German Swiss International School - Peak Campus vs The ISF academy

	G German Swiss International School - Peak Campus Hong Kong	T The ISF academy Hong Kong
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HK$197,000 - 256,700	Fees / year HK$152,880 - 241,110
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), German Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,250	Pupils 1,600
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 1969	Opened 2003
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location GSIS’s Peak Campus is located at 11 Guildford Road, The Peak, on Hong Kong Island. It is in a residential, hillside area with access by bus or taxi, and is close to popular attractions like the Peak Tram and Peak Galleria. The campus enjoys relatively tranquil surroundings above the city core.	Location The Independent Schools Foundation (ISF) Academy is located in the Pokfulam area on Hong Kong Island’s southern side. The campus is close to the Cyberport district and served by several public transport routes, making it accessible from central Hong Kong. Its position provides a calm academic setting within easy reach of major urban areas.
Stages	Stages GSIS is an all-through school offering education from Kindergarten through Secondary (ages ~3 to 18). It is organized into early years, primary, and secondary levels across two streams (German and English).	Stages The ISF Academy offers education from Foundation Year through Grade 12, covering both Primary and Secondary divisions. The Primary School includes Foundation Year to Grade 5, while the Secondary School runs from Grade 6 to Grade 12.
School type	School type The school is co-educational.	School type ISF Academy is a co-educational day school with no boarding facilities. It operates as a not-for-profit, independent school governed by the Independent Schools Foundation.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support GSIS provides holistic support, including social-emotional counselling, learning enhancement teachers, and interventions to assist students with learning or adjustment needs.	Additional learning support The school assists the Li Ren Center and the Well-being & Learning Enhancement Program, which promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being. The website does not specify the categories of Special Educational Needs supported.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation GSIS has affiliation with Germany / German Schools Abroad — it is part of a network of over 135 German Schools Abroad, and one of its two streams (the German International Stream) leads to the German International Abitur (DIA).	Country affiliation The school has no country affiliation. It is an independent Hong Kong institution offering bilingual education in Putonghua and English.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not have a religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation ISF Academy is non-religious. Its philosophy draws from Chinese cultural traditions rather than any faith-based ethos.
School day structure	School day structure GSIS’s typical school hours are 7:40 am to 3:20 pm, Monday to Friday with breaks in-between.	School day structure Classes typically run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Co-curricular activities and clubs are held after regular class hours.
Bus service details	Bus service details GSIS uses external bus companies (not in-house) to provide bus service for students. The school works with providers to maintain standards.	Bus service details ISF Academy provides a daily school-bus service operated by Kwoon Chung Bus Company. Routes cover major residential areas on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Fees are paid directly to the transport provider, and parents receive route and schedule details before each school year.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Assessment Fee A non-refundable HKD 4,300 per student applies for both Kindergarten and Primary/Secondary applications. Applications are processed within one to two business days, after which students are placed on the waiting list and scheduled for assessment as needed. Registration Fee Upon acceptance, families pay a one-time registration fee of HKD 2,350 for Kindergarten or HKD 3,700 for Primary and Secondary students. Tuition Fees (2024–2025) Tuition is billed in two instalments per year: * Kindergarten (KG1–KG2): HKD 118,200 (first instalment) + HKD 78,800 (second instalment) = HKD 197,000 per year * Primary (Years 1–6): HKD 122,220 + HKD 81,480 = HKD 203,700 per year * Lower Secondary (Years 7–11): HKD 145,680 + HKD 97,120 = HKD 242,800 per year * Upper Secondary (Years 12–13): HKD 154,020 + HKD 102,680 = HKD 256,700 per year Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Invoices are issued twice annually and must be settled before the start of each term. Payments are accepted in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) via bank transfer or cheque; credit-card payments are not accepted. Boarding Fees GSIS is a day school only; no boarding fees apply. Other Costs Additional costs may include uniforms, school bus fees, extracurricular activities, and optional trips. Refund Policy Tuition fees are non-refundable once a term has begun. Withdrawals before the term starts require written notice. Payment Options Fees must be paid directly to the school’s designated bank account in Hong Kong Dollars.	