mp1977

I will be moving to HK in August/September.

I have got two children that are in a primary school in London.

My children aren't highly academic but do well in school.

I would like to find a school that will challenge them but not so much that they can't keep up.

At the moment they are just above the national UK average, which is ok. I'm just abit nervous as I heard that the schools in HK work at a very high standard.

Which schools would you recommend that is good but not too pushy.

Are there many schools that work on the British curriculum?

What are the International schools like?

Do you hear of much bullying?


Any info on schools that you've heard of or your kids go to would be great.

Thank you.

hong_konger

Hi. I just responded to your other post on where to live and rentals.
There are quite a wide range of schools in Hong Kong but like I said in my other response there is a shortage of school places at the moment and it is likely that availability will dictate.
Schooling is good here in HK but not elitist and there is a broad range of academic abilities amongst the kids.
Bullying does exist but is not anything like as prevalent as in the UK. Kids here generally get along quite well as they are all in the same situation living away from etc.

penguinsix

Hi,

Places in the top international schools are oversubscribed several times over. There are huge, multi-year waitings lists, and in some cases families put their children on the lists shortly after they are born. Absent a debenture (i.e. a corporate or personal loan to the school that guarantees a place) you might find it difficult to impossible to find a school for next August.

The situation is not much better in the English-language, government-subsidized schools (ESF or DSS English-language). They have huge waiting lists as well and many of the DSS schools will not accept non-Cantonese speakers even if their primarily language of instruction is English.

Many expats are reportedly refusing assignments to Hong Kong, or they are splitting the family with the children remaining in the home country until a school place is available. The admissions calendar has closed for most schools and applying at this point is more than likely a waste of money.

As such, it's not so much a matter of finding the "perfect school" but probably more a of finding "any port in a storm". You can try some of the less popular international schools that might be a bit further away from Central Hong Kong Island. Schools like the Norwegian School or the Japanese School, or the Australian School (which operates on a different school year calendar) that might have some openings. Attend those schools until a place opens up in a school you might prefer.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/p...f-schools.html

http://business.blogs.cnn.com/2011/0...-in-hong-kong/

If you are on Facebook ask to join this group. They will have some advice as well on what schools still have openings.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/hkschools/

It's going to take some effort. You have a few months before the year starts, but it's not going to just happen. You'll need to be on the phones and email *today* to the schools you like and start pounding them to find a place.

Sorry to be so glum, but's not a good situation. Don't get totally discouraged, but please be ready to make the effort as it won't come easily.

There is also a private service that advises on these matters (for a fee). Might be worth considering, especially if you can get your employer to pay for it:

http://www.topschools.hk/school-admi...lting-service/