Island School vs Renaissance College

	I Island School Hong Kong	R Renaissance College Hong Kong
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HK$159,400 - 181,100	Fees / year HK$148,100 - 195,700
Age range	Age range 7 - 13 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Pupils	Pupils 1,200	Pupils 2,087
Typical class size	Typical class size 23	Typical class size 27
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1967	Opened 2006
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Island School is situated in the Mid-Levels area of Hong Kong Island, a residential hillside district above Central. The campus is easily accessible by public transport and school buses, connecting it to key areas of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Its elevated setting offers a quiet environment while remaining close to the city’s main business and residential zones.	Location Renaissance College is located in Ma On Shan in the New Territories, at 5 Hang Ming Street, and sits right outside Heng On MTR station on the Tuen Ma Line with Exit A linking into the campus. The neighbourhood is primarily residential, with bus routes serving the area and convenient connections into Kowloon and beyond.
Stages	Stages The school caters to students from Year 7 to Year 13, covering the full span of secondary education. Programmes progress from the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7–9 to IGCSE in Years 10–11, and finally to either the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP) in Years 12–13.	Stages RCHK is an all-through IB World School for students aged 5–18. It offers the IB Primary Years Programme (Years 1–6), Middle Years Programme (Years 7–11), and either the Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme in Years 12–13.
School type	School type Island School is a co-educational day school that forms part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) network in Hong Kong. It does not provide boarding facilities, and all students attend on a day basis.	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school with no boarding facilities. It is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Students receive support through a structured House system, with each student assigned a Tutor and Head of House who oversee wellbeing and academic progress. The school also provides access to counselling services and a published Special Educational Needs Policy detailing additional provision for students requiring support.	Additional learning support RCHK provides tailored support for students with Additional Learning Needs. Its inclusion programmes and wellbeing initiatives ensure that individual needs are addressed in class and across school life.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Island School is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), Hong Kong’s largest provider of English-medium international education. It does not hold affiliation with any other country.	Country affiliation The school is part of the English Schools Foundation in Hong Kong and is not affiliated with a specific country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no stated religious affiliation and welcomes students of all backgrounds.	Religious affiliation RCHK is non-religious and has no faith affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure Lessons begin at 08:25 a.m. and end at 3:35 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and at 2:35 p.m. on Fridays. Morning buses arrive by 08:15 a.m., and after-school buses depart at 3:40 p.m. (Monday–Thursday) and 2:40 p.m. (Friday).	School day structure Classes generally run from 8:00 am to 3:10 pm, with a mid-morning break and a lunch break included in the schedule
Bus service details	Bus service details Island School provides an organised school-bus service coordinated with its daily timetable. Buses arrive before classes begin and depart immediately after the end of the school day. The service covers routes to major residential areas on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, helping students reach the Mid-Levels campus conveniently and safely.	Bus service details The college offers an optional bus service. Routes cover a wide range of residential areas in Hong Kong, and stops are arranged at housing estates near the school for convenience
