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Island School

Hong Kong

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees HK$159,400 - 181,100
Ages 7 - 13 years
Pupil numbers 1200
Type Co-educational
Opened 1967
Bus Service Yes
Part of
English Schools Foundation
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 23
Strengths Performing Arts, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Island School is an ESF secondary school (Years 7–13) located on Borrett Road in Mid-Levels, Hong Kong. Students follow the IB MYP in Years 7–9, progress to IGCSE/GCSE subjects in Years 10–11, and choose the IB Diploma or IB Career-related Programme in Years 12–13; language options at IGCSE include Chinese, Spanish, and Japanese. The campus includes a Performance Space with a 10-metre stage and seating for 300. Whole-school Quest Week takes learning beyond the classroom through local and overseas trips. Daily life runs on a clear timetable, with morning buses arriving by 8:15 and after-school buses departing at 15:40 (Mon–Thu) and 14:40 (Fri). English is the language of instruction. The school serves more than 1,200 students and offers structured Service Learning and student leadership opportunities.

This campus is part of English Schools Foundation

20號 Borrett Rd, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong.

The Essentials

Island School has 1,200 pupils, typical class sizes of 23, instruction in English.

Location
Island School is situated in the Mid-Levels area of Hong Kong Island, a residential hillside district above Central. The campus is easily accessible by public transport and school buses, connecting it to key areas of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Its elevated setting offers a quiet environment while remaining close to the city’s main business and residential zones.

Stages
The school caters to students from Year 7 to Year 13, covering the full span of secondary education. Programmes progress from the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7–9 to IGCSE in Years 10–11, and finally to either the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP) in Years 12–13.

Type
Island School is a co-educational day school that forms part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) network in Hong Kong. It does not provide boarding facilities, and all students attend on a day basis.

Additional learning support
Students receive support through a structured House system, with each student assigned a Tutor and Head of House who oversee wellbeing and academic progress. The school also provides access to counselling services and a published Special Educational Needs Policy detailing additional provision for students requiring support.

Country affiliation
Island School is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), Hong Kong’s largest provider of English-medium international education. It does not hold affiliation with any other country.

Religious affiliation
The school has no stated religious affiliation and welcomes students of all backgrounds.

School day structure
Lessons begin at 08:25 a.m. and end at 3:35 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and at 2:35 p.m. on Fridays. Morning buses arrive by 08:15 a.m., and after-school buses depart at 3:40 p.m. (Monday–Thursday) and 2:40 p.m. (Friday).

Bus service
Island School provides an organised school-bus service coordinated with its daily timetable. Buses arrive before classes begin and depart immediately after the end of the school day. The service covers routes to major residential areas on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, helping students reach the Mid-Levels campus conveniently and safely.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Year 7–11 Uniform Code requires Island School-branded uniform items for tops, trousers/shorts/skorts/skirts; a blue and white striped uniform shirt; black and/or white shoes; black and/or white socks or black tights. Cold weather options include a long-sleeve shirt or blouse, long pants, a navy fleece or windbreaker, a maroon knit sweater, and a PE kit. The uniform can be worn year round; Year 12–13 Dress Code exempts students from wearing the uniform, but requires a clean, tidy, smart-casual appearance; PE and lab requirements include a dedicated PE uniform and closed-toe shoes where required.

Food Options
Light bites and snacks are available at four catering stations during break times. Catering is operated by Asia Pacific Catering (under Café de Coral Group). The four stations are Island Cafe (G/F), Island Main (G/F), Island Deli (G/F), and Island Express (2/F); stations open from 7:30am to 4pm each day.

House System
Island School has a six-House system: Da Vinci, Einstein, Fleming, Rutherford, Nansen, and Wilberforce. Tutor groups are based within these Houses for pastoral care, and there are events across the year that promote House collaboration and spirit, including team-building activities and various inter-house activities.

Governance and Ownership
Island School is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the largest English-medium international school network in Hong Kong, providing resources and opportunities across ESF Schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at Island School ranges from HKD 159,400 to HKD 181,100 for 2026/27.

Application Fees
A non-refundable application fee of HKD 2,800 is required for all new applicants to ESF secondary schools. This is paid online by credit card via PayPal at the time of application. Families must also pay a two-month refundable deposit upon accepting an offer of admission. Half of this deposit is credited toward the first month’s tuition, and the other half is offset against the final month’s payment, provided appropriate withdrawal notice is given.

Tuition Fees (Per Year)

Years 7 – 10: HKD 181,100
Year 11: HKD 159,400
Years 12 – 13: HKD 167,600

Tuition fees are billed in 10 equal monthly instalments (September – June) through direct debit (autopay). Fees are payable for any month in which a student attends school for even one day.

Additional Fees
Families may incur additional costs for uniforms, school trips, and public examination fees (IGCSE or IB). The English Schools Foundation (ESF) also applies standardised capital contribution schemes and “Other Charges” that support long-term facility investment.

