The ISF academy vs Victoria Shanghai Academy

	T The ISF academy Hong Kong	V Victoria Shanghai Academy Hong Kong
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HK$152,880 - 241,110	Fees / year HK$181,200 - 255,600
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,600	Pupils 2,000
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 21
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Mandarin	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2003	Opened 2004
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) is located at 19 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, adjacent to Aberdeen Harbour. The campus lies in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, roughly a 15‑minute walk from MTR Wong Chuk Hang Station (Exit B). Buses and minibuses stop nearby at a public transport terminus about five minutes’ walk from the school.
Stages	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.	Stages The school offers curriculum from Primary (PYP) through Middle Years (MYP) to Diploma Programme (DP).
School type	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.	School type VSA is a day school with no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support VSA states that it is “sensitive to students’ individual needs” and provides support for those with language or learning needs, physical or medical conditions, or social, emotional, and behavioural issues.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school has no country affiliation. It is an independent Hong Kong institution offering bilingual education in Putonghua and English.	Country affiliation The school does not have any country affiliation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation ISF Academy is non-religious. Its philosophy draws from Chinese cultural traditions rather than any faith-based ethos.	Religious affiliation The school does not have any religious affiliation.
School day structure	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.	School day structure School hours are Monday to Friday, 8:25 am to 3:40 pm.
Bus service details	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.	Bus service details VSA provides a school bus service.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Primary Years Programme (Years 1–5) The annual tuition fee for Year 1 is HK$181,200, payable in 10 installments. Middle Years Programme (Years 6–10) Year 6 tuition fee is HK$200,700, payable in 10 installments. Year 7 tuition fee is HK$203,700, payable in 10 installments. Year 8 tuition fee is HK$203,700, payable in 10 installments. Year 9 tuition fee is HK$205,400, payable in 10 installments. Year 10 tuition fee is HK$205,400, payable in 10 installments. Diploma Programme (Years 11–12) Year 11 tuition fee is HK$255,600, payable in 10 installments. Year 12 tuition fee is HK$255,600, payable in 9 installments. Other Fees Refundable Capital Levy: A one-off payment required from all parents of newly admitted students (Years 1–11), unless holding a debenture. Miscellaneous Fees: May include costs for field trips, online learning licenses, and learning materials. CAS Trips: Fees apply for compulsory local or overseas Creativity, Activity, Service trips. Technology Requirement: Students from Years 7 to 12 must purchase their own Apple MacBook through an authorised reseller or the school’s partnered vendor. Refund Policy For the Capital Levy (the one-off payment by non-debenture holders), the Capital Levy Agreement states that if a parent withdraws the student before school starts or the student does not attend, no refund of the Capital Levy will be made. Partial refunds are possible under certain conditions: after the student completes the first term, HK$30,000 of the Capital Levy is refunded; the remaining HK$30,000 is refunded either at graduation from secondary school or upon early withdrawal with at least 45 school days’ notice. Payment Method The school does not have their payment method publicly available.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school is a private independent, non-denominational, co-educational day school; there are no boarding facilities.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school operates a cafeteria, cafe and kiosks. Chartwells PLC runs the catering. The main cafeteria has an on-site kitchen and provides freshly cooked breakfasts, snacks and lunches, with a Quality Assurance Manager and dietician ensuring hygiene and nutritional value.
House system	House system —	House system There is a house system with House Captains; students participate in house leadership roles.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The ISF Academy is governed by a Board of Governors.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a School Board (Board of Directors) with an Executive Director of the Academy. It is a private independent, non-denominational day school formed by the University of Shanghai Alumni Association and Victoria Education Organization.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details Victoria Shanghai Academy delivers a through‑train IB curriculum offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). In primary years (Years 1–5), the curriculum is inquiry‑based around six transdisciplinary themes (e.g. Who We Are, How the World Works, etc.). Teachers design units of inquiry that cross subject boundaries, integrating literacy, mathematics, science, social studies and expressive arts. In secondary school, the MYP is organised around global contexts and concept‑based learning, with eight subject groups and “Approaches to Learning” that develop skills across disciplines. Students engage in inquiry, reflection, and connection of traditional subjects to real‑world contexts. For IB Diploma (Years 11–12), VSA students take the full IB programme recognised by universities globally. The school also emphasises bilingualism: primary is bilingual in English and Putonghua; secondary instruction is primarily English complemented by a strong Chinese programme.