Fee details Application Fees A non-refundable application fee of HKD 2,500 is required for each new applicant. Upon acceptance, an Acceptance Deposit must be paid to confirm the place. This deposit is non-refundable if the student withdraws before enrollment. Tuition Fees (Per Year) Foundation Year: HKD 152,880 Grades 1 – 5: HKD 170,760 Grades 6 – 8: HKD 200,700 Grades 9 – 10: HKD 220,440 Grades 11 – 12: HKD 241,110 Tuition is billed in two equal installments each year: Installment 1: due May 1 Installment 2: due November 1 Capital Levy Students who do not hold a Capital Note pay an Annual Capital Levy of HKD 40,000. This levy is non-transferable and non-refundable and is payable each academic year. Financial Aid and Scholarships ISF offers need-based financial aid covering 20% – 100% of tuition fees. Merit and Special Talent Scholarships may grant 50% – 100% tuition remission and include an annual HKD 5,000 training or competition allowance. Additional Fees Uniforms, textbooks, co-curricular activities, and meals are billed separately through approved vendors. School bus services are arranged through Kwoon Chung Bus Company, with fees paid directly to the operator. Refund Policy Families must give 90 days’ written notice (excluding July and August) before withdrawal. Without this notice, tuition for the following installment remains payable. Payment Options Tuition and levies are payable via bank transfer or autopay. Credit card payment options are not listed on the school’s public finance pages.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The Peak Campus has a dining hall with natural daylight. The Three Mackerels Cafeteria is located on the 6th floor of the Middle Building at The Peak Campus. Chartwells operates the catering service for GSIS, using the Three Mackerels Cafeteria; GSIS is not responsible for daily cafeteria operations. Lunch menus are available for students.	Food options —
House system	House system The House System assigns every student to one of four houses; students wear their house colours and participate in inter-house activities and events.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership German Swiss International School is operated by The German Swiss International School Association Limited (the Association), a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. The Association handles operational aspects of the school, including compliance with local and German and Swiss government regulations and guidelines. The Board of Directors governs the school and elects a Chair to preside over meetings. The GSIS Foundation Limited is the sponsoring body and manages fixed assets and the Debenture Capital Levy Scheme.	Governance and ownership The ISF Academy is governed by a Board of Governors.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The English International Stream (EIS) at German Swiss International School follows a British-based curriculum leading to IGCSE and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme qualifications. In Primary School (Years 1–6), students follow a broad academic programme aligned with the UK National Curriculum, with a strong focus on literacy, numeracy, science, and languages. In Lower Secondary (Years 7–9), students continue with core and specialist subjects, preparing for the IGCSE courses taken in Years 10–11, examined mainly under Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel boards. In Upper Secondary (Years 12–13), students undertake the IB Diploma Programme, an internationally recognised qualification for university entry worldwide. Across all stages, the curriculum includes German and Mandarin language study and a range of co-curricular opportunities in arts, STEM, and service.	Curriculum details The Primary (Foundation Year–Grade 5) programme is a bilingual immersion in Chinese (Putonghua) and English, with more time devoted to Chinese in the early years and a gradual shift toward English as students progress. From Grade 6 to Grade 10, students engage in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) with core areas including languages, science, mathematics, design (including computer science), arts, individuals and societies, and physical and health education. In Grades 11 and 12, the school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) as the final qualification for graduating students. Students are assessed using established criteria through formative and summative tasks, portfolios, and reflections rather than ranking by cohort position. A distinctive strand runs through all levels: the school’s “Eight Virtues + One” values and an Experiential Learning Programme from Grades 4–11, which integrates applied learning beyond traditional classroom settings.
