doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
S

Sha Tin College

Hong Kong

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees HK$167,600 - 181,100
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1200
Type Co-educational
Opened 1982
Bus Service Yes
Part of
English Schools Foundation
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages English, French, Mandarin, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Sha Tin College (STC), established in 1982, is an ESF secondary school in the New Territories serving students aged 11–18. The college offers a broad international curriculum: Years 7–9 follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), Years 10–11 prepare for IGCSE qualifications, and Years 12–13 choose between the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP). English is the main language of instruction, with Chinese, French, and Spanish offered as additional languages. The campus in Fo Tan is easily accessible via Fo Tan MTR Station, and a school bus service covers residential areas across Hong Kong. Sha Tin College places emphasis on experiential learning, including its distinctive Explorer Week where students engage in service and cultural activities beyond the classroom. The school community also supports a wide range of co-curricular opportunities in music, drama, and leadership.

This campus is part of English Schools Foundation

3 Lai Wo Lane, Fo Tan, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong

The Essentials

Sha Tin College has 1,200 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Sha Tin College is situated in Fo Tan, New Territories, close to Fo Tan MTR station on the East Rail Line, which connects to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The campus lies within a mixed residential-industrial district and is accessible by major roads and public transport.

Stages
Sha Tin College caters to secondary level students, from Year 7 to Year 13 (ages ~11 to ~18).

Type
The school is co-educational and functions as a day school.

Additional learning support
Sha Tin College’s Learning Support Department offers accommodations and resources for students with diverse learning needs, including support for speech & language, social communication, physical needs, and neurodiversity. They provide in-class support, pull-out / small group lessons, differentiated instruction, and individual support plans.

Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.

Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.

School day structure
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, the day begins at 08:15 with Tutor Time, followed by five teaching periods. There is a mid-morning break from 10:45–11:15 and a lunch break from 13:20–14:20, with lessons ending at 15:20. On Wednesdays, the school runs a shorter day: Tutor Time begins at 08:15, followed by four periods, with a break at 10:35–11:15. Classes end earlier at 13:20 for all students.

Bus service
Sha Tin College offers a school bus service managed by Kong Shing Travel Ltd, under oversight with ESF. The service handles sign-ups, route assignments, and payment via a dedicated portal. The school and ESF perform safety and quality checks on vehicles and operations.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Years 7–11 uniforms consist of navy shorts, skorts or trousers with ESF logo, a white short-sleeved shirt with school and ESF logos, plain white or navy socks, enclosed shoes, and a navy fleece or sweatshirt with ESF logo, with a navy team hoodie for additional warmth; the PE uniform is blue or black shorts with a house-coloured shirt, swimwear and cap, and trainers. The uniform service is provided by ESF Central Procurement and online orders can be placed through School Uniform HK; Years 12–13 dress code is casual but practical, and Year 11 exams may be conducted in non-uniform dress.

Food Options
The canteen is overseen by the College, with input from the PTSA on cafeteria tendering; a monthly lunch menu is published (for example January–February 2026) and includes a Chef's Special.

House System
Sha Tin College has a House system that fosters leadership, collaboration and belonging across year groups, supported by Student House Leaders and tutor group representatives.

Governance and Ownership
Sha Tin College is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF); governance is through the Sha Tin College School Council, which oversees strategic development, approves the annual budget, and oversees curriculum and campus development. Members include a Council Chair appointed by the ESF Board, two Parent Representatives, one PTSA Parent Representative, three Teacher Representatives, one Support Staff Representative, three Community Representatives, two Student Council Representatives, and the Principal.
Fees

Annual tuition at Sha Tin College ranges from HKD 167,600 to HKD 181,100 for 2026/27.

Application Fee

* A one-time, non-refundable application fee of HKD 2,800 per applicant.
* This covers admissions administration and must be paid at the time of application.

Tuition Fees (per year, payable over 10 months)

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

Billing and Payment Schedule

* Tuition fees are paid in ten monthly instalments (August to May) by mandatory direct debit.
* Payments are due on the first day of each month.

Deposit

* A deposit equivalent to two months of school fees must be paid when a place is accepted.
* Half of this deposit is offset against the first month’s fee, while the remainder is credited against the last month’s fee (if withdrawal notice conditions are met).

Other Charges

* Non-Refundable Capital Levy (NCL): A one-off, sliding-scale fee, ranging from HKD 26,000 for Year 7 to HKD 3,800 for Year 13, payable when joining ESF schools.
* Families may also choose Individual Nomination Rights (INR) or Corporate Nomination Rights (CNR) for interview priority.

Refund Policy

* Deposits are only offset against tuition (not refunded as cash).
* Fees remain payable if a student goes on leave during term.

