Discovery Bay International School - Primary & Secondary Campus vs West Island School

	D Discovery Bay International School - Primary & Secondary Campus Hong Kong	W West Island School Hong Kong
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HK$143,700 - 196,900	Fees / year HK$167,600 - 181,100
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 11 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 1,100	Pupils 1,200
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 10
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1983	Opened 1991
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service —
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 West Island School is located at 250 Victoria Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong. The area is on the western side of Hong Kong Island, with access via Kennedy Town MTR and multiple bus and minibus routes serving Central, Island South, Aberdeen, Kowloon, and the Airport
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 WIS serves Years 7–13, covering secondary and post-16 education. Years 7–9 follow the IB Middle Years Programme, Years 10–11 prepare for I/GCSE, and Years 12–13 offer IB Diploma, IB Career-related Programme, BTEC, and the International Diploma.
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 The school is a day school.
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 has an Inclusive Education programme, with specialist staff and tailored support to meet individual needs, including learning support and wellbeing services.
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 not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school is non-denominational and has no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation.
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 does not publicly disclose daily start and finish times or break schedules.
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 WIS provides a school bus service through Kwoon Chung Motors Company Limited, with more than 10 routes serving different districts.
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 one-time, non-refundable application fee of HKD 2,800 per applicant. * This covers admissions administration and must be paid at the time of application. Tuition Fees (per year, payable over 10 months) * Years 7–10: HKD 181,100 * Year 11: HKD 159,400 * Years 12–13: HKD 167,600 Billing and Payment Schedule * Tuition fees are paid in ten monthly instalments (August to May) by mandatory direct debit. * Payments are due on the first day of each month. Deposit * A deposit equivalent to two months of school fees must be paid when a place is accepted. * Half of this deposit is offset against the first month’s fee, while the remainder is credited against the last month’s fee (if withdrawal notice conditions are met). Other Charges * Non-Refundable Capital Levy (NCL): A one-off, sliding-scale fee, ranging from HKD 26,000 for Year 7 to HKD 3,800 for Year 13, payable when joining ESF schools. * Families may also choose Individual Nomination Rights (INR) or Corporate Nomination Rights (CNR) for interview priority. Refund Policy * Deposits are only offset against tuition (not refunded as cash). * Fees remain payable if a student goes on leave during term. Payment Options * Payments are made by direct debit for tuition. * Application fees are paid via credit card or PayPal.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
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 Pre-16 Uniform Guidelines apply to students; new uniform items are sold online; preloved uniforms are available through the PTA Shop. The PTA provides a Pre-16 Uniform Order Guide.
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 Students can choose lunch from the 4/F hot food canteen, the Wisaccino coffee shop, or the 5/F kiosk. The canteen menu is updated monthly; payment is by Octopus; students should bring their own cutlery and reusable cups for drinks from the coffee shop.
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 The Dynasty-themed House System comprises six dynasties — Han, Ming, Qing, Song, Tang and Yuan. Every student, teacher, and staff member is allocated to one dynasty to promote identity, collaboration, and school spirit.
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 West Island School is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the largest provider of English-medium international education in Hong Kong.
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 West Island School offers a broad curriculum structured around international qualifications at different stages. In Years 7 to 9, students follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), covering subjects such as Arts, Design, Languages, Individuals & Societies, Mathematics, Physical & Health Education, and Sciences. In Years 10 and 11, the school provides a combination of IGCSE and BTEC courses, with core studies in English, Mathematics, Sciences, and Physical & Health Education, alongside electives such as Business, Psychology, Theatre, and Music. Post-16 students in Years 12 and 13 can pursue multiple pathways: the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), BTEC, or an International Diploma. The IBCP blends BTEC qualifications with selected IB Diploma courses and a core programme that includes personal and professional skills, community engagement, and a community project. Throughout all years, the curriculum is complemented by wellbeing education, including areas such as digital citizenship, emotional intelligence, and personal relationships.
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 West Island School uses Student Leadership programmes to support SEL, including roles like Head Student Team, Student Mentors, Ambassadors, and students in the school’s “Dynasty System.” It also integrates wellbeing work into its curriculum, with staff “working with each student to understand their needs and help them learn skills to manage stress and challenge.” In post-16 years, students meet with tutors 4-5 times a year in one-to-one tutorials to discuss wellbeing, progress, and plans.