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 View document	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning GSIS operates a holistic support programme in which social-emotional counsellors and learning enhancement teachers collaborate proactively and reactively with students. Their role includes offering classroom-based guidance, check-ins, and interventions to help students manage emotions, relationships, and transitions. The support spans from early years through secondary, with tailored programmes to respond to individual needs.	Social & emotional learning ISF Academy promotes well-being as a core part of learning, emphasizing that it is influenced by personal, social, and academic factors. The school’s Health, Safety & Well-being Policy outlines students’ rights and responsibilities to maintain their own well-being and to speak up if they have concerns. Students are encouraged to develop awareness and resilience through the school’s values-based framework, known as the “Eight Virtues + One.” These principles are embedded across school life to promote ethical reflection, empathy, and mutual respect.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) GSIS offers Student Support Teachers who work with subject teachers, Heads of Year, students and parents to design and monitor Individual Education Plans (IEPs). They assist with a range of learning challenges including ADHD and executive functioning difficulties, and support “twice-exceptional” students. The school is not a specialist SEN institution — their support is integrated into the regular school framework.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has an Inclusion (SEN) Policy covering both Primary and Secondary levels. It is not a specialist SEN institution but seeks to provide inclusive education and appropriate support for students with learning support requirements. The policy outlines collaboration between teachers, families, and specialists to create individualized strategies when needed. ISF aligns its approach with Hong Kong’s Disability Discrimination Ordinance and uses classroom-based adaptations and targeted interventions to assist learners.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose specific information regarding EAL (English as an Additional Language) support on its website.	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL support programmes.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported under the broader “holistic support” umbrella, with counsellors available to students for emotional and social challenges. The staff may also facilitate small-group or individual interventions as needed. Beyond counselling, the learning enhancement role contributes to reducing academic stress by offering scaffolded support.	Mental wellbeing ISF addresses mental well-being through its Health, Safety & Well-being Policy and through guidance from teachers and pastoral staff. Students are encouraged to express concerns about health, safety, or well-being and may opt out of activities they believe could cause harm. The school’s published wellbeing reflections discuss the importance of hope, engagement, and motivation in students’ daily lives. These approaches form part of the wider goal of fostering a supportive and caring learning environment.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding GSIS follows Hong Kong and German legislation, and is guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to uphold child protection and welfare. The school states that all adults in the school are obligated to protect children’s rights and promote safety. Policies and procedures are in place to promote reporting, welfare, and protection as a fundamental principle.	Safeguarding The ISF Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy establishes the school’s framework for protecting students from harm. Parents agree to support this policy as a condition of enrollment. Staff and students are required to comply with safety and reporting procedures outlined in the Health, Safety & Well-being Policy. All members of the school community share responsibility for maintaining a safe and respectful environment.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Peak Campus comprises the Upper Building for the Primary School and the Middle and Lower Buildings for the Secondary School. It is located at 11 Guildford Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, and overlooks The Peak. The campus features indoor multi-purpose sports halls, a year-round indoor swimming pool, outdoor basketball and football courts, and multiple playgrounds. It also includes an auditorium dedicated to drama and music performances, libraries with over 20,000 resources in German, English, and Mandarin, a dining hall with natural daylight, and classrooms equipped with smartboards.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Indoor multi-purpose sports halls; a year-round indoor swimming pool; outdoor basketball and football courts; multiple playgrounds.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Libraries with over 20,000 resources in German, English, and Mandarin; classrooms equipped with smartboards.	Academic facilities ISF Academy offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in the Secondary School. The Primary School uses a bilingual immersion program in Putonghua and English, with English instruction increasing in the upper grades and carried into the Secondary School. The proportions of languages of instruction in the Primary School are Foundation Year: Chinese 70% / English 30%; Grade 3: Chinese 60% / English 40%; Grade 4: Chinese 50% / English 50%. The Primary School curriculum includes Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics, Guided Discovery, Information Technology, Arts (Visual Arts / Music / Dance / Drama), Wushu and Physical Education, and Moral Education. The school is located at 1 Kong Sin Wan Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Art: arts programmes include art, drama, and music, providing opportunities to express creativity. Sports: a diverse programme including football, tennis, cricket, hockey, netball, gymnastics, fencing, and touch rugby, with non-competitive activities also available. Leadership and Service: leadership roles are available across levels, including House Leaders, Head Students, Prefects, and School Council, with opportunities to participate in Academic Societies and the Global Initiatives Group.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History German Swiss International School (GSIS) was founded in 1969 by German and Swiss families seeking a bilingual education in Hong Kong. The first campus was in a house on Barker Road with 73 students; by 1975 the school opened its Peak campus on Guildford Road. GSIS is operated under two legal entities: GSIS Association Ltd, which handles academic and administrative operations, and GSIS Foundation Ltd, which owns and manages the Peak campus property	History The Independent Schools Foundation (ISF) was established in early 2000 as a registered charitable organisation and, in 2003, founded the ISF Academy as a non-profit independent school. Its initial intake in August 2003 began with 56 students in Grades 1–4 at a temporary campus in Wan Chai, followed by a second temporary campus in Causeway Bay. In July 2007, the school relocated to its permanent campus in Pokfulam, and in March 2008 officially marked its Grand Opening. Over time, the school grew to serve Foundation Year through Grade 12 under the governance of ISF.
