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Discovery Bay International School - Primary & Secondary Campus

Hong Kong

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees HK$143,700 - 196,900
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1100
Type Co-educational
Opened 1983
Bus Service Yes
Part of
Discovery Bay International School
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages French, Mandarin, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) offers the English National Curriculum from Early Years to Sixth Form, with GCSEs in Years 10–11 and A Levels/BTECs in Years 12–13. The Primary & Secondary Campus sits in Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, and the school uses its unique coastal setting for experiential learning, including Forest and Beach Schools in the early years. Facilities include an artificial turf pitch, heated pool, Globe Theatre, drama/music suites, science labs, and STEAM/DT suites. Students can join clubs such as FOBISIA Maths, Debating, Environmental Club, and service with ImpactHK, alongside termly sports ECAs. Mandarin is taught throughout the school; French and Spanish are optional in Secondary. School transport routes connect Discovery Bay with Tung Chung and South Lantau. DBIS is CIS-accredited.

This campus is part of Discovery Bay International School

Discovery Bay Road Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong.

The Essentials

Discovery Bay International School - Primary & Secondary Campus has 1,100 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Discovery Bay International School’s Primary & Secondary Campus is located in Discovery Bay on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. The campus sits within a quiet residential area overlooking the sea, with easy access to public transport, including ferries and buses connecting to Central Hong Kong and Tung Chung. The school benefits from the open, community-focused surroundings of Discovery Bay, allowing for outdoor and environmental learning.

Stages
The Primary & Secondary Campus caters to students aged 5 to 18 years, covering Years 1 to 13. The school is divided into three stages: Primary School (Years 1–6), Secondary School (Years 7–11), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13). Students follow the English National Curriculum, culminating in IGCSE examinations and A Level or BTEC qualifications.

Type
DBIS is a co-educational international day school. It does not offer boarding, and all students commute daily from Discovery Bay and the surrounding areas. The school provides a structured, inclusive environment across Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form.

Additional learning support
The school provides Learning Enhancement support for students with mild to moderate learning needs. Support includes early identification, classroom differentiation, and targeted interventions managed by specialist staff. The focus is on ensuring equal access to learning and participation across all areas of school life.

Country affiliation
DBIS follows the British curriculum but has no formal affiliation with the UK government or any national education authority.

Religious affiliation
The school is non-denominational and has no religious affiliation.

School day structure
Exact start and end times are not publicly listed on the open website, but the school operates a full-day schedule for both Primary and Secondary students, with timetabled academic lessons, breaks, and lunch periods. Co-curricular and enrichment activities take place before and after regular classes.

Bus service
DBIS provides a dedicated school bus service operated by external providers, covering Discovery Bay, Tung Chung, and South Lantau. Routes and timetables differ for Primary and Secondary students. The service is designed for convenient and safe daily transport to and from the campus, with detailed timetables and guidelines provided to parents before each school year.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The uniform is compulsory for all students. A complete uniform list is provided at enrolment and on school materials. Jewellery is not allowed at school, with exceptions for earring studs in pierced ears and small religious items; shoulder-length or longer hair must be tied up during the school day; natural hair colours are expected. Parents are responsible for ensuring the uniform is worn, named, clean and in good repair.

Food Options
The School Canteen by Chartwells offers hot meals, snacks and drinks. Year 1 and Year 2 students are served at the table with a choice of Hot Meal A or B, while Year 3 to Secondary students choose hot meal options in the canteen. A lunch ordering app is used to select daily menu options, and students may also bring a packed lunch.

House System
The school has a house system with leadership roles such as House Captain positions and house-based activities, including charity events.

Governance and Ownership
The School Council, established under Section 32 of the Hong Kong Education Ordinance, governs the school. It is responsible for decisions including the school budget, building developments, school safety and the Head of School appointment.
Fees

Annual tuition at Discovery Bay International School - Primary & Secondary Campus ranges from HKD 143,700 to HKD 196,900 for 2026/27.

Application Fees
A one-time non-refundable application fee of HK$2,000 per student is required upon submission of an application. This covers administrative and processing costs for new admissions.

