Discovery Bay International School - Primary & Secondary Campus vs Harrow International School Hong Kong

	D Discovery Bay International School - Primary & Secondary Campus Hong Kong	H Harrow International School Hong Kong Hong Kong
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HK$143,700 - 196,900	Fees / year HK$175,812 - 239,070
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 1,100	Pupils 1,650
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1983	Opened 2012
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Discovery Bay International School’s Primary & Secondary Campus is located in Discovery Bay on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. The campus sits within a quiet residential area overlooking the sea, with easy access to public transport, including ferries and buses connecting to Central Hong Kong and Tung Chung. The school benefits from the open, community-focused surroundings of Discovery Bay, allowing for outdoor and environmental learning.	Location Harrow Hong Kong is located at 38 Tsing Ying Road in Tuen Mun, near the Gold Coast on Hong Kong’s western side. The campus is accessible from major districts such as Kowloon and Hong Kong Island via school bus services. Its coastal setting provides a quieter environment while remaining connected to the city’s transport network
Stages	Stages The Primary & Secondary Campus caters to students aged 5 to 18 years, covering Years 1 to 13. The school is divided into three stages: Primary School (Years 1–6), Secondary School (Years 7–11), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13). Students follow the English National Curriculum, culminating in IGCSE examinations and A Level or BTEC qualifications.	Stages The school educates pupils aged 3 to 18. It is divided into Early Years (Nursery–Reception), Lower School (Years 1–5), Upper School (Years 6–11), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13)
School type	School type DBIS is a co-educational international day school. It does not offer boarding, and all students commute daily from Discovery Bay and the surrounding areas. The school provides a structured, inclusive environment across Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form.	School type Harrow Hong Kong is a co-educational day and boarding school. Boarding is available from Year 6 onwards as a five-night weekly programme, with students placed in Houses that form the core of pastoral and boarding life.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides Learning Enhancement support for students with mild to moderate learning needs. Support includes early identification, classroom differentiation, and targeted interventions managed by specialist staff. The focus is on ensuring equal access to learning and participation across all areas of school life.	Additional learning support The school’s Individual Needs Department supports pupils with mild to moderate learning difficulties. Provision includes in-class support, individual or small group interventions, and collaboration with teachers to tailor learning strategies.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation DBIS follows the British curriculum but has no formal affiliation with the UK government or any national education authority.	Country affiliation The school is part of the broader Harrow School network but not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school is non-denominational and has no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation Harrow Hong Kong has no religious affiliations.
School day structure	School day structure Exact start and end times are not publicly listed on the open website, but the school operates a full-day schedule for both Primary and Secondary students, with timetabled academic lessons, breaks, and lunch periods. Co-curricular and enrichment activities take place before and after regular classes.	School day structure The school day varies by level: in the Lower School, lessons typically run from around 8:00 am until mid-afternoon, with morning and lunch breaks; in Upper School and Sixth Form, the day includes six to seven lessons, tutorial time, and co-curricular activities, generally finishing around 4:00 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details DBIS provides a dedicated school bus service operated by external providers, covering Discovery Bay, Tung Chung, and South Lantau. Routes and timetables differ for Primary and Secondary students. The service is designed for convenient and safe daily transport to and from the campus, with detailed timetables and guidelines provided to parents before each school year.	Bus service details The School’s mandatory bus service is provided by Chun Wo Bus Services Limited. Chun Wo Bus Services Limited operates routes to and from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Discovery Bay, Gold Coast, Siu Lam, and Tuen Mun. The buses are equipped with appropriate seat belts and each bus has its own adult supervision.