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English Schools Foundation
英基學校協會
Address
12/F, Island Place Tower, 510 King's Road, North Point
Hong Kong
District information
Established1967 (1967)
Chief executive officerBelinda Greer
Chair of the boardKim Mak[1]
Schools22
Students and staff
Students18,000 [2]
Teachers1,251[3]
Other information
Websiteesf.edu.hk
English Schools Foundation
Traditional Chinese英基學校協會
Simplified Chinese英基学校协会
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinYīngjī Xuéxiào Xiéhuì
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationYīng gēi hohk haauh hip wúi
JyutpingJing1 gei1 hok6 haau6 hip3 wui2
ESF
Chinese英基
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinYīngjī
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationYíng gēi
JyutpingJing1 gei1

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is an organisation that runs 22 international schools in Hong Kong. It is Hong Kong's largest English-medium organisation of international schools.[4] It was founded in 1967 with the passage of the English Schools Foundation Ordinance.[5]

In addition to tuition fees, the foundation receives an ongoing subsidy from the Hong Kong Government, which is being phased out. The schools also receive donations from their parent–teacher associations.

History

[edit]

In 1965, the Hong Kong government released its "Education Policy" white paper, which recommended that future expansion of English-medium schools should be through aided schools rather than through government schools. In accordance with the white paper's recommendations, ESF was established in 1967 under the English Schools Foundation Ordinance (Cap. 1117).[6] The foundation's initial two schools were Beacon Hill School and Island School.[7] In 1975, Bradbury School opened as Causeway Bay School on Eastern Hospital Road. In 1977, South Island School started as a nucleus of additional classes to Island School. The school moved to its present site at Nam Fung Road in 1983.

Following government review, it was determined that English-language grant-aided schools were no longer viable. These schools were subsequently handed over to ESF. Glenealy School, Kennedy School, Kowloon Junior School, Peak School and Quarry Bay School became ESF schools in 1979, followed by King George V School in 1981.

In 1982, Sha Tin College, with about 50 students and six teaching staff, opened on the premises of KGV School, where it was known as Sha Tin Annexe. The school was renamed Sha Tin College in 1983, and moved to its current location in 1985. In 1988, Sha Tin Junior School opened next to Sha Tin College.

Schools

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Main article: List of English Schools Foundation schools
Peak School
Island School
Sha Tin College
King George V School

Schools that are part of ESF include:

Admissions

[edit]

Starting from August 2022, ESF has become an all-through educational system. This means that children who join K1 from August 2020 will be guaranteed a place at an ESF primary school, then a secondary school up until Year 13, if they can benefit from a mainstream, English-medium education.[8]

ESF schools are non-selective. However, students must demonstrate sufficient English language skills so that they can benefit from the foundation's English-medium learning environment. Applicants are placed on a waiting list, and will be invited to an interview or assessment when vacancies become available. They will be required to complete age-appropriate assessments to determine if they can engage with an English-medium curriculum.[9]

Procedure

[edit]

Each September, children in K1, Year 1 and Year 7 go through a central application procedure in the year before admission. Applications are made online, on the online admission system.[10] The applications are then sorted by priority category, and then each school makes an interview list based on the parent's preferences, availability and Education Bureau requirements. For other applications received throughout the year, they are processed and also placed on the school's waiting list.[11][12]

Children in kindergarten are assessed based on a play visit in December of each year. The play visit allows the school to observe the children, talk with the parents, and determine if the school is appropriate for the child.[13] For applications to primary and secondary school, students will be invited for an interview and assessment when new places become available. If the student is successful, a place will be offered subject to availability.[14]

Applications to Year 12 for the IB Diploma programme have special requirements: the student must have either achieved or been predicted five grade C's or above, completed the IB Middle Years programme, or completed an equivalent national qualification. Other students will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Priority consideration is given to children of staff, alumni, elite athletes, and specified visa holders. Priority is also given to siblings of enrolled students, and applicants who have purchased a HK$500,000 nomination right.[15]

ESF has provisions for students that have special educational needs. After SEN students go through the application procedure and are accepted, a moderation team will observe the student, and make recommendations on whether to apply for a learning support place, or a place at the Jockey Club Sarah Roe School.[16]

Academics

[edit]

Its schools have traditionally provided a curriculum based on the British curriculum, but since 2004 the organisation has transitioned to a more international curriculum from the International Baccalaureate,[17] starting with changing the Year 12 and 13 programme from the British GCE A-Levels to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. As at 2021–22, 21 ESF schools are authorised as International Baccalaureate World Schools,[18] including five kindergartens, nine primary schools, five secondary schools and the two all-through schools.

Early years

[edit]

All five of ESF's kindergartens follow the IB Primary Years Programme, designed for students aged between 3 and 5. The curriculum encourages children to learn through inquiry and hands-on experiences. It is focused on early literacy and numeracy, as well as Mandarin Chinese, which is integrated into the curriculum. At Abacus kindergarten, there is a choice between an English stream and a bilingual English–Mandarin stream.[19]

Primary education

[edit]

ESF primary schools follow the IB Primary Years Programme, and cater to students from Year 1 to Year 6. The PYP centres on the development of the whole child and provides for children's academic, social, physical, emotional and cultural needs. Students learn the PYP's six transdisciplinary themes, and develop and understanding of concepts, which allows them to make connections both within the subject, and to other subjects. Students are taught using an inquiry-based approach, and are encouraged to be curious and to interact to issues locally and globally.[20] In addition, all students are taught Chinese and the four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. They also learn about Chinese culture, and their history and society.[21]

Secondary education

[edit]

The curriculum of ESF secondary schools is based on the IB Middle Years Programme between Year 7 and 9. At Years 10 to 11, students follow a curriculum designed by the school, that leads to IGCSE and GCSE qualifications, with the exception of Discovery College and Renaissance college which follow the MYP. At Years 12 and 13, students can either take the IB Diploma programme, or an applied learning pathway such as BTEC or the IB Career-related programme.[22] Students study a range of subjects such as English, mathematics, science, the humanities, creative and performing arts, design technology and an additional language at an appropriate level.

