PRIMARY: 2A Oxford Rd, Kowloon Tong

SECONDARY: c/o Tseung Kwan O Methodist Primary School, Tong Chun St, Tseung Kwan O (to Dec). Area TKO 50, Wan Po Road, Sai Kung (from Jan)

Tel: 2336 0266

Founded: 1985

Seeks to integrate Chinese and Western educational ideas. DSS secondary opens in Tseung Kwan O Methodist Primary School in September, moving to purpose-built campus in January 2007. Inviting School Award in 2002. Entry competitive, with 600-700 children applying for 100 places. Pupils selected from group interviews, though emphasis for secondary entry not on academic performance. Maximum class size: Primary 33; Secondary 30.

Combines local and overseas practice, with an emphasis on languages. Students prepared for Cambridge English Examinations. Secondary implementing IB MYP programme using local curriculum; plans to introduce IB PYP in primary section. Many extra-curricular activities, including Odyssey of the Mind. Medium of instruction: Primary: Chinese (Cantonese or Putonghua). Secondary: English.

Primary: $61,380

Secondary: $45,000

Diocesan Boys' School

Mongkok 131 Argyle St, Mongkok, Kowloon

Tel: 2711 5191 (secondary)

Tel: 2624 4292 (primary)

Founded: 1869

DBS combines tradition with innovation, with its historic secondary campus and a state-of-the-art primary opened in 2004. Turned DSS in 2003. The two sections are split by their large sports grounds and swimming pool. Aims to provide a liberal education based on Christian principles. Famed for producing all-rounders, excelling in music and sports, and outstanding academic results. Has traditional prefect and house systems. Strong support from alumni, who contribute significantly to its development. Plans for a dormitory for local and overseas students, plus indoor pool and gym. Entry highly competitive, with music and sports prowess considered as well as academic ability. Non-Chinese speakers admitted. Maximum class size: Primary 30; Secondary 38.

Local curriculum leading to HKCEE and HKALE. IB Diploma being considered as an alternative. At primary, the focus is on project-based and cross-curricular learning. Students are encouraged to develop creativity in writing, art, sport and music. More than 20 elective subjects, such as Japanese, Korean, museum studies, astrology and etiquette also available. French available for non-Chinese speakers, and Chinese as a second language. Strong orchestra and choir in primary and secondary. Overseas study trips also organised. Medium of instruction: Primary: English. Chinese and Putonghua also taught. Secondary: mainly English.

Primary: $38,000

Secondary: $28,000-$38,000

Diocesan Girls' School

Jordan Diocesan Girls' Junior School: 1 Jordan Rd, Jordan,Kowloon

Tel: 2388 1781

Diocesan Girls' School: 1 Jordan Rd, Kowloon

Tel: 2384 5205

Founded: 1860

DGS, run by the Diocesan Girls' School Council, is one of HK's top-performing schools with girls achieving outstanding academic results and excelling in many areas. Its secondary school turned DSS last September, forming a through school with its private junior school. Supported by a strong alumni and parent community. Christian ethos and close ties with the Anglican St Andrew's Church. Pioneering use of ICT to support all activities. Facilities upgraded, with a newly opened five-storey extension, including multi-purpose gym, tennis court, music room, mini theatre and computer room. About half of the secondary students are admitted from outside. Places are highly sought. Academic and non-academic achievements considered. Average class size: Primary 36; Secondary 40. Smaller sets used for languages and maths.

Local, school-based curriculum leading to HKCEE and HKALE. Project learning has been implemented in the lower forms. S1 streamed into ability sets for Chinese, English and maths. Wide range of extra-curricular activities, including sports, music, uniformed and service groups. All students do community service. Overseas and mainland student exchange programmes are offered. Medium of instruction: English, except Chinese language, literature and history. In 2006-07, two classes in Chinese will learn through Putonghua. French offered after school.

Primary: $38,000

Secondary: $34,000

Evangel College

Tseung Kwan OArea 65, Tseung Kwan O

Tel: 2366 1802

Founded: 2006

New school accepting first intake of P1 and S1 students in September. Established by the Association of Evangelical Free Churches of Hong Kong to 'facilitate the spread of the Gospel in the growing community of Tseung Kwan O'. Spacious campus following award-winning environmentally friendly design is scheduled for completion by the end of this month.

