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Diocesan Boys' School

Hong Kong

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Mandarin
Fees HK$136,822 - 234,876
Ages 12 - 17 years
Pupil numbers 1386
Type Boys School, Boys School (boarding)
Opened 1869
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP)
Taught languages English, French, Mandarin
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Diocesan Boys’ School (DBS) is a boys’ day and boarding school in Mong Kok, Kowloon, with roots dating to 1869. The Secondary Division offers two academic pathways: Hong Kong’s HKDSE and the IB Diploma Programme, delivered with English as the medium of instruction (Chinese is used for Chinese Language and Chinese History). DBS highlights extensive co-curricular life, including Inter-School Sports and major music events such as Homecoming and other concerts. The school publishes transparent, grade-by-grade fees (local and non-local) and installment details for IB and HKDSE years. Boarding information and application notices are provided on the school website. Recent school reports describe student numbers and outline community-service initiatives. Families can find contact details, gate hours, and calendars online, as well as an IB site confirming the programme and noting AFEC “Athlete-Friendly Education Centre” accreditation.

131 Argyle St, Mong Kok, Hong Kong.

The Essentials

Diocesan Boys' School has 1,386 pupils, instruction in English, Mandarin.

Location
Diocesan Boys’ School (DBS) is situated in the Mong Kok area of Kowloon. The school is located in a central urban district, well-connected by public transport and major MTR lines, making it accessible from across Hong Kong.

Stages
DBS is divided into a Primary Division (Grades 1–6) and a Secondary Division (Grades 7–12). The Secondary Division offers both the HKDSE and IB Diploma Programme.

Type
DBS is an Anglican boys’ school offering both day and boarding options for students in the Secondary Division.

Additional learning support
The school offers Student Welfare and Fee Remission Schemes; however, there is no published information about dedicated SEN or learning support departments.

Country affiliation
DBS is a Hong Kong school and does not have an affiliation with a foreign country.

Religious affiliation
DBS is affiliated with the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican Church).

School day structure
DBS does not publish a daily timetable publicly, though the calendar indicates regular school days with designated holidays, services, and assemblies.

Bus service
The school does not advertise a daily bus service, though temporary event-day shuttle buses (such as for the Garden Fete) are mentioned in announcements.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is available for DBS students in G7 to G12. The Boarding School complex includes a gym and a pool, with teachers and boarding staff living on site. The program provides PACES targets, a mentorship system, and a structured timetable with dedicated homework and productive activity time; boarders receive academic support and participate in cultural, creative and sporting activities. Applications are made via an electronic form, and enquiries can be directed to the Warden at 2712 2702 or dbsboarding@dbs.edu.hk. The boarding layout runs four periods per year, with a standard monthly fee of HK$7,840 and weekend/long-holiday charges applying; there are remission options through the Day School Student Financial Assistance Scheme and LEA arrangements.

Uniform Requirement
The DBS Primary Division rules specify a formal uniform system with Summer and Winter options. Summer uniforms use grey shorts with a white shirt and blazer, while Winter uniforms include a white shirt with tie and a dark blue blazer; P.E. wear consists of a house T-shirt with blue shorts. Shoes are black leather and belts are black.

Food Options
Meals are produced in on-site kitchens and are nut-free, with accommodations for dietary intolerance. All meals are served in the Boarders' Dining Hall (Glass Pavilion), where boarders eat in a self-service setting; breakfast is at 07:30, lunch at 12:35, and dinner at 18:30 on school days. Formal dinners are held monthly, and late takeaway meals can be arranged with boarding staff.

House System
DBS has eight houses named Arthur, Piercy, Sykes, Featherstone, Sargent, Goodban, George She, and Lowcock. The house system originated in 1922 with four houses and expanded over time, with houses named after past headmasters; inter-house competitions include the Piercy Challenge Shield (athletics/swimming), Drama Shield, and Centenary Shield, awarded annually.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a School Committee, with The Rt Revd Dr. Matthias Der serving as School Supervisor and Ronnie Cheng as Headmaster. The school operates under the Direct Subsidy Scheme.
Fees

Annual tuition at Diocesan Boys' School ranges from HKD 136,822 to HKD 234,876 for 2026/27.

