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Clearwater Bay School

Hong Kong

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees HK$139,000
Ages 5 - 11 years
Pupil numbers 720
Type Co-educational
Opened 1975
Bus Service Yes
Part of
English Schools Foundation
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP)
Taught languages Mandarin
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Primary School, Elementary
Introduction

Clearwater Bay School (CWBS) is an ESF primary school offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Years 1–6; it has been an IB World School since 2009 and completed a joint IBO/CIS evaluation in 2018. The campus sits in Clearwater Bay, New Territories, with easy public-transport access from Choi Hung and Hang Hau; the school runs 28 bus routes serving nearby districts. CWBS enrols about 720 students across 24 classes and operates a four-form entry model. Learning is delivered in English, with Chinese taught in banded groups, including options for Chinese as an additional language. Co-curricular options include choirs, theatre, ukulele and art clubs, alongside sports teams. A student-led Eco Warriors group organises an annual Green Week focused on sustainability. Student wellbeing is supported by a Learning Diversity team, ELSA-trained assistants and a school counsellor.

This campus is part of English Schools Foundation

Lot 235 DD229, Ngan Ying Rd, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong.

The Essentials

Clearwater Bay School has 720 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Clearwater Bay School is situated in the Clearwater Bay area of Hong Kong’s New Territories, surrounded by green hills and coastal views. The campus is easily accessible by public transport, including Bus 91M from Choi Hung MTR and several green minibus routes that stop nearby. The school does not provide on-site parking for parents or visitors.

Stages
CWBS caters to primary-aged students, offering Years 1–6 within the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The school follows a four-form entry structure, with approximately 24 classes in total and students aged 5 to 11 years.

Type
Clearwater Bay School is a day school under the English Schools Foundation (ESF), serving boys and girls aged 5 to 11. It does not offer boarding facilities, and all students attend classes during standard day hours.

Additional learning support
CWBS has a Learning Diversity Team that supports students with a range of learning needs. The team includes ELSA-trained (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) staff and a school counsellor who help address academic, emotional, and social needs. Support is integrated within the classroom environment in coordination with class teachers.

Country affiliation
The school is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) in Hong Kong. It has no specific national affiliation but offers an international curriculum framework under the IB Primary Years Programme.

Religious affiliation
Clearwater Bay School is a non-religious institution. The school’s ethos and curriculum are secular and inclusive.

School day structure
The school day generally follows a standard primary schedule, with lessons spread across morning and afternoon sessions. While specific start and end times are not publicly listed, school term dates are detailed on the CWBS website calendar. Students have scheduled breaks and lunchtimes throughout the day to support balanced learning and recreation.

Bus service
CWBS operates a comprehensive school bus service with 28 bus routes covering Clearwater Bay, Sai Kung, Tseung Kwan O, Lam Tin, and surrounding areas. Services are managed directly with contracted bus companies. Routes and contact details are available on the school’s bus webpage, and families arrange bookings and payments through the listed operators.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
CWBS requires a daily uniform. For daily wear, the uniform includes a girls' navy skirt or trousers with the logo or a boys' navy shorts or trousers with the logo, with white socks and black shoes; a jumper and windbreaker are worn as appropriate, and a CWBS hat (Legionnaires or Australian style) is used for outdoor activities. The PE kit is a CWBS short-sleeved house-coloured T-shirt with navy shorts, white trainers and socks; a track-suit is optional, and uniforms can be bought secondhand from the PTA Green Hub or new from the online shop at schooluniform.hk, with try-on samples available at the PTA Office.

Food Options
CWBS provides hot lunches via Zebratasty; meals are prepared off-site and delivered to classrooms. Orders are placed through Zebratasty's online portal. Many students also bring packed lunches from home.

House System
CWBS uses a four-house system named after Chinese dragons: Jialong, Shenlong, Dilong, and Yinglong. Each house has two captains (one boy and one girl) and two vice-captains (one boy and one girl), who are selected by teachers and lead house activities and weekly House Cup points.