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) WIS publicly states that it supports students with moderate learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Global Delay, and Dyscalculia. It offers mentoring and extension programmes for gifted learners. The school is not a specialist SEN institution; instead, SEN support is part of its inclusive education approach.
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 school does not publicly disclose a specific EAL programme by name.
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 WIS maintains a dedicated Student Wellbeing website with resources (e.g. “5 Ways to Wellbeing”), workshops, and information about counselling, plus a “Weez Walk” fundraising mental health challenge. Pastoral and counselling support is structured: students may approach their tutor, Head of Year, or the counselling team (which includes counsellors and social workers).
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 WIS operates under a Child Protection and Safeguarding policy consistent with ESF standards; it recognises additional safeguarding risks for students with disabilities, learning support needs, or ongoing mental health support. All ESF staff receive training in preventative and protective measures.
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 ESF West Island School is located in the Pok Fu Lam area of Hong Kong. The campus features outstanding facilities inside and outside the classroom, supporting sports, science, design technology, the arts, and drama. Each classroom is purposefully designed to foster student learning, whether individually, in teams, or within larger groups. The school is part of the English Schools Foundation, the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong.
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 ESF West Island School provides physical activity and sport through participation and competition, with a focus on integrity, inclusion, enjoyment, progress and success. The school offers almost 20 sports and about 85 teams each year, with participation in two city-wide sports organisations: ISSFHK and HKSSF. The High Performance Athlete Programme supports talented student-athletes. For more information, refer to the school's Sports resources.
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 Design Technology classrooms and Food Technology rooms are equipped with updated equipment. The campus also supports science, the arts, and drama with well-equipped facilities designed to foster modern learning. The ESF network provides additional resources and opportunities across the district. The school operates within the IB World School framework, offering curriculum across the middle to pre-university years.
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 Dynasty-themed House System connects students across year groups through six Chinese dynasties—Han, Ming, Qing, Song, Tang and Yuan—to foster identity, collaboration and school spirit. Horizons Week offers experiential learning trips beyond the classroom. Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL) Units promote authentic student-centred inquiry linking local and global contexts. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) provides over 100 activities to develop interests and interpersonal learning. Sports, performing arts, and other activities are embedded in the school's extracurricular landscape.
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 West Island School opened in September 1991, initially operating in rented premises in the old British Military Hospital on Borrett Road with 84 Year 7 students and 12 teachers (6 full-time, 6 part-time). It was the first ESF school to offer Mandarin to all students and the first to organise students into Chinese dynasties rather than traditional “houses.” The current campus was designed by architect Patrick Lau to integrate into its sea-overlooking site.
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 WIS community holds cultural celebrations (such as Diwali) and hosts an annual WIS Bazaar, a community event run together with the PTA. The school also stages performances, exhibitions and creative showcases, and encourages interdisciplinary learning weeks (IDL Week) to bring students together across subjects.
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 West Island’s PTA includes the Principal, teachers, and volunteer parents working to build community and support student welfare. The PTA publishes a newsletter, runs a pre-loved uniforms & course books shop, and accepts donations of uniforms and books. They also organise events and volunteer projects, and maintain sample uniforms on campus for sizing. The PTA’s leadership is published on the school’s site, with roles such as Chair, Treasurer, and Administrators.
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 IDL Units are designed to foster authentic, student-centred inquiry that connects learning to local and global contexts. Through IDL, students develop resilience and take ownership of their learning journey. IDL Week provides hands-on, real-world inquiry beyond the classroom, and Horizons Week offers non-traditional travel and service experiences to broaden perspectives. The Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) programme offers over 100 activities to develop students' passions and personal and interpersonal learning.
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 Arts options include Dance & Drama, Film & Media Studies, Music, and Visual Arts. The school presents theatre productions and hosts events such as the ESF Evening of Dance, showcasing student work. Music is enriched by ensembles including Choir, Chinese Orchestra, Ensemble, Jazz Band, Rock School, and Sinfonia. Visual Arts are celebrated through annual exhibitions and exhibitions linked to school and ESF art programs, with inclusive access for learners from ESF Jockey Club Sarah Roe School.
