We are a local family with a daughter aged two. How early should we put her name down for international or English Schools Foundation schools? We hope she can go to Chinese International School, Hong Kong International School or an ESF school. What type of entry requirements can we expect her to have to fulfil?
Education Post offers this response: Parents should apply up to two years in advance for both the Hong Kong and Chinese International schools and a year in advance for the English Schools Foundation. Being able to learn in English is a standard requirement for all of these schools.
ESF schools only accept children who can speak English fluently enough to handle the curriculum, and this is tested.
For ESF schools, places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are accepted from the beginning of the school year prior to the year of entry. There are long waiting lists for most primary schools.
Priority is given to those who have no alternative education options because of language and those with siblings already in the system. Children studying in ESF Educational Services kindergartens are given priority of interview.
Children wanting to enter Primary One are interviewed in early spring, which involves them playing in groups while three or four teachers assess their level of English by watching them interact and talking to them.