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application Fees A one-time non-refundable application fee of HK$2,000 per student is required upon submission of an application. This covers administrative and processing costs for new admissions. Development Levy All new students are required to pay a School Development Levy before enrolment. Families may choose between the Standard School Development Levy (SSDL) of HK$60,000 per student for the first and second child and HK$50,000 for the third child onwards, or the Premium School Development Levy (PSDL) of HK$500,000 per student as a one-time fast-track option. Both levies are non-refundable and non-transferable. For Year 12 entrants, no levy is required; instead, a refundable deposit equal to two months’ school fees is paid and offset against September and October tuition. Tuition Fees (Per Year) British Curriculum Stream Years 1 – 6 (Primary): HK$143,700 per year Years 7 – 11 (Secondary): HK$190,700 per year Years 12 – 13 (Sixth Form): HK$196,900 per year Fees are billed in 10 monthly instalments from September to June. Additional Fees Uniforms, lunches, extracurricular activities, and after-school programmes are billed separately. Examination fees for IGCSE and A Level subjects, along with optional activities and educational trips, may also incur additional costs. Transportation Fees The school provides a bus service covering Discovery Bay, Tung Chung, and South Lantau. Fees vary depending on the route and are invoiced directly through the school’s transport provider. Refund Policy No refunds or reductions are provided if the school cannot open due to circumstances beyond its control, such as government restrictions, weather events, or pandemics. To withdraw a student, parents must provide 60 days’ written notice (excluding July and August) using the official Student Withdrawal Form. Late notice results in additional charges, ranging from half a month’s to two months’ tuition, depending on the delay. Payment Options Tuition is payable via autopay, cheque, or bank transfer, with credit card payments accepted for an additional bank handling fee. A deposit equal to one month’s tuition is collected in July and credited toward the September payment. Late payments after the 15th of the month incur a HK$200 fee, and returned autopay transactions are charged HK$100.	Fee details Application Fee * A non-refundable, non-transferable application fee of HKD 1,500 is charged to cover admissions processing. Tuition Fees (per year and by term) * Nursery & Reception: HKD 175,812 annually (HKD 70,324 Autumn; HKD 52,744 Spring; HKD 52,744 Summer) * Years 1–5: HKD 201,314 annually (HKD 80,526 Autumn; HKD 60,394 Spring; HKD 60,394 Summer) * Years 6–8: HKD 229,949 annually (HKD 91,981 Autumn; HKD 68,984 Spring; HKD 68,984 Summer) * Years 9–11: HKD 229,949 annually (HKD 91,981 Autumn; HKD 68,984 Spring; HKD 68,984 Summer) * Years 12–13: HKD 239,070 annually (HKD 95,628 Autumn; HKD 71,721 Spring; HKD 71,721 Summer) Billing and Payment * Fees are billed termly in advance and payable in Hong Kong Dollars on the first day of each term. * Discounts are applied for siblings enrolled simultaneously (5% for the third child, 10% for the fourth, 15% for the fifth and subsequent children). Boarding Fees (Years 6–13) * HKD 130,705 annually (HKD 52,283 Autumn; HKD 39,211 Spring; HKD 39,211 Summer). * Boarding is five nights per week (Sunday evening to Friday afternoon). Additional Costs * Included: Some essential school supplies, pupil activities, and insurance. * Excluded: Textbooks, trips, compulsory uniform, lunch, snacks, and school bus transport. Examination fees for Years 10–13 and some Year 9 programmes are also excluded. * Capital Levy: Pupils without debentures or capital certificates must pay HKD 60,000 annually. Refunds * Application fees and the Capital Levy are non-refundable. Tuition and boarding fees are not generally refundable once paid. Payment Options * Payment is made via bank transfer in Hong Kong Dollars.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school offers weekly boarding from Year 6. Boarders go home on Friday evening and return by Sunday evening at 8:00 pm. Boarders reside in Prep School and Senior School Houses, with study bedrooms for two, three or four in the Prep Houses and single (often with a shared bathroom) rooms in the Senior Houses. The on-site health centre provides 24-hour care, and facilities such as the sports hall, swimming pool, sports fields, tennis courts and music practice rooms are available to boarders after hours.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The uniform is compulsory for all students. A complete uniform list is provided at enrolment and on school materials. Jewellery is not allowed at school, with exceptions for earring studs in pierced ears and small religious items; shoulder-length or longer hair must be tied up during the school day; natural hair colours are expected. Parents are responsible for ensuring the uniform is worn, named, clean and in good repair.	Uniform requirement Uniform is compulsory for all pupils. A new school uniform was introduced in August 2023 and is being rolled out in phases by year group. Uniforms can be purchased from the Lai Chi Kok Uniform Shop or the online store.