Small group teaching of three core subjects: Chinese, English and maths. Secondary school will focus on developing learning skills rather than rote knowledge. Students will also be given instruction in life values. Medium of instruction: English.

P1: $12,000

S1: $18,000

Good Hope School

Ngau Chi Wan PRIMARY (PRIVATE): 383 Jat's Incline, Ngau Chi Wan, Kowloon

Tel: 2327 5294

Founded: 1954

SECONDARY: 303 Clearwater Bay Rd, Ngau Chi Wan, Kowloon

Tel: 2321 0250

Founded: 1957

Girls' school regarded as one of Hong Kong's elite schools, run by Canada's Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. The school turned DSS in 2002. Special emphasis placed on moral education with a social and global perspective. Secondary English teachers won Chief Executive Award for Excellence in 2004-2005. Facilities include a science wing, games room and swimming pool. Maximum class size: 45, but uses small-group teaching for English, maths and Chinese.

The primary follows the local curriculum, with all children expected to play an active part in Christian education. The secondary is moving to a school-based curriculum, leading to HKCEE and HKALE. Emphasis on language proficiency in English, Putonghua and Cantonese. French also offered. Integrated Chinese studies in S1-2, liberal studies in S6. Medium of instruction (primary and secondary): English with Putonghua for Chinese subjects from S1-5.

P1-4: $30,710

P5-6: $31,440

S1-3: $35,000

S4-5: $45,000

S6-7: $9,100

G.T. (Ellen Yeung) School

Tseung Kwan O Choi Ming St, Tiu Keng Leng, Tseung Kwan O

Tel: 2535 6869

CHI KIT SCHOOL: 31 Sai Yi St, Mongkok

Tel: 2364 9855

Founded in 1997 as a private school and turned DSS in 2002. Merged with Chi Kit School in 2004. Multiple intelligence approach emphasising creativity, self-esteem and social responsibility. Class size: Primary 24; Secondary 24-26.

School-based and activity-based curriculum. Over 50 talent classes, run by part-time tutors in small groups, offered twice a week as part of the curriculum. Regular visits to museums and other places of interest. Enhancement for gifted children. Secondary curriculum will lead to HKCEE, HKALE, and other public benchmark tests. Medium of instruction: Primary: Cantonese, with English taught by native speakers. Secondary: English, except Chinese and Chinese history.

P1-P2: $24,200

P3-P4: $26,400

P5-P6: $28,600

S1: $28,600

S2: $30,800

HKUGA Primary and HKUGA College

Chai Wan and Wong Chuk Hang

PRIMARY: 9 Yee Shing St, Chai Wan

Tel: 2202 3922

Founded: 2002

COLLEGE: Nam Fung Rd, Wong Chuk Hang

Tel: 2870 8815

Highly sought, forward-looking through school started by the Hong Kong University Graduates Association Education Foundation. Primary opened in 2002, secondary opens this September. Facilities include arts studio, environmental education centre and jogging trail. At all levels, the school aims to integrate Eastern and Western culture. To promote an international outlook, 10% of the college's places to be reserved for mainland and overseas students. HKU education faculty members act as consultants. Average primary class size: 30.

Innovative primary programme that seeks to make pupils proficient in English, Putonghua and Cantonese. Mornings are focused on local curriculum key learning areas. Afternoons have modules in integrated arts, environmental studies, among others. Innovative use of technology for joint projects with students in Canada. Secondary plans to offer the IB Diploma as an option from 2010. Primary's medium of instruction is Cantonese; Putonghua also used in Chinese lessons. Secondary: English, with Chinese taught in Putonghua.

Primary: $16,500

Secondary: $22,000

Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School

Sha Tin Shek Mun, Area 11, Shatin

General Office: EDUC, 1/F, RL2, Hong Kong Baptist University Rd Campus, Renfrew Rd, Kowloon Tong

Tel: 3411 7755

New school opening in September, the first to be operated by a university in Hong Kong. Located next to Shek Mun KCRC station. Classes initially offered at P1-3 and S1 and building to full primary and secondary through school. Facilities include theatre, amphitheatre, art and cultural centre, dance room, skyline garden, basketball courts, running track. IT is integrated in campus design. Rooted in Christianity but has a broad cultural outlook. Compulsory parent education at all levels of the school. University links will enable experience-sharing between secondary students and undergraduates, teachers and lecturers. Maximum class size: Primary 30-32; Secondary 32-35.