Examination results

[edit]

The ESF has received one of its best mean IB Diploma scores amongst its 969 students graduating in the class of 2021 in its history, at a 38.9 out of a possible 45. Sixty-four of these students received a perfect score of 45, which fewer than 0.01% of IB Diploma students receive.[23]

In May 2021, 1,000 students completed the IGCSE/GCSE programme. For exams using the A*-G system, 40% of students obtained A* and 96% obtained A*-C, and for exams using the 9–1 system, 50% of students obtained a grade 9 or 8, and 97% obtained grades from 9 to 4. This was the fifteenth consecutive year that more than half of students attained either an A or an A* grade.

For Discovery College and Renaissance College which take the IB Middle Years programme, in 2020, the mean grade per subject was 5.7 points, higher than the worldwide average of 4.6 points. The mean number of total points per student was 52.2 points out of a maximum possible score of 63 points.

Student demographics

[edit]

The ethnic groups of the foundations' students include local residents of Hong Kong, Europeans and other nearby regional countries. As of 2016 the students came from over 60 countries; the ESF schools, except kindergartens, are required to have at least 70% of their students hold foreign passports.[24]

As of 2017, ESF had a total of 17,700 students, of whom 70% had parents who were permanent residents of Hong Kong.[24] The total number of students in 2013 was 13,000, and the same percentage had permanent resident parents.[25]

Governance

[edit]

The ESF Board of Governors manages ESF's affairs and maintains its educational standards. Its main responsibilities include working with the chief executive officer to establish the foundation's strategic direction, review the overall curriculum strategy for all schools, and ensure the efficient use of resources.[26]

Every ESF school has a school council. The school councils' main responsibilities are to work with the principal to establish the strategic direction for the school; to approve the school's curriculum that aligns with the curriculum strategy approved by the Board of Governors; and to approve the allocation of the school’s annual budget.[27]

ESF was established by government ordinance in 1967. There were no amendments to the ordinance until March 2008, when an amendment to the ESF Ordinance was passed by the Legislative Council.[28]

In response to shortcomings in governance that were highlighted by the Legislative Council in January 2005, the ESF carried out an extensive consultation process to produce an amended ordinance, which provide for a number of changes to the governance and management of ESF. Some of these are in response to the shortcomings identified by the Public Accounts Committee. The most substantial changes were to the structure and composition of ESF's governing body and committees, including the creation of a new Board of Governors to replace the Foundation.

Government subsidy debate

[edit]

Unlike most other international schools in Hong Kong, schools run by the ESF receive an ongoing subsidy (called a 'subvention') from the Hong Kong Government. The reason for this is historical and lies in the foundation's statutory basis.[further explanation needed] Before the handover of 1997, it was generally accepted that this subsidy was fair and that the foundation had a reason to be subsidised.[citation needed]

There has been controversy regarding subsidies to the foundation.[29] The fiscal deficit suffered by the Hong Kong Government following the Asian financial crisis forced the government to cut costs. There were also allegations that the foundation has misused funds on entertainment and over-extravagant recruitment procedures. [by whom?] A report criticising the ESF's use of funds was published by the Hong Kong Government in November 2002, resulting in a continuing debate about whether the subsidy should be cut or even suspended. The subvention was cut for several years in line with a general reduction in government expenditure and then frozen.

The ESF has recently addressed concerns about governance by putting forward a new ordinance that will change the way the organisation operates. The foundation imposed a refundable capital levy of HK$25,000 per student in 2011.[30]

The changes culminate in the phasing out of government's annual subsidy (worth HK$283 million) with effect from 2016, tapering to zero in 2028–29.[30] After a comprehensive internal review of financing needs, the foundation decided to introduce one-off non-refundable levy starting in the 2015/16 school year. The will be set at HK$38,000 for first-year students for, with lesser amount for those joining higher age groups – HK$3,800 will be charged for Year 13 entrants. The ESF expects to raise an extra HK$50 million every year through the levy, for the replacement of schools.[30]

In 2023/24 government subvention comprised 5% of ESF's operating income. Tuition fees made up 80% while the balance was generated through interest income, renting out property, and other minor sources of income.ESF Annual Report 22/23

Controversies

[edit]

The ESF was involved in the controversial 2015 Hong Kong heavy metal in drinking water incidents.

Amid the scandal in September 2015, ESF tested the water in its schools, collecting over 300 samples. Four ESF schools were found to have a high amount of lead in their water supplies.[31] The news was announced through the ESF newsletter. It stated that one sample found in each of King George V School, Sha Tin College, South Island School and West Island School was found to have a higher amount of lead than the government's guidelines, and that all the other schools had water that passed the inspection.

The newsletter did not specify where the source of the water containing high lead were in those schools. The individual schools have halted the use of those water sources pending an investigation.[32]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

English Schools Foundation

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is Hong Kong's largest English-medium international school organization, operating 22 schools that provide education from kindergarten through secondary levels to over 18,000 students representing 75 nationalities. Established in 1967 by the Hong Kong government following recommendations in the 1965 Education Policy White Paper to meet growing demand for English-language instruction primarily for non-Chinese expatriate children, ESF consolidated earlier institutions dating back to 1894, such as King George V School, and has since expanded to emphasize inclusive, personalized learning with curricula including the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. ESF schools, which now enroll approximately 70% students with permanent resident parents—predominantly local Chinese—have achieved notable academic success, including multiple students attaining perfect IB Diploma scores of 45 points in recent years, while maintaining a comprehensive extracurricular programme. Historically subsidized by the under a parity principle to mirror costs, ESF's operational has transitioned toward greater reliance on tuition fees following the phased withdrawal of subventions starting in 2016 over 13 years, prompting fee adjustments amid debates over its role and resource allocation. The organization has faced controversies, including allegations of systemic and inappropriate conduct reported in 2020, as well as earlier criticisms of practices and expenditure of public funds, though it has committed to addressing complaints seriously and upholding standards.