Transportation Fees
The school provides a daily bus service with routes across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Morning buses arrive before the 08:25 a.m. start, and after-school buses depart at 3:40 p.m. (Monday – Thursday) and 2:40 p.m. (Friday). Transport fees are set by the contracted provider and invoiced separately to families.

Learning Support
Island School offers a structured House system and counselling services for student wellbeing. If additional specialist support is required, families coordinate provision directly with the school’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) department.

Refund Policy
The application fee is non-refundable. The refundable deposit is returned when families provide proper withdrawal notice and no outstanding balances remain. Attendance during any month renders that month’s fees payable in full.

Payment Options

Direct debit (autopay) for monthly tuition fees
Credit card (via PayPal) for application fee.
Academics

Island School teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 7 to 13.

Curriculum
Island School follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7 to 9, providing a framework that integrates subject learning with real-world application. In Years 10 and 11, students work toward the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) across core subjects including English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science (Double Award), Global Perspectives, and a modern language (Chinese, Spanish, or Japanese). In Years 12 and 13, students choose between the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP), allowing pathways either toward university study or career-focused qualifications. The curriculum also includes Personal and Social Education (PSE) and structured Service Learning, supporting community engagement and personal development. Specialist subjects in the arts, technology, and design complement academic study throughout all years.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Island School embeds social and emotional learning through its House system, where every student belongs to one of six Houses and is supported by a Tutor and a Head of House. These staff members follow students from Year 7 through Year 13, fostering consistent relationships and ongoing guidance. Heads of Year provide additional support for lower secondary students (Years 7–9). The school’s Personal and Social Education (PSE) curriculum also includes topics related to wellbeing, relationships, and decision-making. These structures ensure regular contact between staff and students to promote belonging and personal growth.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Island School publishes a Special Educational Needs Policy, outlining how support is provided for students requiring additional learning assistance. The school identifies needs through regular teacher monitoring and provides intervention and support within the mainstream classroom. SEN provision operates under the ESF framework and includes collaboration between classroom teachers, support staff, and the pastoral team. The school is not a specialist SEN institution, but it supports students with mild to moderate learning needs who can access the mainstream curriculum with adjustments.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Island School publishes a Language Policy and Language Pathways guide under its Policies and Publications section. However, the school does not publicly disclose detailed information on specific EAL support programmes or staffing.

Mental Wellbeing
The school supports mental well-being primarily through its Tutor system, counselling service, and Pastoral Care structure. Students have daily contact with their Tutor, who is the first point of contact for well-being issues. Counsellors are available on campus to provide additional support, and the school’s pastoral framework encourages open communication between students, staff, and families. These services are outlined under the “School Life” and “Pastoral Care” sections of the website.

Safeguarding
Island School publishes its Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy under the Policies and Publications section. The policy outlines procedures for identifying, reporting, and managing concerns related to student welfare. Staff members receive guidance to ensure compliance with ESF’s child protection standards. Safeguarding is integrated into the wider pastoral system, ensuring that student wellbeing and safety are prioritised across all year levels.

Safeguarding Policy
Parent Experience

History
Island School was founded in 1967 as part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) network in Hong Kong. It began as one of the first ESF secondary schools established to serve the city’s English-speaking community. The school has maintained a strong sense of identity through its House system, which dates back to its early years. After a temporary relocation during campus redevelopment, Island School returned to its rebuilt Borrett Road campus in 2022, marking a significant milestone in its history. The school continues to operate under ESF’s governance and oversight.

Community
Island School maintains a vibrant community through its House system, Service Learning initiatives, and annual events such as Quest Week, which sends students into Hong Kong and overseas for experiential learning. The school promotes collaboration between students, teachers, and parents through open communication channels and whole-school events. Community life is reflected in cultural celebrations, student-led performances, and charity projects that strengthen links within the broader ESF network.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Island School Parent Teacher Association (ISPTA) serves as the formal link between families and the school. The ISPTA organises parent information evenings, social gatherings, and community fundraisers, contributing to school life and student initiatives. The association also maintains the ISPTA News section on the school’s website, where updates and announcements are shared with the wider parent community. It supports school events and works with staff to enhance facilities and student wellbeing programmes. Parents can contact the ISPTA directly for membership and event details through the school’s online platform.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus is located at 20 Borrett Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong. It features a performing space that can accommodate over 300 spectators with a 10-meter stage and professional sound and lighting. It has rooftop sports courts for multi-use activities. The gymnasium is the largest on campus and can be divided into two spaces for concurrent activities; it can also be used as a lecture theatre or a standing reception area for up to 1,200 people.

Sports Facilities
The gymnasium has a sprung floor and can be partitioned into two spaces for different activities. There are two rooftop courts suitable for basketball and other sports and team-building activities. The performing space supports large events and assemblies with appropriate audio-visual capabilities.

