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Kowloon Junior 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 900
Type Co-educational
Opened 1950
Bus Service Yes
Part of
English Schools Foundation
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP)
Taught languages Mandarin
Typical class size 30
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Primary School, Elementary
Introduction

Kowloon Junior School (KJS) is an ESF primary school in Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, serving approximately 900 students from Year 1 to Year 6. KJS delivers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), with English as the medium of instruction and a structured Chinese (Mandarin) programme that increases in frequency through the year groups, becoming daily from Years 3–6. Specialist provision includes Music (choir, orchestra and instrumental ensembles), Drama, and a broad Physical Education and sports offer that spans basketball, football, netball, athletics, cross-country, cricket and more. Student leadership is a distinctive feature: pupils in Years 4–6 take on roles that include opening assemblies, supporting wellbeing initiatives and facilitating student-led clubs. Families can access a published private school bus network serving many neighbourhoods across Hong Kong. School hours run from 8:30 to 14:45, Monday to Friday.

This campus is part of English Schools Foundation

20 Perth St, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong.

The Essentials

Kowloon Junior School has 900 pupils, typical class sizes of 30, instruction in English.

Location
Kowloon Junior School (KJS) is situated in Ho Man Tin, a central neighbourhood in Kowloon. The area offers convenient transport links, including nearby MTR stations and bus routes. It is a mainly residential district with parks, community facilities, and other ESF schools within easy reach.

Stages
KJS provides education for primary-aged students from Year 1 to Year 6, generally aged 5 to 11. The school follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) across all year levels, focusing on transdisciplinary learning through inquiry.

Type
KJS is a co-educational, day school. It does not offer boarding facilities. The school operates under the English Schools Foundation (ESF), which manages admissions, fees, and governance across its network of international schools in Hong Kong.

Additional learning support
The Individual Needs Department at KJS provides tailored support for students requiring extra assistance. Provision includes help for those with significant learning difficulties or disabilities, those needing additional English-language support, and students performing above expected levels. The department works with classroom teachers and parents to ensure every student can access the curriculum effectively.

Country affiliation
KJS is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), a Hong Kong-based organization. The school does not have an affiliation with any other country.

Religious affiliation
KJS has no religious affiliation and operates as a secular international school.

School day structure
The school day runs from 8:30 am to 2:45 pm, Monday to Friday. Students have scheduled morning and lunch breaks, with specialist sessions for Music, PE, and Chinese language included in the daily timetable.

Bus service
KJS provides a school-bus service managed by multiple approved providers, including Yang May Lee Travel Services Ltd., Sunning Bus Service Company, Kimmy Travel Co., Chit Luen Travel, and Yu Chui Yuk Co. Routes cover Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and the New Territories. Families can select the most convenient route, with service details and provider contacts published annually on the school website.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school requires a school uniform. From January 1, 2025 navy blue shorts, skorts, and long trousers are the official uniform. Uniforms are ordered through schooluniform.hk; online orders are delivered to homes, with some items available on a pre-order basis. A size guide is provided and fittings can be arranged at Lai Chi Kok.

Food Options
The school provides a lunch service through Chartwells (Compass Group). Families must complete a Google Form to receive login credentials for the Chartwells app (Chartwells by HKT) to place orders. Chartwells lists allergens on menus, and contact details are provided for support.

Governance and Ownership
Kowloon Junior School is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF). Governance is conducted through the Kowloon Junior School Council, which comprises the Chairman & EX-Officio (Andrew Nowak; Vivian Cheung as CEO Designated Officer; Gavin Macgregor as Principal), plus Community, Parent, Teacher, and Support Staff members. The Council acts as a governance body guiding priorities and resource allocation. ESF is the parent organisation for KJS.
Fees

Annual tuition at Kowloon Junior School ranges from HKD 139,000 for 2026/27.

Application Fees
A non-refundable application fee of HKD 2,800 is required for each new student applying to Kowloon Junior School through the English Schools Foundation (ESF) online admissions system. Upon receiving an offer, families must pay a one-time capital levy of HKD 38,000 per student (waived if the family holds an ESF Nomination Right). This levy supports campus maintenance and development across all ESF schools.