History

Establishment and Early Development

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) was established on January 10, 1967, by the Hong Kong government following the recommendations of the 1965 White Paper on Education, which called for aided English-medium schools to address increasing demand for such instruction amid rapid population growth and limited local system capacity. The ordinance creating ESF centralized the administration of English-language education, enabling subsidized operations alongside tuition fees to serve students ineligible for government Chinese-medium schools, with an initial focus on primary and secondary levels. This structure positioned ESF as a non-profit entity under government oversight, distinct from fully private international schools. Early operations centered on Beacon Hill School, founded in February 1966 as a primary institution in Ho Man Tin with initial classes that transitioned into ESF management in 1967; by 1969, enrollment reached 760 students after relocation to in 1968. , the inaugural ESF secondary school, opened on March 12, 1967, accommodating 267 students in repurposed facilities of the Old British Military Hospital on Borrett Road, before completing a dedicated building in 1973. These foundational schools emphasized a British-style adapted for Hong Kong's multicultural , prioritizing English proficiency and international perspectives. In the 1970s, ESF expanded amid sustained demand, opening Bradbury School (initially ) in 1975 with 161 students, later renamed and moved to Stubbs Road by 1980, and in 1977 as an extension of , which relocated to Nam Fung Road in 1983 serving 800 students. A 1979 government review prompted the integration of six additional primary schools—Glenealy, Kennedy (opened 1961), Kowloon Junior, Peak, and —enhancing ESF's network and enrollment base. This phase solidified ESF's role as Hong Kong's primary provider of subsidized , with King George V School joining in 1981 to further bolster secondary offerings.

Expansion and Policy Shifts

Following its founding in 1967 with the opening of , the English Schools Foundation expanded by integrating established institutions into its network. In 1979, five pre-existing primary schools—Glenealy School, Kennedy School, Junior School, , and Quarry Bay School—became part of ESF, enhancing its presence across and Kowloon. King George V School, originally established in 1894, joined in 1981, marking a consolidation of historical British-style schools under ESF . Subsequent growth involved constructing new facilities to meet rising demand for . Bradbury School opened in 1975, followed by South Island School in 1977, College in 1982, Junior School in 1988, School in 1991, Clearwater Bay School in 1992, and College in 2006, extending ESF's reach to and outlying islands. Kindergartens proliferated in the late 1990s and 2000s, with Hillside and International Kindergartens launching in 1999 and International Kindergarten in 2004. By the , ESF operated 22 schools, including primaries, secondaries, kindergartens, and Jockey Club Sarah Roe School for education established in 1994; recent initiatives include three new kindergartens set to open in 2026, adding approximately 400 places. Infrastructure upgrades, such as the rebuilt campus completed in 2022 at a cost of HK$1 billion, have supported this expansion amid growing enrollment. Policy developments reflected adaptations to demographic shifts and educational priorities. In , ESF initiated a transition to the (IB) curriculum across all schools, replacing varied programmes with IB Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes, fully implemented by 2013 to align with international standards. Admissions policies evolved to broaden access; in May 2023, ESF eliminated its residence-based place allocation, permitting parents to apply to any primary or in the network irrespective of home location, thereby increasing flexibility for families. Structurally, the creation of ESF Educational Services Limited facilitated centralized management of non-core operations, aiding scalability. Financial policies have shifted toward self-sufficiency, with annual tuition increases—such as 4-5% hikes in recent years—to offset phasing government subsidies and rising costs, while maintaining debenture systems for entry.

Recent Institutional Changes

In May 2023, the English Schools Foundation revised its admissions policy by eliminating the residence-based allocation system for primary and places, enabling parents to apply to any ESF school regardless of their home location. This adjustment, described by ESF Director of Education as designed to create a "clearer, faster and less stressful" process for families, replaced prior restrictions that limited choices based on residential catchments. The change addressed long-standing parental feedback on flexibility while maintaining centralized processing through ESF's admissions office to ensure equitable access across its 22 schools. ESF also advanced its infrastructure, announcing in 2025 plans to open three new kindergartens commencing operations in 2026, thereby expanding capacity amid rising demand for English-medium preschool programs in . This expansion builds on ESF's existing network of five kindergartens and aligns with broader enrollment growth, as evidenced by the organization's 2023-24 documenting sustained increases in student numbers and diversification of higher education destinations for graduates. Internally, ESF implemented revisions to operational policies in the 2023-24 , with a focus on enhancing staff training protocols and centralizing policy management through a new digital platform for procedures and guidelines. These updates supported organizational efficiency and compliance, including updates to the English Schools Foundation Ordinance in December 2023, which involved minor formatting adjustments without substantive alterations to governance structures. Such measures reflect ESF's adaptation to evolving administrative needs while preserving its commitment to international curricula delivery.