Governance and Ownership
CWBS is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF). Admissions are handled centrally through ESF.
Fees

Annual tuition at Clearwater Bay School ranges from HKD 139,000 for 2026/27.

Application Fees
A non-refundable application fee of HK$2,800 is payable upon submission of an online application through the English Schools Foundation (ESF) admissions portal. Upon accepting an offer, families must also pay a refundable deposit equivalent to two months of tuition fees. One month’s deposit is credited toward the first instalment, and the other is applied to the final month, provided the required notice of withdrawal is given and no outstanding balance remains.

Tuition Fees (Per Year)
Primary (Years 1–6): HK$139,000 per year
Tuition fees are billed in 10 monthly instalments of HK$13,900 from September to June each academic year.

Billing Schedule
Fees are collected monthly via direct debit (autopay) from a Hong Kong bank account. Families are responsible for maintaining sufficient funds before each scheduled deduction. Fees remain payable during student absences or school closures, as outlined by ESF policy.

Additional Fees
A Non-Refundable Capital Levy (NCL) is payable upon entry and supports the maintenance and development of ESF campuses. The amount varies depending on the student’s entry year. Other expenses such as school uniforms, lunch, and optional extracurricular activities are charged separately through the relevant providers.

Transportation Fees
The school offers 28 bus routes serving areas such as Clearwater Bay, Sai Kung, Tseung Kwan O, and Lam Tin. Routes and charges are arranged directly with contracted bus operators and are invoiced monthly.

Refund Policy
The application fee is non-refundable. Deposits are refunded upon withdrawal, provided proper notice is given and all financial obligations are settled.

Payment Options
Payments are made exclusively via direct debit from a Hong Kong bank account. Credit card payments and bank transfers are not accepted for regular tuition billing.
Academics

Clearwater Bay School teaches IB (PYP) for students aged 5 to 11.

Curriculum
The school follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Years 1–6, integrating inquiry-based learning across subjects. Students are taught primarily in English, with Chinese taught in banded groups and options for Chinese as an additional language. The programme is organised around six transdisciplinary themes, which connect learning across languages, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts and personal, social and physical education (PSPE). Specialist teachers lead classes in art, music, drama, physical education and library/media. Assessment focuses on ongoing student reflections and portfolios rather than solely on exams. The school’s PYP authorisation was granted in April 2009 and the campus completed a joint IB/CIS review process in 2018.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school’s Personal, Social & Physical Education (PSPE) curriculum supports social and emotional learning through three strands: Identity, Interactions, and Active Living. All teachers take part in supporting student wellbeing, using approaches such as Circle Time and Restorative Practices to promote inclusion and positive relationships. Wellbeing is described as central to the student experience, encompassing emotional, social, and physical health. Students take part in two physical education sessions each week as part of the PSPE programme.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Clearwater Bay School is not a specialist SEN institution but provides support within the English Schools Foundation (ESF) framework for Learning Support. The school has a Learning Diversity Team that includes ELSA-trained Educational Assistants and a School Counsellor who work with students needing additional help. Support is aligned with ESF’s Levels of Adjustment framework, which defines the type and extent of assistance students may receive. The school does not publicly specify which specific categories of SEN (such as dyslexia or autism) it can support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not provide publicly detailed information about a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme. The language curriculum focuses on English and Chinese language learning and mother-tongue development. There is no published information about specialist EAL teachers, dedicated withdrawal sessions, or specific support structures for EAL learners.

Mental Wellbeing
The school states that wellbeing is intrinsically linked to all aspects of a student’s experience, including physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and social dimensions. Students are supported by a Learning Diversity Team, which includes Educational Assistants trained in Emotional Literacy Support (ELSA) and a School Counsellor. Wellbeing initiatives include positive relationship frameworks, classroom essential agreements, and restorative conversations to help students manage challenges. The school encourages open communication between students and staff to ensure individual needs are recognised and addressed.

