Transfers are allowed following the completion of the commitment period, if applicable, to the current school or if the student has already been with the school for two or more years.
It is particularly important during the secondary years of schooling that disruptions to learning are minimised, and careful consideration is given to a student’s circumstances and the best interests of the involved stakeholders prior to an internal transfer taking place. ESF takes a managed, considered approach to such transfers based on dialogue and collaboration.
The student may join the internal transfer waitlist for the year group according to the category priority order. The timing of the transfer will be dependent on a number of factors, including availability.
In general, requests made during the course of an academic year will be considered and, where agreed, enacted, for an August start at the new school.
Year 6 to Year 7 transfers – the guaranteed secondary school placement is based on the system the student is currently in. If the student is attending one of the all-through schools — Discovery College or Renaissance College, the Year 7 place is guaranteed for their respective secondary school phase. ESF primary students are guaranteed places at an ESF school based on the conditions specified. Click here for key dates.
Procedure for transfer request
- All requests for transfers may be submitted from 1 January, at the earliest, and will generally be considered in Term 3 for entry to the following academic year. For students on a two-year commitment, the transfer request may be submitted six months in advance of the completion of their commitment. Normally there is movement and withdrawals over the summer period for transfer to take place.
- For secondary requests, approval will occur where there is a specific and legitimate reason for the transfer. Factors may include:
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- Relocation: has the student changed residential location and does the new location present unreasonable challenges in getting to school
- Programme compatibility: does the new school offer programmes/subjects that are compatible with the student’s best interests as a learner
- Support: is the new school able to provide sufficient support for the student in response to their needs/context
- Best interests: viewed holistically, is a move from the current school to the new school in the best interests of the student
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- The written transfer request must be submitted to the Admissions Office at the student’s current school. The current school will raise the transfer request if the relevant conditions or requirements are met. The future school is informed of the transfer request.
- Once there is availability, the future school will inform the student’s current school to initiate the transfer process. The current school will be in contact with the family to confirm and start the transfer arrangements.
Learning Support (LS) students may request transfer, in writing, through the Admissions Officer (Student Support) following completion of the commitment period, if applicable, to the current school or if the student has already been with the school for two or more years. Please note that two zones operate for LS places; Hong Kong and Kowloon. Due to the limited number and high demand for LS places, the availability and timing of LS transfer places are not guaranteed.
Updated on: 27 July 2023