Choosing the right type of secondary school can be a daunting task for both parents and students. With a variety of schools to choose from, it’s important to understand the differences between them to make an informed decision.

Below is a list of the different types of secondary schools in Hong Kong:

School Type: Government schools

Funding and Fees: Fully funded by the government.

Curriculum: Local (HKDSE)

Overview: Follow the local curriculum, with Chinese as a compulsory subject.

Examples: Belilios Public School, King’s College, Queen’s College

School Type: Aided / CAPUT schools

Funding and Fees: Partially funded by the government, partially funded by private organisations / religious groups.

Curriculum: Local (HKDSE)

Overview: Follow the local curriculum, with Chinese as a compulsory subject.

Examples: St. Mary’s Canossian College, Wah Yan College, St. Francis Xavier’s College

School Type: DSS schools (Direct Subsidy Scheme)

Funding and Fees: Partially funded by the government; partially funded by tuition fees.

Curriculum: Local (HKDSE) and/or international (e.g. IB)

Overview: Allowed to have great flexibility in curriculum design. They still target local students and prepare them for local examinations.

Examples: DGS, DBS, Good Hope School, St. Paul’s Co-educational College

School Type: Private schools

Funding and Fees: Fully funded by tuition fees.

Curriculum: Local (HKDSE) and/or international (e.g. IB)

Overview: Provide students with a wide range of choices with diverse teaching approaches.

Examples: Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School, The Independent School Foundations Academy (ISF)

School Type: International schools

Funding and Fees: Fully funded by tuition fees.

Curriculum: International (IBMYP / IGCSE / IBDP / A Level / AP / SATS)

Overview: Offer overseas curriculum and exams. Learning is mainly conducted in English. These schools tend to have great cultural diversity.

Examples: Renaissance College, Island School, International Christian School (ICS), English Schools Foundation (ESF) schools (these, except Discovery College and Renaissance College, only accept students in the school’s zone)

 

As part of selecting the right school type, there are several important aspects to consider:

Curriculum and MOI (medium of instruction): Consider the school’s curriculum and whether it aligns your child’s interest and future plan. For example, some students might be more comfortable with learning in Chinese, while students who are planning to study abroad in the future may choose an EMI (English as medium of instruction) school that offers an international curriculum.

Extracurricular activities: Check what kinds of activities the school offers (e.g. sports, music, arts, community service) and whether they match your child’s interests and talents.

School ethos, values and culture: Look for a school with beliefs and core values that match yours. For example, many schools follow certain religious beliefs. A positive and supportive learning environment is also vital to your child’s growth.

Fees: Make sure the school’s fees are affordable for your family, particularly if they rise in later years. In addition to school fees, you also need to consider the costs for uniforms, textbooks, and transportation.

Environment and facilities: The school facilities should be well-maintained and equipped to support your child’s learning and development.

 

Your child’s i-Learner tutor will be happy to discuss your options and suggest the type of school that might be best for your child. When applying, sign up to our interview short-courses to help your child present their best self to the school.