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

West Island School

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 1991
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages English, French, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 10
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

West Island School is an ESF secondary school in Pok Fu Lam serving Years 7–13, with post-16 pathways in the IB Diploma, IB Career-related Programme, BTEC, and the International Diploma. Years 7–9 follow the IB Middle Years Programme; Years 10–11 prepare for I/GCSE with optional BTEC courses. The school identifies as an English-medium institution and offers Chinese, French and Spanish across IGCSE and IB, with options from ab initio to advanced literature courses. Students choose from extensive activities, including CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), Horizons Week service learning, and more than 100 termly offerings such as Debate Club and Drone Building. Sport is prominent, with participation in ISSFHK and HKSSF and a High Performance Athlete Programme. Annual productions, concerts and exhibitions highlight Creative Arts. The campus is reachable via Kennedy Town MTR and multiple bus/minibus routes, with an additional school bus service operated by an external provider.

250 Victoria Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

The Essentials

West Island School has 1,200 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location
West Island School is located at 250 Victoria Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong. The area is on the western side of Hong Kong Island, with access via Kennedy Town MTR and multiple bus and minibus routes serving Central, Island South, Aberdeen, Kowloon, and the Airport

Stages
WIS serves Years 7–13, covering secondary and post-16 education. Years 7–9 follow the IB Middle Years Programme, Years 10–11 prepare for I/GCSE, and Years 12–13 offer IB Diploma, IB Career-related Programme, BTEC, and the International Diploma.

Type
The school is a day school.

Additional learning support
The school has an Inclusive Education programme, with specialist staff and tailored support to meet individual needs, including learning support and wellbeing services.

Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.

Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.

School day structure
The school does not publicly disclose daily start and finish times or break schedules.

Bus service
WIS provides a school bus service through Kwoon Chung Motors Company Limited, with more than 10 routes serving different districts.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Pre-16 Uniform Guidelines apply to students; new uniform items are sold online; preloved uniforms are available through the PTA Shop. The PTA provides a Pre-16 Uniform Order Guide.

Food Options
Students can choose lunch from the 4/F hot food canteen, the Wisaccino coffee shop, or the 5/F kiosk. The canteen menu is updated monthly; payment is by Octopus; students should bring their own cutlery and reusable cups for drinks from the coffee shop.

House System
The Dynasty-themed House System comprises six dynasties — Han, Ming, Qing, Song, Tang and Yuan. Every student, teacher, and staff member is allocated to one dynasty to promote identity, collaboration, and school spirit.

Governance and Ownership
West Island School is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the largest provider of English-medium international education in Hong Kong.
Fees

Annual tuition at West Island School 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

West Island School teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum
West Island School offers a broad curriculum structured around international qualifications at different stages. In Years 7 to 9, students follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), covering subjects such as Arts, Design, Languages, Individuals & Societies, Mathematics, Physical & Health Education, and Sciences. In Years 10 and 11, the school provides a combination of IGCSE and BTEC courses, with core studies in English, Mathematics, Sciences, and Physical & Health Education, alongside electives such as Business, Psychology, Theatre, and Music. Post-16 students in Years 12 and 13 can pursue multiple pathways: the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), BTEC, or an International Diploma. The IBCP blends BTEC qualifications with selected IB Diploma courses and a core programme that includes personal and professional skills, community engagement, and a community project. Throughout all years, the curriculum is complemented by wellbeing education, including areas such as digital citizenship, emotional intelligence, and personal relationships.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
West Island School uses Student Leadership programmes to support SEL, including roles like Head Student Team, Student Mentors, Ambassadors, and students in the school’s “Dynasty System.” It also integrates wellbeing work into its curriculum, with staff “working with each student to understand their needs and help them learn skills to manage stress and challenge.” In post-16 years, students meet with tutors 4-5 times a year in one-to-one tutorials to discuss wellbeing, progress, and plans.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
WIS publicly states that it supports students with moderate learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Global Delay, and Dyscalculia. It offers mentoring and extension programmes for gifted learners. The school is not a specialist SEN institution; instead, SEN support is part of its inclusive education approach.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not publicly disclose a specific EAL programme by name.

Mental Wellbeing
WIS maintains a dedicated Student Wellbeing website with resources (e.g. “5 Ways to Wellbeing”), workshops, and information about counselling, plus a “Weez Walk” fundraising mental health challenge. Pastoral and counselling support is structured: students may approach their tutor, Head of Year, or the counselling team (which includes counsellors and social workers).

Safeguarding
WIS operates under a Child Protection and Safeguarding policy consistent with ESF standards; it recognises additional safeguarding risks for students with disabilities, learning support needs, or ongoing mental health support. All ESF staff receive training in preventative and protective measures.

Safeguarding Policy
Parent Experience

History
West Island School opened in September 1991, initially operating in rented premises in the old British Military Hospital on Borrett Road with 84 Year 7 students and 12 teachers (6 full-time, 6 part-time). It was the first ESF school to offer Mandarin to all students and the first to organise students into Chinese dynasties rather than traditional “houses.” The current campus was designed by architect Patrick Lau to integrate into its sea-overlooking site.

Community
The WIS community holds cultural celebrations (such as Diwali) and hosts an annual WIS Bazaar, a community event run together with the PTA. The school also stages performances, exhibitions and creative showcases, and encourages interdisciplinary learning weeks (IDL Week) to bring students together across subjects.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
West Island’s PTA includes the Principal, teachers, and volunteer parents working to build community and support student welfare. The PTA publishes a newsletter, runs a pre-loved uniforms & course books shop, and accepts donations of uniforms and books. They also organise events and volunteer projects, and maintain sample uniforms on campus for sizing.
The PTA’s leadership is published on the school’s site, with roles such as Chair, Treasurer, and Administrators.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview
ESF West Island School is located in the Pok Fu Lam area of Hong Kong. The campus features outstanding facilities inside and outside the classroom, supporting sports, science, design technology, the arts, and drama. Each classroom is purposefully designed to foster student learning, whether individually, in teams, or within larger groups. The school is part of the English Schools Foundation, the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong.