Food options	Food options The School Canteen by Chartwells offers hot meals, snacks and drinks. Year 1 and Year 2 students are served at the table with a choice of Hot Meal A or B, while Year 3 to Secondary students choose hot meal options in the canteen. A lunch ordering app is used to select daily menu options, and students may also bring a packed lunch.	Food options Dining facilities include two canteens offering breakfast, lunch and supper with Western, Asian and vegetarian options. Meals are prepared by a catering company, with feedback channels via House representatives and Parent Representatives.
House system	House system The school has a house system with leadership roles such as House Captain positions and house-based activities, including charity events.	House system There are six Lower School Houses, seven Prep Houses and eight Senior Houses. Every pupil is a member of a House; the Upper School has fifteen Houses. Houses are vertical by year group within each section and host house competitions across art, drama, music, sport and academics.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The School Council, established under Section 32 of the Hong Kong Education Ordinance, governs the school. It is responsible for decisions including the school budget, building developments, school safety and the Head of School appointment.	Governance and ownership The school is independently owned and operated by Harrow International School Foundation Limited, a not-for-profit company owned by Asia International Schools Ltd (AISL). Harrow International Management Services Limited (HIMS) oversees day-to-day operations. The Governing Board includes Harrow School Governors, representatives of the owners and independent experts, and the school operates under an agreement with the Governors of Harrow School in the UK to use the Harrow name and badge; governance covers philosophy, strategy, and day-to-day policy.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Discovery Bay International School follows the English National Curriculum from Year 1 through Year 13. In the Primary School (Years 1–6), students study core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities, alongside Art, Music, Physical Education, and Mandarin. The Secondary School (Years 7–11) builds on this foundation and leads to the Cambridge IGCSE examinations in Year 11, with students selecting a range of academic and creative subjects according to their interests. In the Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students follow either the A Level or BTEC pathway, allowing for academic or vocational specialisation in preparation for university or further study. Throughout all stages, teaching is delivered in English, with additional language instruction in Mandarin, French, and Spanish.	Curriculum details Harrow International School Hong Kong follows the English National Curriculum across all stages. In the Early Years (Nursery and Reception), pupils learn through the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, focusing on play-based and early literacy and numeracy development. The Lower School (Years 1–5) continues with the National Curriculum of England, emphasizing core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities alongside Art, Music, Drama, Physical Education, and Mandarin. In the Upper School (Years 6–9), students build on these foundations with a broader academic programme that includes specialist teaching in subjects like Design Technology, Computing, and Modern Foreign Languages. In Years 10–11, pupils prepare for General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations, selecting from a range of subjects that combine compulsory and optional courses. The Sixth Form (Years 12–13) offers A Levels with the option of completing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), providing students with depth of study and independent research experience.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Discovery Bay International School promotes student wellbeing through its pastoral and community programmes, with form tutors and pastoral staff supporting students’ personal and social development. The school’s Wellbeing Hub, available via the DBIS Parent Portal, provides resources and initiatives that encourage healthy emotional growth and reflection. Assemblies, tutor sessions, and community events are used to strengthen students’ interpersonal skills and empathy. Specific programme details or SEL frameworks are not publicly disclosed on the school website.	Social & emotional learning The House system forms the foundation of pastoral care and encourages close relationships between staff and pupils. The school provides counselling services and peer-to-peer mentoring schemes that support student wellbeing and personal growth
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides learning support through its Learning Enhancement Department, which assists students with mild to moderate learning needs. Support is delivered through early identification, classroom differentiation, and targeted interventions managed by specialist staff. The department works closely with teachers to ensure equal access to learning across subjects and year levels. DBIS is an inclusive mainstream school and does not operate as a specialist SEN institution. The school does not publicly disclose which specific types of learning needs it supports.	Special educational needs (SEN) The Individual Needs Department supports pupils with mild to moderate learning difficulties through in-class support, small group interventions, and tailored strategies. Harrow Hong Kong is not a specialist SEN school and does not indicate provision for severe or complex needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language DBIS offers provision for students with English as an Additional Language through its Learning Enhancement and EAL teams. The school provides additional in-class and small-group language support to help students develop English proficiency while accessing the mainstream curriculum. The exact structure, staffing, and entry criteria for EAL programmes are not publicly disclosed on the open website. However, the inclusion of dedicated EAL provision is referenced in the school’s admissions and curriculum information.	