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application Fees A non-refundable application fee of HKD 2,800 is required for all new applicants to ESF secondary schools. This is paid online by credit card via PayPal at the time of application. Families must also pay a two-month refundable deposit upon accepting an offer of admission. Half of this deposit is credited toward the first month’s tuition, and the other half is offset against the final month’s payment, provided appropriate withdrawal notice is given. Tuition Fees (Per Year) Years 7 – 10: HKD 181,100 Year 11: HKD 159,400 Years 12 – 13: HKD 167,600 Tuition fees are billed in 10 equal monthly instalments (September – June) through direct debit (autopay). Fees are payable for any month in which a student attends school for even one day. Additional Fees Families may incur additional costs for uniforms, school trips, and public examination fees (IGCSE or IB). The English Schools Foundation (ESF) also applies standardised capital contribution schemes and “Other Charges” that support long-term facility investment. Transportation Fees The school provides a daily bus service with routes across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Morning buses arrive before the 08:25 a.m. start, and after-school buses depart at 3:40 p.m. (Monday – Thursday) and 2:40 p.m. (Friday). Transport fees are set by the contracted provider and invoiced separately to families. Learning Support Island School offers a structured House system and counselling services for student wellbeing. If additional specialist support is required, families coordinate provision directly with the school’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) department. Refund Policy The application fee is non-refundable. The refundable deposit is returned when families provide proper withdrawal notice and no outstanding balances remain. Attendance during any month renders that month’s fees payable in full. Payment Options Direct debit (autopay) for monthly tuition fees Credit card (via PayPal) for application fee.	Fee details Application Fee An application for entry to RCHK carries a non-refundable, non-transferable administration fee of HK$2,800. Tuition Fees by Year Group (2025–26) * Years 1–6: HK$148,100 annually * Years 7–11: HK$193,600 annually * Years 12–13: HK$195,700 annually Tuition is billed over 10 months (i.e. divided across 10 payments). Building Levy / Capital Contribution New students entering Year 1 are required to pay a non-refundable building levy (NBL) of HK$50,000. Students entering Years 2–12 must pay a pro-rated portion of that levy. Other Costs & Fees * RAPT (Parent-Teacher Association) membership fee (per family): HK$275 * Student Smart Identity / Value-Stored Card: first copy free, replacements cost HK$20 * ID card for parents/guardians/helpers: first copy free, replacement HK$20 * Certified true copy of report card (PYP, MYP, Y12): HK$50 per copy * Additional academic transcript copies (for current MYP/DP students): HK$100 per extra copy * Certified transcript for graduated/left students (MYP/DP): HK$100 per copy Billing Schedule & Payment Terms Tuition is deducted monthly over 10 months via autopay (direct debit authorisation, DDA). Parents will be notified by email if there is an outstanding invoice. Refund / Withdrawal Policies Specific refund conditions for mid-year withdrawal are not detailed in the public fee pages. The building levy is explicitly non-refundable. Fee Payment Options * The main tuition and levies are handled via direct debit (autopay / DDA). * Other charges (e.g. PTA, trips, insurance) are handled through an ePayment wallet. Parents can top up this wallet using credit card, PayPal, or PPS. * Residual ePayment balances may be refunded, or transferred to siblings, upon leaving the school.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school operates as a day school and does not offer boarding facilities. Primary timetables run from 8:30am to 3:00pm, and students should leave campus after the day ends unless they are participating in supervised after-school activities.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Year 7–11 Uniform Code requires Island School-branded uniform items for tops, trousers/shorts/skorts/skirts; a blue and white striped uniform shirt; black and/or white shoes; black and/or white socks or black tights. Cold weather options include a long-sleeve shirt or blouse, long pants, a navy fleece or windbreaker, a maroon knit sweater, and a PE kit. The uniform can be worn year round; Year 12–13 Dress Code exempts students from wearing the uniform, but requires a clean, tidy, smart-casual appearance; PE and lab requirements include a dedicated PE uniform and closed-toe shoes where required.	Uniform requirement RCHK requires students in Years 1–11 to wear the school uniform. Years 12 and 13 are not required to wear uniforms, but they must dress appropriately for the school environment.
Food options	Food options Light bites and snacks are available at four catering stations during break times. Catering is operated by Asia Pacific Catering (under Café de Coral Group). The four stations are Island Cafe (G/F), Island Main (G/F), Island Deli (G/F), and Island Express (2/F); stations open from 7:30am to 4pm each day.	Food options All food services on campus are managed by Sodexo and include the cafeteria, coffee shop, and salad bar. The on-site dining options include Eatery (G/F) serving breakfast and lunch, Noodle (1/F) with BBQ and noodles, Cafe 1618 / Aspretto, SUBlicious & FRESH, and Osteria. Lower Primary lunch can be pre-ordered via the Sodexo app, and Octopus is the payment method for meals.