Academic Facilities
The school offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Years 7-9, followed by the IGCSE programme in Years 10-11. In Years 12-13, students study either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP). The Diploma Programme comprises six subject groups with three subjects at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, plus the core components Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service. The IB Career-related Programme provides a flexible two-year path that combines academic study with career-related experience, including core elements such as Personal and Professional Skills, Community Engagement, Reflective Project, and Language and Cultural Studies, with options including BTEC courses. Language pathways include Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish, with Ab Initio options and bilingual diploma considerations for certain combinations. English is the language of instruction, with additional languages taught as well. Thrive and Elements are embedded in the curriculum to support wellbeing and holistic development.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Island School operates an Interhouse system with six Houses, fostering friendships and competition. Quest Week takes learning outside the classroom to build connections and global citizenship. The school offers student leadership opportunities and community engagement projects. Sports and arts activities are available as part of a broad co-curricular program.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Futures Curriculum develops core skills—Character, Citizenship, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Critical Thinking—through engaging Elements and Explorations. In Years 7-9 Island School follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and offers iGCSE in Years 10-11. In Years 12-13 students can pursue the IB Diploma or the IB Careers Programme. Students have leadership roles including the Student Council, House Prefects, and Ambassadors to drive school initiatives.

Arts & Creative
Island School provides abundant opportunities to explore performing, visual, and creative arts. The school life includes activities that support artistic pursuits in drama, music, visual arts, and other creative disciplines.

Cultural & Language
The school maintains a bilingual environment. As part of the English Schools Foundation, the school sits within the largest English-medium international school network in Hong Kong.

Social & Hobbies
Interhouse is a six-house system that fosters belonging and provides opportunities for collaboration and competition across activities. Quest Week takes learning outside the walls of the classroom and develops global citizenship. Community Engagement fosters student involvement through coursework and projects.

Community & Service
Community Engagement involves required coursework and impactful community projects.

Leadership & Professional
Student Leadership is a focus at Island School; students lead through Student Leadership roles and school initiatives. House Prefects and Ambassadors are among the opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
WELL-BEING is the school's top priority; Wellbeing is embedded in the curriculum and community. The THRIVE Programme guides physical, social, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing. A dedicated Guidance Team provides confidential support.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. In the MYP, Language Other Than English options include Putonghua (Chinese), Japanese, and Spanish. In IGCSE, language acquisition options include Chinese, Spanish, and Japanese. In DP/CP, language pathways include Mandarin Chinese and English; Ab Initio options exist; School Supported Self-Taught (SSST) is available for students whose mother tongue is not English or Chinese; a bilingual diploma is awarded for taking Chinese A and English A.

Bilingual Teaching
The school is English-medium and maintains a bilingual environment. In Years 7-9 the MYP includes a Language Other Than English option: Putonghua (Chinese), Japanese, or Spanish. In Years 10-11 the IGCSE language acquisition options include Chinese, Spanish, or Japanese. In Years 12-13 language pathways include Mandarin Chinese and English, with Ab Initio options, and a bilingual diploma is awarded if a student takes Chinese A and English A.
Reputation

Accreditations
International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: Island School is authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) to deliver the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IB Diploma Programme (DP), and IB Career-related Programme (CP). This accreditation allows the school to offer recognised international qualifications accepted by universities worldwide.

*Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): The school offers the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education. This ensures that students in Years 10–11 follow a globally recognised curriculum and examination system.

English Schools Foundation (ESF): Island School operates under the English Schools Foundation (ESF), which is regulated by the Hong Kong Education Bureau. ESF accreditation ensures compliance with Hong Kong education standards and governance policies.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Application Submission
Applications for Island School are managed centrally through the English Schools Foundation (ESF. Families must submit applications online via the ESF Admissions Portal, selecting Island School as their preferred campus. Each application requires a non-refundable fee, payable online by credit card via PayPal. Applications are accepted year-round for available year levels.

2. Document Review and Assessment
Once the application is received, ESF reviews submitted documents, including proof of residency, school reports, and identification. Depending on availability and year group, the applicant may be invited to attend a placement interview or assessment to determine readiness for the ESF curriculum. Assessments are conducted in English and focus on communication and general aptitude.

3. Offer of Place
If a suitable place is available, families receive an official offer directly from ESF. The offer letter includes details on tuition fees, start dates, and required deposits. To secure the place, parents must pay a two-month deposit corresponding to the annual fee for the assigned year group.

4. Acceptance and Enrolment
Upon payment of the deposit, families complete the enrolment formalities through ESF. They are then issued joining instructions, including details about uniform, transport, and start dates. Island School provides a Parent Handbook and transition materials to support students entering Year 7 or transferring mid-year.

Scholarships
The Island School and ESF websites do not list any academic or merit-based scholarship programmes for secondary students. Admissions and tuition follow the standard ESF structure, and no financial aid or fee-waiver schemes are described in official materials.

Waitlist
ESF operates a centralised admissions system, and each school maintains a waiting list for year groups that are at capacity. When places become available, ESF contacts families in order of application date and eligibility. Island School does not operate a separate or internal pool system; all admissions are coordinated directly through ESF’s central admissions office.
School Events
The school has not added events
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