At primary, students will spend mornings on academic studies, with a range of activities in the afternoon, including drama, crafts, tai chi. All students will learn a musical instrument. Character-building liberal arts education will expose P1-S3 students to different religions and cultures. At secondary, students will study for the HKCEE, HKALE or IB Diploma. The school intends to offer Japanese, Korean and French. Medium of instruction will be Putonghua and English at primary; English at secondary.

Primary: $35,000

Secondary: $32,000

Hong Kong Chinese Christian Churches Union Logos Academy

Tseung Kwan O Phase 1, Area 73A, Tseung Kwan O

Tel: 2337 2126

Founded: 2002

Innovative, co-educational Christian through school offering primary and secondary education over 11 years, divided into foundation, development and secondary stages. Seeks to free itself from many of the restrictions of local education, from minimising homework and abandoning textbooks to not using school uniform. Facilities include a 400 sq ft reading room, a lecture theatre for 200 people, interactive whiteboards and special rooms for subjects in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, ICT and arts. Maximum class size: Primary 30; Secondary: 35. P1-S4 in 2006-2007.

Curriculum aims to give pupils a global perspective. The primary foundation stage focuses on activity-based learning. The development stage for the later primary years emphasises core subject knowledge and generic skills. The mastery stage at secondary will prepare students for the IB Diploma. Currently secondary students follow the local curriculum but in future the IB Diploma will be taught alongside the local secondary diploma. Medium of instruction: Chinese and English at primary

level and mostly English at secondary.

Primary: $20,000

Secondary: $23,000

Pegasus Philip Wong Kin Hang Christian Primary School and Junior Secondary School

Kwun Tong Yau Tong Estate Phase 2, Kwun Tong, Kowloon

Tel: 2606 0670

Founded: 2001

Christian school that aims at developing multi-intelligences through experiential learning and an activity-based approach. Integrated curriculum includes arts, music, physical activities and intellectual games. Facilities include a large digital library, broadcasting studio and green corner on the roof. Chinese and English learning emphasised, with the school hiring 15 NETs and five native Putonghua-speaking teachers. Maximum class size: 32. P1-S3 in 2006-07.

School-based curriculum stressing whole-person education with a focus on general knowledge, languages, liberal studies and subjects such as 'Personal Development', 'Man and Society', and 'Study of Mass Media'. Adopts innovative teaching practices, such as project learning, field visits, parent-and-child study and study tours outside Hong Kong. Students can choose between English and Chinese streams at primary. Junior secondary is an EMI school.

Primary: $18,000 (Chinese); $30,000 (English)

Secondary: $24,000

Po Leung Kuk Hing Toon Primary School and Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College

Tseung Kwan O

PLK HING TOON PRIMARY: Po Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O

Tel: 2701 0011

Founded: 1988

PLK LAWS FOUNDATION COLLEGE: 8 To Lok Rd, Tseung Kwan O

Tel: 2701 8778

Founded: 2004

PLK Luk Hing Too Primary turned DSS in September 2005, forming a through school with the nearby Laws Foundation College, which opened in 2004 in a Y2K campus. The primary has won QEF outstanding school awards for management and organisation, and students' attainment; the college has also received a certificate of merit in teaching and learning. Secondary specialises in biotechnology, supported by the Hong Kong Biotechnology Association. Facilities include a QEF-funded electronic music laboratory in the primary, and campus TV. S1-S3 offered in September. Maximum class size: 36, split classes (20-25) for Chinese, English, maths, sciences and liberal studies.

The college will prepare students for local exams and is considering overseas alternatives, such as IGCSE. Biotechnology, including environmental biotechnology, bioethics, health and food science, taught through experiential learning, including research. Primary students given exposure to bio-science to aid transition to secondary. The primary's expertise in electronic music, performing and visual arts is being shared with the college. Medium of instruction: Primary: Cantonese; Secondary: English. Chinese and Chinese history taught in Putonghua. French also offered.