Governance and Administration

Organizational Structure

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) operates under a centralized governance framework led by the Board of Governors, which holds ultimate responsibility for strategic direction, educational standards, and across its 22 schools. The Board comprises a diverse membership designed to balance stakeholder input, including ten independent members appointed for expertise in , , or ; seven parent members directly elected from across ESF schools; one representative from the Committee of Parents; and additional members such as elected principals, teachers, and nominees from the government or ESF affiliates, totaling approximately 26 members. This structure, established through amendments to the ESF Ordinance in the early , replaced a prior model with a larger foundation body and executive committee to enhance efficiency and accountability. Executive leadership is provided by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), currently Belinda Greer, who has held the position since September 2013 and reports to the Board. The CEO heads a senior management team based at the ESF Centre in , , which oversees centralized functions including education policy, professional development, admissions, finance, human resources, facilities, IT, communications, and fundraising to ensure uniformity and support for individual schools. Key roles within this team include the Director of Education, responsible for curriculum oversight and teacher training; the , managing budgeting and audits; and directors for , , and facilities, enabling coordinated operations for ESF's approximately 18,000 students and 1,099 staff as of recent reports. At the school level, each of ESF's primary, secondary, and private independent schools maintains a School Council to advise on local matters such as budgeting, facilities, and , while adhering to Board-approved policies. These councils typically include the school principal, parent representatives, teachers, and sometimes student input, fostering decentralized input within the overarching centralized structure. Principals report to the senior management team, particularly the Director of Education, ensuring alignment with ESF-wide standards. This hybrid model supports scalability for ESF's growth from its founding in 1967 to managing diverse facilities across , , and the .

Leadership and Oversight

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is overseen by its Board of Governors, which holds ultimate responsibility for managing the organization's affairs, upholding educational standards, and administering its property portfolio. The Board comprises ten independent members appointed for their expertise, seven parent governors directly elected by ESF parents, one governor nominated by the ESF Committee of Parents, and ex-officio representatives including the and school principals as needed. This structure ensures a balance of professional oversight and stakeholder input, with the Board operating under the framework of the English Schools Foundation Ordinance (Cap. 1117), enacted in 2004 to formalize ESF's governance following its establishment by the government in 1967. Executive leadership is provided by the , currently Belinda Greer, who has held the position since September 2013. Greer reports to the Board and directs , including roles such as the Director of Education and Director of Facilities, to implement strategic policies across ESF's 22 schools. The CEO's mandate emphasizes student-centered education, operational efficiency, and alignment with international curricula, while navigating ESF's partial reliance on subventions alongside fee income for financial . Oversight mechanisms include school-specific councils for each primary, secondary, and private independent school, which advise on local matters while deferring to the Board's centralized authority. ESF maintains independence from direct government control despite subsidies from the , with the Board accountable for compliance with legal and financial obligations under the Ordinance. Periodic reviews and public reporting, such as annual , enhance transparency, though critics have noted occasional tensions over fee structures and dependencies amid 's evolving political landscape.

Schools and Facilities

Primary and Secondary Schools

The English Schools Foundation operates nine primary schools catering to students in Years 1 to 6 (ages 5 to 11), delivering the Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) in English as the . These schools emphasize , holistic development, and international-mindedness, with facilities including specialized classrooms, sports grounds, and libraries tailored to primary-level education. Located across , , and the , the primary schools include Beacon Hill School (), Bradbury School (), Clear Water Bay School (Sai Kung), Glenealy School (), Kennedy School (), Kowloon Junior School (), Peak School (The Peak), and Quarry Bay School (). ESF also runs five standalone secondary schools for Years 7 to 13 (ages 11 to 18), implementing the (MYP) for Years 7-11 and the (DP) for Years 12-13. These institutions feature advanced laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities to support rigorous academic, extracurricular, and university-preparatory curricula. The secondary schools are (Tai Tam), King George V School (Ho Man Tin), College (Sha Tin), South Island School (), and West Island School (). In addition, two ESF-affiliated all-through schools—Discovery College (Discovery Bay) and Renaissance College (Ma On Shan)—provide integrated primary and secondary education from Year 1 to Year 13 under the full IB continuum, enabling seamless transitions without inter-school transfers. These private independent schools, managed by ESF, enroll approximately 2,000 students combined and emphasize continuity in pedagogy and student support. Across primary and secondary levels, ESF schools maintain class sizes of around 20-25 students and integrate technology, arts, and physical education to foster well-rounded outcomes.

Kindergartens and Special Needs Education

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) operates five international kindergartens in Hong Kong, providing English-medium education for children aged 3 to 5 years through a play-based, inquiry-led approach that fosters holistic development in diverse, immersive environments. These kindergartens—Abacus International Kindergarten, Hillside International Kindergarten, Tsing Yi Kindergarten, Tung Chung Kindergarten, and Wu Kai Sha Kindergarten—are managed by ESF Educational Services Limited and emphasize experiential learning to prepare students for progression into ESF primary schools. Students completing kindergarten receive guaranteed placement in Year 1 at an ESF primary school, subject to residential zoning policies that were eliminated as of August 1, 2023, to broaden parental choice. In October 2025, ESF announced plans to open three new kindergartens in 2026, adding approximately 400 K1 places to address growing demand. ESF integrates special educational needs (SEN) support across its institutions, including kindergartens, via a Levels of Adjustment (LOA) framework that categorizes requirements from Level 1 (minimal adjustments in mainstream settings) to Level 6 (intensive, specialized interventions). In kindergartens, Levels 1-2 predominate, enabling children with mild needs to participate in inclusive, mainstream classes with targeted accommodations such as differentiated activities or additional adult support, while admissions processes encourage disclosure of needs for appropriate assessment. Higher-level needs in early years may lead to referrals for external or enhanced internal resources before primary transition. For students requiring more substantial support, ESF operates Jockey Club Sarah Roe School (JCSRS), established in 1985 as its dedicated SEN facility for ages 5-19 with moderate to severe learning difficulties, including autism spectrum disorders and complex needs. JCSRS delivers a , individualized focused on functional academics, , social development, and vocational preparation, with small class sizes, integration, and pathways like the Work and Lifeskills program for post-16 students. SEN placements across ESF, including progression from kindergartens, involve multidisciplinary assessments to match LOA levels, ensuring evidence-based support without automatic mainstream exclusion for lower-needs cases. This tiered model prioritizes inclusion where feasible, drawing on ESF's overall capacity to serve around 57,000 students with SEN support in Hong Kong's international sector as of 2022 estimates.