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 —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	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.	Social & emotional learning Through its IB framework, VSA incorporates “Service as Action”, CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), and student‑initiated action programmes, which engage students in social responsibility, reflection, empathy, and collaborative learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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.	Special educational needs (SEN) VSA asks for psychoeducational assessments in order to provide appropriate support for learners with special educational, behavioural, or emotional needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL support programmes.	English as an additional language The school does not have publicly available information on their EAL.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing VSA has student services infrastructure, including counselling roles. For example, a person listed as an SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Coordinator is a school counsellor for students from Year 5 to 12. The school also runs broad student services (health, transit, etc.), and uses its co‑curricular programmes to balance academic pressure.
Safeguarding	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 Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) outlines a clear safeguarding framework. The school adheres to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and follows international child protection guidance from the International Task Force on Child Protection. VSA incorporates child safeguarding in its recruitment processes, ensuring safe hiring practices. It also implements access control measures such as requiring alumni visitors to be accompanied by staff.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Victoria Shanghai Academy is located at 19 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, beside Aberdeen Harbour. The school serves over 2,100 students aged 6 to 18 and offers an IB continuum with PYP, MYP and DP. The Primary Programme provides English and Putonghua bilingual education, while the Secondary Programme is delivered in English with a strong Chinese programme. A campus expansion project introduces state-of-the-art facilities to support learning and growth. The Dr Maggie Koong Performing Arts Centre is part of the campus, and a virtual tour is available to explore facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Sport teams and competitions are offered. Swimming galas are part of the athletic program. The Learning Beyond The Classroom program includes sport teams and competitions. The school participates in regional and international competitions as part of student development.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities The school libraries are central to learning and host a collection of more than 100,000 items in English and Chinese. The library supports IB-related projects, including the PYP Exhibition, MYP Personal Project and DP Extended Essay. The school runs a 1:1 MacBook Programme for the MYP and DP. Digital literacy is supported through wireless connectivity and a high ratio of iPads, desktops and laptops in every classroom. Digital literacy coaches work with students and staff in classrooms and the ICT Hub, and digital portfolios evidence learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities VSA provides abundant learning opportunities beyond the school. CAS Week Trips, Camps, Environmental Groups, Field Trips, and House Days are offered. International Schools Theatre Association Activities, Model United Nations, Musical Groups and Competitions, and Project Week are available. The program includes Regional and International Competitions, Science Groups and Competitions, Speech Festivals, Sport Teams and Competitions, and Swimming Galas.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History Victoria Shanghai Academy traces its roots to the Victoria Educational Organisation (VEO), founded in 1965, with the aim of offering bilingual education in Hong Kong. In 1984, the first primary school (C.S. Victoria English Primary) was established, and over time the institution evolved, relocated, and expanded, culminating in the establishment of VSA as a through‑train (primary to secondary) bilingual IB school. In 2012, VSA became a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS).
Community	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.	Community VSA fosters a bilingual, international community. Many families, staff, and students come from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The school’s vision emphasizes engaging parents, staff, and students collaboratively. The school maintains a Whole School Management Committee that includes leadership from various domains, enhancing transparency and parent involvement in school governance. The school hosts communications such as the VSA Pulse newsletter and public messages from leadership to keep the community informed and connected.
Parent teacher association	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.	Parent teacher association The school does have a Parent‑Teacher Association. It also engages parents through the Whole School Management Committee and publishes periodic newsletters, indicating regular parent‑school interaction.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
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.	Academic & intellectual Victoria Shanghai Academy is a through-train IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme to develop students holistically through inquiry-based learning. The Primary Years Programme is taught bilingually in English and Putonghua, while Secondary is delivered in English with a strong Chinese programme. The IB framework at VSA emphasizes the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning to foster inquiry, critical thinking and lifelong learning. The school serves about 2,000 students aged 6 to 18, with a teacher–student ratio of 1:10 and a faculty representing 19 nationalities; more than 400 university offers have been made to recent graduates, with about 61% of those offers coming from the world's top 100 universities.
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.	Arts & creative VSA offers a broad range of arts and creative activities through co-curricular clubs and programs, including Campus TV and Film Clubs, Creative and Visual Arts Clubs, Chinese Cultural and Music Programmes, Technology, Robotics and Coding Clubs, Entrepreneurial and Economics & Business Clubs, and Drama, Music Ensembles and Stage Management Clubs. The school provides exhibitions and performances such as Christmas and Chinese New Year Shows, the Whole School Musical, Grade Level Showcases and Secondary Theatre, Music Evenings, and Visual Arts Week and Exhibitions. All Diploma Programme students participate in the CAS (Creativity, Activity & Service) programme, and the school hosts a dedicated Dr Maggie Koong Performing Arts Centre for performances and events.