Tuition Fees (Per Year)

Grades 1 – 6: HKD 136,822
Grades 7 – 9: HKD 139,646
Grades 10 – 12: HKD 153,116
IB1 – IB2 (Years 11–12, IB Diploma Programme): HKD 234,876

Tuition fees are billed in multiple installments:

* Grades 7–11 (HKDSE and IB): 10 installments per year
* Grade 12 (HKDSE): 7 installments
* Grade 12 (IB): 8 installments

Additional Fees
The school’s financial assistance documents note that costs for lunch, uniforms, and textbooks may apply separately. DBS operates a Fee Remission and Scholarships Scheme for eligible students, based on financial need.

Payment Options
The school accepts payment through bank transfer as outlined in its admissions and finance documentation.
Academics

Diocesan Boys' School teaches IB (DP) for students aged 12 to 17.

Curriculum
Diocesan Boys’ School (DBS) offers two academic pathways in its Secondary Division: the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Students in Grades 7 to 9 follow a broad curriculum that prepares them for either pathway, emphasizing English as the main medium of instruction, with Chinese used for Chinese Language and Chinese History. From Grade 10 onwards, students select between the HKDSE or IB route, each leading to internationally recognized qualifications for university admission. The IB Diploma Programme covers core components such as the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). The Primary Division curriculum builds foundational knowledge in English, Chinese, Mathematics, and General Studies, with an emphasis on moral education and personal development.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school does not publicly disclose a dedicated SEL programme or specific initiatives under the title “Social and Emotional Learning.”

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
DBS does not publish clear information about SEN provision or support. There is no indication that it is a specialist SEN institution or that it provides structured support for specific needs publicly.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not publicly state that it has a specialized EAL programme or services for students whose primary language is not English.

Mental Wellbeing
No public documentation is available that details how DBS addresses mental health or wellbeing services, such as counselling, wellness programmes, or staff roles dedicated to mental health.

Safeguarding
The school does not publish its child-protection or safeguarding policies on its public-facing site in detail.
Parent Experience

History
The Diocesan Boys’ School traces its origins to 1869, when it started as the Diocesan Home and Orphanage, accepting boys and girls. Over time, it evolved into a boys’ institution, and the name “Diocesan Boys’ School” was adopted by the school committee in 1913. The school came under the management of the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican) and, in 2003, transitioned to the Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS). A Primary Division was established in 2004 alongside the existing secondary school.

Community
DBS hosts a range of community and cultural events such as the Garden Fete, Homecoming Concert, Easter Service, and seasonal celebrations that bring together students, staff, parents, and alumni. The school also maintains bodies like the DBS Foundation, Old Boys’ Association (DSOBA), and Athletics Club (DBSAC) to enhance alumni engagement and community ties. The school news section regularly highlights these events and their roles in school life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
DBS has a Parent-Teacher Association aimed at fostering cooperation and communication among parents, teachers, students, and administration. The PTA organizes meetings, election days, and annual general meetings to facilitate dialogue and involvement in school governance. In the Primary Division, the PTA holds inauguration and election days, serves as a platform for parent feedback, and participates in events like parent-teacher meetings and school fairs.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is located at 131 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong. The Main School Building forms the core of the campus, with a New Wing that houses the DBS Library on the Ground Floor. The DBS Library supports reading and research with a growing collection of new books. The Centre for Further Studies and Careers (CFC) is on the 2nd floor of the Main School Building and provides guidance for local and overseas university applications. The Boarding School is a distinctive feature of the school, offering a structured living and learning environment for boarders. Arts are supported through the Arts Development Committee, and spaces such as Sky Garden host performances and exhibitions.

