Shifting to HK. Need a school admission for my 11 year old for Aug '13

[AnnaMom]

Hi


My husband is being shifted to HK from his current organization. I have a 11 year old daughter who is studying in a reputed IB school in India(PYP 4). Her school year ends in March end and I am keen to apply for her to start school in HK from Aug '13(PYP 5) .We will probably be staying on the island(Aberdeen/ tai koo shing/mid levels).


My daughter is good at English though not a native speaker. Also she has studied French as a second language since PYP 1


Based on the feedback seen in this forum and speaking to some friends I have shortlisted the following :


a) ESF - Bradbury , Gleanely , Peak , Quarry bay
b) CDNIS
c) FIS
d) CIS
e) GSIS
f) HKIS
g) SIS


Any advice in seeking a place for Aug '13 is welcome. Is it at all possible to seek admission in PYP 6 without debentures completely on the basis of child's merit and a very persuasive mom ?


I will be grateful to all parents out there who have been through this grind.

 

[rani]

What year is your daughter born? 11 year old should be in secondary school and not primary.

The ESF schools you should be looking at are: Island, South Island and West Island.

You may want to consider Delia School in Tai Koo Shing which is known for its strong English Second Language program. Many children will go here first to improve their English and will transfer to ESF or other International schools when they're ready.

 

[AnnaMom]

Thanks ESFMum. I made a typo - My daughter's DOB is 3 Jul 2003 and hence turns 10 in July 2012 - Will she need to go to secondary school ?

She is very good at English already and has studied in an IB school for the last 6 years. Do you still think she will have difficulty adjusting to ESF ?

 

[rani]

2003 should be P6 next year and not secondary school. A P6 place should be easier to come by, but you need to apply now. More info on ESF application process here.

http://www.esf.edu.hk/sites/esf/files/Check_List_for_ESF_Online_Application_2012-13(2).pdf

You do need to have a HK address as they will try and find a space for you in the school in your zone.

 

[AnnaMom]

Thanks ESFMum.

I wrote to ESF and they have advised me to also try in other schools and 'informed' me about the Corporate Nominations right. I am curious to know if it is at all possible to get a place for my child without a debenture ? Nominations right at 500K is way beyond my reach and I hear stories about the debentures being traded for absurd prices. Please guide me on schools where I have better chances with reasonable prices for debentures and availability.

 

[rani]

The $500K Nomination Right is new and will be launched next year. They are only issuing 150 of these across all schools, and there is no guarantee they will be able to issue them all. There are still many parents like yourself, who cannot afford to pay this and will apply and hope to get a place without one. So don't be discouraged.

More on the Nominations Rights here:

http://hongkong.geoschools.com/forum/15/thread4130.html

You should definitely apply to other schools on your list as well, plus Delia. It's only for 1 year. In September 2013, you will need to apply to P7 in a secondary school.

Good luck!

 

[AnnaMom]

I have written to ESF and was given a curt response to speak to the schools directly to know about the wait lists.Will It help if I write directly to the principal and year 6 class teacher directly . Or should I approach the admissions secretary only.I felt that they just quote the policy and aren't really helpful.

I am planning to come over to Hongkong for a week in Feb 13 and meet up with most school admissions secretaries.Is it a good idea and what can be a good week considering the new year vacation for kids and teachers .

 

[rani]

You should email the admissions person at each school and not the teachers/principal.

The ESF calendar is posted here.
Calendar | English Schools Foundation (Calendar | English Schools Foundation)

The schools will be closed for mid term holidays and re-open on Feb 18.

 

[AnnaMom]

Thanks for your advice.I mailed all esf school admission secretaries and started receiving responses too but I am confused now.All of them are telling me that it is too early to say if there will be a place and asking me to submit an application.But I can submit an application to only one school -Is that correct ? How to gaze into the future and decide which school name to select !!!

I had thought that basis the response from schools I will choose my residence but this seems to be a chicken and egg situation.

please guide

 

[rani]

I think you can submit to more than 1 school but not 100% sure. I would send in an application now, and let them know you will follow up in Feb with a proof of address. At least that way you will be on the waitlist.