English as an additional language The Language and Learning Department provides support for students with English as an Additional Language, offering targeted lessons and whole-school provision to help them access the curriculum.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school emphasises the importance of student wellbeing through its pastoral care system and Wellbeing Hub, which provides guidance and resources to students and families. Form tutors and pastoral staff play an active role in monitoring emotional well-being and ensuring students feel supported in their daily school life. Activities promoting positive relationships and emotional balance are incorporated across school stages. Details of counselling services or mental health specialists are not publicly disclosed on the school website.	Mental wellbeing The school provides access to professional counselling services, peer support programmes, and a Health Care Centre staffed to assist with both physical and emotional needs.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Discovery Bay International School maintains formal Child Protection and Safeguarding policies, which are published in its policies index on the website. These outline procedures for ensuring student safety, confidentiality, and appropriate reporting. Staff are required to follow safeguarding protocols and respond to concerns through designated channels. The school’s safeguarding framework aligns with international education standards, although further details about training and implementation are not publicly disclosed online.	Safeguarding Harrow International School Hong Kong has a published safeguarding and child protection policy that sets out clear measures to ensure the welfare of its pupils. The school states that safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and all staff members are required to follow the procedures outlined in this policy . Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) are appointed to oversee implementation and to act as points of contact for concerns. Staff receive training to recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding issues. The school also maintains procedures for safer recruitment to ensure all adults working with children are appropriately vetted. These measures are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for students, where their wellbeing is prioritised at all times.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview DBIS is housed in three campuses in Discovery Bay, offering extensive indoor and outdoor learning and play spaces. Facilities include an artificial turf pitch, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a netball court and a covered sports area, as well as multiple age-appropriate playgrounds and two Forest Schools. A roof garden, dedicated drama and music suites, art rooms, and a purpose-built Globe Theatre support creative arts. State-of-the-art science laboratories, Design & Technology, computer and STEAM suites, and an extensive library with over 20,000 items support the curriculum. An on-site Discovery Centre and an on-site cafeteria complete the campus resources.	Facilities overview The school follows the UK National Curriculum across the full age range, with a clearly sequenced progression from Early Years through Sixth Form. The language of instruction is English, and the school provides English as an Additional Language support where needed. The campus offers a comprehensive timetable that blends academic subjects with co-curricular and pastoral provisions.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus supports sport with an artificial turf pitch, a 25-metre swimming pool and a heated outdoor pool, a netball court and a covered sports area, plus a multi-purpose sports pitch. These facilities enable a broad range of physical education activities and team sports across the year.	Sports facilities The school supports a broad co-curricular and sports program as part of the regular timetable, including physical education and sport in the curriculum and extensive after-school activities through its enrichment program.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school features state-of-the-art science laboratories, Design & Technology, computer and STEAM suites, and two well-resourced computer and Design Technology suites. A dedicated Globe Theatre and Blackbox theatre facility support performing arts and theatre work, while the main library houses over 20,000 items and the Discovery Centre provides digital resources and media production spaces. Sixth Form has its own dedicated campus with facilities, while some lessons occur at the Main Campus to access additional resources.	Academic facilities The curriculum includes Early Years Foundation Stage, the English National Curriculum in the lower years, IGCSE/GCSE in the Senior School, and A-Level study in the Sixth Form, taught by subject specialists with dedicated spaces for study and assessment.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Two Forest Schools support outdoor learning for younger students. The Globe Theatre and dedicated drama and music suites support performing arts, while the Discovery Centre offers green screen facilities and digital resources. The extensive library and dedicated study spaces, plus outdoor play areas and sports facilities, provide spaces for a wide range of extracurricular activities.	