In Hong Kong 71 student suicides have been reported since 2013, which have been linked to the high pressure local education system (although a recent government report rejected any direct link). In a Legislative Council meeting students and parents gave accounts of the pressures they face in the school system, which include long school hours and homework.

One young student described a local school as being in prison, and drew a comparison to now studying in an international school where she feels more security and freedom.

Source: http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/article/2060242/e...

Commentary by Janice Ng, Marketing Services Manager (janice.ng@britishcouncil.org.hk):

One reason why Hong Kong families look to send students to UK boarding schools is to escape the local education system for a more well-balanced lifestyle and learning environment. The choices they face when leaving the local education system are to go to a local international school or abroad, however getting in to an international school is also not straight-forward. Competition among peer group and expat children, high tuition fees plus possible debentures and lack of transparency in acceptance criteria could make it difficult for students to secure a place. Should this option fails, parents would go for overseas option.

The implication here for UK boarding schools when recruiting in Hong Kong is to illustrate the well rounded experience that students in the UK can enjoy, and how students psychological well-being is catered for.