Community	Community GSIS nurtures a community culture through frequent events such as its annual Christmas Bazaar, which gathers students, parents, and staff around stalls, games, and cultural food. The school’s Parents’ Organisation for Community (POC) works to unite the school community and raise funds for school-wide cultural and educational programming.	Community The ISF Academy community engages through annual “Jam Day” events that bring together students, families, and staff to celebrate milestones and learning projects, and the school’s “Time Capsule” archive highlights community milestones such as the 10th and 15th anniversaries. Cultural and service-learning programs are woven into the student experience, linking families, alumni, and staff in collaborative projects. The community is often described as bilingual and bicultural, with students participating in local Hong Kong culture alongside international learning experiences.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association GSIS’s parent organisation is called the Parents’ Organisation for Community (POC). It is comprised of parent volunteers who collaborate with school management and the Board of Governors to organise events and foster community ties. The POC helps run fundraising and cultural events like bazaars, food fairs, and community gatherings. The POC also supports educational initiatives and works to facilitate parent-school communication.	Parent teacher association The ISF Academy PTA provides a platform for parents to engage in the school community by organising events such as the annual PTA Family Day, themed speaker series (for example, “Walking Beside, Not Ahead: Parenting through the Secondary School Years”), and monthly “Parents Coffee Chat” gatherings. Sub-groups such as the Chinese Learning Support Group (CLSG) and English Learning Support Group (ELSG) support parents and students through workshops and forums. The PTA also hosts fundraising activities and “G5 Advancement Bake Sale” events to bring Primary and Secondary families together. Through its website, the PTA publishes Network News and invites parent membership via the school’s portal, enabling parents to access resources and register for volunteer opportunities.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The Co-Curricular Activities Program (CCA) provides Foundation Year to Grade 5 students with after-school activities held on weekdays. The program promotes social skills, creativity, critical thinking, and study skills, while supporting students' interests and talents. As students mature, they focus on one or two areas to pursue excellence outside the classroom. Examples include Engineering and Robotics, Math Team (Chinese), English Creative Writing, and the ISF Music Academy.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts and creative activities are offered through CCAs and music programs. Primary CCAs include Art and Craft, Beginners Band, Choir, Drama, Ceramics, and ISF Music Academy, among others, with additional offerings such as Honor Orchestra and Chinese Performing Troupe. The program supports creativity, performance opportunities, and collaboration beyond the core curriculum.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Language-focused activities support bilingual learning, with Cantonese, Chinese Language, Chinese Choral Speaking, Chinese Dance, Chinese Gu Zheng, Chinese Performing Troupe, and Chinese Zhuyin among the offerings. The school emphasizes equal representation of both languages and cultures in assemblies and activities as part of its bilingual immersion approach.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Social and recreational CCAs include Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Football, Netball, Table Tennis, Tennis, Squash, Swimming, Gymnastics, and Outdoor Exploration. Additional options include Chess, Go, Recitation Team, and other interest-based groups to develop social skills and personal interests.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership and professional development are supported through activities such as Entrepreneurship and leadership training, with opportunities for students to develop character, leadership, and professional skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The program promotes fitness and wellbeing through Athletics and a broad range of sports (Football, Badminton, Basketball, Netball, Table Tennis, Tennis, Squash, Swimming, Gymnastics) and outdoor activities such as the Outdoor Exploration Society.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The Languages of Instruction are German and English. Languages taught include German, English, Mandarin, Latin, and French. The Peak Campus serves Kindergarten to Secondary with GIS (German Stream) and EIS (English Stream); Primary classes are GIS (DVOR K04) and English Stream (Year 1-6), and Secondary classes are GIS (K05–K12) and English Stream (Year 7–13).	