An Expat’s Guide to the Local School System in Hong Kong

Written By Florist and Flower Delivery

Hong Kong’s education system is one of the most rigorous and structured in Asia. While international schools are a common first choice for expatriate families, local schools offer a compelling alternative. For expat families willing to navigate cultural and linguistic differences, local education provides high academic standards, bilingual instruction, and significantly lower costs. This guide will help you understand how the system works, what options are available, and what to expect if you choose this path for your child.

1. Education Structure at a Glance

The Hong Kong education system is managed by the Education Bureau (EDB) and follows the “3-3-4” structure introduced in 2009. This structure emphasizes a broad and balanced curriculum with multiple pathways to higher education.

Key Stages:

  • Kindergarten (Ages 3–6): Optional, 3 years (K1–K3)

  • Primary Education (Ages 6–12): 6 years (P1–P6)

  • Secondary Education (Ages 12–18): 6 years divided into:

    • Junior Secondary (S1–S3)

    • Senior Secondary (S4–S6)

  • Post-Secondary Options:

    • Universities (via the HKDSE)

    • Vocational and technical institutes (e.g., VTC, IVE)

2. Types of Local Schools Available to Expats

Expat children have access to various types of schools that fall under the local system. Understanding the key differences helps in making the right choice:

Government Schools

  • Fully funded and run by the government.

  • Chinese is the main medium of instruction.

  • Free of tuition up to junior secondary level.

  • Limited flexibility in curriculum.

Aided Schools

  • Operated by non-government bodies (like religious or charitable organizations) but fully funded by the government.

  • Most follow the same curriculum and fee structures as government schools.

  • Offer a strong sense of community and tradition.

Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) Schools

  • Semi-private schools that receive partial government funding.

  • Greater autonomy in curriculum, language of instruction, and school fees.

  • Many DSS schools offer English-medium instruction or a bilingual curriculum.

  • Highly sought after by both locals and expats due to balance of flexibility and affordability.

Caput Schools

  • Receive per-student subsidies.

  • Typically cater to local students with specific needs or alternative schedules.

  • Not commonly chosen by expat families.

Private Independent Schools (PIS)

  • Operate independently of the local curriculum.

  • May offer local, international, or hybrid curricula.

  • Often a compromise between local and international schools, both in terms of cost and teaching approach.

3. Language of Instruction: What to Expect

English vs. Cantonese

  • Cantonese is the main teaching language in most government and aided schools.

  • English-medium instruction (EMI) is found in some DSS and elite government schools.

  • Students are taught both Chinese and English, but the proficiency required for Chinese subjects is high.

Support for Non-Chinese Speakers (NCS)

  • The EDB identifies and supports schools with experience teaching Non-Chinese Speaking students.

  • Students may follow "Chinese as a second language" pathways instead of native-level Chinese curriculum.

  • Some schools offer Putonghua (Mandarin) instead of Cantonese for teaching Chinese.

If your child does not speak Chinese, selecting a school experienced with NCS students is essential. These schools may tailor language expectations, provide additional Chinese language support, and be more culturally inclusive.

4. Admissions Process for Expat Families

Kindergarten Admissions

  • No centralized system. Parents apply directly to kindergartens.

  • Medium of instruction (English, Cantonese, or bilingual) varies by school.

Primary School Admissions (P1)

  • Local students go through the Primary One Admission (POA) system.

  • Expats (non-Permanent Residents) must apply directly to schools offering places.

  • DSS schools often have their own admissions criteria, including interviews and academic tests.

Secondary School Placement

  • Government and aided schools participate in the Secondary School Places Allocation (SSPA) system.

  • NCS students may apply outside this process.

  • DSS and private schools conduct their own admissions with greater flexibility.

Required Documents

  • Passport and dependent visa

  • Proof of residence

  • Previous academic records

  • Immunization records

  • Recommendation letters (for selective schools)

Admission to popular schools is competitive, and priority is often given to siblings and residents in the school’s catchment area. Start the application process well in advance—up to a year ahead.