Payment Options

* Payments are made by direct debit for tuition.
* Application fees are paid via credit card or PayPal.

Academics

Sha Tin College teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum
Students in Years 7–9 at Sha Tin follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which emphasizes concept-based, inquiry-driven learning across disciplinary subjects and includes the Year 9 Community Project.
ESF Sha Tin College
+1
In Years 10–11, students study the IGCSE / (I)GCSE curriculum, combining required core subjects (English, mathematics, sciences, physical education) with elective options.
In Years 12–13, students may choose either the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP / IBCP), allowing them to pursue a pathway aligned with their academic interests or career goals.
Across all stages, the curriculum is supported by the school’s values and includes flexibility for students to personalise their learning journey.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Sha Tin College has a structured wellbeing curriculum delivered through tutor groups; students explore weekly themes aligned with SEL and IB practices. The school runs a Peer Supporter Programme where trained students help their peers with emotional support, listening, referral skills, and identifying mental health needs. Tutor teams collaborate to design the curriculum content and to monitor student wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Sha Tin College’s Learning Support Department provides accommodations and resources for students with diverse learning needs, including emotional/social, speech & language, physical, and communication challenges. The department supports students across those areas to access appropriate challenge, though the school is not a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does support English for Academic Purposes (EAP) in Years 7–9 in small groups to develop students’ academic English proficiency and rhetorical skills. In Years 12–13, students receive targeted support in free lessons to refine essential academic English skills for higher level study.

Mental Wellbeing
Sha Tin employs qualified counsellors and registered social workers who provide confidential sessions, advocacy, and support for life transitions, stress, or mental health concerns.
They also lead wellness initiatives and parent/staff workshops. The school offers Youth Mental Health First Aid training to students, staff, and parents to build awareness and response capability.

Safeguarding
Sha Tin College follows the ESF Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, based on Hong Kong law and global standards, with at least two dedicated Child Protection Officers on site. All ESF staff are trained in preventive and protective measures. The school publishes policies such as “Bereavement Guidelines,” “Staff Code of Conduct for Child Protection,” and digital citizenship protocols to support safeguarding in many contexts.

Safeguarding Policy
Parent Experience

History
Sha Tin College was founded in 1982 as an ESF secondary school and initially operated as the “Shatin Annexe” before relocating to its current Fo Tan campus in 1985. It is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), which manages a network of English-medium international schools in Hong Kong. The school has grown over time, developing its house system and enhancing its campus and programmes to support a broad co-curricular life.

Community
The school community is structured around a house system (Dragon, Griffin, Pegasus, Phoenix), which fosters competition, collaboration, and student leadership across events and inter-house challenges. During Explorer Week, regular classes pause so students engage in experiential, cultural, service, and learning activities across Hong Kong or abroad. The Activities Programme offers a wide range of clubs, trips, and events each term, enhancing engagement beyond academics.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Sha Tin College’s parent-teacher group is called the Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA). The PTSA provides a forum for parents to raise issues, meet with school leadership, and contribute ideas; meetings allow parents/guardians to express concerns and engage in school planning. The PTSA also runs events to foster connection between families and the school. Additionally, the school’s Parent Engagement programme organizes Support Group sessions (in English and Chinese) to address wellbeing issues for students and families.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Sha Tin College's Fo Tan campus accommodates 1,250 students. Campus accommodation comprises: Art, Drama, Music, Film, Design and Computer Science Studios; Science and Food Technology Laboratories; a comprehensive suite of subject-based classrooms; an Exhibition & Multi-Purpose space; a School Hall; a Library and Learning Centre; Seminar Rooms; a Senior School Centre; a Canteen and Cafe. The school also features a School Hall and related facilities for assemblies, exhibitions and performances. The Sports Complex comprises: an indoor swimming pool; two sports gymnasiums; a climbing wall and a bouldering wall; a Fitness Studio; outdoor basketball courts, a rooftop basketball court and a rooftop pitch.

Sports Facilities
The Sports Complex comprises: an indoor swimming pool; two sports gymnasiums; a climbing wall and a bouldering wall; a Fitness Studio; outdoor basketball courts, a rooftop basketball court and a rooftop pitch.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include Art, Drama, Music, Film, Design and Computer Science Studios; Science and Food Technology Laboratories; a comprehensive suite of subject-based classrooms; an Exhibition & Multi-Purpose space; a Library and Learning Centre; Seminar Rooms; and a Senior School Centre.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Explorer Week is a highlight of Sha Tin College's experiential learning, with five days during which lessons are suspended and students participate in a broad range of local activities and multi-day trips outside Hong Kong, including an overseas programme. The Activities Programme is led by external providers, dedicated teachers and senior students, offering a wide array of interests and STEAM-related experiences such as coding clubs, robotics, and art and science workshops.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Activities Programme is a key part of Sha Tin College's experiential learning approach. It is led by external providers, dedicated teachers, and senior students, and offers a broad range of activities to suit diverse interests. The programme emphasises STEAM offerings, including coding clubs and robotics, along with art and science workshops to foster interdisciplinary learning. Explorer Week suspends lessons for five days to provide experiences beyond the regular timetable.