Language provision The school teaches Putonghua (Mandarin) and English as the two languages of instruction. In the lower years, more time is devoted to Chinese; from Grade 6, the balance shifts to English.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The Peak Campus offers two streams: the German International Stream (GIS) and the English International Stream (EIS). GIS provides a bilingual education through Kindergarten to Secondary, with no prior knowledge of German required for some age groups.	Bilingual teaching The school uses bilingual immersion in Putonghua (Mandarin) and English. All teachers are language teachers and receive training for bilingual instruction. Putonghua and English mastery is emphasized, with more focus on Putonghua in Foundation Year to Grade 5 and a shift toward English commencing in Grade 6, aiming for proficiency in both languages by upper secondary.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Bilingual education is delivered through GIS, and the school operates two streams to support language immersion: GIS (German) and EIS (English).	Immersion programs The school provides a bilingual immersion program across Foundation Year to Grade 12. Immersion instruction occurs in two languages, with equal representation of both languages in assemblies and awards. From Grade 6 onward, the balance shifts toward English.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards * Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule: Awarded the seal of “Excellent German School Abroad” by the German government, affirming compliance with rigorous educational and quality benchmarks.	Awards GBA School Awards (Finalist – Secondary Library): The ISF Secondary Library was recognised as a finalist in the regional GBA School Awards for its innovative learning environment. City Nature Challenge 2022 Participation Recognition: The school received recognition for contributing to the global citizen-science biodiversity event through community involvement. Hong Kong Green School Gold Award 2019: Awarded for environmental responsibility and sustainability initiatives implemented across the school community. Hong Kong Institute of Architects Design Recognition (ISF Gallery): The ISF Gallery’s architectural design was recognised by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects for excellence in educational space design.
Accreditations	Accreditations * Supported by the Swiss Government: GSIS receives official recognition and partial funding from the Swiss Federal Government for providing Swiss-standard education abroad. * CIS (Council of International Schools) Member: The school is accredited by CIS, an international education organisation that evaluates schools on global standards of learning, safety, and governance. * IB World School: GSIS is authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) to offer the IB Diploma Programme, a globally recognised pre-university qualification. * Schulen: Partner der Zukunft (PASCH): Recognised as a “School: Partner of the Future,” a German Federal Foreign Office initiative that promotes the German language and international educational exchange. * WDA (World Association of German Schools Abroad): Member of the global network of officially recognised German international schools maintaining high academic and cultural standards. * DAS (Deutsche Auslandsschulen International): Officially recognised as a German School Abroad, part of a worldwide network of over 140 schools offering German curricula overseas. * Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK): Accredited by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of Germany, ensuring GSIS curricula and diplomas meet German educational standards. * Youth Development Partner (BVB 09 Borussia Dortmund): Recognised collaboration promoting youth sports and leadership through football development programmes.	Accreditations Council of International Schools (CIS): A global accreditation agency that ensures international standards of educational quality and continuous improvement for schools. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): A U.S.-based regional accrediting body that evaluates schools internationally for quality assurance and institutional integrity. Association for Experiential Education (AEE): ISF is the first school in China and the second in Asia to receive this accreditation, recognising excellence in experiential and outdoor learning programmes. Private Independent School (PIS) Registration, HKSAR Education Bureau: Confirms compliance with Hong Kong’s official regulatory requirements for private independent schools.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Initial inquiry / Pre-Application Prospective families complete an online Pre-Application form (via GSIS’s Admissions portal) which grants access to the admissions pack and enables scheduling of a campus tour or visit. 