Development Levy
All new students are required to pay a School Development Levy before enrolment. Families may choose between the Standard School Development Levy (SSDL) of HK$60,000 per student for the first and second child and HK$50,000 for the third child onwards, or the Premium School Development Levy (PSDL) of HK$500,000 per student as a one-time fast-track option. Both levies are non-refundable and non-transferable. For Year 12 entrants, no levy is required; instead, a refundable deposit equal to two months’ school fees is paid and offset against September and October tuition.

Tuition Fees (Per Year)

British Curriculum Stream
Years 1 – 6 (Primary): HK$143,700 per year
Years 7 – 11 (Secondary): HK$190,700 per year
Years 12 – 13 (Sixth Form): HK$196,900 per year

Fees are billed in 10 monthly instalments from September to June.

Additional Fees
Uniforms, lunches, extracurricular activities, and after-school programmes are billed separately. Examination fees for IGCSE and A Level subjects, along with optional activities and educational trips, may also incur additional costs.

Transportation Fees
The school provides a bus service covering Discovery Bay, Tung Chung, and South Lantau. Fees vary depending on the route and are invoiced directly through the school’s transport provider.

Refund Policy
No refunds or reductions are provided if the school cannot open due to circumstances beyond its control, such as government restrictions, weather events, or pandemics. To withdraw a student, parents must provide 60 days’ written notice (excluding July and August) using the official Student Withdrawal Form. Late notice results in additional charges, ranging from half a month’s to two months’ tuition, depending on the delay.

Payment Options
Tuition is payable via autopay, cheque, or bank transfer, with credit card payments accepted for an additional bank handling fee. A deposit equal to one month’s tuition is collected in July and credited toward the September payment. Late payments after the 15th of the month incur a HK$200 fee, and returned autopay transactions are charged HK$100.
Academics

Discovery Bay International School - Primary & Secondary Campus teaches British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum
Discovery Bay International School follows the English National Curriculum from Year 1 through Year 13. In the Primary School (Years 1–6), students study core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities, alongside Art, Music, Physical Education, and Mandarin. The Secondary School (Years 7–11) builds on this foundation and leads to the Cambridge IGCSE examinations in Year 11, with students selecting a range of academic and creative subjects according to their interests. In the Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students follow either the A Level or BTEC pathway, allowing for academic or vocational specialisation in preparation for university or further study. Throughout all stages, teaching is delivered in English, with additional language instruction in Mandarin, French, and Spanish.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Discovery Bay International School promotes student wellbeing through its pastoral and community programmes, with form tutors and pastoral staff supporting students’ personal and social development. The school’s Wellbeing Hub, available via the DBIS Parent Portal, provides resources and initiatives that encourage healthy emotional growth and reflection. Assemblies, tutor sessions, and community events are used to strengthen students’ interpersonal skills and empathy. Specific programme details or SEL frameworks are not publicly disclosed on the school website.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides learning support through its Learning Enhancement Department, which assists students with mild to moderate learning needs. Support is delivered through early identification, classroom differentiation, and targeted interventions managed by specialist staff. The department works closely with teachers to ensure equal access to learning across subjects and year levels. DBIS is an inclusive mainstream school and does not operate as a specialist SEN institution. The school does not publicly disclose which specific types of learning needs it supports.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
DBIS offers provision for students with English as an Additional Language through its Learning Enhancement and EAL teams. The school provides additional in-class and small-group language support to help students develop English proficiency while accessing the mainstream curriculum. The exact structure, staffing, and entry criteria for EAL programmes are not publicly disclosed on the open website. However, the inclusion of dedicated EAL provision is referenced in the school’s admissions and curriculum information.

Mental Wellbeing
The school emphasises the importance of student wellbeing through its pastoral care system and Wellbeing Hub, which provides guidance and resources to students and families. Form tutors and pastoral staff play an active role in monitoring emotional well-being and ensuring students feel supported in their daily school life. Activities promoting positive relationships and emotional balance are incorporated across school stages. Details of counselling services or mental health specialists are not publicly disclosed on the school website.