P1-2: $9,800

P3-6: free

(non-DSS)

Secondary: $14,000

Pui Kiu College

Sha Tin Lower Shing Mun Rd, Tai Wai, Shatin

Tel: 2602 3166

Founded 2005

A new through school with classes for Years 1-4 and Years 7-8, extending to Year 12. The college offers a more international style of teaching and an activity-based approach seeking to develop critical thinking. In the English department, half the teachers are native speakers. There are no standard textbooks at primary and secondary, with teachers selecting books appropriate for specific subjects.

Creative, integrated curriculum with co-curricular lessons held each afternoon. These include liberal studies, social service, arts, PE, and music. Independent study encouraged. Students at secondary will study for the HKCEE and HKALE. English learning through reading and writing. Special programmes are available for talented students in maths, science, English, music and sports. Medium of instruction: Putonghua and English at primary; mainly English at secondary.

P1-6: $17,000

S1: $19,000

St Margaret's Co-Educational English Secondary & Primary School

Sham Shui Po 33 Sham Mong Rd, Sham Shui Po

Tel: 2396 6675

Founded in 1965

(formerly St Margaret's Girls' College)

A private Catholic school which turned DSS in 2001. A primary section was introduced in 2003 when it moved to a new Y2K campus. Facilities include all-weather track and organic garden. Learning outside the classroom emphasised. Most English language lessons taught by NETs. Non-Chinese students welcomed. P1-4 and S1-7 available in 2006-07.

Local curriculum, with emphasis on language proficiency and life education. English drama compulsory for P1-S2 students. Outstanding dance, taught as part of PE. Campus TV station trains pupils in news reporting. Medium of instruction: English. Putonghua compulsory. Chinese for P1 pupils will be taught in Putonghua from 2006-2007. Students can also learn French or Japanese.

Primary: $12,000-$22,000

Secondary: $12,000-$19,950

St Paul's Co-Educational College

Mid-Levels

MACDONNELL RD PRIMARY: 33 Macdonnell Rd, Mid-Levels

Tel: 2522 6750

KENNEDY RD PRIMARY: 26 Kennedy Rd, Mid-Levels

Tel: 2526 1882

SECONDARY: 33 Macdonnell Rd, Mid-Levels

Tel: 2523 1187

Highly competitive elite school run by the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui. First DSS students were admitted in 2002. Two primary schools merging in September, and moving to new campus curently being built in Wong Chuk Hang, to open in 2008. Redevelopment of secondary will follow move, partially paid for by $80 million donation from Li Ka-shing. Strong emphasis on civic and moral education from a Christian standpoint. Fosters a global perspective through international exchanges while emphasising Chinese culture and ethics. Known for its academic excellence, though both primary and secondary stress extra-curricular activities. Special provision for gifted students. Maximum class size: 32 for DSS classes at secondary.

At primary, focus is on developing a spirit of enquiry, language skills, IT and life skills, participation in the arts, sports and uniformed groups. At secondary, the school is introducing more options and greater integration of subjects, and reducing school examinations prior to preparation for HKCEE and HKALE. Medium of instruction: Cantonese at primary, with emphasis on English competency. English at secondary.

P1-S5: $48,000

S6-7: $9,100 + $880 (non-DSS)

St Paul's College

Mid-Levels

PRIMARY: 70 Hill Rd, Shek Tong Tsui

Tel: 2546 8887

SECONDARY: 69 Bonham Rd, Mid-Levels

Tel: 2546 2241

Founded: 1851

High-achieving, popular boys' school run by Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui. DSS students were admitted from 2002 at secondary and 2003 at primary. Nine-storey secondary extension due to be completed in August. Seeks to develop all-round abilities, independent thinking and Christian values. Students at secondary pursue a range of activities outside school, including overseas trips. Twinning scheme with Hong Kong International School. Strong emphasis on music. Maximum class size: Primary, 30; Secondary, reducing from 40 to 30 under DSS.

The primary follows the local curriculum, with greater flexibility to meet the needs of individual students. At secondary, students follow a broad curriculum leading to HKCEE and HKALE. Oral English and Putonghua taught by native speakers. Japanese also taught. Medium of instruction: Cantonese at junior primary, with English phased in for upper forms following early language enrichment programme. English at secondary.

