... and plan it all out long before you apply

Getting your child into a school of your choice requires planning, often years ahead. The process, however, varies depending on the type of school. Many parents will be making multiple applications, trying their luck in the aided sector and sought-after Direct Subsidy Scheme schools and backing up by scouring international and other private schools.

International kindergartens: Most offer places on a first-come, first-served basis. For popular preschools, it is necessary to put a child's name on waiting lists early.

International schools: Most require children to demonstrate they can learn in English, and the more popular schools are selective, taking into account signs of children's early academic abilities and social skills. For example, places in Chinese International School's reception year are based on how children perform in observation sessions to assess language abilities (in English and Putonghua), academic and social skills. For subsequent years, students must sit written tests, in English, Chinese and maths and at secondary level, non-verbal reasoning.

Chinese International and Hong Kong International accept applications two years prior to admissions. Some schools such as Canadian International have no deadlines but offer places on a first-come-first-served basis, as long as entrance criteria are satisfied.

English Schools Foundation schools: Applications should be lodged by September 22 for Year One and October 7 for Year Seven. Applications are sorted according to admission criteria with children from non-Chinese-speaking families given higher priority.

Direct subsidy scheme primary schools: The most sought-after DSS schools normally set deadlines for admission in early September, though some run a second round of admissions for a limited number of places. Places are offered after interviews, based on factors such as academic achievement in preschool, language abilities and extra-curricular activities. Children of alumni and, for schools with religious backgrounds, members of sponsoring church bodies may have priority.