Safeguarding
The school identifies safeguarding and child protection as part of its core values and responsibilities. It refers to the existence of policies and procedures for maintaining a safe learning environment. However, detailed safeguarding and child protection procedures are not publicly disclosed on the school website.

Safeguarding Policy
Parent Experience

History
Clearwater Bay School was originally established in 1975 as part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) network in Hong Kong. The school relocated to its current Clearwater Bay campus in the early 1990s, with the new site officially opened on 7 May 1992 by Lady Wilson, wife of the then-Governor of Hong Kong. Since its founding, the school has expanded to a four-form entry primary school, serving over 700 students. It remains under the ownership and governance of ESF, which oversees all staffing, curriculum, and operational policies.

Community
The school community at Clearwater Bay is international and diverse, representing families from many cultural backgrounds within Hong Kong’s New Territories and Kowloon areas. Regular school events include assemblies, cultural celebrations, concerts, and exhibitions where students share their learning with parents. The school also hosts “Green Week”, an environmental initiative organised by the student Eco Warriors to promote sustainability and community involvement. Collaboration between staff, students, and families is a central part of school life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The CWBS Parent Teacher Association (PTA) works closely with the school to enhance communication and community spirit. It helps organise events such as family fun days, book fairs, fundraising sales, and social evenings that bring parents, staff, and students together. The PTA also supports school improvement projects by funding resources and extracurricular activities. Parents are encouraged to volunteer in classroom events, assist with reading programmes, and participate in committees throughout the year. Contact details and membership information for the PTA are available through the school’s Parent Portal and main office.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is located at Lot 235, DD229, Clearwater Bay Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, near the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology South Gate. The campus sits in a rural part of Hong Kong and provides an environment that supports engagement with the natural surroundings. The school emphasizes outdoor and experiential learning, including day trips to museums, galleries, and theatres, as well as residential trips and camps, with activities such as river gorge walking, high ropes, kayaking, orienteering, surfing and raft building, and incursions such as art workshops and wildlife encounters. The IB Primary Years Programme is offered for Years 1-6, and ESF resources support delivery of a world-class international education.

Sports Facilities
The school offers a diverse sports program including football, basketball, netball, and swimming. There are opportunities to join school teams for inter-school events and to represent the school in Hong Kong-wide competitions, with rugby, hockey, and cricket also offered.

Academic Facilities
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is offered for Years 1-6. The school uses ESF English curriculum documentation, with language learning delivered across the curriculum in three strands: language of instruction, additional language, and mother tongue. Specialist Provision covers Languages, Mathematics, Learning Technologies, and Expressive Arts. Arts learning is integrated across the curriculum, with co-curricular music including Junior and Senior Choir, Chinese Singing and Dancing, recorder, xylophone, Chinese Drumming, Theatre Club, Ukulele and Art Club, and specialist music lessons.

Extra Curricular Facilities
CWBS offers a broad range of extracurricular activities beyond sports, including choir. Sports ECAs include football, basketball, rugby, hockey, and cricket, with opportunities to join school teams for inter-school events and Hong Kong-wide competitions. Other clubs such as orchestra, drumming and dancing culminate in festivals, performances, or community service initiatives.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). It was authorised as an IB World School to offer the PYP in April 2009 and reauthorized after a 2018 evaluation. The curriculum follows ESF and IB standards, and the principal, PYP Coordinator and teachers undertake IB training to keep teaching up to date. The PYP emphasises intellectual, personal, emotional and social development through transdisciplinary inquiry.

Arts & Creative
The Arts are integral to teaching and learning; two strands apply across art forms: Creating and Responding. Co-curricular music plays a large role, with Junior and Senior Choir, Chinese Singing and Dancing, recorder, xylophone, Chinese Drumming, Theatre Club, Ukulele, and Art Club, plus music lessons from specialist teachers. Students participate in a choir, biannual concerts, the Year 6 exhibition, class presentations, assemblies, exhibitions and showcases. The arts forms include Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts, with arts integrated across the curriculum.

