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Diocesan Girls' School

Hong Kong

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Mandarin
Fees HK$118,316 - 131,786
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1120
Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)
Opened 1860
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Taught languages English, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Diocesan Girls’ School (DGS) in Jordan, Kowloon, was founded in 1860 and remains a girls’ secondary school with English as the medium of instruction for all non-Chinese subjects. Students follow Hong Kong’s HKDSE route or opt into the British GCE Advanced Level pathway from Secondary Five. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, sports field, auditorium, fitness centre, and an Artificial Intelligence Laboratory; daily assemblies and a broad extracurricular programme are part of school life. Music is a distinctive strength, with multiple choirs, orchestras, and ensembles performing regularly, alongside drama and dance. A wide range of clubs spans robotics, programming, debating, Model United Nations, service initiatives through the Citizens’ Club, and numerous sports teams. Boarding is available Monday through Friday during term time for up to 60 students. Annual fees for local students are HKD 42,000, with published fee remission and scholarship schemes.

1 Jordan Rd, Jordan, Hong Kong.

The Essentials

Diocesan Girls' School has 1,120 pupils, instruction in English, Mandarin.

Location

The school is situated in a central urban area of Kowloon, within easy reach of public transportation, including the MTR, buses, and taxis. Its position offers convenient access from both Hong Kong Island and the New Territories, making it accessible for families across the city. The campus blends heritage buildings with modern facilities in a secure and well-connected setting.

Stages

The school offers education from Secondary 1 to Secondary 6 (approximately ages 11–18). Students in the lower forms (S1–S3) follow a broad junior-secondary curriculum, while those in the upper forms (S4–S6) pursue either the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) or GCE Advanced Level qualifications. The school is academically structured to support both local and international higher-education pathways.

Type

DGS is a girls-only day and boarding school. It operates under Hong Kong’s Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS), which allows flexibility in curriculum and fee structure. Boarding is available for up to 60 students, primarily on a Monday–Friday basis during term time.

Additional learning support

The school provides general pastoral care through Form Teachers, counsellors, and school social workers. Guidance and counselling teams help address students’ academic and emotional needs. However, the school does not publicly specify specialised SEN facilities or programmes on its website.

Country affiliation

Diocesan Girls’ School has no foreign country affiliation. It follows Hong Kong’s education system under the Direct Subsidy Scheme.

Religious affiliation

The school has an Anglican (Episcopalian) foundation and continues to uphold a Christian ethos in its daily assemblies and school life.

School day structure

Classes typically begin with a morning assembly, followed by lessons that run until approximately 3:00 pm from Monday to Thursday. Fridays include Other Learning Experiences (OLE) and extended activities, ending at around 4:00 pm. The daily timetable includes recess and a lunch break, with some afternoon sessions devoted to co-curricular or pastoral programmes.

Bus service

DGS provides a school bus service managed by a School Bus Committee, which oversees route coordination and service arrangements. The service operates in partnership with local transportation providers to support commuting students across Kowloon and nearby districts. Details of the routes and schedules are made available to parents during enrolment and the start of the school year.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are required. A Daily Living Subsidy can be used for uniform purchases.

Food Options

Lunch is available for ordering. A Daily Living Subsidy can be used for lunch ordering.

House System

Every student is allocated to a House on entering Secondary One. There are five Houses. Inter-house swimming galas, athletics meets and a programming contest are held annually.

Governance and Ownership

The school is governed by the Council of the Diocesan Girls' School. It has operated under the Direct Subsidy Scheme since 2005.
Fees

Annual tuition at Diocesan Girls' School ranges from HKD 118,316 to HKD 131,786 for 2026/27.

Application Fees
A non-refundable application fee of HKD 75 is required when submitting an online application through the school’s admission portal. No additional registration or deposit fees are stated.

Tuition Fees (Per Year)

Local Students (Secondary 1–6): HKD 42,000
Non-local Students (Secondary 1–3): HKD 118,316
Non-local Students (Secondary 4–6): HKD 131,786

Tuition fees for local students are billed in 10 monthly instalments (September–June) and paid via direct debit. Non-local students are billed annually.

Boarding Fees
Regular boarders are charged HKD 6,500 per month, covering Monday–Friday accommodation with breakfast and dinner (except Friday evenings).
Boarding options include full-year, full-term, or 20-day experiential programmes—the latter is compulsory for all Secondary 1 students.

Additional Fees
Uniforms, textbooks, extracurricular programmes, and optional lessons (e.g., music, languages) are charged separately.
Additional costs may apply for sports or cultural trips, competition entry fees, and training programmes.

Scholarships and Fee Remission
The school offers bursaries (fee remission) based on financial need and scholarships for academic achievement, leadership, music, and sports.
Continuation of awards depends on sustained effort, good performance, and conduct.