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.	Cultural & language The Primary Years Programme operates with dual-language immersion, with two class teachers—one for Mandarin Chinese and one for English—for Years 1–5. In the Middle Years Programme, instruction is in English with Chinese Language and Literature and Chinese as Additional Language options, and all MYP students take both English Language and Literature and Chinese Language and Literature. Additional language options in the MYP include Chinese Additional Language, English for Academic Purposes and Language Acquisition in French or Spanish. In the Diploma Programme, students take two or three languages and are expected to enrol in both English and Chinese Language and Literature, with French or Spanish available as options.
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.	Social & hobbies VSA provides extensive social and hobby opportunities through its co-curricular program and CAS activities. On-campus sports facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium and multiple outdoor courts, with participation in HKSSF and ISSFHK competitions. Students can engage in Campus TV and Film, Creative and Visual Arts, Chinese Cultural and Music programmes, robotics and coding clubs, entrepreneurial and business clubs, and drama and music ensembles. Leadership and teamwork are fostered through a wide range of clubs and activities beyond academics.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service PYP emphasises action with local and overseas charity involvement. MYP centers on service as action and community engagement, encouraging long-term, sustainable service. DP CAS requires students to undertake creative, physical and service projects across local, national and international contexts. Service opportunities include Uniform Groups, AnimalsAsia Club, Caritas Service Club, Global Issues Club, UNICEF Club and local charities, as well as student-led initiatives such as the Victorian student newspaper and various charity committees.
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.	Leadership & professional Student leadership is a core part of VSA, with ample opportunities for students of all ages to develop leadership skills. Roles include Student Council, Prefects, House Captains, Team Captains, student-run CAS Clubs and student-run publications, as well as Uniform Groups. These positions help students build confidence, problem-solving and communication abilities, and some students have achieved notable recognitions such as awards for outstanding student contributions.
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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing VSA supports sports and physical well-being through on-campus facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium and various outdoor courts, with active participation in school sports competitions. The co-curricular program includes a broad range of activities from sports such as football, rugby, basketball, volleyball, swimming, track and field, to racket sports and more, with continued emphasis on balance and well-being as part of the IB learner profile.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision English and Chinese (Putonghua) are core languages across the programmes. In the Primary Years Programme, there is dual-language immersion with two teachers (Mandarin and English). In the Middle Years Programme, English Language and Literature and Chinese Language and Literature are taught, with Chinese Additional Language and a third language option. In the Diploma Programme, students take two or three languages, typically including English and Chinese, with potential study of French or Spanish.
Bilingual teaching	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.	Bilingual teaching The school provides a bilingual education in the Primary Section in English and Putonghua. The Secondary School programmes are delivered in English and supplemented by a strong Chinese programme. Victoria Shanghai Academy is an IB World School offering the IB continuum: PYP, MYP, and DP. The school serves students aged 6 to 18.
Immersion programs	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.	Immersion programs In the Primary Years Programme, all students have two class teachers, one Mandarin Chinese and one English, with co‑taught lessons to support dual language immersion from Years 1–5. In the Middle Years Programme, the language of instruction is English, with Chinese Language and Literature and Chinese as Additional Language classes. All MYP students are enrolled in both Chinese Language and Literature and English Language and Literature, and a third language class is selected from options including Chinese Additional Language, English for Academic Purposes, French, or Spanish. In the Diploma Programme, two or three languages are taken, which can include French or Spanish.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	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.	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Accreditations	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.	Accreditations IB World School (PYP, MYP, DP) VSA is authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation to offer the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. This allows students to follow a structured, internationally recognised curriculum from early years through secondary school. NEASC Accreditation The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC). This US-based accreditation ensures that VSA meets recognised international standards for school governance, teaching, and student support. CIS Accreditation VSA also holds accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS). This confirms that the school meets global benchmarks in areas such as curriculum design, safeguarding, leadership, and ongoing school improvement.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Online Application Submission Parents can apply through the VSA online application portal, uploading photo ID, birth certificate or passport, and previous two years’ academic reports of their children. 2. Payment of Application Fee A non‑refundable and non‑transferable application fee of HKD 2,000 is required upon submission to initiate the review process. 3. Document Verification and Review Applications with missing documents will be held pending complete submission. If documents are not submitted within one month, the application is considered withdrawn. 4. Assessment / Interview Candidates undergo assessments (e.g. for English, mathematics) and possibly interviews depending on the grade level applied for. 5. Admission Results Notification The school shares results within about one month after the assessment, or after interview. Accepted, waitlist, or declining outcomes are communicated. 6. Enrollment Procedures Once accepted, families complete enrollment formalities (sign contracts, pay fees) within the deadlines specified in the offer letter.
Scholarships	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.	Scholarships VSA has a scholarship programme for both internal and external students. These scholarships cover categories including academic excellence, leadership, performance, and improvement.
Waitlist	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.	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.
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