P1-4: $30,000

P5-6: free (non-DSS)

S1-5: $38,000

S6-7: $11,350 (non-DSS)

St Paul's Convent School

Causeway Bay 140 Leighton Rd, Causeway Bay

PRIMARY (PRIVATE): Tel: 2576 0601

SECONDARY: Tel: 2576 1692

spcsmail:@spcs.edu.hk

Founded: 1854

High-performing, English-medium Catholic girls' school run by the Sisters of St Paul de Chartres. Secondary turned DSS in 2004, primary remains private, and the two operate independently. Fosters Christian values, critical thinking and creativity. Sister Margaret Wong, the secondary's pro-active principal, is ready to test and apply education innovations and is active in global exchanges. The secondary is a centre of excellence for ICT; fully equipped multimedia studio. Extension opened this year, adding dance studio, language lab and student centre, plus 'classroom of the future' where students link up with schools worldwide. Maximum class size: 40.

The primary curriculum includes English, Chinese, moral and religious education, Putonghua, arts, PE. French offered to non-Chinese speakers. The secondary leads to HKCEE and HKALE with the option of IGCSE and British A-levels. Students may study French instead of Chinese. School has adopted the 'Habits of Mind' programme for promoting personal development. Emphasis on extra-curricular activities, from debating to sports. Medium of instruction: English.

DSS classes:

Primary: $22,400

S1-3: $25,000

Tsung Tsin Primary School and Kindergarten (private) and Tsung Tsin Christian Academy (DSS)

Sham Shui Po

Primary and Kindergarten: 58 Tai Po Rd, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon

Tel: 2777 3679

Founded: 1898

Academy: 58, Tai Po Rd, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon

Tel: 2777 9032

Founded: 2004

The dynamic, Christian, co-educational kindergarten and primary has formed a through school with Tsung Tsin Christian Academy. The primary has an international section catering for those seeking an international approach but with more extensive Chinese and maths, taught by NETs. After-school pastoral and homework support, plus parent workshops. Provision for gifted children, and remedial English and Chinese. Campus TV. Overseas study programmes. The secondary has Y2K campus. Facilities include activity centre, roof-top basketball courts and outdoor theatre, campus TV. Swimming pool also planned. Participates in US-initiated 'Invitational Education Programme' and has links with schools in Minnesota, US, and Scotland. Offering S1-6 in September. Non-local students welcome. Maximum class size: Primary 30-35, international classes have student-teacher ratio of 10-15:1; Secondary 35, and 24 for language classes.

The international primary section combines the local curriculum (60% of teaching time) with more creative international practices. Students are taught Putonghua and simplified characters. Drama and communications included. Extensive lunch-time activities to enhance English skills. Extra-curricular activities include ballet, Chinese dance and voluntary service. The secondary prepares students for Hong Kong exams and also offers TOEFL and SAT. It is planning to offer UK GCSEs and A-levels in sciences and maths. Medium of instruction: Primary: mainstream uses English, except for PE, drama and Bible; international stream uses English, with Japanese compulsory. Secondary: English, with Chinese taught in Putonghua.

Kindergarten:

local section: $19,000; international: $36,000

Primary:

local section: $22,800; international: $45,600

Secondary:

S1-3: $18,000

S4-5: $22,000

S5-6: $25,000

DSS PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Po Leung Kuk Camoes Tan Siu Lin Primary School

Yaumatei 6 Hoi Ting Rd, Yaumatei, Kowloon

Tel: 2367 3318

Multicultural school originally run by the Portuguese community as the Escola Camoes but taken over by the Po Leung Kuk in 1996. About one-third of students are non-Chinese. Moved to new campus in 1999 and turned DSS in 2000-2001. Facilities include a swimming pool and special rooms for music, art and crafts, computer and language studies, and remedial teaching. New annex under construction, to be completed by the end of the year. Maximum class size: 44, reducing to 37.

Offers all-round education, with particular emphasis on languages and the arts. Uniformed groups among many other activities. Cantonese, Putonghua and French taught to all students. Chinese taught as a second language to non-Chinese children. Medium of instruction: English.