Safeguarding
Discovery Bay International School maintains formal Child Protection and Safeguarding policies, which are published in its policies index on the website. These outline procedures for ensuring student safety, confidentiality, and appropriate reporting. Staff are required to follow safeguarding protocols and respond to concerns through designated channels. The school’s safeguarding framework aligns with international education standards, although further details about training and implementation are not publicly disclosed online.
Parent Experience

History
Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) was established in 1983 to serve the growing residential community of Discovery Bay on Lantau Island. The school began with a small number of students and relocated that same year to its purpose-built campus, which continues to house the Primary and Secondary sections today. In 1993, DBIS opened its distinctive Globe Theatre, marking its 10th anniversary and symbolising its emphasis on creative learning. The school later introduced its Sixth Form during the late 2010s, with the first A Level cohort graduating in 2019. DBIS operates as a private, not-for-profit international school governed by a Board of Directors.

Community
The DBIS community includes families representing more than 50 nationalities, reflecting the international diversity of Discovery Bay itself. The school regularly hosts community and cultural events such as International Day, Sports for All Day, and student-led performances in the Globe Theatre. These events foster a sense of connection among students, staff, and parents while celebrating cultural awareness and teamwork.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) plays an active role in supporting events and strengthening links between families and the school. The PTSA collaborates with staff and student representatives on the School Advisory Committee and contributes to initiatives that enhance the student experience. It helps coordinate community gatherings, seasonal celebrations, and fundraising activities that benefit school development projects. Parents are encouraged to participate in volunteering opportunities and to attend PTSA-organised events throughout the school year. The PTSA also provides a channel for parent feedback, helping maintain open communication within the wider DBIS community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
DBIS is housed in three campuses in Discovery Bay, offering extensive indoor and outdoor learning and play spaces. Facilities include an artificial turf pitch, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a netball court and a covered sports area, as well as multiple age-appropriate playgrounds and two Forest Schools. A roof garden, dedicated drama and music suites, art rooms, and a purpose-built Globe Theatre support creative arts. State-of-the-art science laboratories, Design & Technology, computer and STEAM suites, and an extensive library with over 20,000 items support the curriculum. An on-site Discovery Centre and an on-site cafeteria complete the campus resources.

Sports Facilities
The campus supports sport with an artificial turf pitch, a 25-metre swimming pool and a heated outdoor pool, a netball court and a covered sports area, plus a multi-purpose sports pitch. These facilities enable a broad range of physical education activities and team sports across the year.

Academic Facilities
The school features state-of-the-art science laboratories, Design & Technology, computer and STEAM suites, and two well-resourced computer and Design Technology suites. A dedicated Globe Theatre and Blackbox theatre facility support performing arts and theatre work, while the main library houses over 20,000 items and the Discovery Centre provides digital resources and media production spaces. Sixth Form has its own dedicated campus with facilities, while some lessons occur at the Main Campus to access additional resources.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Two Forest Schools support outdoor learning for younger students. The Globe Theatre and dedicated drama and music suites support performing arts, while the Discovery Centre offers green screen facilities and digital resources. The extensive library and dedicated study spaces, plus outdoor play areas and sports facilities, provide spaces for a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
DBIS offers an enrichment programme with opportunities in creative arts, languages, technology, reading and environmentalism. A peripatetic music programme runs during school hours, with junior musical ensembles. In Secondary, a Week Without Walls and day trips extend learning beyond the classroom; students also participate in FOBISIA competitions and arts and sports events.

Arts & Creative
DBIS offers a wide range of creative arts activities, including a Drama Club that stages a yearly production and participates in ISTA festivals. There are FOBISIA music festivals for student musicians and regular opportunities to perform in musical ensembles. During school hours, a thriving peripatetic programme enables instrument lessons.

Cultural & Language
The enrichment programme includes opportunities in languages. Trips to theatres, museums and other sites help students learn about the local environment and culture. Week Without Walls and international trips further expand cultural understanding.

Social & Hobbies
DBIS offers a large range of free extracurricular activities before, during and after school hours. Clubs include Debating Club, Environmental Club and other activities. There are musical ensembles and regular performances as part of the arts offering.