2. Submission of Full Application / Waitlist Placement Once the application is complete (personal, academic, and residency documentation), GSIS sends an acknowledgement email and places the applicant on a waitlist (or shortlist) for their year group. 3. Entrance Assessment / Interview For many year levels (especially in the English International Stream), applicants are invited to an assessment (English, Mathematics, verbal comprehension etc.) and sometimes an interview, depending on year group. 4. Offer of Place and Debenture / Capital Levy If a place is available and the student passes assessment, GSIS issues an offer letter. The family must decide on and pay debenture (refundable or non-refundable) or capital levy (where applicable) by a deadline. 5. Enrollment and Orientation After acceptance and payment, parents complete enrollment formalities. Students may attend orientation, meet teachers, receive timetables, and integrate into their cohort before classes begin.	Admissions 1. Application submission: Parents begin by submitting an online application through the ISF Academy admissions portal. Each application requires a non-refundable fee. Families must ensure all required documents, including birth certificates, school reports, and any relevant assessments, are uploaded before the published deadline. Applications are accepted for Foundation Year through Grade 11. 2. Assessment and interview: Applicants undergo assessments appropriate to their year group. For the Foundation Year, this may involve classroom observation and interaction activities. From Grade 1 upwards, assessments test Putonghua oral ability and English proficiency to ensure students can access the bilingual curriculum. Shortlisted applicants and their parents are invited to interviews with the admissions team. 3. Review and decision: Admission decisions are based on assessment results, interview outcomes, and space availability. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission, as demand often exceeds available places. Offers are sent by email within the timelines announced on the school’s admissions calendar. 4. Acceptance and deposit: Families accepting an offer must pay the Acceptance Deposit by the stated deadline to confirm the student’s place. Parents must also agree to comply with ISF’s policies, including its Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy and Health, Safety & Well-being Policy. 5. Orientation and enrollment: After confirmation, parents receive onboarding details, including uniform ordering, bus service registration, and information about the start-of-year orientation sessions for new students. Orientation activities help students become familiar with the bilingual learning environment and campus routines.
Scholarships	Scholarships GSIS does not publicly offer traditional, broad-based scholarships (such as merit scholarships) on its website. However, the school does have a financial aid / fee reduction program, considered on a case-by-case basis, thereby reducing school fees for certain students whose families demonstrate need.	Scholarships ISF Academy offers several scholarships and financial aid programmes for enrolled students. Merit Scholarships are granted to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, positive conduct, and alignment with the school’s values, providing between 50% and 100% tuition remission. Special Talent Scholarships recognise students with exceptional abilities in areas such as sports, music, or the performing and visual arts, and include 50% to 100% tuition coverage as well as an annual HKD 5,000 allowance for training or competitions. IB Diploma Scholarships are available to senior students in Grades 11 and 12 who show strong academic commitment and achievement within the International Baccalaureate curriculum. In addition, the school operates a need-based Financial Aid Programme that offers 20% to 100% tuition remission for families who meet the eligibility criteria. All scholarships and financial aid awards are reviewed annually, and students must maintain good academic standing and conduct to retain their support.
Waitlist	Waitlist GSIS operates a waitlist (or shortlist) system rather than immediate acceptance. After a full application is submitted, the applicant is placed on a waitlist in the appropriate year group. When a vacancy arises, GSIS contacts the next student on the waitlist to check continued interest, and may arrange a new assessment or interview before confirming the place.	Waitlist ISF Academy operates both regular and rolling application cycles. When demand exceeds available spaces, qualified applicants are placed on a waitlist. The waitlist operates on a space-available basis, with priority determined by assessment results, sibling status, and overall fit within the school’s bilingual program. Applicants who are not offered a place during the regular cycle may be reconsidered in subsequent rounds through the rolling admissions process.
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