$12,000

WF Joseph Lee Primary School

Tin Shui Wai 9 Tin Fai Rd, Tin Shui Wai

Tel: 3401 4995

Founded: 2001

Run by the independent Woo Foo Foundation in Y2K campus. Encourages parents' participation. Admits non-Chinese students. Sports and museum visits. Creating a green campus environment. Optimum class size: 30.

School-based curriculum using activity-based learning. Stresses language proficiency. Languages include Putonghua, French and Japanese. Special attention given to environmental education. Medium of instruction: English and Putonghua.

$12,000

DSS SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Chinese Foundation Secondary School

Siu Sai Wan Harmony Rd, Siu Sai Wan

Tel: 2904 7322

Founded: 2000

School rooted in Chinese culture that also seeks a global outlook. Close ties with mainland schools and universities. Gifted education programme. International exchange programmes during summer. Non-Chinese speakers welcome. Class size: 30.

Enrichment programmes, including learning, thinking and social skills, compulsory for junior students. Mainstream curriculum leading to HKCEE and HKALE. Considering adopting the IB Diploma. Students must join at least one extra-curricular activity. Medium of instruction: English, except Chinese-related and cultural subjects.

S1-3: $9,050

S4-5: $13,300

S6-7: $20,000

Delia Memorial Schools (Broadway and Hip Wo)

Mei Foo and Kwun Tong

Broadway: 80-86 Broadway, Mei Foo Sun Chuen, Kowloon

Tel: 2742 2028

Founded: 1972

Hip Wo: 221 Hip Wo St, Kwun Tong

Tel: 2342 3198

Founded: 1980

The Delia Group runs two DSS schools that cater in particular for ethnic minority students, but also admit local pupils. The group also operates several Chinese-medium DSS schools, including the Delia Memorial School (Glee Path), Delia Memorial School (Yuet Wah), and Matteo Ricci College, Kwun Tong, as well as the international Delia School of Canada (see international through schools). Maximum class size: 40 for S1-5; 30 for S6-7.

Chinese and English streams. Mainstream curriculum leading to HKCEE and HKALE. French and Chinese also offered. The Hip Wo school also provides multicultural studies. Medium of instruction: Chinese or English.

S1-S3: free

S4-S5: $5,610

S6-S7: $9,390

Fukien Secondary School

Kwun Tong 83, Chun Wah Rd, Kwun Tong, Kowloon

Tel: 2578 1745

Founded: 1951

Run by the Fukien Chamber of Commerce. School is in a Y2K campus, with language centre, campus TV, 1,200-seat auditorium and over 15 specialist rooms. Indoor swimming room under construction. Strong school-home cooperation and emphasis on multiple intelligences. Exchange programmes with the mainland, UK and Australia. English and maths taught in classes of 25.

School-based curriculum, with no textbooks used. Liberal studies taught in S1-S3 and S6-7. Medium of instruction: English and Putonghua in Chinese subjects.

S1-S3: $2,800

S4: $6,300

S5: $6,600

S6-7: $12,000

Hang Seng School of Commerce

Sha Tin Hang Shin Link, Siu Lek Yuen, Sha Tin

Tel: 2647 5151

Founded: 1980

Offers S6-7. Seven full scholarships offered annually to the school's graduates to further their studies at UK or US universities. Plans to develop into a post-secondary/higher education institution. Facilities include basketball, badminton and tennis courts and a swimming pool. Students' hostel available. Maximum class size: 36.

Two-year HKALE course for students wanting to take further studies in the business field. Additional focus on language learning. Wide range of extra-curricular activities available. Now also offers a two-year, full-time Associate Degree programme in business administration, plus one-year Pre-Associate Degree and Top-up Degree programmes. Medium of instruction: English.

$12,000

HKMA David Li Kwok Po College

Mongkok 8 Hoi Wang Rd, Mongkok, West Kowloon

Tel: 2626 9100

Founded: 2000

The school's mission is to develop multilingual, creative, all-round learners, with an international outlook but rooted in Chinese culture. Facilities included English centre, lecture theatres and computer-assisted learning rooms. Local and international staff. Children with special needs welcomed. About 5% of the students are non-Chinese. Parents encouraged to join PTA. Maximum class size: 40 for S1-5; 30 for S6-7.

Curriculum leads to HKCEE and HKALE. Strong encouragement of reading. English, Chinese and French available. More than 40 extra-curricular activities, including music, sport and cultural pursuits, with students expected to learn at least one musical instrument and one sport. Overseas exchange programmes to promote international outlook. Community service week. Medium of instruction: English, except Chinese and Chinese History (taught in Putonghua from S1-3).

S1-3: $9,600

S4-5: $13,900

S6-7: $24,100

HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity

Kowloon Tong

2 Tsing Chau Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon (temporary campus)

Junction Rd/Inverness Rd, Kowloon Tong

Tel: 2766 3703

Hong Kong's first 'fame' school dedicated to arts and culture, opening in September for senior secondary students (S4 students only in 2006). The brainchild of leading members of the arts community and run by Hong Kong Institute of Contemporary Culture. It aims to prepare students for careers in creative industries, including architecture, design, film and video, TV and radio, digital entertainment, software and computing, performing arts, publishing and advertising. A purpose-built campus is being built in Kowloon Tong, and is due to be completed early in 2007 with facilities to support the creative arts. Opens in a temporary campus in Hung Hom.

S4-5 students will study core HKCEE subjects of Chinese, English and maths, optional exam subjects, and cross-discipline school-based subjects focusing on creativity and humanities. This will be supplemented by artist-in-residence and creative projects with professionals. Arts-based A-level programme. Medium of instruction: Cantonese, with option of English for maths, music, ICT, history, design and technology, and visual arts.

$18,000

Lam Tai Fai College

Sha Tin 25 Ngan Shing St, Sha Tin, New Territories

Tel: 2786 1990

Founded: 2004

Innovative DSS school specialising in fashion, IT and sports. Support from Polytechnic University and Chinese University. Talented students in these fields given priority. PolyU will give preference to S7 graduates excelling in fashion and design. Facilities include fashion design centre, gym and video production studio. Summer study tours and internships offered. Non Chinese-speakers welcomed. Maximum class size: 40 for S1-3, and 25 from S4.

Design, sports and health, and computer literacy at S1-3, alongside mainstream local curriculum. At HKCEE, students can study music, textiles and IT. S6-7 will include options in sports science, innovation, and fashion design. Medium of instruction: English, except Chinese language and history classes.

S1-S2: $10,000-$11,000

S3-S4: $12,000-$13,000

S5-S6: $14,000-$16,500

Po Leung Kuk Ngan Po Ling College

To Kwa Wan 26 Sung On St, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon

Tel: 2462 3932

Founded: 2003

Po Leung Kuk school opened in 2003 in a harbour-front Y2K campus. The school focuses on all-round development, languages and IT. Facilities include multimedia and fashion design rooms. An indoor swimming pool is being built, to be completed in 2008. Activities include exchanges with schools in New Zealand, Shanghai and Singapore. Non-Chinese speakers welcomed. Maximum class size: 40, with small classes for languages.

Diversified curriculum offered in lower forms, including integrated humanities and sciences. S4-5 offer science, commerce and arts streams leading to HKCEE. S6-7 focus on science and commerce for A-levels. IELTS, TOEFL and Bursary courses available. French and Japanese taught. Remedial and enhancement programmes in English, Chinese and maths. Career-oriented classes include fashion design, travel and tourism. Medium of instruction: English and, for Chinese, Putonghua.

$12,000

St Margaret's Girls' College (Hong Kong)

Mid-Levels 97 Caine Rd, Hong Kong

Tel: 2549 0301

Founded: 1965

Catholic school that joined DSS in 2000. Active student union, house and prefect systems. Family education camp, volunteer training and community service. Winner of inter-school Chinese dance competitions. Campus TV. Overseas study tours, with special links with school in Queensland, Australia. Non-Chinese welcomed. Scholarships offered. Class size: 30-35. English and mathematics taught in classes of 20-25 students.

Local curriculum leading to HKCEE and HKALE. Travel and tourism options offered at S4, also word processing, business communication, and principles of accounting. Liberal studies offered at S6. Emphasis on English, through reading sessions and inter-class English drama contests. Tutorials for public exams candidates and English remedial classes. ICT is integrated into curriculum. Medium of instruction is English, except Chinese language and history.