Admissions

Application Procedures

Applications for admission to English Schools Foundation (ESF) schools are processed through a centralized online system, allowing parents to submit a single application per child for multiple schools without geographic zoning restrictions. For primary (Year 1) and secondary (Year 7) entry, the central application period occurs annually from 1 to 30 September for admission the following August; eligible children for Year 1 are those born between 1 January and 31 December of the relevant year two years prior to entry, and for Year 7, born between 1 January and 31 December six years prior. For Year 7 admission in August 2026 (2026-2027 academic year), the central application period was 1-30 September 2025. Parents select up to four preferred schools in order of preference during submission. The online application requires uploading supporting documents, including the child's , , or ; details of siblings attending ESF schools; previous records; a recent digital ; and any relevant PDFs such as medical or reports. A non-refundable application fee of HK$2,800 is charged per child, payable by . Applications are initially ranked by priority categories—such as children of ESF staff, siblings of current students, or those from ESF-affiliated kindergartens—followed by birth date for tie-breaking within categories. Successful initial applicants proceed to school-specific assessments or interviews, which evaluate readiness for English-medium instruction, including proficiency in skills. All ESF primary students are guaranteed a secondary placement within the foundation upon completion of . For Year 7 admission in August 2026, current ESF primary Year 6 students enrolled by 1 December 2025 are guaranteed a place in an ESF secondary school. Kindergarten admissions follow a similar online process but with distinct timelines: Pre-K applications open from 1 to 30 April for children turning two in the entry year, while K1 central applications align with the September period for children born between 1 January and 31 December of the relevant year two years prior. Late or general applications for available places in any year group are accepted year-round outside central periods, subject to space and assessment outcomes. For Year 7 admission in August 2026, as of February 2026, the main application window has closed; late or other applications are placed on a waiting list in order of receipt. Special educational needs applications are handled separately through the ESF Centre for Inclusion and Professional Practice.

Priority Mechanisms and Fees

The English Schools Foundation processes central applications for Year 1 primary and Year 7 secondary admissions by ranking applicants first according to designated priority categories, followed by a to determine order within each category. This mechanism ensures equitable allocation amid high demand, with parents able to select up to four ESF schools (including affiliated private independent schools like Discovery College or Renaissance College) in order of preference. Late applications, submitted after , are placed on school-specific waitlists ordered by priority category and receipt date, without random number assignment. Priority categories privilege specific groups to support continuity and operational needs. Highest priority goes to nominees holding valid nomination rights, who receive guaranteed interviews and offers at a preferred ESF if entry requirements (such as age and English proficiency) are met. Other elevated categories include full siblings of currently enrolled ESF students, children of full-time ESF teaching staff, and graduates of ESF kindergartens applying to Year 1 (who also bypass interviews). Returning students, such as former ESF students returning from overseas or children of former students meeting criteria like minimum prior attendance, may receive priority consideration but are required to apply during the central application period. All ESF primary students transitioning to secondary are assured a place within the ESF network, regardless of category. Separate priorities apply for learning support needs or top talent visa holders, granting interviews to children of eligible professionals relocating under Hong Kong's schemes. Tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year, approved with an average 4.8% increase pending Education Bureau confirmation, vary by level and subvention status. Primary (Years 1-6) annual fees total HK$139,000, up 4.91% from HK$132,500. Secondary fees are HK$181,100 for Years 7-10 (with Year 10 shifting to non-subvented status), HK$159,400 for Year 11, and HK$167,600 for Years 12-13. ESF schools do not require debentures for standard admissions, unlike many private international options, but nomination rights—purchasable for priority access—entail a one-time fee, historically around HK$120,000 for individual rights redeemable over seven years. Accepted applicants pay non-refundable deposits (HK$10,000 for primary, HK$16,000 for secondary) toward the first term's fees, with advance payments required for place confirmation. No capital levies are standard, though miscellaneous costs like application fees apply centrally.

Academic Framework

Curriculum and Educational Stages

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) structures its curriculum across primary and secondary educational stages, with a strong emphasis on international programmes that promote inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and holistic development in an English-medium environment. Primary education spans Years 1 to 6 (ages 6 to 11), where all ESF primary schools implement the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). This transdisciplinary framework integrates subjects through six thematic units of inquiry, fostering skills in research, communication, and self-management while incorporating core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and Mandarin as a mandatory language. Secondary education covers Years 7 to 13 (ages 12 to 18), beginning with the (MYP) or an aligned curriculum in Years 7 to 9 across all ESF secondary schools. The MYP emphasizes interdisciplinary connections across eight subject groups, including (often Mandarin or another modern language), individuals and societies, sciences, , , physical and , design, and language and literature, with a focus on global contexts and personal projects. In Years 10 and 11, five of the secondary schools transition to International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or qualifications from or boards, offering a broad selection of subjects in core areas like English, , sciences, , and electives in , , and languages; two all-through schools (Renaissance College and Discovery College) extend the full IB MYP through Year 11 instead. For the post-16 stage (Years 12 and 13), ESF predominantly offers the Diploma Programme (IB DP), a rigorous two-year course requiring students to select six subjects from six groups (studies in language and literature, , individuals and societies, sciences, , and the arts), alongside core elements including Theory of Knowledge, an extended essay, and creativity, activity, service requirements. Alternative pathways include individual IB courses, the IB Career-related Programme (IB CP) combining DP subjects with career-focused studies, or BTEC vocational qualifications paired with IB elements, available at select schools to accommodate diverse learner needs and aspirations. This structure ensures continuity in the IB philosophy where possible, while providing flexibility through national and international qualifications to prepare students for entrance globally.