Arts & Creative
The Activities Programme includes extensive STEAM-related offerings, including coding clubs and robotics and art and science workshops. These activities foster creativity and interdisciplinary learning. The programme provides opportunities to develop creative skills through hands-on projects. Led by external providers, teachers, and student leaders, the programme supports creative exploration.

Cultural & Language
The school has been awarded the School for Excellence in French Label by the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau and the Alliance Française de Hong Kong. The official presentation ceremony occurred on 23 October 2025. The award recognises commitment to delivering high-quality French language education and promoting cultural understanding through language learning.

Social & Hobbies
The Activities Programme offers a broad range of clubs and activities led by external providers, teachers, and senior students. Student-led clubs include the Neurodiversity Club. The school participates in competitive events such as the Oxford Parliamentary Debate Championship. Service Learning is part of Sha Tin College's experiential learning, providing opportunities to engage in community activities.

Community & Service
Service Learning is a core part of Sha Tin College's experiential learning. IB MYP Service as Action encourages Years 7-9 to extend learning beyond the classroom, and the DP CAS Programme fosters socially responsible citizenship. Community projects provide opportunities to apply skills to local and global issues, building collaboration and critical thinking. The approach fosters inclusion and positive contributions to communities.

Leadership & Professional
Our House system is the vibrant heart of the school community and centers leadership development, with House Leaders and tutor group representatives guiding student activities. There are high participation rates across events, reflecting engagement and leadership opportunities across age groups. Sha Tin College also provides formal Student Leadership opportunities across all year levels, supported by clear structures. Leadership is viewed as a choice that can be developed and practised.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Sports Complex includes an indoor swimming pool, two gymnasiums, a climbing wall and a bouldering wall, a Fitness Studio, outdoor basketball courts, a rooftop basketball court and a rooftop pitch. The school supports student wellbeing through Peer Supporters, Heads and Deputy Heads of Year, Wellbeing Counsellors, Social Workers and Child Protection officers. A formal wellbeing curriculum empowers students to take responsibility for their well-being. The environment is designed to be safe and nurturing.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches in English. English-medium education is provided as part of ESF. French is taught as an additional language, and the school has been recognised as a School for Excellence in French by the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau and the Alliance Française de Hong Kong.
Reputation

Awards
The school does not highlight any institutional awards won by the school.

Accreditations

* IB World School (MYP, DP, CP / IBCP): STC is authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the IB Middle Years Programme, the Diploma Programme, and the Career-related Programme.
* Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC): The school is accreditation as a centre that supports athletes’ education balance (sports + curriculum).
Admissions

Admissions
1. Online Application Submission
Families submit an online application through the ESF admissions portal, selecting up to four ESF school preferences. The application includes the non-refundable administration fee.

2. Assessment / Interview / Testing
Applicants (for years other than entry levels) are invited to attend assessments or interviews to evaluate their readiness for the English-medium curriculum. Shortlisted candidates are notified with schedules for testing and interviews.

3. Offer of Place & Acceptance
If successful and if a vacancy exists, the school issues an offer of place. The family must accept by a deadline, after which a deposit or building levy may be required.

4. Onboarding & Entry Requirements
Once accepted, the student is integrated into the school system, including orientation, registration, and payment of fees per the school’s billing schedule. Families may also be asked to submit supporting documents (previous school records, medical records, etc.). (No explicit public detail on every onboarding step is given beyond the above, so some of this is inferred from standard practice and the admissions overview.)

5. Waitlist Consideration
If no immediate place is available, the candidate may be placed into a waitlist or pool (see below). Offers from the waitlist may be made when places become available.

Scholarships
Sha Tin college does not provide information about any financial assistance via scholarships or aid.

Waitlist
The school (via ESF) does maintain a waiting list / pool system for school places when demand exceeds vacancies. Applicants are placed on the waitlist in priority order, and if a vacancy arises, offers may be extended from the waitlist by date of application and priority group.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Hong Kong View all schools in Hong Kong View all schools in Hong kong IB curriculum schools in Hong Kong Open days & tours in Hong Kong What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools