We are relocating to Hong Kong from the UK this summer. Our son is going to be 9 in August and we have so far applied to 5 schools after advise from our relocation agent. HKIS, Kellet, ESF, HKA and IMS. HKIS and Kellet has already turned us down. ESF is telling us that there at this moment is no other child before our son on the waiting list for The Peak School (where we have rented a house) but that the class so far is full. Our agent seem to be quite relaxed and tells us to relax but I am honestly completely stressed out! Should I apply to more schools? How do I best prepare my son for the test at ESF if we get a offer? Since he failed the test at Kellet I am worried that the fact that he is attending an international school here and not an English will be a disadvantage for him, he is not used to the English test system. Does anyone have experience from home schooling in HK? Would that be an alternative while waiting for an offer? How will we in that case meet friends for him? Lots of questions!
Relocating with 9 year old son
- Thread starter Marrol
- Start date
It is all very stressful, isn't it? We're relocating from the USA in July. Though not there yet, I can share the info I've gathered so far. I'm sure one of the Hong Kongers can fill in any gaps. Being at the top spot on an ESF waitlist is excellent, even at a small school like Peak. There seems to be a lot of turnover this summer with families leaving HK. Also, some families hold a spot for a child at one school while waiting for a spot to open at another, so you it's very possible a spot will open. We almost interviewed at Kennedy and were told by the admissions director that we shouldn't worry about the ESF admissions test. It's low-key and traditionally more about English proficiency than academic skill. My 10-year-old son requires reading support and they told me he wouldn't have any difficulty with the test. It never hurts to apply to other schools if you can afford the fees. If nothing else, it gives you something to do while you wait. ICA (Island Christian Academy) has a lot of good buzz and I've heard positive things about the Harbour School even though it has some issues with its building space and hopes to move within the next year. Also, definitely be a squeaky wheel. Call the schools that you are interested in and check in to see how things are going. It has greater impact if you do it rather than your relocation agent. My husband started his tour in Hong Kong in February and visited with admissions officers in person which helped us as well. Technically homeschooling is illegal in Hong Kong. But there are tutoring centers that can take kids a few hours a day till they get placed, if needed. As for making friends, will you be living in a high-rise building? There are tons of kids there your son could befriend. If not, you could also try some sports leagues. Many of them are not school-specific, so you could sign him up when you arrive. There is also a Hong Kong Moms Facebook page that could help you find info on sports leagues for kids. Hope this helps. Good luck!
rani
Administrator
Have noticed at ESF that they loose approx 8-10% each year. So for the Peak School that would mean about 5-6 kids will leave at the end of the year. If you're on the top of the list, then you shouldn't have a problem getting a place. The interview at ESF is fairly easy so don't worry.
penguinsix
Registered User
Next on the list? I'd be shocked if you were not offered a spot.
Many expats in the financial community work on 'June/July contracts'. Basically they arrive in June on a two to three year assignment and they leave in June/July. I'm not entirely sure why this is (someone told me some financial institutions have Fiscal Years that are based on June 30th so maybe that's the case).
As a result, there is a lot of turnover in June. While schools say to existing parents "let us know by March or April if you will be back" there are always some who are "please hold me a place, I'll know in May".
I would expect quite a few spots to open after June.
By the way, if the Peak is only a temporary accommodation you should note that the Peak School's cachement area extends down into the Midlevels as well. May Road, Magazine Gap, Barker, Kennedy, McDonnell roads also send kids up to the Peak.
http://www.esf.edu.hk/sites/esf/files/ESF_School_Zone_150611.pdf
Many expats in the financial community work on 'June/July contracts'. Basically they arrive in June on a two to three year assignment and they leave in June/July. I'm not entirely sure why this is (someone told me some financial institutions have Fiscal Years that are based on June 30th so maybe that's the case).
As a result, there is a lot of turnover in June. While schools say to existing parents "let us know by March or April if you will be back" there are always some who are "please hold me a place, I'll know in May".
I would expect quite a few spots to open after June.
By the way, if the Peak is only a temporary accommodation you should note that the Peak School's cachement area extends down into the Midlevels as well. May Road, Magazine Gap, Barker, Kennedy, McDonnell roads also send kids up to the Peak.
http://www.esf.edu.hk/sites/esf/files/ESF_School_Zone_150611.pdf