Tuition Fees (Per Year)
Primary Years (Year 1 – Year 6): HKD 139,000
Tuition is billed over ten months, from September to June, at HKD 13,900 per month.
Payments are processed through ESF’s Direct Debit Autopay system, with invoices issued by the ESF Finance Office.

Additional Fees
Uniforms, co-curricular clubs, school trips, and private instrumental lessons are charged separately.
Lunch is available through the on-campus caterer and billed directly to parents.
Bus services are managed by independent transport providers approved by the school.

Refund Policy
Monthly tuition fees are non-refundable once paid. Families withdrawing a student must give one month’s written notice to avoid further charges. The application fee and capital levy are non-refundable.

Payment Options
Tuition payments are made via bank autopay (Direct Debit) only.
Additional fees, such as uniforms or after-school clubs, may be paid by bank transfer or credit card through the ESF online payment system.
Academics

Kowloon Junior School teaches IB (PYP) for students aged 5 to 11.

Curriculum
Kowloon Junior School delivers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students in Years 1 to 6. The PYP framework promotes inquiry-based learning through six transdisciplinary themes, integrating subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, the Arts, and Personal, Social and Physical Education. Chinese (Mandarin) is taught through a multi-pathway model, with instruction increasing in frequency and complexity from Year 1 to Year 6. Specialist lessons include Music, Physical Education, and Visual Arts, each led by dedicated teachers. Digital literacy and the responsible use of technology are also incorporated throughout the curriculum. Assessment is ongoing and based on individual progress, culminating in a Year 6 Exhibition, where students design and present a personal inquiry project to demonstrate their learning.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Kowloon Junior School embeds wellbeing and social-emotional development across the school day. The school provides a dedicated wellbeing curriculum, focusing on healthy eating, physical activity, and emotional awareness. A full-time school counsellor, Mr Ian Ong, supports students and staff with guidance and counselling services. Teachers promote student voice and leadership through initiatives such as class representatives and the Student Council. The school’s culture of inclusion and respect is reinforced through assemblies, pastoral activities, and classroom discussions.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
SEN support is coordinated through the Individual Needs Department, which works collaboratively with teachers and families. The department supports four main groups of learners: students with significant learning difficulties or disabilities, students who require additional help within mainstream classes, students who need language support, and students performing above expected levels who need enrichment. KJS is not a specialist SEN school, but it provides differentiated instruction and targeted support within the mainstream setting. Provision is designed to ensure all students can access the curriculum and progress according to their abilities.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Students requiring additional English support are assisted through the Individual Needs Department, which includes provision for EAL learners. The school offers targeted support to help students access the curriculum in English while building fluency and comprehension skills. The website identifies EAL as one of the four supported learner categories under “Student Support.” Specific programme structures and language intervention details are not publicly disclosed on the KJS website.

Mental Wellbeing
KJS promotes mental well-being through its wellbeing framework and the presence of a full-time counsellor, who provides confidential support to students. The school ensures all staff receive regular safeguarding and well-being training. Activities that encourage mindfulness, empathy, and resilience are integrated into daily routines and assemblies. The school’s approach to wellbeing aims to maintain a safe and caring environment where students feel heard and supported.

Safeguarding
KJS maintains a formal safeguarding policy with named officers responsible for implementation. Mr Ciarian Fay serves as the Safeguarding Lead and Child Protection Officer, with Ms Dawn Doucette as a secondary Child Protection Officer. The school uses the secure platform Record My to manage safeguarding records and collaborates with the ESF central safeguarding team. Staff undergo regular training to identify and respond appropriately to child protection concerns.

Safeguarding Policy
Parent Experience

History
Kowloon Junior School traces its origins to 1902, when it was established as part of the original Kowloon British School. The primary section moved to new premises over time, eventually relocating to Perth Street, Ho Man Tin, in 1950. The school joined the English Schools Foundation (ESF) in 1980, becoming one of its key primary campuses. A major campus redevelopment was completed in August 2013, providing modern facilities and expanded learning spaces while maintaining its long-established educational heritage.

Community
KJS fosters a strong sense of community through regular school events and collaborative activities that involve students, staff, and families. Annual events such as the PTA Fair and Student-Led Conferences encourage community engagement. The school also celebrates cultural diversity through assemblies, themed days, and activities that highlight international awareness. Student leadership programmes and wellbeing initiatives further strengthen the sense of belonging among pupils.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The KJS Parent Teacher Association (PTA) plays an active role in supporting the school’s educational and community initiatives. It organises popular events such as the annual PTA Fair, seasonal celebrations, and charity fundraisers. The PTA collaborates with teachers to enhance resources, sponsor enrichment activities, and support school development projects. Parent volunteers also assist in school-wide initiatives, community outreach, and student-led events. The PTA serves as a key link between parents and the school, fostering collaboration and communication throughout the academic year.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Kowloon Junior School is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme. It is part of the English Schools Foundation, providing English-medium education within a network of ESF schools. The school offers a broad range of co-curricular experiences including a Student Council, sports, residential camps, and the arts. The school emphasises student well-being and comprehensive student support to help learners thrive academically, emotionally and socially. The ESF network provides resources and opportunities not found outside ESF Schools.

Sports Facilities
The sports program includes football, basketball, netball, and swimming, among other activities. The program offers diverse sports opportunities to engage students and develop physical skills. The school emphasises student agency and teamwork through athletics. This approach supports the development of fitness, cooperation and resilience.

Academic Facilities
Primary Years Programme: Kowloon Junior School is an IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme. The IB curriculum emphasises transdisciplinary learning, research, communication, and critical thinking to foster respect, responsibility, and meaningful action. The school focuses on developing the whole child through inquiry-based learning across subjects. Students are supported to develop open-mindedness, collaboration, and communication skills as part of daily classroom practice.

Extra Curricular Facilities
KJS Experience includes the Student Council, which provides leadership opportunities for pupils. The sports program covers football, basketball, netball, swimming and other activities. Residential Camps involve activities such as kayaking, coasteering, gorge trekking, hiking and raft building. Arts expose students to expressive and visual arts. These co-curricular experiences support holistic development alongside the IB curriculum.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Arts & Creative
The school offers arts as part of the co-curricular program. Students explore expressive and visual arts, developing creativity and self-expression through various mediums. The broader co-curricular program includes sports, music, and community service.

Social & Hobbies
Sports form a core part of social life at KJS. The sports programme offers football, basketball, netball, swimming, and other activities to foster teamwork and physical development. Residential Camps provide opportunities for personal growth and teamwork outside the classroom.

Community & Service
Community service is included as part of the school's well-rounded education.

Leadership & Professional
Student Council provides leadership development opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school emphasizes wellbeing as part of its mission and supports social-emotional wellbeing for students.
Languages

Language Provision
The school uses English as the medium of instruction.
Reputation

Awards
2025 School Library Award: KJS was the winner of the 2025 School Library Award as part of the GBA School Awards, recognising its library provision.

Accreditations
IB World School: KJS is authorised to deliver the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

Member of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) network: KJS is operated under ESF, which is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Online Application
All applications are made through the English Schools Foundation (ESF) online admissions portal. Families must submit a completed application form and pay a non-refundable fee. Supporting documents such as the child’s birth certificate, passport, and proof of residence in Hong Kong are required.

2. Assessment and Interview
Applicants are invited for an age-appropriate assessment to evaluate English language proficiency and school readiness. Assessments for Year 1 entry are typically conducted during the year before admission. The school communicates results directly to parents via email.

3. Offer of Placement
Successful applicants receive a conditional offer from ESF. Families must confirm acceptance within the specified period by submitting the one-time Capital Levy (unless exempt through a Nomination Right) and completing enrolment documentation.

4. Enrolment Confirmation
Once payment and documentation are processed, the student’s place is confirmed. Parents receive orientation details and class placement information from the school before the start of the academic year.

Scholarships
Kowloon Junior School and the wider ESF network do not offer scholarships or bursaries for primary-level students. All tuition fees and levies apply equally to all families. Financial aid programmes are not listed on the KJS or ESF websites for primary education.

Waitlist
KJS does not operate an internal pool system. Admissions are managed centrally by the ESF Admissions Office, which maintains waitlists for each year level based on application dates and priority criteria. Priority is given to children of full-time ESF staff, siblings of current students, and holders of Nomination Rights. When spaces become available, ESF contacts families directly according to the order on the central waitlist.
School Events
The school has not added events
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