Community & Service
The school runs a Student Leaders programme in Year 6 and a School Council to develop leadership. House Captains and Student Ambassadors lead inter-house activities and support library, canteen and playground life; the Student Council engages in whole-school projects and supports one local and one international charity. Secondary provides service opportunities to support charities and fundraising events, and Sixth Form Prefects oversee leadership areas.

Leadership & Professional
The School supports student leadership through formal roles such as Year 6 Student Leaders, House Captains and the School Council. In Secondary, students can become Prefects and lead in areas such as leadership, internationalism, wellbeing, learning, resilience, communication, community and creativity.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Weekly Learning for Life lessons and regular assemblies support social and emotional development, complemented by a dedicated Wellbeing team and one-to-one support from the Head of Wellbeing and the School Counsellor. An inter-year buddy system and Friendship Finders foster peer relationships and social skills. The Secondary pastoral system includes tutor groups, Heads of Year and a four-house system (Dragon, Griffin, Goldhorn, Phoenix) that promotes wellbeing and positive relationships through house events.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction across the school. Mandarin Chinese is taught throughout the school. French and Spanish are optional subjects at the Secondary level. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available, with goals in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing and a focus on fluency before accuracy.
Reputation

Accreditations
Council of International Schools (CIS) – DBIS is an internationally accredited school through CIS, which recognises schools meeting rigorous global standards in education, governance, and student wellbeing.

FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia) – Membership connects DBIS with other British international schools in Asia for collaboration, events, and professional development.

Pearson Edexcel – The school is approved to deliver Pearson Edexcel qualifications, ensuring alignment with UK-based academic assessment standards.

Cambridge Assessment International Education – Authorised to deliver the Cambridge curriculum and qualifications, including IGCSE and A Level pathways.

AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance) – Recognised to provide UK AQA examinations, validating the school’s British curriculum framework.

Common Sense Education – Common Sense School (2021–2023) – Acknowledged for its commitment to digital citizenship and online safety education.

Childnet Digital Leaders Programme (Accredited School) – Recognised for promoting responsible digital engagement and student leadership in online safety.

Evidence Based Education – Great Teaching School Partner – Affiliated with the Great Teaching framework, focusing on continuous professional learning and research-based practice.

Top Schools – Official Partner – Listed as an official partner of Top Schools, a regional education platform connecting families with international schools in Asia.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Initial Enquiry and School Visit
Families begin the admissions process by exploring the Discovery Bay International School website or contacting the Admissions Office. Parents can arrange a campus tour or attend an open day to gain an overview of the school’s facilities, curriculum, and learning environment. The school provides information about year group placement and availability through its Admissions Enquiries page.

2. Application Submission
Parents complete the online application form and pay the non-refundable application fee. The form requires supporting documents such as the student’s birth certificate, recent school reports, passport copy, and any relevant learning support information. Applications are reviewed by the Admissions team once all required materials are received.

3. Assessment and Review
Depending on the student’s year level, the school may conduct an academic assessment or interview to determine suitability for entry. This ensures the school can meet the child’s educational and language needs. For students transferring from another school, previous academic records and teacher recommendations are taken into consideration.

4. Offer and Enrolment
If a place is available and the application is successful, parents receive an official offer of admission. To confirm enrolment, families must pay the School Development Levy (either Standard or Premium) before the student begins classes. A deposit equal to one month’s tuition is also required in July, which is credited toward the September invoice.

5. Joining Arrangements
Once confirmed, the Admissions Office provides joining information, including orientation details, bus routes, and uniform guidelines. Students are assigned to classes, and the school maintains communication with families to ensure a smooth transition into the DBIS community.

Scholarships
Discovery Bay International School provides access to a Scholarship Programme Application through the DBIS Parent Hub. However, the school does not publicly disclose details regarding the types of scholarships offered, eligibility criteria, or selection process on its open website. Based on available information, scholarships are likely to be merit-based, but specifics such as financial coverage or renewal conditions are not published online.

Waitlist
The school does not publicly state that it operates a formal waitlist or pool system.
School Events
The school has not added events
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