Pokfulam and Kowloon Bay

[UKtoHK]

We are currently in the process of a move from the UK to HK. Have been liaising with various possible schools for our four children. It may be possible to have the two older ones (year 10 and year 8) in a school in Kowloon Bay, and the two younger ones (year 6 and reception) in Pokfulam. I will be working in Central.

Regarding where we will live, I have left this until we have confirmation on school location. Given the above, any views on best location to minimise commute time for the children - but still live in a nice area.

One view is that the commute is tougher on the young kids, so we should be based closer to Pokfulam. How long would it then take the older kids to get to Kowloon?

Or should we avoid splitting the kids like this and seek a school or schools closer together? Looking for Jan 14 entry, so I think our options may be limited.

All opinions greatly appreciated.

 

[amanda009]

Traveling from pokfulam to Kowloon bay is quite a lot for younger kids, considering the traffic jams in the morning， Although people do make their kids travel far forschool.

 

[rani]

Congratulations on getting your older kids at Kellett KB. It looks like the new campus is going to be amazing. We have friends who's son will be joining the school this September. I would look for a place in Pok Fu Lam. The big kids can commute and I hear the bus from Pok Fu Lam will be picking up at around 7am and the bus ride is approx 40-50mins. Which is more or less the same pick up as other secondary schools around the island.

 

[Doc mum]

Hi we are also in the same situation that on the processing of moving to HK from UK. I think you are doing the right thing as you are fixing the school at 1st then looking to rent a apartment near by school.
Unfortunately we have done wrong way round. We have 2 sons who are applied to go to Kowloon Bay new campus as we have rented our apartment in AREA KOWLOON PEAK which is very near by Kowloon bay campus.Now school replied my kids only can go to POKFULAM campus. Also we have to go by our own way as School has not got any Bus route from Kowloon to Pokfulam.
My husband already moved into HK end of April to join in his new job and rented a aprt after looking at million aprt possible price.
Now I am gutted about school place.Quite annoyed ,everything packed and about to move by 21st august. We are trying to explain the school our priority seems no hope.
Anyway writing to you to find out what is your situation,have you managed to settle and got the school for your 4 kids.Its daunting process for us but too late to go back.Would appreciate if you can give us any idea of your situation and wanted to contact further when we arrive in HK..

 

[rani]

Oh dear! There is a Public bus that comes close to Pok Fu Lam from Kowloon Bay but it will take over an hour (bus 107). Any chance you get a car and drive the kids to school? The drive should be around 30-40 mins. Once the 1st year of your lease is up you can perhaps move closer to school? You're not alone there are plenty of families commuting from far. It's not ideal, but distances in Hong Kong aren't too bad.