South Island School (ESF)
International School in Hong Kong
Quick answer
South Island School (SIS) is part of the English Schools Foundation network in Hong Kong, enrolling 1,408 students from 39 nationalities for an IGCSE-then-IB Diploma British/IB pathway. The school also offers BTEC vocational qualifications at sixth form, accredited by IBO and CIS. Annual tuition runs $14,000-$18,000 USD (true cost ~$17,650, +10% — Hong Kong's 72nd cost percentile). Admissions are competitive; best suited to families wanting ESF's IB outcomes with vocational sixth-form optionality.
Key facts
- Curriculum: IB leaving qualifications include IGCSE and IB Diploma and BTEC.
- Tuition: $14,000–$18,000/yr published in USD, US$ equivalent.
- Avg class size: 23 (max 28) Hong Kong international school · 1,408 students total.
- 39 nationalities top: British.
- Ages: 11-18 school day starts at 07:55, except Tuesday starts at 09:55.
- Accreditations: IBO, CIS verified.
1,408
39 (British)
23 avg / 28 max
Fixed intake
IBO, CIS
IGCSE and IB Diploma and BTEC
About South Island School (ESF)
South Island School’s Mission is to promote Well-Being, Learning, Global Citizenship and Sustainability, through all aspects of our school. We expect our students, staff, and community to embed our Mission objectives within everything they do, as they strive to achieve the ESF Vision for every student to be the best that they can be.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition (USD) | $14,000 – $18,000 |
| Annual tuition (USD) | HK181100-HK181100 |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| True annual cost (with hidden fees)how we calculate | $17,650(+10%) |
| First-year total (with registration + deposit) | $19,150 |
| Cost position in Hong Kong | 72th percentile(above average) |
Hidden costs & fee notes
ESF network school. ESF individual debenture HKD 50,000 (refundable) or corporate nomination HKD 500,000. Building levy included. Bus HKD 8,000–15,000/year. Uniforms HKD 2,000–3,000.
IB
IGCSE and IB Diploma and BTEC
GCSE/ IGCSE, IB Diploma, BTEC
Please refer to the LINK for details: https://www.sis.edu.hk/careers-and-higher-education/
Mandarin Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, Korean
Please refer to the LINK for details: https://www.sis.edu.hk/individual-needs/
Yes
Yes
07:55, except Tuesday starts at 09:55 – 15:15, except Friday finishes at 12:55
Yes. Two cafeterias and one Cafe
Yes.
Recommended neighborhoods
Aberdeen, Repulse Bay, Ap Lei Chau, Pokfulam
Is South Island School (ESF) right for your family?
A School Fit Brief scores this school against your children's ages, learning needs, and budget — with hidden fee analysis, admissions timing, and a ranked shortlist of alternatives in Hong Kong.
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At a Glance
Fee Position in Hong Kong
Budget-friendlySchool Profile
Class Size
Student Diversity
Highly diverse
Common: British
Estimated Real Cost
Tuition + registration, transport, uniform, exams
ESF network school. ESF individual debenture HKD 50,000 (refundable) or corporate nomination HKD 500,000. Building levy included. Bus HKD 8,000–15,000/year. Uniforms HKD 2,000–3,000.
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The $49 School Fit Brief covers South Island School (ESF) and 4 other top schools in Hong Kong — tuition + true cost, curriculum fit, admission timeline, and red flags. Builds your shortlist in 8 minutes vs the $1,500–3,500 (and 2–4 weeks) an education consultant charges for the same answer.
Nearby Schools (within 5km)
Disclaimer: School profiles are source-backed decision aids, not endorsements or official rankings. Tuition figures are approximate and may not include registration fees, uniforms, transport, or exam costs. Always verify directly with the school before applying. WhereNext is not affiliated with any school listed. This is not admissions consulting, legal advice, or official school placement guidance.