Extra curricular facilities Harrow Horizons provides a large enrichment program with two Super Curriculum Activities per term and many additional co-curricular options; the program includes leadership activities, international trips, charity work, and awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) was established in 1983 to serve the growing residential community of Discovery Bay on Lantau Island. The school began with a small number of students and relocated that same year to its purpose-built campus, which continues to house the Primary and Secondary sections today. In 1993, DBIS opened its distinctive Globe Theatre, marking its 10th anniversary and symbolising its emphasis on creative learning. The school later introduced its Sixth Form during the late 2010s, with the first A Level cohort graduating in 2019. DBIS operates as a private, not-for-profit international school governed by a Board of Directors.	History Harrow International School Hong Kong opened in September 2012, becoming the first international Harrow-branded school in East Asia. It is part of Asia International School Limited (AISL), which operates Harrow-branded schools under a licence agreement with Harrow School in London. The school was purpose-built on its Tuen Mun site to accommodate both day and boarding students and follows the traditions and governance links of its UK counterpart.
Community	Community The DBIS community includes families representing more than 50 nationalities, reflecting the international diversity of Discovery Bay itself. The school regularly hosts community and cultural events such as International Day, Sports for All Day, and student-led performances in the Globe Theatre. These events foster a sense of connection among students, staff, and parents while celebrating cultural awareness and teamwork.	Community The school community is built around the House system, which encourages pupils to form strong ties across year groups. Community events include concerts, drama productions, and inter-House competitions. Annual events such as “The Long Ducker,” a charity run originally begun at Harrow School in London, bring together students, staff, parents, and alumni.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) plays an active role in supporting events and strengthening links between families and the school. The PTSA collaborates with staff and student representatives on the School Advisory Committee and contributes to initiatives that enhance the student experience. It helps coordinate community gatherings, seasonal celebrations, and fundraising activities that benefit school development projects. Parents are encouraged to participate in volunteering opportunities and to attend PTSA-organised events throughout the school year. The PTSA also provides a channel for parent feedback, helping maintain open communication within the wider DBIS community.	Parent teacher association The parent body is represented through Friends of Harrow (FoH), which serves as the school’s Parent Teacher Association. FoH organises community-building events such as the Harrow Fair, charity fundraising initiatives, and social gatherings for families. Parent Representatives and consultation groups also provide channels for communication with school leadership. FoH supports both cultural and social activities that strengthen links among parents, staff, and pupils.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual DBIS offers an enrichment programme with opportunities in creative arts, languages, technology, reading and environmentalism. A peripatetic music programme runs during school hours, with junior musical ensembles. In Secondary, a Week Without Walls and day trips extend learning beyond the classroom; students also participate in FOBISIA competitions and arts and sports events.	Academic & intellectual The school uses English as the inclusive language of instruction; pupils must be proficient in English to access the full curriculum and community.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative DBIS offers a wide range of creative arts activities, including a Drama Club that stages a yearly production and participates in ISTA festivals. There are FOBISIA music festivals for student musicians and regular opportunities to perform in musical ensembles. During school hours, a thriving peripatetic programme enables instrument lessons.	Arts & creative The Lower School (Pre-Prep 1–5) teaches English, Maths, Chinese, Science, Physical Education, Geography, Music, History, Art & Design, and Languages, with Chinese, Physical Education, Music and Languages taught by specialist teachers and other subjects by class teachers. There is curriculum progression aligned with Harrovian values.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The enrichment programme includes opportunities in languages. Trips to theatres, museums and other sites help students learn about the local environment and culture. Week Without Walls and international trips further expand cultural understanding.	Cultural & language The Prep School (Years 6–8) offers Art, Drama, English, Geography, History, Chinese Language, Languages (French or Spanish), Mathematics, Music, Philosophy & Religious Studies, Physical Education and Science.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies DBIS offers a large range of free extracurricular activities before, during and after school hours. Clubs include Debating Club, Environmental Club and other activities. There are musical ensembles and regular performances as part of the arts offering.	Social & hobbies The Senior School (Years 9–11) follows GCSE syllabi with examinations in Year 11; Sciences are taught as Biology, Chemistry and Physics; students choose four subjects from a core set (English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and a range of optional subjects including Art, Chinese, Computer Science, Drama, French, Geography, History, Music, Philosophy & Religious Studies, Physical Education and Spanish.