Assessment Outcomes and Performance Metrics

ESF secondary schools primarily assess students through (IB) programmes, including the Diploma Programme (DP) for Years 12-13, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Years 10-11 in some schools, and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or examinations in others for Year 11. Performance metrics consistently exceed global and national benchmarks, with IB DP pass rates above 98% and average scores surpassing the worldwide mean by approximately 5-6 points annually. In the IB Diploma Programme, ESF students achieved an average score of 36.4 points in 2025 across 917 candidates, with 98% awarded the diploma—compared to global figures of 30.58 points and an 81.3% pass rate. This follows similar strong outcomes in prior years, as shown below:
YearCandidatesPass RateAverage Score% Scoring 40+ PointsGlobal Average
202591798%36.433.4%30.58
202482598.2%36.633.4%30.3
202384598.1%36.3Not specified~30.2
202283799.2%38.1Not specified~30.2
202191599.3%38.9Not specified~30.3
Notable achievements include 18 students scoring the maximum 45 points in 2025 and 24 in 2024, alongside 9.9% earning bilingual diplomas in the latter year. For the IB MYP in 2024, ESF students recorded a grade of 5.6—above the global of 4.7—and an of 51 out of 63 points. IGCSE and results for in 2024 showed 55.5% of grades at A*-A (versus 22% in ) and 65.1% at 9-7 (versus 22% in ), with 93.7% achieving A*-C or equivalent. These outcomes reflect rigorous internal assessments and external validations, though direct comparisons across programmes are limited by varying scales and cohort sizes.

Student Population

Demographics and Diversity

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) enrolls approximately 18,000 students across its kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools in , drawing from a diverse . This reflects Hong Kong's status as a global financial hub, with students representing over 75 nationalities and a comparable number of mother tongues, fostering a multilingual environment where English serves as the primary . Ethnic composition data from ESF's official reports indicate a majority Chinese student body, consistent with prioritization of Hong Kong permanent residents in admissions, alongside significant expatriate and mixed-heritage representation. In the 2022-23 academic year, Chinese students comprised 41.2% of the total, followed by Indian (7.3%), Caucasian (5.7%), Eurasian (4.8%), and other groups, with 36.6% not disclosing ethnicity; this breakdown underscores a shift from earlier years, where Chinese proportions were higher (e.g., 44.1% in 2020-21 and 43% in 2018-19). All ESF schools are co-educational, maintaining a balanced gender distribution without reported disparities in enrollment. Diversity initiatives emphasize cultural exchange through extracurricular programs and inclusive policies, though the student profile remains predominantly urban and middle-to-upper income, reflecting fee structures and location in affluent districts. This composition supports ESF's role in providing through-train to both local and non-local families, with non-Chinese speaking students benefiting from targeted language support to integrate into the curriculum. Enrollment in English Schools Foundation (ESF) schools has remained consistently high, operating near full capacity across primary and secondary levels in recent years. As of June 2024, primary enrollment reached 100% of targets, while secondary enrollment stood at 99%. Similar levels persisted in prior years, with primary at 99.9% and secondary at 99.3% as of June 2023, and overall enrollment to target at 99% or above from the 2019-20 school year onward. The total student population across ESF's 22 schools, including kindergartens, primaries, secondaries, and institutions, approximates 18,000, drawn from over 75 nationalities. A key trend involves shifting demographics, with the proportion of permanent residents rising markedly. In the 2018-19 school year, 69.4% of students in ESF primary, secondary, and schools were permanent residents. This figure climbed to 85.4% across ESF schools by the 2023-24 year, reflecting broader demand from local families for amid declining expatriate presence post-2019 social unrest and disruptions. ESF has noted that the percentage of students holding passports has doubled since 2013, aligning with a tripling of local enrollment in Hong Kong's overall between 2013 and 2023, even as non-local student numbers fell by nearly 12% over the prior four years to 2023.
School YearPrimary Enrollment (% of Target)Secondary Enrollment (% of Target)% Permanent Residents
2018-19Not specifiedNot specified69.4%
2019-2099%+ overall99%+ overallNot specified
2020-2199%+ overall99%+ overallNot specified
2021-2299%+ overall99%+ overall~85%
2022-2399.9%99.3%Not specified
2023-24100%99%85.4%
This stability in overall numbers, coupled with demographic shifts toward more local students, indicates sustained demand despite Hong Kong's declining birth rates and emigration pressures, with ESF planning expansion via three new kindergartens offering 400 additional places starting in 2026.

Funding and Financial Model

Government Subsidies and Phase-Out

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) has received recurrent subventions from the Hong Kong Government since its establishment under ordinance in 1967, with subsidies originally based on a 1965 policy that provided more favorable terms compared to other international schools in the territory. These grants, capped at levels that did not adjust for enrollment growth or inflation, supported operations across ESF's network of English-medium schools, amounting to approximately HK$283-284 million annually prior to the phase-out. The funding model aimed to promote access to English-medium education while maintaining fees lower than fully private international counterparts, though audits noted discrepancies in subsidy parity with direct subsidy scheme schools. In June 2013, the Government and ESF agreed to phase out the recurrent subsidy over a 13-year period, abandoning the prior parity principle to transition the foundation toward self-funding primarily through tuition fees. The withdrawal commenced with junior primary years, affecting new Year 2 entrants from the 2016-17 onward, with subsequent years losing eligibility progressively; by 2025, subsidies for Years 1-7 had fully ended. This staggered approach allowed existing senior students (Years 3-13) to retain partial support during their schooling, but required fee adjustments to offset losses, including a HK$37 million subvention reduction for specific year groups by 2017. Full abolition is projected by 2029, aligning with the original timeline from the 2013 decision. The phase-out has prompted annual fee increases to sustain operations, with ESF citing controlled costs under a "best value model" while grants diminished from 7.5% of in recent reports. For instance, in 2020, ESF received HK$71 million in subsidies supporting 2,954 employees amid broader funding. By April 2025, proposals for a 4.8% tuition hike for the 2025-26 year reflected ongoing adjustments, as subsidies for remaining eligible years continue to taper. This shift has raised concerns over affordability, though ESF maintains financial assistance schemes for hardship cases.

