South Island School (ESF)
- IB MYP
- IGCSE
- IB Diploma
- IB Career-related
- +1
Per yearabout USD 22.2K–24K
HKD 174K–188K · 2026-27 school year · Source: official government data (checked 2026-11-02)
About
ESF South Island School is a secondary school in Deep Water Bay, Hong Kong, part of the English Schools Foundation. It offers the IB Middle Years Programme for Years 7-9, I/GCSE for Years 10-11, and the IB Diploma, IB Career-related Programme or SIS Diploma for Years 12-13.
Key facts
Source: Read from the school's websiteCompiled from public sources
Info checked 2026-11-06 · 2026-27 school year
Curriculum
IB MYP · IGCSE · IB Diploma
Ages
Ages 11–18
Language
English
Type
International school
Fee level
- Founded
- 1977
- Ownership
- Foundation
- Learning support (SEN)
- Moderately selective
- Accreditations
- IB
Fees
Source: Official records
2026-27 school year
Age on the first day of the school year (usually 1 September). Cut-off dates differ by school.
| Grade | Per year |
|---|---|
| S.1 - S.5 | HKD 188,300≈ USD 24K |
| S.6 - S.7 | HKD 174,200≈ USD 22.2K |
Show fee charts
| per year | |
|---|---|
| S.1 - S.5 | HKD 188,300 (about USD 24K) |
| S.6 - S.7 | HKD 174,200 (about USD 22.2K) |
Source: school website (applications.edb.gov.hk) · checked 2026-11-02 · ECB reference rate (2026-11-06)
| min | max | |
|---|---|---|
| South Island School (ESF) (this school) | HKD 174,200 (about USD 22.2K) | HKD 188,300 (about USD 24K) |
| Harrow International School Hong Kong | HKD 182,493 (about USD 23.3K) | HKD 248,155 (about USD 31.7K) |
| Glenealy School (ESF) | HKD 145,000 (about USD 18.5K) | HKD 145,000 (about USD 18.5K) |
| Lantau International School | HKD 81,000 (about USD 10.3K) | HKD 105,500 (about USD 13.5K) |
| Korean International School | HKD 58,500 (about USD 7.46K) | HKD 143,200 (about USD 18.3K) |
| Kellett School | HKD 218,200 (about USD 27.8K) | HKD 279,100 (about USD 35.6K) |
Source: school website (applications.edb.gov.hk) · checked 2026-11-02 · ECB reference rate (2026-11-06)
As published by the school. Amounts change with the school year and exchange rates; please confirm with the school before applying. Converted amounts use the reference rate of the date shown. ECB reference rate (2026-11-06). Source: official government data (checked 2026-11-02)
Curriculum and academics
Source: Read from the school's website
Curricula, explainedIB MYP · IB DP (Diploma) · IB CP (Career-related) · IGCSE
The IB's four programmes
Schools often run only some of the four. Highlighted boxes are the ones this school offers.
- IB PYPNot here
Early years to primary · Ages 3–12
The IB's primary programme. Children learn through questions and units of inquiry rather than separate subjects.
- IB MYPOffered
Middle years (ages 11–16) · Ages 11–16
The IB's middle-years programme: eight subject groups taught with links between them, ending with a personal project.
- IB DP (Diploma)Offered
Last 2 years of school · Ages 16–19
The IB's university-entrance qualification — what people usually mean by "the IB". Six subjects plus the Extended Essay, TOK and CAS, scored out of 45.
- IB CP (Career-related)Offered
Last 2 years of school · Ages 16–19
The IB's career-related route for the same ages as the DP: at least two DP courses plus a career-related study chosen by the school.
Last two years: DP or CP
IGCSE
Ages 14–16, 2 years · Ages 14–16
A subject-by-subject qualification taken around age 16 in British-style schools — usually 5–10 subjects studied over two years.
Ages are the usual bands; schools can differ.Curriculum basics guide
Strengths
- Service
- Sport
- Performing arts
Exam results
- IB Diploma · Pass rate
- 98%
Campus and school life
Source: Read from the school's website
Facilities
- Gym
- Theatre
- Library
Sports
- Badminton
- Netball
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Rock climbing
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Licence
English Schools Foundation school on the Education Bureau's official international school list
More details
Source: Read from the school's website
The essentials
Additional learning support
Follows an inclusive model with most support in class. Offers tiered support and a Learning Support Centre with smaller groups and an adapted curriculum for some students.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Country affiliation
Part of the English Schools Foundation, described as the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Bus service
Accessible by Citybus routes. Campus gates close during school hours and vehicle entry is restricted at set times.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Diving deeper
House system
Six houses run interhouse activities that connect students across year levels and build school spirit and belonging.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Academics
Curriculum
Years 7-9 follow IB MYP; Years 10-11 take a common core and electives toward I/GCSE; Years 12-13 offer IB DP, IB CP or the SIS Diploma.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Exam results
States a 98% IB Diploma pass rate, with 35% of its 130 IBDP students scoring 40 or more points.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Wellbeing
Social and emotional learning (SEL)
A Pastoral Learning Curriculum taught in tutor time builds resilience, social skills and well-being.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Special educational needs (SEN)
Applies Universal Design for Learning to meet diverse needs, with short pull-out interventions and exam access arrangements for eligible students.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Mental wellbeing
Emphasises mental health and well-being, with tutors, Heads of Year, counsellors and medical staff providing support to each student.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Parent experience
History
Opened in 1977 as an annex of Island School, moved to Causeway Bay in 1978 and to the present Nam Fung Road campus in 1983.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Community
Students engage in local and global service, including support for a kindergarten and family academy in Bacolod, Philippines.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Facilities
Facilities overview
Semi-rural green campus with digitally equipped classrooms, a locker for each student and a dedicated study space for Years 12-13.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Sports facilities
Sports Hall with badminton, netball, volleyball and basketball courts, a climbing wall and a weight training gym.
- Badminton courts
- Netball court
- Volleyball courts
- Basketball courts
- Rock climbing wall
- Weight training gym
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Academic facilities
All classrooms have interactive digital equipment and wireless networks; Years 12-13 have a dedicated study facility.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Extra-curricular facilities
A hall seating over 400 for assemblies and performances, and a multi-purpose space with games and a stage.
- The Hall
- The SPACE
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Extra-curricular activities
Arts and creative
The hall with professional sound and lighting hosts concerts, musicals and drama productions.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Community and service
Community engagement is part of required coursework, with an annual MAD Week of local and international service activities.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Leadership and professional
Offers student-led councils and initiatives that develop leadership and soft skills.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions enquiries go to a dedicated admissions email address, and the website offers apply and enquire options.
School website · Checked 2026-11-06
Location
Source: Read from the school's websiteCompiled from public sources
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