Academic Facilities
DBS offers the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) for Senior Secondary Years (Grade 10 to Grade 12). The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is offered for Grades 11–12. English, Chinese and French are languages offered within the IB program. The DBS Library supports reading and research and is located on the Ground Floor of the New Wing. The Centre for Further Studies and Careers provides university application resources and is located on the 2nd floor of the Main School Building. IB Library resources are available for IB students.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Arts Development Committee coordinates programs in visual arts, drama, photography and music. Speech Festival (English) provides performance opportunities. The school supports inter-school sports through the Inter-School Sports program and maintains the DBS Athletics Club (DBSAC). Sky Garden is a space used for events and performances.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school uses English as the medium of instruction. Chinese Language and Chinese History are taught in Chinese, and French is offered as a second language with teaching materials in English, Chinese and French.

Arts & Creative
The school offers a range of language and arts activities through its extended programs and festivals, including English-language speech activities and access to the School Library and artistic clubs through its general ecosystem.

Cultural & Language
A Second Language program (French) is provided to broaden linguistic opportunities, alongside Chinese language and literature offerings as part of the core curriculum.

Social & Hobbies
Students participate in a variety of co-curricular activities, including Inter-School Sports and DBS Athletics Club (DBSAC), as well as groups like the Green School Action Group and other student-led initiatives.

Community & Service
Community engagement and service are encouraged through school-wide programs and collaborations beyond the classroom, including local and overseas exchange and service opportunities.

Leadership & Professional
The Centre for Further Studies and Careers provides guidance for university applications, with resources for local and overseas pathways.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Boarding is available as a residential option, supporting student development through independent living and self-discipline.
Languages

Language Provision
The Primary Division uses English as the medium of instruction. Putonghua and French are taught in the Primary Division, with dedicated Putonghua and French departments and electives. The Secondary Division offers HKDSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with IB language offerings including English, Chinese, and French, and Mandarin Ab Initio available online.
Reputation

Awards
The school’s public reports and promotional materials do not appear to spotlight awards granted to the institution itself.

Accreditations
AFEC (Athlete-Friendly Education Centre): DBS is designated as an AFEC school, meaning it accommodates student-athletes by aligning academic and training schedules to support both sporting and academic goals.

IB Authorization: DBS is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Obtain Application Form
For G7 (Form 1), parents can request the application between a specific window (for example, mid-October to mid-November) by mail, in person, or by downloading it from the school website. Applicants are not required to disclose family income in the form.

2. Submit Application & Selective Assessment
After submission, selected candidates are invited to attend interviews in English and Cantonese. Students who demonstrate strong talent in sports or music may also be asked to complete trial or audition assessments.

3. Selection & Weighting Criteria
For G7 entry, selection is based on multiple factors: 60% academic results, 20% extracurricular achievements, 15% interviews, and 5% other factors (such as sibling or alumni connections).

4. Offers / Enrollment
Successful applicants are notified, usually between late March and early April, and must sign a Letter of Undertaking committing that them student will not join the government’s Secondary School Places Allocation (SSPA) system.

5. Admissions for IB / G10 / G11 (external applicants)
For the Grade 10 Bridging Year Programme and Grade 11 IB Diploma, applications open online each February. Applicants must take written tests in English, Chinese or French, and Mathematics, with occasional cognitive assessments.

Scholarships
DBS offers both need-based and merit-based financial support through its Scholarship and Fee Remission Schemes. The Fee Remission Scheme, overseen by the Student Welfare Committee, provides eligible families with 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% tuition fee remission, depending on gross family income and household size. Students in Grades 7 to 12 may also receive additional assistance, such as lunch, textbooks, and uniform subsidie,s through the Student Financial Assistance Scheme. Merit scholarships are awarded to students who excel in academics, sports, music, or extracurricular activities, as determined by the school’s Admissions Awards Subcommittee. In addition, the Centre for Further Studies and Careers (CFC) maintains a Scholarship Advisory Team that supports and advises students applying for external scholarship opportunities.

Waitlist
The school does not publicly disclose a formal waitlist or pool system as part of its admissions process.
School Events
The school has not added events
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