Revenue from Fees and Other Sources

Tuition fees constitute the largest component of the English Schools Foundation's revenue, accounting for HK$2,603.7 million in the 2023/24 , or approximately 80.7% of total income excluding subsidies. These fees vary by school level and institution, ranging from HK$93,700 for to HK$203,400 for secondary , with annual adjustments such as the 5.8% average increase implemented in 2023/24 to support operational costs amid subsidy phase-out. Additional fee-based revenues include application fees totaling HK$19.4 million in 2023/24, charged for admissions processing across ESF's 22 schools and affiliated programs. The ESF operates priority placement mechanisms generating further income, including the Nomination Rights Scheme, which yielded $117 million in 2023/24 (down slightly from $120.6 million in 2022/23), allowing eligible applicants to secure spots through non-refundable payments allocated toward capital expenditures. schemes, introduced for select kindergartens and schools, contributed $20.4 million in the same period, with individual debentures priced at $500,000 for priority access, though uptake remains limited compared to tuition streams. Capital levies, such as the $38,000 one-time charge for new primary entrants, supplement these but are not recurring revenue sources. Non-fee income diversifies ESF's finances, with investment gains and interest income reaching HK$161.7 million in 2023/24, bolstered by reserves exceeding HK$3.4 billion in net assets. Rental income from school premises (HK$24.7 million) and residential properties (HK$79.2 million) added HK$103.9 million, while program fees from extracurricular and ESF Explore initiatives generated HK$72.3 million. These sources collectively ensure financial sustainability, with total non-subsidy revenue supporting a HK$341.2 million operating surplus in 2023/24 before transfers to reserves.

Subsidy Debates and Equity Concerns

Arguments Supporting Subsidies

Proponents of subsidies for the English Schools Foundation (ESF) argue that they address a structural gap in 's public education system by providing English-medium instruction to non-Chinese speaking (NCS) students and English-speaking permanent residents who cannot effectively integrate into the predominant Chinese-medium schools. Established under the 1965 and formalized by the 1967 English Schools Foundation Ordinance, the subvention was designed to offer dedicated English-language education for such children, many of whom are permanent residents ineligible for or underserved by mainstream aided schools. This support ensures that ESF fulfills its statutory duty to deliver affordable, high-quality education, preventing exclusion from quality schooling options. Subsidies enable ESF to maintain lower tuition fees compared to unsubsidized , broadening access for middle-class local families rather than confining it to affluent expatriates. Approximately 70% of ESF's over 18,000 students come from families holding , underscoring its role in serving residents alongside diverse nationalities, thus aligning with the foundation's mission to support the local community. By capping fees and facilitating smaller class sizes and enhanced curricula, the funding promotes within the English-medium sector, which otherwise operates on a fee-paying model inaccessible to many. Furthermore, advocates contend that ESF subsidies contribute to Hong Kong's status as an by integrating an international curriculum and diverse student body—spanning over 75 nationalities—into the broader ecosystem, fostering global competencies and bilingualism among local youth. This diversity enhances parental choice and injects an outward-looking dimension into public-subsidized , benefiting the economy through a prepared for international engagement. Historical reviews, including those in and 1999, affirmed the subvention's value in upholding these objectives under the parity principle applied to aided schools.

Criticisms of Subsidy Allocation

Critics have argued that government subsidies to the English Schools Foundation (ESF) represent an inequitable allocation of public resources, as they disproportionately benefit non-local or non-Chinese-speaking students while local Cantonese-speaking children face admission barriers despite taxpayer . In , approximately 30% of subsidized ESF places were allocated to non-residents, enabling the foundation to maintain smaller class sizes and specialized courses unavailable to resource-constrained local schools. This per-class subsidy structure, rooted in the 1965 parity principle, has been described as anomalous and preferential compared to private international schools, which receive no recurrent despite similar student demographics and curricula. A 2004 audit by Hong Kong's Director of Audit highlighted disparities in subsidy treatment, noting that ESF's recurrent grants—unlike those for other —allowed for capital grant conversions into low-interest loans, further entrenching advantages without equivalent regulatory oversight from the Education and Manpower Bureau. Detractors contend this allocation undermines equity by favoring for a minority (primarily expatriates and English-speaking locals, comprising about 81% permanent residents but selected via language criteria), while the majority Cantonese-speaking population relies on underfunded aided schools lacking comparable facilities or teacher salaries. Such criticisms portray the subsidies—totaling around HK$250 million annually as of 2012—as a colonial-era legacy diverting funds from broader local needs, fostering linguistic and socioeconomic divides rather than . The absence of means-testing in subsidy allocation has also drawn , as it supports "luxurious" ESF facilities and lower fees relative to unsubsidized international peers, creating unfair and perceived against indigenous students unable to access English-medium places in the public system. Although are being phased out progressively (with full cessation planned for 2029), ongoing allocations until then continue to fuel debates over , with recommendations urging reforms to enhance transparency and in fund distribution.

