About ESF

The English Schools Foundation was established by the Hong Kong Government in 1967. ESF currently operates five secondary schools, nine primary schools and a school for students with special educational needs across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Two “all through” Private Independent Schools and four kindergartens are operated by ESF’s affiliated company, ESF Educational Services Limited (ESL), which also offers English language classes and sports activities.

ESF started in 1967 with just two schools – Island School and Beacon Hill School. Over the years, other well-established schools, such as King George V and Quarry Bay School, became part of ESF. In addition, some new schools were purpose-built to meet growing demand. These include Sha Tin College (opened in 1982) and West island School (1991).

The curriculum, leading to the International Baccalaureate (IB), is adapted to Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region. ESF's teachers are highly qualified, with experience of the UK, Australian and other international school systems. School facilities are safe, secure and of the highest standards. All schools offer a broad range of out-of-school activities in Hong Kong and overseas. ESF schools are strongly supported by thriving and dynamic parent-teacher associations.

The 13,000 students in ESF schools and the 4,000 in the PIS and the kindergartens include over 50 different nationalities. About 70% of our students have parents who are permanent residents of Hong Kong. We are proud of our high academic standards and the excellent achievements of our students – more than 95% go on to leading universities worldwide.