ESF and other school's interviews?

We are new to HK. Our daughter started a pre-school for this year and we started applying for primary schools for her for the next year. We would like her to go to ESF (if possible).


We know that she’ll need to go through interviews but we don’t know what are the interviews look like, what sort of questions they ask (I did a search on this form but couldn’t find a threat re this subject ).


Can somebody please give an idea about the process please.

All info below about year one or reception interviews:


Bradbury interview, which I assume is pretty standard for ESF, is very very gentle. Staff only want to know two things:

- That your child can understand English at more or less the appropriate age level.

- That he/she can respond to the teacher. Even yes or no a couple of times is fine.


You come to the school and wait in the Hall (auditorium). Small groups of kids are led off with a couple of teachers and taken to a classroom. There they can read, draw, play with toys. Whatever they like. Teachers then try to engage them in interaction and conversation. They are very very gentle with the shy kids and let them get comfortable first.


If the child can't take going off alone with teacher (this happened to us), a parent can come with. This does not change the "score", even if you're sitting right behind the kid the whole time. (I asked.)


If the child doesn't say a word during the entire session but the parent knows it is just shyness, they'll even schedule an additional session for that particular child.



Other schools that we know of:

- Kellett doesn't do interviews.

- French International School, International Section. Wait in the playground. Kids gently led off in small groups by a some teachers. Very chilled out. I don't know what goes on inside since I wasn't there and my girl is not talking beyond saying they played. ;) She was pretty happy though.

- Canadian International. Very tough and inflexible. Wait in the lobby. There is a playground right outside the lobby, which would have been perfect for the kids, but staff refused to open the doors. If anyone is even vaguely in the way, staff comes and tells that person off. Strangely, our three-year old wanted to explore and play right on that nice big open floor. Told off. A teacher comes out and calls names with a stony face, then immediately turns around and assumes they will follow, even three-year olds(!). Don't know what happened inside but my girl was not happy when she returned. As I understand it they want kids who can "take it". I got flashbacks to big consulting company interviews after business school.


I would add that I have no doubt CDNIS is a fine school. It just isn't for our daughter. Overall I think they miss out on many kids who may be a bit shy and reserved at 3-4 years old but will do just fine academically and will grow more confident with age.

Thanks for your detailed reply axptguy38 :-)

I had the same experiences/feelings as above- also German Swiss is very stringent & LONG...