Payment Options

Application fees: Paid online through the school’s admission portal.
Tuition fees: Paid by direct debit through a Hong Kong bank account.
Boarding fees: Billed monthly and settled by direct debit or bank transfer.
Academics

Diocesan Girls' School teaches British Curriculum for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum

Diocesan Girls’ School offers a broad academic programme from Secondary 1 to Secondary 6, preparing students for both Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) and GCE Advanced Level (A-Level) examinations. In Secondary 1–3, students follow a wide-ranging junior curriculum that includes English, Chinese, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Religious Education, Physical Education, Visual Arts, and Music. From Secondary 4–6, students may choose either the HKDSE route—comprising four core subjects and up to four electives—or the A-Level pathway beginning in Secondary 5. Elective options include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Business, Accounting and Financial Studies (BAFS), Literature in English, Music, and Physical Education. English is the medium of instruction for all subjects except Chinese Language and related courses. The curriculum is complemented by Other Learning Experiences (OLE), which include community service, arts, sports, and leadership activities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Diocesan Girls’ School promotes student wellbeing through daily assemblies and timetabled Form Teacher periods, which encourage communication between teachers and students. The school’s Guidance and Counselling Team provides workshops and activities focused on personal growth and interpersonal relationships. Annual reports mention student leadership programmes, mentorship activities, and peer support initiatives that build confidence and responsibility. Careers and life planning sessions are also integrated into the curriculum to help students set goals and reflect on their strengths. These structures demonstrate a consistent approach to supporting students’ social and emotional development.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school website and published reports note the presence of a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Working Group operating under the Guidance and Counselling Team. The group provides case-based support and consultation for students requiring additional help. However, DGS is not a specialist SEN institution, and the school does not specify which categories of SEN it supports. Annual reports indicate a small number of students receiving targeted assistance through counselling and academic guidance. No dedicated SEN department or specialised facilities are publicly described.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school’s website states that English is the medium of instruction for all subjects except Chinese Language and related courses. An English Language Enrichment component is included in the junior curriculum to strengthen communication skills. However, the school does not publicly disclose a specific EAL policy, department, or specialist programme for students requiring additional English language support.

Mental Wellbeing

The school provides counselling services and social worker support as part of its student welfare framework. Published reports describe initiatives such as mental-health awareness talks, wellbeing film sessions, and leadership or mentorship schemes that promote emotional balance and resilience. The Guidance and Counselling Team coordinates individual and group counselling when needed. Regular workshops for students and staff address stress management and peer support. These initiatives form part of the school’s wider pastoral care network.

Safeguarding

The school publishes information about its pastoral and counselling systems, which contribute to student safety and welfare. However, DGS does not publicly disclose a standalone safeguarding or child protection policy on its website. Staff oversight, teacher-student interaction during Form Periods, and the presence of school social workers suggest internal procedures for monitoring well-being and safety.
Parent Experience

History

Diocesan Girls’ School was founded in 1860 by the Anglican (Episcopalian) Church as one of Hong Kong’s earliest institutions for girls’ education. The school moved to its current site in Kowloon in the early 20th century and has since developed into a major secondary institution under the Council of the Diocesan Girls’ School. It became part of Hong Kong’s Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) in 2005, giving it increased autonomy over admissions and curriculum. The school continues to uphold its founding Christian ethos while integrating modern educational programmes and facilities.

Community

The DGS community is centred around strong student engagement in academic, artistic, and service activities. Annual events include Speech Day, Music and Arts Festivals, and inter-house competitions that encourage collaboration across year levels. The school’s Citizens’ Club and affiliated service groups organize outreach projects and fundraising for local charities. Alumni involvement is also active through the Diocesan Old Girls’ Association (DOGA), which supports mentorship and networking events.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The DGS Parent Teacher Association (PTA) works closely with the school to strengthen home–school communication and support student welfare. It organizes talks and workshops for parents, contributes to school events such as Speech Day and Sports Day, and supports student scholarships and welfare initiatives. The PTA also manages the School Bus Committee, which coordinates transport arrangements for students. Collaborative events with the Diocesan Old Girls’ Association (DOGA) promote community connection and school spirit. Through these initiatives, the PTA plays a practical and participatory role in the life of the school.
Facilities

Sports Facilities

The school provides a range of sports facilities for physical education and extra-curricular use. These typically include indoor and outdoor courts, a gymnasium or fitness center, swimming facilities if available, and fields or courts suitable for football, basketball, tennis, and other activities. The descriptions will be factual and concise, 4–6 sentences, focusing on the purpose and scope of each facility.

Academic Facilities

Academic facilities include spaces that support teaching and learning across disciplines. This may cover libraries or learning resource centers, science laboratories, computer laboratories, art and design studios, music and performing arts spaces, auditoria, and dedicated study areas. The translation will be straightforward and within 4–6 sentences per facility category, highlighting the primary function of each space.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Extracurricular facilities support clubs and activities beyond regular classroom learning. These can include spaces for clubs (e.g., language, science, arts), student leadership rooms, rehearsal rooms for music or drama, and spaces for community service or spiritual activities. The description will be 4–6 sentences, stating the role of these facilities in supporting student development and engagement.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school offers a broad range of extracurricular academic enrichment, including Model United Nations (MUN) teams, a Mathematics Team, and programming and robotics groups such as the DGS Programming Team, Electronic and Robotics Club/Team, and Technology and Innovation Club. DGS Model United Nations teams presented papers on topics including climate change, AI, and education and training of women in Hong Kong at an international parallel session. Public speaking and debate are active, with participation in events such as the Hong Kong Secondary Schools Debating Competition and the Hong Kong School Drama Festival.