Cultural & Language
CWBS embraces a Multicultural Environment, celebrating cultural differences and promoting inclusivity for a globalised world. Language learning is fundamental and occurs in three strands: the language of instruction, an additional language and mother tongue, all integrated across the curriculum. The Chinese language is taught with differentiation (Foundation, Progression, Enhancement) and a focus on culture and context. The school supports mother tongue learning through parent-led groups to preserve cultural identity.

Social & Hobbies
CWBS offers a broad range of after-school clubs covering sports, music, arts, games and more. ECAs include football, basketball, rugby, hockey and cricket, with additional clubs in music and the arts culminating in festivals and community service initiatives. The program fosters skill development and personal growth in a vibrant, engaging environment.

Community & Service
The Student Council coordinates fundraising and social activities, with representatives from Years 3 to 6. The House System provides leadership opportunities through four houses and elected leaders who organise events, mentor younger students and support community engagement. Eco Warriors promote environmental sustainability with weekly meetings and Green Week initiatives. Student ambassadors lead tours for visitors and support community outreach, including charity campaigns such as Box of Hope.

Leadership & Professional
Strong student leadership is a feature of CWBS, including a Student Council and House System with elected leaders. Leaders organize school events, lead younger students, and drive charitable and community initiatives. Additional leadership roles include Library Monitors, Technology Leaders, Sports Leaders and Student Tour Ambassadors who represent the school to guests.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
CWBS runs a vibrant sports program with football, basketball, netball, and swimming, plus inter-school competition opportunities. Primary students participate in physical education twice a week, with team and individual sports and events such as athletics and swimming. After-school activities cover sports, music, arts and games, supporting physical health, social well-being and a sense of belonging.
Languages

Language Provision
The school provides English-medium instruction as part of ESF, the English-medium international school network in Hong Kong. The school follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for Years 1–6. The school was authorized to offer the PYP in April 2009 and reauthorized in 2018.
Reputation

Accreditations
Authorised as an International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) World School in April 2009: signifies the school meets IB standards for the Primary Years Programme.

Successfully re-authorised following a joint evaluation by IB and the Council of International Schools (CIS) in 2018: confirms ongoing compliance with international school-quality standards.

Accredited by CIS: denotes membership in a global network of schools committed to continuous improvement.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Application Submission
Families apply through the English Schools Foundation (ESF) online admissions system, which manages applications for all ESF schools, including Clearwater Bay School (CWBS). Parents must complete the online form, upload the required documents, and pay a non-refundable application fee. Applications for Year 1 entry typically open in September of the year before admission, while applications for other year levels are accepted on a rolling basis depending on availability.

2. Assessment and Review
Applications are reviewed by ESF’s central admissions office. Depending on the year group and availability, students may be invited for an interview or assessment to confirm readiness for the year level and to support placement decisions. Priority is given to eligible children of ESF staff, students transferring from ESF kindergartens, and siblings of current students.

3. Offer of Placement
Successful applicants receive an official offer letter from ESF. To accept, families must confirm within the stated timeframe and pay a refundable deposit equal to two months of tuition fees. One month is credited to the first tuition instalment, and the remaining month is held as a withdrawal deposit.

4. Enrolment Confirmation
After the deposit and required documents are received, the student’s place is confirmed. Tuition is billed monthly via autopay, beginning in September. Orientation information is shared by the school before the student’s start date.

Scholarships
Clearwater Bay School does not offer any scholarships. As an ESF primary school, it follows the foundation-wide fee structure and admissions framework, which do not include financial-aid or merit-based scholarship programmes. All students pay the same tuition and associated fees, subject to ESF’s standard policies.

Waitlist
When year levels are full, applications remain active within the ESF central admissions pool for the relevant year. Students are placed on a waitlist and considered when a place becomes available. Waitlist position is determined by factors such as the date of application and ESF’s admissions priorities (including sibling status and ESF kindergarten pathway eligibility). The school does not operate a separate CWBS-specific waitlist; all placements are managed centrally by ESF Admissions. Families are informed directly if a vacancy arises.
School Events
The school has not added events
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