Community & service	Community & service The school runs a Student Leaders programme in Year 6 and a School Council to develop leadership. House Captains and Student Ambassadors lead inter-house activities and support library, canteen and playground life; the Student Council engages in whole-school projects and supports one local and one international charity. Secondary provides service opportunities to support charities and fundraising events, and Sixth Form Prefects oversee leadership areas.	Community & service The school supports language development and learning through a dedicated Language and Learning department offering EAL strategies to enable learning in and through English across Years 1–13.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The School supports student leadership through formal roles such as Year 6 Student Leaders, House Captains and the School Council. In Secondary, students can become Prefects and lead in areas such as leadership, internationalism, wellbeing, learning, resilience, communication, community and creativity.	Leadership & professional The enrichment programme includes Harrow Horizons, with two Super-Curriculum activities per week per term, a wide range of activities (about 250 per week), leadership weeks, trips, school charities, pupil-led societies, Duke of Edinburgh at Bronze and Silver levels, and a Speaker's Forum series.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Weekly Learning for Life lessons and regular assemblies support social and emotional development, complemented by a dedicated Wellbeing team and one-to-one support from the Head of Wellbeing and the School Counsellor. An inter-year buddy system and Friendship Finders foster peer relationships and social skills. The Secondary pastoral system includes tutor groups, Heads of Year and a four-house system (Dragon, Griffin, Goldhorn, Phoenix) that promotes wellbeing and positive relationships through house events.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Harrow Horizons complements academic and pastoral provision with sport, music, drama, creative arts, charity work and academic extension, encouraging skill development, friendships across year groups and Houses.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction across the school. Mandarin Chinese is taught throughout the school. French and Spanish are optional subjects at the Secondary level. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available, with goals in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing and a focus on fluency before accuracy.	Language provision English is the inclusive language of instruction across Harrow Hong Kong. Chinese (Mandarin), French and Spanish are offered as language options. Chinese lessons begin in Nursery; in Years 1–2 there are eight hours of Chinese per fortnight, while in Years 3–9 the programme runs for six hours per fortnight, with Chinese available at GCSE in Year 10 and at A level in Year 12, taught in Simplified Chinese. The Language and Learning department provides English as an Additional Language support for Years 1–13, and Sixth Form supports IELTS preparation and university applications.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Council of International Schools (CIS) – DBIS is an internationally accredited school through CIS, which recognises schools meeting rigorous global standards in education, governance, and student wellbeing. FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia) – Membership connects DBIS with other British international schools in Asia for collaboration, events, and professional development. Pearson Edexcel – The school is approved to deliver Pearson Edexcel qualifications, ensuring alignment with UK-based academic assessment standards. Cambridge Assessment International Education – Authorised to deliver the Cambridge curriculum and qualifications, including IGCSE and A Level pathways. AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance) – Recognised to provide UK AQA examinations, validating the school’s British curriculum framework. Common Sense Education – Common Sense School (2021–2023) – Acknowledged for its commitment to digital citizenship and online safety education. Childnet Digital Leaders Programme (Accredited School) – Recognised for promoting responsible digital engagement and student leadership in online safety. Evidence Based Education – Great Teaching School Partner – Affiliated with the Great Teaching framework, focusing on continuous professional learning and research-based practice. Top Schools – Official Partner – Listed as an official partner of Top Schools, a regional education platform connecting families with international schools in Asia.	