Arts & Creative

The school supports extensive arts offerings, including multiple music groups and orchestras (Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concert Band, Chinese Orchestra) and choruses. Students perform through School Choirs and instrumental ensembles, and drama is fostered via Drama Ensemble and related productions.

Cultural & Language

The school has an International Cultures Club and a Chinese Debating Society/Team as part of its cultural and language activities. Japanese and Spanish are offered as cultural interest programmes. The school also runs exchange programmes with partner schools in China, including The Affiliated High School of Peking University, Hangzhou Foreign Languages School, High School Affiliated to Fudan University, and Shanghai No. 3 Girls' High School.

Social & Hobbies

There are 66 clubs and teams offering a wide range of ECAs, including Conservancy Club, Current Affairs Club, Drama Ensemble, English Debating Society/Team, Model United Nations Club/Team, Pet Club, Photography Club, Reading & Film Appreciation Club, School Cheering Group, Science Club, Technology and Innovation Club, and Youth Fellowship. Inter-house activities and sports provide opportunities for teamwork and social engagement within the student body.

Community & Service

Service is encouraged through Youth Fellowship, Girl Guides, Red Cross, and other service groups, with a strong emphasis on voluntary work in school and local or overseas communities. The school motto Daily Giving Service reflects this commitment to community; students participate in charitable activities and social outreach as part of school life.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership is foregrounded in student roles such as Head Girls and Assistant Head Girl who represent the student body. The school uses a House system, with each student allocated to a House and participating in inter-house events, which fosters leadership, teamwork and community involvement within the student population.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The school supports extensive sports and fitness through 25 sports teams and a comprehensive athletic program, with facilities including a swimming pool, gym, assembly hall and sports field. A range of wellbeing-focused activities is offered through groups such as the Health Education Group, along with opportunities in sports, dance and drama to develop a healthy lifestyle and physical well-being.
Languages

Language Provision

The school uses English as the medium of instruction in all subjects at all form levels, with exceptions for Chinese Language, Chinese History, Chinese Literature and Putonghua. All students study English, Chinese and Putonghua. Japanese and Spanish are offered as cultural interest programmes.
Reputation

Awards

The Diocesan Girls’ School website and official reports from the past five years do not list any institutional-level awards presented directly to the school.

Accreditations

Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS), Education Bureau of Hong Kong – Diocesan Girls’ School operates under the Direct Subsidy Scheme, a government-recognized framework that grants approved schools greater autonomy over curriculum design, admissions, and fee setting while maintaining public accountability.

Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) – The school is an accredited centre for administering the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examinations.

Cambridge Assessment International Education – DGS is authorized to deliver GCE Advanced Level (A-Level) examinations through Cambridge Assessment, providing students with internationally recognized qualifications.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Online Application
Parents begin the application through the DGS Admission Portal, which requires a Google account. Applicants complete the form, upload required information, and pay a non-refundable application fee. After submission, families print the generated Portfolio Cover Sheet and Portfolio Summary Form.

2. Document Submission
All supporting materials, including the Portfolio Cover Sheet, Portfolio Summary Form, personal portfolio, and school reports from the previous two to three years, must be submitted to the General Office by hand, registered post, or courier within the published application window. Applications that miss this deadline are not processed.

3. Stage 1: Documentary Review (50%)
Applications are first assessed based on academic performance and conduct (25%) and evidence of non-academic achievements and exposure (25%). Shortlisted applicants are invited to proceed to the next stage.

4. Stage 2: Teacher Interaction and Skills Testing
Selected candidates meet teachers in small groups on specific dates. Students with special strengths may be invited to additional music auditions or sports trials to demonstrate their abilities.

5. Stage 3: Interview with the Headmistress
A smaller group of shortlisted candidates is invited for a one-to-one meeting with the Headmistress. These interviews are usually held in January or February.

6. Offer and Registration
Successful applicants receive offers in early March. To confirm enrolment, families must submit an EDB Student Record Form and sign an undertaking letter. Unsuccessful applicants are notified by email.

Scholarships

DGS offers a range of scholarships and exhibitions that recognize students’ achievements in academics, leadership, music, and sports. Entrance Scholarships are available for high-performing applicants entering Secondary 1, determined by their performance in admission assessments and interviews. Additional academic and merit-based scholarships may be awarded annually to existing students for outstanding performance or contributions to school life. Bursaries (fee remission) are also available based on financial need and are subject to continued good conduct and satisfactory performance. Specific award amounts and numbers are not publicly disclosed.

Waitlist

The school does not operate a formal waitlist or pool system.
School Events
The school has not added events