international schools in HK.


At the moment, it seems the majority are taking up places at ESF to do the IB (same as offered at Li Po Chun --- but you have to pay fees at ESF HK$9,000 x 10 months). If he does the IB at ESF or Li Po Chun, your son will be a non-JUPAS candidate to HK universities. Though this could appear to be a problem, the reality is that the HK universities favour IB students and continue to accept hundreds from the ESF each year.


Li Po Chun basically guarantees your HK uni of choice. If you son is interested in the US, Li Po Chun and United World Colleges are so respected, that MANY will receive FULL scholarship to a good university.

Hey, thanks so much for that. You have been very helpful. Hopefully he can get into Hong Kong U or any other university in HK is the priority. But because of the limited number of spaces, we also have to consider the possibility that he may have to go abroad and so it is also important that whatever he decides to do now, will not only be good for Hong Kong but also acceptable abroad. Thanks again and best regards.