Choosing between a local school and an international one is one of the most common dilemmas parents face in Hong Kong. Many families start with the local system and later consider switching to international schooling to strengthen their child’s English proficiency, develop a global perspective, or prepare for further studies overseas. But what does this process actually look like? What are the risks and opportunities? And most importantly, can your child successfully make the transition?
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Key Entry Points: When to Apply for a Smooth Transfer
Timing is critical if you want the best chance of securing a place at an international school. Some entry points are more accessible than others:
For 13-year education (Year 1–Year 13)
- Year 1: A natural entry point, though places are limited
- Year 7: One of the most popular years to join, as many schools expand intake in Year 7. Applications typically open when a child is in Primary 5
Parents sometimes get confused by the differences between the local and international systems. For example, if you wait until your child finishes Primary 6, you may miss the Year 7 entry window.
Other entry points include
- Years 8 or 9: Suitable if the school offers the IGCSE curriculum, as Year 9 is the subject-choice year before the official program begins in Year 10
- Beyond Year 9: Entry becomes much more difficult. Years 10 and 11 are rarely open due to the start of two-year IGCSE courses
- Similarly, Years 12 and 13 are usually closed because of A-level and IB Diploma structures
Why Parents Look to International Schools
Parents may consider international schooling for several reasons:
- Concerns about the standard of English teaching in the local system
- A mismatch between the child’s learning style and the more traditional teaching, testing, and homework demands of local schools
- Preparation for future study abroad, either in secondary school or at university
Interestingly, many children who move into international schools are already doing well in their local schools. The switch is rarely due to unhappiness or academic struggle; most children are capable and thriving.
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Can Local Students Apply to International Schools?
A common misconception is that international schools only accept foreign passport holders. In reality, all international schools in Hong Kong consider applications from local students, including those with Hong Kong passports. While foreign nationals may receive priority at certain schools, children from local schools are not excluded or discriminated against. The key is meeting entry requirements, which vary significantly between schools.
Overcoming English Language Barriers
English is usually the biggest hurdle for local school students:
- Grammar may be strong, but creative and analytical writing can be weaker
- Understanding and producing different text genres (persuasive essays, creative writing) can be challenging
- Confidence in speaking and expressing ideas in English may lag behind peers
Math skills very rarely pose a problem. This challenge is not unique to students from local schools—many native-English-speaking children also struggle with the creative, less structured style of literacy expected in international schools.
How to Prepare Your Child for a Successful Transfer
Families need to research carefully to understand the level of English required by their target schools. Some schools offer additional English support programs, while others expect full fluency from the start. Tutoring or preparatory courses can effectively bridge gaps in confidence or readiness.
Sitting an admissions test is usually part of the process, so preparing your child in advance is highly recommended.
What to Expect at an International School
Most children transition successfully into international schools. They often find:
- Teaching more engaging
- Homework less heavy
- School culture more creative, relaxed, and enjoyable.
However, the degree of ease depends heavily on your child’s personality and the timing of the transfer. Children who move at an older age sometimes experience culture shock. Having always worked in an environment with model answers, they may feel less secure when faced with open-ended, abstract, or creative tasks requiring initiative and independent thought.
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Plan Your Child’s Successful Move to an International School
Switching from a local to an international school is a significant decision, but with the right planning, it can be a smooth and positive transition. Parents who understand key entry points, prepare their child for admissions requirements, especially in English, and choose the right timing can help their child thrive in a new, more dynamic learning environment.
At Grove Education, we guide families through every step of this process, from identifying the right schools and entry points to preparing children for admissions tests and English requirements. Contact us today to discover personalised support and strategies to make your child’s transition seamless and successful.