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 In Years 7–9, language acquisition includes Chinese as compulsory with a choice of French or Spanish. The school marks cultural occasions such as Diwali, a community celebration with performances, and WIS Bazaar, a PTA-organised community event. Ensemble groups such as Choir and Chinese Orchestra contribute to language and cultural expression within the arts programme.
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 Dynasty-themed House System fosters school identity, cross-year collaboration, enthusiastic participation, and leadership. Horizons Week provides social and experiential learning opportunities through trips beyond the classroom. CAS offers a broad spectrum of activities that build personal and interpersonal skills. Student Leadership roles span governance, mentoring, health promotion, and innovation, enabling students to influence school life.
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 Diwali is celebrated with student talent and community involvement, reflecting cultural appreciation and inclusivity. WIS Bazaar is a yearly community celebration organised by the Parent-Teacher Association. CAS emphasizes service as a core element, providing opportunities for service experiences and community projects across a wide range of activities.
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 Leadership is framed as a lattice, not a ladder, with widespread opportunities for student leadership across the school. Roles include Head Students, Pre-16 Leader, and Student Voice Ambassador, covering governance, mentoring, health promotion, and innovation. The programme includes staff mentorship and training to develop effective citizen leadership and prepare students for life beyond West Island School.
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 The school offers nearly 20 sports with about 85 teams each year and hosts a High Performance Athlete Programme. Guiding principles emphasise inclusivity, safety, sportsmanship, and balance between sport, academics, and life. The pastoral programme supports wellbeing, with counselling and wellbeing resources available to students, and mindfulness activities such as meditation and yoga integrated into school life.
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 Language provision includes Chinese as a first language, Chinese as a second language, Chinese as a foreign language, French, and Spanish. In Years 10-11, students may study one or two languages at IGCSE and then continue with one or two languages at IB level. English is the medium of instruction for the majority of study across the curriculum, supported by English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Native-speaking Language Assistants support language learning and immersion experiences.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school offers an IB bilingual diploma option (A1 Chinese) for Years 12-13. The language menu includes Chinese as a first language, Chinese as a second language, Chinese as a foreign language, French, and Spanish. The bilingual diploma is embedded within the IB pathway for older students.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Immersion language experiences are provided through conversations with native Language Assistants, offering insights into target-language cultures and immersion-style language exposure.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards The school does not highlight any institutional awards won by the school.
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 * IB World School (International Baccalaureate) – WIS is authorised to deliver the IB Middle Years Programme, the IB Diploma Programme, and the IB Career-related Programme. This accreditation confirms the school meets IB’s international standards for teaching, curriculum, and assessment. * BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) – The school is an approved centre to deliver BTEC qualifications. These are UK vocational qualifications that allow students to study applied subjects alongside or instead of academic courses. * Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC), accredited by the World Academy of Sport – This recognition is for schools providing flexible support for student athletes so they can balance academic study with high-level sporting commitments.
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. Online Application Submission Families submit an online application through the ESF admissions portal, selecting up to four ESF school preferences. The application includes the non-refundable administration fee. 2. Assessment / Interview / Testing Applicants (for years other than entry levels) are invited to attend assessments or interviews to evaluate their readiness for the English-medium curriculum. Shortlisted candidates are notified with schedules for testing and interviews. 3. Offer of Place & Acceptance If successful and if a vacancy exists, the school issues an offer of place. The family must accept by a deadline, after which a deposit or building levy may be required. 4. Onboarding & Entry Requirements Once accepted, the student is integrated into the school system, including orientation, registration, and payment of fees per the school’s billing schedule. Families may also be asked to submit supporting documents (previous school records, medical records, etc.). (No explicit public detail on every onboarding step is given beyond the above, so some of this is inferred from standard practice and the admissions overview.) 5. Waitlist Consideration If no immediate place is available, the candidate may be placed into a waitlist or pool (see below). Offers from the waitlist may be made when places become available.
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 West Island school does not provide information about any financial assistance via scholarships or aid.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not publicly state that it operates a formal waitlist or pool system.	Waitlist WIS (via ESF) does maintain a waiting list / pool system for school places when demand exceeds vacancies. Applicants are placed on the waitlist in priority order, and if a vacancy arises, offers may be extended from the waitlist by date of application and priority group.
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