House system	House system Island School has a six-House system: Da Vinci, Einstein, Fleming, Rutherford, Nansen, and Wilberforce. Tutor groups are based within these Houses for pastoral care, and there are events across the year that promote House collaboration and spirit, including team-building activities and various inter-house activities.	House system Renaissance College has four Houses named Tang, Song, Ming and Qing. Each House comprises staff and students from all year levels.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Island School is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the largest English-medium international school network in Hong Kong, providing resources and opportunities across ESF Schools.	Governance and ownership Renaissance College is governed by the Renaissance College Council, which plays an important role in keeping the school on track and formulating policies. Members are volunteers representing the college and local community; each term lasts three years, with a maximum of one additional three-year term. A CEO's nominated representative from the English Schools Foundation may attend meetings.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Island School follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7 to 9, providing a framework that integrates subject learning with real-world application. In Years 10 and 11, students work toward the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) across core subjects including English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science (Double Award), Global Perspectives, and a modern language (Chinese, Spanish, or Japanese). In Years 12 and 13, students choose between the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP), allowing pathways either toward university study or career-focused qualifications. The curriculum also includes Personal and Social Education (PSE) and structured Service Learning, supporting community engagement and personal development. Specialist subjects in the arts, technology, and design complement academic study throughout all years.	Curriculum details Renaissance College Hong Kong (RCHK) delivers the full IB continuum from Year 1 through Year 13: the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Years 1–6, the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7–11, and then in Years 12–13 students choose between the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP / IBCP). In the lower years, learning is inquiry-based and transdisciplinary, focusing on connecting subjects through real-world themes and promoting development of learner skills. ([Renaissance College][1]) The MYP bridges subject disciplines via “Global Contexts” and emphasizes self-reflection, critical thinking, and personal projects. In Years 12–13, those opting for the DP follow six subject groups plus core components (TOK, Extended Essay, CAS). Those selecting the CP / IBCP combine career-related studies (for example via partner institutions) with IB academic courses and a CP core (Personal & Professional Skills, Reflective Project, Language & Cultural Studies, and Service Learning).
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 View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Island School embeds social and emotional learning through its House system, where every student belongs to one of six Houses and is supported by a Tutor and a Head of House. These staff members follow students from Year 7 through Year 13, fostering consistent relationships and ongoing guidance. Heads of Year provide additional support for lower secondary students (Years 7–9). The school’s Personal and Social Education (PSE) curriculum also includes topics related to wellbeing, relationships, and decision-making. These structures ensure regular contact between staff and students to promote belonging and personal growth.	Social & emotional learning RCHK uses a tiered approach to wellbeing and student support, integrating SEL into daily life and curriculum. The counselling team works with students, staff, and parents to provide emotional support and coping strategies. In the primary school, Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) help students with grief, conflict resolution, anxiety, and transitions. There is also mentoring, peer support, and structured advisory time and registration periods to help staff monitor student wellbeing
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Island School publishes a Special Educational Needs Policy, outlining how support is provided for students requiring additional learning assistance. The school identifies needs through regular teacher monitoring and provides intervention and support within the mainstream classroom. SEN provision operates under the ESF framework and includes collaboration between classroom teachers, support staff, and the pastoral team. The school is not a specialist SEN institution, but it supports students with mild to moderate learning needs who can access the mainstream curriculum with adjustments.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school states that “dedicated teachers strive to remove barriers to learning, ensuring that each student’s evolving needs are met.” However, RCHK does not publicly disclose detailed policies or the full range of SEN types they support (e.g. learning differences, neurodiversity, physical needs).