Achievements

Educational Attainments

ESF secondary schools primarily deliver the (IB) Diploma Programme, with consistent high performance evidenced by pass rates exceeding 97% and average scores surpassing the global benchmark of approximately 30 points. In 2025, 917 out of 936 candidates (98%) received the IB Diploma, achieving an average of 36.4 points, compared to the worldwide average of 30.3 from the prior year. This pattern holds across recent years, with 2024 recording 98.2% pass rate (825 students) at 36.6 points average, and 2023 at 98.1% (845 students) with 36.3 points.
YearCandidatesPass RateAverage Score% Scoring 40+ Points
202593698%36.433.4%
202482598.2%36.633.5%
202384598.1%36.333.6%
202283799.2%38.147.6%
202191599.3%38.950.1%
High achievers are prominent, with 15-21 students annually scoring the maximum 45 points in recent cohorts, including 18 perfect scorers in 2025 from six schools. Complementary qualifications like in 2024 yielded 25.2% at grade 9 (top tier) and 94.1% at 9-4, while the averaged 5.6 grades against a global 4.7. Graduates progress to higher education at rates over 95%, securing placements at nearly 250 institutions worldwide, including leading universities such as , members, and top Hong Kong programs in , , and . Specific 2025 examples include offers for in and at . These outcomes reflect the system's emphasis on rigorous, , though attainment varies by school and individual preparation rather than uniform institutional guarantees.

Broader Societal Contributions

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) engages in through organized social responsibility events, including beach clean-ups and visits to elderly homes where participants deliver self-made delicacies, involving students, families, and staff to promote societal contribution as a model for participants. Individual ESF schools extend this through structured programs; for instance, King George V School supports initiatives such as English teaching for refugees, buddy reading with underprivileged children, hospital visits, and aid for the homeless and residents of subdivided flats. Similarly, incorporates service into extracurricular activities, house events, charity weeks, collaborations with local schools, and annual Quest Week projects focused on community needs. South Island School emphasizes fostering a compassionate among students to effect personal change and improve others' lives via targeted . ESF recognizes and amplifies societal impact through its annual Chairman's Awards, which honor graduates for excellence in , , sports, and academics; in 2025, nearly 250 recipients from eight ESF schools were celebrated for such contributions. ESF alumni have assumed prominent roles advancing and global society, including Christine Loh as Undersecretary for the Environment, contributing to policy on and urban development; Alia Eyres as CEO of Mother's Choice, leading and family support services; and Geoffrey Cheah as a 2016 Olympian swimmer representing the territory internationally. In sports, Sha Tin College alumnus Vivian Kong secured 's first individual at the 2024 Paris Olympics in women's . Healthcare alumni such as Dr. Yin Wu and Dr. Kelvin Luk exemplify contributions in medical fields, while others like tech entrepreneur Sarah Fleischer drive and . These outcomes reflect ESF's role in cultivating leaders who apply skills in , , and international competition, enhancing 's global connectivity and social fabric over five decades.

Criticisms and Controversies

Accessibility and Fee Structures

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year are proposed to rise by an average of 4.8%, reflecting ongoing adjustments following the phase-out of subsidies. Primary school fees for Years 1-6 will increase from HK$132,500 to HK$139,000 annually, while secondary fees vary by year group, with overall ranges spanning HK$93,700 to HK$203,400 depending on the level. New students also face a non-refundable capital levy to support infrastructure and long-term capital expenses, adding to entry barriers. These fee levels have drawn criticism for diminishing accessibility, particularly for local families of modest means, as annual costs for a single child can exceed 40% of median household income in the city. Originally established to provide subsidized to a broad cross-section of residents, ESF schools are now perceived by detractors as increasingly elitist, catering more to expatriates and high-income locals amid subsidy reductions that have driven fees closer to those of unsubsidized international institutions. Parent-led protests and board resignations underscore equity concerns, with three elected governors quitting in 2014 over proposed fee hikes and capital levies imposed as subsidies waned, arguing that such measures burden middle-class families without commensurate public benefits. Critics contend that the structure prioritizes revenue generation over inclusive access, exacerbating social divides in education despite ESF's non-selective primary allocation via computer ballot for eligible applicants.

Governance and Autonomy Issues

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) operates under the English Schools Foundation Ordinance (Cap. 1117), enacted in , which establishes a Board of Governors with primary responsibility for strategic oversight, educational policy, , and property administration across its schools. This statutory framework grants ESF a high degree of operational , including in design, staff appointments, and fee-setting, distinguishing it from more directly government-supervised public schools in . The Board comprises 10 independent members appointed for expertise in , finance, or ; 7 parent governors directly elected by school parents; 1 representative from ESF parent committees; the as an ex-officio member; and up to 4 school principals as additional ex-officio members, ensuring stakeholder input while prioritizing professional . Despite this autonomy, ESF's receipt of recurrent government subventions—totaling HK$283 million annually as of 2012, though subject to phased reduction—has prompted scrutiny over accountability mechanisms. Hong Kong's , in a 2005 review, highlighted concerns that the Ordinance's provisions limit direct government intervention, questioning how ESF ensures transparent use of public funds amid its independent decision-making on fees and operations. Critics, including audit reports, argued for enhanced monitoring frameworks, such as those introduced in the 2008 Ordinance amendments, which mandated ESF to align with broader accountability standards without eroding core . These tensions peaked during subsidy reviews in the 2000s and 2010s, where proposals to tie to performance metrics clashed with ESF's insistence on and admissions freedom to serve its base. Post-2020, the Hong Kong National Security Law introduced new dynamics, with ESF affirming retention of curriculum autonomy while adopting internal protocols—such as staff training and content reviews—to prevent violations, amid parental concerns over potential ideological encroachments. This compliance approach, detailed in ESF communications to parents on February 26, 2021, balanced legal obligations with operational independence but fueled debates on whether increased regulatory pressures undermine the Foundation's founding principles of non-local, insulated from local political curricula. The ongoing phase-out, accelerated by a 2016 government agreement allowing fee hikes to offset lost funding by the mid-2020s, further amplifies these issues, as reduced financial ties may enhance autonomy but expose ESF to market-driven decisions less accountable to public oversight.

References

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