S1-S3: $4,000

S4-S5: $9.500

S6-S7: $14,500

Stewards Pooi Kei College

Sha Tin 56, Siu Lek Yuen Rd, Sha Tin

Tel: 2345 4567

Founded: 2004

Christian co-educational school that aims to position itself between a local and international school. Stresses leadership, global awareness, moral education and group discipline. The campus has access for the disabled. Plans to take international students. Applicants and their parents need to attend interviews for admission. Small-group teaching. Class size: 30-35.

Balanced curriculum covering environmental education, integrated humanities, music, arts and sports, with students preparing for HKCEE and HKALE. Includes a special course focusing on personal, social and spiritual education, which integrates Biblical principles with life education. Emphasises extra-curricular activities including overseas voluntary programmes and study tours. Medium of instruction: English.

$13,000

Tak Sun Secondary School

Sha Tin 27 Ning Tai Rd, Ma On Shan, Sha Tin

Tel: 2317 4339

Founded: 2000

Boys' school run by East Asian Educational Association, a non-profit Catholic organisation linked to Opus Dei. The teachings of Jose Escriva, the movement's founder, form the basis of the school's philosophy, and all chaplains at the school are Opus Dei priests. Strict interpretation of morality, particularly sexual ethics. Millennium school building. Also includes a library, chapel, assembly hall and multi-purpose courts. Each student provided with a personal tutor to help form a link between school and family. Small English classes in S1 and S2 taught by two teachers. S1 enrolment based on academic performance, conduct, and interviews with students and parents. Maximum class size: 40.

School follows local curriculum with own variations. Arts, social science and three natural science streams for HKCEE. Two classes each in S6 and S7, divided into social science, life science and engineering streams. Religious studies and ethics compulsory throughout. Medium of instruction: English. Chinese taught in Putonghua from S1.

S1-3: $4,500

S4-5: $8,500

S6-7: $16,500

United Christian College (Kowloon East)

Kwun Tong 2 Lee On Lane, Kwun Tong, Kowloon

Tel: 3191 7888

Founded: 2003

Protestant school offering whole-person Christian education based on Biblical principles. Y2K campus. School has adopted 'Habits of Mind' programme for personal development, focusing on traits such as perseverance and self-control. Extended lunch breaks for hobby clubs and short interest courses. Informal monthly open nights for parents to meet teachers. Class sizes: 30-33 for S1-3; 30-40 for S4-5.

School-based curriculum. Students are streamed according to their English level. Third language (French or Japanese) compulsory up to S3. Medium of instruction: officially English, but some classes in Chinese.

S1-4: $16,000

S5: $7,000

S6: $10,000

Wai Kiu College

Shek Kip Mei 17 Wai Chi St, Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon

Tel: 2777 6289

Founded: 1968

Relatively small school that has gained from Quality Education Fund support for various projects. Broadband network with two well-equipped computer labs. Electronic library. Rooftop garden. S1 students must take part in a subsidised orientation camp and join one uniformed association. S1-S4 and S6 must do voluntary work. Maximum class size: 45.

School-based curriculum, with an emphasis on life education and liberal studies. Visual arts required at S1. Japanese offered up to S3. Only one class in S6-7, split into arts/science streams. Wide use of school-based assessment. Medium of instruction: English, with Chinese taught in Putonghua (school uses its own textbook).

S1-3: $3,000

S4-5: $5,950

S6-7: $11,750

YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

Lantau 2 Chung Yat St, Tung Chung, Lantau

Tel: 2988 8123

Founded: 2004

English-medium school promoted as an alternative to international schools for both Chinese and non-Chinese children. International outlook, with one-third of teachers from overseas. Maximum class size: 32 for S1-2, 22 for S4-5, 30 from S6.

The curriculum covers science and ICT, social, humanities, arts and physical education, leading to HKCEE, HKALE and other public exams. French and elementary Chinese are offered to non-Chinese students. Christian education is a core part of the curriculum at junior level. Career exposure is brought in from S3, with job placements in Hong Kong and overseas. Medium of instruction: English.

S1-2: $13,000

S3: $11,000

S4-5: $15,000

S6: $18,000

S7: $23,500