Sports Facilities
ESF West Island School provides physical activity and sport through participation and competition, with a focus on integrity, inclusion, enjoyment, progress and success. The school offers almost 20 sports and about 85 teams each year, with participation in two city-wide sports organisations: ISSFHK and HKSSF. The High Performance Athlete Programme supports talented student-athletes. For more information, refer to the school's Sports resources.

Academic Facilities
Design Technology classrooms and Food Technology rooms are equipped with updated equipment. The campus also supports science, the arts, and drama with well-equipped facilities designed to foster modern learning. The ESF network provides additional resources and opportunities across the district. The school operates within the IB World School framework, offering curriculum across the middle to pre-university years.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Dynasty-themed House System connects students across year groups through six Chinese dynasties—Han, Ming, Qing, Song, Tang and Yuan—to foster identity, collaboration and school spirit. Horizons Week offers experiential learning trips beyond the classroom. Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL) Units promote authentic student-centred inquiry linking local and global contexts. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) provides over 100 activities to develop interests and interpersonal learning. Sports, performing arts, and other activities are embedded in the school's extracurricular landscape.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
IDL Units are designed to foster authentic, student-centred inquiry that connects learning to local and global contexts. Through IDL, students develop resilience and take ownership of their learning journey. IDL Week provides hands-on, real-world inquiry beyond the classroom, and Horizons Week offers non-traditional travel and service experiences to broaden perspectives. The Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) programme offers over 100 activities to develop students' passions and personal and interpersonal learning.

Arts & Creative
Arts options include Dance & Drama, Film & Media Studies, Music, and Visual Arts. The school presents theatre productions and hosts events such as the ESF Evening of Dance, showcasing student work. Music is enriched by ensembles including Choir, Chinese Orchestra, Ensemble, Jazz Band, Rock School, and Sinfonia. Visual Arts are celebrated through annual exhibitions and exhibitions linked to school and ESF art programs, with inclusive access for learners from ESF Jockey Club Sarah Roe School.

Cultural & Language
In Years 7–9, language acquisition includes Chinese as compulsory with a choice of French or Spanish. The school marks cultural occasions such as Diwali, a community celebration with performances, and WIS Bazaar, a PTA-organised community event. Ensemble groups such as Choir and Chinese Orchestra contribute to language and cultural expression within the arts programme.

Social & Hobbies
The Dynasty-themed House System fosters school identity, cross-year collaboration, enthusiastic participation, and leadership. Horizons Week provides social and experiential learning opportunities through trips beyond the classroom. CAS offers a broad spectrum of activities that build personal and interpersonal skills. Student Leadership roles span governance, mentoring, health promotion, and innovation, enabling students to influence school life.

Community & Service
Diwali is celebrated with student talent and community involvement, reflecting cultural appreciation and inclusivity. WIS Bazaar is a yearly community celebration organised by the Parent-Teacher Association. CAS emphasizes service as a core element, providing opportunities for service experiences and community projects across a wide range of activities.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership is framed as a lattice, not a ladder, with widespread opportunities for student leadership across the school. Roles include Head Students, Pre-16 Leader, and Student Voice Ambassador, covering governance, mentoring, health promotion, and innovation. The programme includes staff mentorship and training to develop effective citizen leadership and prepare students for life beyond West Island School.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school offers nearly 20 sports with about 85 teams each year and hosts a High Performance Athlete Programme. Guiding principles emphasise inclusivity, safety, sportsmanship, and balance between sport, academics, and life. The pastoral programme supports wellbeing, with counselling and wellbeing resources available to students, and mindfulness activities such as meditation and yoga integrated into school life.
Languages

Language Provision
Language provision includes Chinese as a first language, Chinese as a second language, Chinese as a foreign language, French, and Spanish. In Years 10-11, students may study one or two languages at IGCSE and then continue with one or two languages at IB level. English is the medium of instruction for the majority of study across the curriculum, supported by English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Native-speaking Language Assistants support language learning and immersion experiences.

Bilingual Teaching
The school offers an IB bilingual diploma option (A1 Chinese) for Years 12-13. The language menu includes Chinese as a first language, Chinese as a second language, Chinese as a foreign language, French, and Spanish. The bilingual diploma is embedded within the IB pathway for older students.

Immersion Programs
Immersion language experiences are provided through conversations with native Language Assistants, offering insights into target-language cultures and immersion-style language exposure.
Reputation

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

Accreditations
* IB World School (International Baccalaureate) – WIS is authorised to deliver the IB Middle Years Programme, the IB Diploma Programme, and the IB Career-related Programme. This accreditation confirms the school meets IB’s international standards for teaching, curriculum, and assessment.
* BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) – The school is an approved centre to deliver BTEC qualifications. These are UK vocational qualifications that allow students to study applied subjects alongside or instead of academic courses.
* Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC), accredited by the World Academy of Sport – This recognition is for schools providing flexible support for student athletes so they can balance academic study with high-level sporting commitments.
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
West Island school does not provide information about any financial assistance via scholarships or aid.

Waitlist
WIS (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
Compare West Island School with
vs Australian International School Hong Kong vs Discovery Bay International School - Primary & Secondary Campus
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