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Island School publishes a Language Policy and Language Pathways guide under its Policies and Publications section. However, the school does not publicly disclose detailed information on specific EAL support programmes or staffing.	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose details of a specialized EAL programme, support staff, or intervention.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school supports mental well-being primarily through its Tutor system, counselling service, and Pastoral Care structure. Students have daily contact with their Tutor, who is the first point of contact for well-being issues. Counsellors are available on campus to provide additional support, and the school’s pastoral framework encourages open communication between students, staff, and families. These services are outlined under the “School Life” and “Pastoral Care” sections of the website.	Mental wellbeing Counselling and social work professionals are available to support mental wellbeing, offering individual sessions, crisis support, and group work. Wellbeing is embedded in curriculum and school life; values, mindfulness, and emotional literacy are promoted across subjects. The school also monitors and intervenes with structured registration / advisory times and daily contact.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Island School publishes its Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy under the Policies and Publications section. The policy outlines procedures for identifying, reporting, and managing concerns related to student welfare. Staff members receive guidance to ensure compliance with ESF’s child protection standards. Safeguarding is integrated into the wider pastoral system, ensuring that student wellbeing and safety are prioritised across all year levels.	Safeguarding RCHK publishes Positive Relationships and Anti-Bullying Guidelines indicating that students can raise bullying concerns with class teachers (primary) or advisors (secondary). They commit to using a restorative approach to relationship breakdowns, and maintain a code of conduct for cyber behavior. Child protection officers are named in their wellbeing section and safeguarding is part of the wellbeing framework.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus is located at 20 Borrett Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong. It features a performing space that can accommodate over 300 spectators with a 10-meter stage and professional sound and lighting. It has rooftop sports courts for multi-use activities. The gymnasium is the largest on campus and can be divided into two spaces for concurrent activities; it can also be used as a lecture theatre or a standing reception area for up to 1,200 people.	Facilities overview The Renaissance College campus spans 30,448 square metres of gross floor area. It is located at 5 Hang Ming Street, Ma On Shan, New Territories, Hong Kong, near Heng On station on the MTR Ma On Shan line. The campus offers modern facilities to support 21st‑century international education, including a swimming pool, four outdoor sports fields, two gymnasiums, drama and theatre rooms, a Design hub, RedDoor Centre learning technology zones, and art and science hubs. The Performing Arts Centre and Primary and Secondary libraries are on campus.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The gymnasium has a sprung floor and can be partitioned into two spaces for different activities. There are two rooftop courts suitable for basketball and other sports and team-building activities. The performing space supports large events and assemblies with appropriate audio-visual capabilities.	Sports facilities The campus has four outdoor sports fields. It includes a swimming pool and two gymnasiums. Basketball courts are available on campus.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Years 7-9, followed by the IGCSE programme in Years 10-11. In Years 12-13, students study either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP). The Diploma Programme comprises six subject groups with three subjects at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, plus the core components Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service. The IB Career-related Programme provides a flexible two-year path that combines academic study with career-related experience, including core elements such as Personal and Professional Skills, Community Engagement, Reflective Project, and Language and Cultural Studies, with options including BTEC courses. Language pathways include Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish, with Ab Initio options and bilingual diploma considerations for certain combinations. English is the language of instruction, with additional languages taught as well. Thrive and Elements are embedded in the curriculum to support wellbeing and holistic development.	Academic facilities Drama and Theatre rooms are on campus. A Design hub is available for creative and design work. RedDoor Centre learning technology zones and art and science hubs support STEM and creative projects. The Performing Arts Centre is part of the campus facilities. Primary and Secondary libraries are available on campus.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Island School operates an Interhouse system with six Houses, fostering friendships and competition. Quest Week takes learning outside the classroom to build connections and global citizenship. The school offers student leadership opportunities and community engagement projects. Sports and arts activities are available as part of a broad co-curricular program.	Extra curricular facilities Beyond the Classroom offers diverse co‑curricular activities, including sports, arts, and STEM workshops, led by qualified teachers. Trips and camps augment learning and resilience. House Activities foster leadership, identity, and belonging through four Houses: Tang, Song, Ming and Qing. Student-led initiatives and events such as RENMUN, the Terry Fox Run, and International Evening contribute to leadership and community engagement. Creativity opportunities include clubs like Tech Ninjas and filmmaking groups.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Island School was founded in 1967 as part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) network in Hong Kong. It began as one of the first ESF secondary schools established to serve the city’s English-speaking community. The school has maintained a strong sense of identity through its House system, which dates back to its early years. After a temporary relocation during campus redevelopment, Island School returned to its rebuilt Borrett Road campus in 2022, marking a significant milestone in its history. The school continues to operate under ESF’s governance and oversight.	History Plans began in 1999 for ESF to establish a new Private Independent School, and in 2001 ESF was granted land in Ma On Shan. Renaissance College opened in 2006 under founding principal Peter Kenny, with the parent-teacher group RAPT (Renaissance Association of Parents & Teachers) established the same year. In 2007 the school gained IB Diploma and MYP authorisations, and in 2014 it became the first school in East Asia to be authorised for the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP).
Community	Community Island School maintains a vibrant community through its House system, Service Learning initiatives, and annual events such as Quest Week, which sends students into Hong Kong and overseas for experiential learning. The school promotes collaboration between students, teachers, and parents through open communication channels and whole-school events. Community life is reflected in cultural celebrations, student-led performances, and charity projects that strengthen links within the broader ESF network.	Community The RCHK community features a house system (Ming, Qing, Song, Tang) with inter-house events spanning sports, arts, and spirit days. The school also organises cultural celebrations such as Diwali and theatrical productions (e.g. Charlie) that involve students across age groups. Many co-curricular and service events—such as the Terry Fox Run, “Beleza”, and visits to local NGOs—are supported by both students and the parent community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Island School Parent Teacher Association (ISPTA) serves as the formal link between families and the school. The ISPTA organises parent information evenings, social gatherings, and community fundraisers, contributing to school life and student initiatives. The association also maintains the ISPTA News section on the school’s website, where updates and announcements are shared with the wider parent community. It supports school events and works with staff to enhance facilities and student wellbeing programmes. Parents can contact the ISPTA directly for membership and event details through the school’s online platform.	Parent teacher association RCHK’s PTA is called RAPT (Renaissance Association of Parents & Teachers). Each November–December the PTA runs a fundraiser involving miscellaneous sales, raffles, and donation drives. RAPT also organises periodic uniform sales to raise library funds, supports Joyful Fruit Day (healthy snacks), and contributes to other college-wide events such as Prom, Jie Jie Day, and the Terry Fox Run. Parents may help plan and run events, handle raffle ticketing, and sort donated items. The PTA works closely with the school community in supporting cultural, academic, and social initiatives.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The Futures Curriculum develops core skills—Character, Citizenship, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Critical Thinking—through engaging Elements and Explorations. In Years 7-9 Island School follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and offers iGCSE in Years 10-11. In Years 12-13 students can pursue the IB Diploma or the IB Careers Programme. Students have leadership roles including the Student Council, House Prefects, and Ambassadors to drive school initiatives.	Academic & intellectual Renaissance College Hong Kong (RCHK) is a student-centred independent school. It provides a world-class English-language education from Year 1 to Year 13 on one campus and is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering all four IB programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP).
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Island School provides abundant opportunities to explore performing, visual, and creative arts. The school life includes activities that support artistic pursuits in drama, music, visual arts, and other creative disciplines.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school maintains a bilingual environment. As part of the English Schools Foundation, the school sits within the largest English-medium international school network in Hong Kong.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Interhouse is a six-house system that fosters belonging and provides opportunities for collaboration and competition across activities. Quest Week takes learning outside the walls of the classroom and develops global citizenship. Community Engagement fosters student involvement through coursework and projects.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Community Engagement involves required coursework and impactful community projects.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student Leadership is a focus at Island School; students lead through Student Leadership roles and school initiatives. House Prefects and Ambassadors are among the opportunities.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing WELL-BEING is the school's top priority; Wellbeing is embedded in the curriculum and community. The THRIVE Programme guides physical, social, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing. A dedicated Guidance Team provides confidential support.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction. In the MYP, Language Other Than English options include Putonghua (Chinese), Japanese, and Spanish. In IGCSE, language acquisition options include Chinese, Spanish, and Japanese. In DP/CP, language pathways include Mandarin Chinese and English; Ab Initio options exist; School Supported Self-Taught (SSST) is available for students whose mother tongue is not English or Chinese; a bilingual diploma is awarded for taking Chinese A and English A.	Language provision English is the language of instruction. In the Middle Years Programme (MYP), students study English and Chinese (Putonghua) for Language and Literature, and Chinese for Language Acquisition. In the Diploma Programme (DP), Language A can be English or Chinese (Putonghua); Language Acquisition options include Language B, Language Ab Initio, or A second Language A. The community is encouraged to use home languages to extend learning and strengthen belonging, and learning in English and additional languages is emphasized.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school is English-medium and maintains a bilingual environment. In Years 7-9 the MYP includes a Language Other Than English option: Putonghua (Chinese), Japanese, or Spanish. In Years 10-11 the IGCSE language acquisition options include Chinese, Spanish, or Japanese. In Years 12-13 language pathways include Mandarin Chinese and English, with Ab Initio options, and a bilingual diploma is awarded if a student takes Chinese A and English A.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards The school does not highlight any institutional awards won by the school.
Accreditations	Accreditations International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: Island School is authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) to deliver the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IB Diploma Programme (DP), and IB Career-related Programme (CP). This accreditation allows the school to offer recognised international qualifications accepted by universities worldwide. Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): The school offers the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education. This ensures that students in Years 10–11 follow a globally recognised curriculum and examination system. English Schools Foundation (ESF):* Island School operates under the English Schools Foundation (ESF), which is regulated by the Hong Kong Education Bureau. ESF accreditation ensures compliance with Hong Kong education standards and governance policies.	Accreditations * IB World School (PYP, MYP, DP, CP / IBCP) — the school is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to deliver all four programmes. * English Schools Foundation (ESF) membership / oversight — as part of ESF schools in Hong Kong, it adheres to ESF governance and standards.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Application Submission Applications for Island School are managed centrally through the English Schools Foundation (ESF. Families must submit applications online via the ESF Admissions Portal, selecting Island School as their preferred campus. Each application requires a non-refundable fee, payable online by credit card via PayPal. Applications are accepted year-round for available year levels. 2. Document Review and Assessment Once the application is received, ESF reviews submitted documents, including proof of residency, school reports, and identification. Depending on availability and year group, the applicant may be invited to attend a placement interview or assessment to determine readiness for the ESF curriculum. Assessments are conducted in English and focus on communication and general aptitude. 3. Offer of Place If a suitable place is available, families receive an official offer directly from ESF. The offer letter includes details on tuition fees, start dates, and required deposits. To secure the place, parents must pay a two-month deposit corresponding to the annual fee for the assigned year group. 4. Acceptance and Enrolment Upon payment of the deposit, families complete the enrolment formalities through ESF. They are then issued joining instructions, including details about uniform, transport, and start dates. Island School provides a Parent Handbook and transition materials to support students entering Year 7 or transferring mid-year.	Admissions 1. Online Application Submission Families submit an online application through the ESF / RCHK admissions portal, selecting up to four ESF (or RCHK) 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.). 5. Waitlist Consideration If no immediate place is available, the candidate may be placed into a waitlist or pool. Offers from the waitlist may be made when places become available.
Scholarships	Scholarships The Island School and ESF websites do not list any academic or merit-based scholarship programmes for secondary students. Admissions and tuition follow the standard ESF structure, and no financial aid or fee-waiver schemes are described in official materials.	Scholarships * RCHK offers full scholarships (100% tuition waiver) for students from Year 7 to Year 13, across categories including academic, music, theatre, visual arts, and sports. * A Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) exists to provide full tuition fee coverage (and potentially extra expenses) on a needs basis, subject to eligibility and availability. * Scholarship criteria include demonstrated talent in the relevant domain (academic, arts, sport) plus evidence of commitment to service and leadership. * RCHK also allocates 2% of its fee income to a hardship fund (ESF financial assistance) for families encountering sudden changes in circumstances—but this is limited to current students and does not function as a scholarship for new entrants.
Waitlist	Waitlist ESF operates a centralised admissions system, and each school maintains a waiting list for year groups that are at capacity. When places become available, ESF contacts families in order of application date and eligibility. Island School does not operate a separate or internal pool system; all admissions are coordinated directly through ESF’s central admissions office.	Waitlist RCHK (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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