Accreditations * Council of International Schools (CIS): Harrow Hong Kong is accredited by CIS, confirming it meets international standards for governance, teaching, learning, and student safeguarding. * Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) – British Schools Overseas (BSO): Inspected under the UK Department for Education’s framework, this accreditation shows the school meets the standards expected of British independent schools abroad. * HMC (Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference): Membership of this UK body connects Harrow Hong Kong with leading independent schools and requires maintaining high standards of governance, teaching, and pastoral care.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Initial Enquiry and School Visit Families begin the admissions process by exploring the Discovery Bay International School website or contacting the Admissions Office. Parents can arrange a campus tour or attend an open day to gain an overview of the school’s facilities, curriculum, and learning environment. The school provides information about year group placement and availability through its Admissions Enquiries page. 2. Application Submission Parents complete the online application form and pay the non-refundable application fee. The form requires supporting documents such as the student’s birth certificate, recent school reports, passport copy, and any relevant learning support information. Applications are reviewed by the Admissions team once all required materials are received. 3. Assessment and Review Depending on the student’s year level, the school may conduct an academic assessment or interview to determine suitability for entry. This ensures the school can meet the child’s educational and language needs. For students transferring from another school, previous academic records and teacher recommendations are taken into consideration. 4. Offer and Enrolment If a place is available and the application is successful, parents receive an official offer of admission. To confirm enrolment, families must pay the School Development Levy (either Standard or Premium) before the student begins classes. A deposit equal to one month’s tuition is also required in July, which is credited toward the September invoice. 5. Joining Arrangements Once confirmed, the Admissions Office provides joining information, including orientation details, bus routes, and uniform guidelines. Students are assigned to classes, and the school maintains communication with families to ensure a smooth transition into the DBIS community.	Admissions 1. Initial Enquiry and Application Parents begin by completing the online application form and paying a non-refundable HKD 1,500 application fee. Required documents, such as school reports and identification, must be submitted with the form. 2. Age and Year Group Placement The school uses clear age guidelines to determine year group placement. Exceptions are rare and assessed individually. 3. Assessment Applicants are invited for assessments appropriate to their year group. This may include written tasks, online testing, and interviews with senior staff. English language ability is also assessed, especially for older year groups. 4. Offer of Place Following assessment, successful applicants receive a formal offer. Offers are conditional on the outcome of assessments and availability of places. 5. Acceptance and Fees Parents confirm acceptance by returning the signed offer letter and paying the required fees, which include the capital levy, tuition deposit, and other charges.
Scholarships	Scholarships Discovery Bay International School provides access to a Scholarship Programme Application through the DBIS Parent Hub. However, the school does not publicly disclose details regarding the types of scholarships offered, eligibility criteria, or selection process on its open website. Based on available information, scholarships are likely to be merit-based, but specifics such as financial coverage or renewal conditions are not published online.	Scholarships The school offers Scholarships and Exhibitions for entry into Year 9 and Year 12. These are awarded for outstanding ability in areas such as academics, sport, music, or the arts. Awards are based on performance in assessments, interviews, and evidence of achievement. Exhibition awards may be given to pupils with strong potential who do not yet meet full scholarship criteria. Scholarships provide recognition and may also include partial fee remission.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not publicly state that it operates a formal waitlist or pool system.	Waitlist Harrow Hong Kong operates a waitlist system when year groups are full. Applications are assessed in the same way as standard admissions, and successful candidates are placed on the waitlist until a space becomes available.
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