5. Curriculum and Learning Approach

Primary Curriculum

Core subjects:

  • Chinese Language

  • English Language

  • Mathematics

  • General Studies

  • Music, PE, Visual Arts

  • Moral & Civic Education

Secondary Curriculum

At Senior Secondary level (S4–S6), students work toward the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). This is recognized by universities in Hong Kong and internationally.

Subjects include:

  • Core: Chinese, English, Mathematics, Liberal Studies (now replaced by Citizenship and Social Development)

  • Electives: Sciences, Humanities, Business, Arts, ICT, and more

Assessment:

  • HKDSE at end of S6

  • Used for local university entrance via JUPAS

  • International recognition is growing—accepted by many universities globally

Learning Style

  • High focus on exams, memorization, and discipline

  • Limited emphasis on creativity or discussion, though reforms are aiming to improve this

  • Continuous assessment and public exams play a large role in student progression

6. School Fees and Cost Considerations

Public & Aided Schools

  • Tuition-free up to junior secondary (S3)

  • Small administrative fees and textbook/uniform costs

DSS Schools

  • Tuition ranges from HKD 20,000 to 80,000+ per year

  • Additional charges for extracurriculars, uniforms, materials

Private Schools

  • Costs vary widely, from HKD 80,000 to 200,000+ per year

  • Still far cheaper than international schools (which can exceed HKD 250,000/year)

Other costs to factor in:

  • Transportation (especially if school is far from home)

  • After-school tutoring or learning centers (very common in HK)

  • School trips, co-curricular activities, and exam fees

7. Culture and School Life

Discipline and Behavior

  • Students are expected to show respect, follow rules, and maintain cleanliness and punctuality.

  • Uniforms are mandatory in all local schools.

Homework and Tuition

  • Homework loads are heavy from early primary years.

  • Many students attend after-school tutoring centers (cram schools) or hire private tutors, especially leading up to exams.

Co-Curricular Activities

  • Known as ECA or OLE (Other Learning Experiences) in secondary schools.

  • Includes music, sports, volunteer work, and leadership programs.

  • Participation is often mandatory and contributes to student portfolios for university applications.

8. Pros and Cons for Expat Families

Advantages

  • Strong academic reputation

  • Bilingual exposure in English and Chinese

  • Low to moderate costs, especially compared to international schools

  • Cultural immersion and local peer integration

  • High university placement rates for strong students

Challenges

  • Cantonese-based instruction in most schools can be a barrier

  • High pressure and intense academic culture

  • Social integration may be tough for non-local students

  • Limited availability of places in English-medium schools

  • Expectations of parental involvement and support

9. Alternatives to Local Schools

If the local school system seems too rigid or linguistically challenging, expat families might consider:

English Schools Foundation (ESF)

  • Semi-subsidized, English-medium schools

  • Widely respected and more affordable than international schools

  • Follow an IB or British curriculum

Private International Schools

  • British, American, Canadian, Australian, German, French, and other curricula

  • High fees but cater directly to expat needs

Private Independent Local Schools

  • Blend of local and international teaching methods

  • Often bilingual or English-focused

  • Increasingly popular for globally-minded families

10. Practical Tips for Expat Parents

  • Research thoroughly: Use the EDB’s School Search Tool.

  • Visit schools: Many offer open days or virtual tours.

  • Talk to other expat parents: Facebook groups and forums are full of helpful experiences.

  • Prepare your child: Language tutoring before school starts can ease transition.

  • Engage with teachers: Join the PTA and communicate regularly.

  • Be flexible: Your ideal school may have a waitlist—have backups.

Choosing a local school in Hong Kong is a bold but rewarding decision for expat families. The experience can offer world-class academic grounding, bilingual fluency, and deep cultural integration—at a fraction of the cost of international schools. While challenges exist, especially in language and academic pressure, families who are proactive, patient, and supportive often find the journey worthwhile.

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Expat's Guide to Kindergartens in Hong Kong