International schools, the single most glaring omission from the otherwise comprehensive chapter on education in the chief executive's policy address, continue to spark concern in Hong Kong's middle-class and expatriate communities.

The secretary for education has confirmed that there will be a shortage of over 4,200 primary international school places by 2016. The government is planning to convert unused school premises to international schools and expedite other in-situ expansion projects to provide much-needed places.

Although overall statistics show that international school places are not fully taken up, closer analysis shows there is a severe shortage of places in international schools which offer strong English language and Putonghua education, and in the primary and special education sectors.

Of particular concern is that strong demand for international school places from local parents might be crowding out children of expatriate employees. Government statistics show the proportion of local students in primary international schools rose from 11.6 per cent in 2001-02 to 25.6 per cent in 2011-12; the proportion of local students in secondary international schools rose from 10.7 per cent to 22.8 per cent in the same period.

In information submitted to the legislature, the Education Bureau admitted that international schools are attractive to local parents because of the more interactive and flexible teaching methods, and the higher standard of English instruction.

The demand from locals for international school places, coupled with the continuous drive by parents of students attending prestigious local establishments to turn their schools into direct subsidy schools with freedom to design their curriculum, brings to the fore local parents' dissatisfaction with the local system.

Writes Regina Ip for South China Morning Post.


Commentary from Janice Ng, British Council

This article covers one of the two reasons behind continuing strong mobility to the UK – dissatisfaction with the local secondary education system. Those, especially UK schools and colleges, looking to recruit students in Hong Kong during the coming summer may find this article useful background context.

Government statistics show the increasing demand from local parents for international school places for both primary and secondary sectors. Concern that children of expatriate employees might be crowded out has been raised.

Although it is premature to judge the merits or otherwise of the new secondary education system, statistics published by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority in which 7,000 out of 66,000 students in senior secondary level opted out somewhat indicate local parents’ dissatisfaction to the new curriculum. These 7,000 students may have gone overseas, switched to international schools or vocational training institutions, or dropped out altogether.

Facing with the local shortage of international school places worried parents from middle class and expatriate employees may turn to schools in the UK as an option. Over the last few years, number of Hong Kong students studying in UK schools tends to be stable, around 6,000 per annum. Entry points are usually A-level or IB Diploma, followed by GCSE. International foundation courses are a popular alternative to GCE A-levels and the final year of the HKDSE. At least 1,000 Hong Kong students are studying these courses, entering after Secondary Five or Six.


Should you have any queries about the Hong Kong market, and prospects for student recruitment or institution partnerships please contact Steve Corry, Regional Business Development Manager at (852) 2913 5156 or e-mail to Steven.corry@britishcouncil.org.hk.