Island School and Renaissance College are both in Hong Kong, about 17 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. Island School also offers Cambridge IGCSE, and Renaissance College also offers IBCP. Published annual fees are close, at HK$159,400 - 181,100 for Island School and HK$148,100 - 195,700 for Renaissance College. Island School takes pupils from 7 to 13, and Renaissance College from 5 to 18. Renaissance College is the larger school, with around 2,087 pupils to Island School's 1,200. Typical class sizes are 23 at Island School and 27 at Renaissance College.
Island School is situated in the Mid-Levels area of Hong Kong Island, a residential hillside district above Central. The campus is easily accessible by public transport and school buses, connecting it to key areas of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Its elevated setting offers a quiet environment while remaining close to the city’s main business and residential zones.
Location
Renaissance College is located in Ma On Shan in the New Territories, at 5 Hang Ming Street, and sits right outside Heng On MTR station on the Tuen Ma Line with Exit A linking into the campus. The neighbourhood is primarily residential, with bus routes serving the area and convenient connections into Kowloon and beyond.
Stages
Stages
The school caters to students from Year 7 to Year 13, covering the full span of secondary education. Programmes progress from the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7–9 to IGCSE in Years 10–11, and finally to either the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP) in Years 12–13.
Stages
RCHK is an all-through IB World School for students aged 5–18. It offers the IB Primary Years Programme (Years 1–6), Middle Years Programme (Years 7–11), and either the Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme in Years 12–13.
School type
School type
Island School is a co-educational day school that forms part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF) network in Hong Kong. It does not provide boarding facilities, and all students attend on a day basis.
School type
The school is co-educational and operates as a day school with no boarding facilities. It is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Students receive support through a structured House system, with each student assigned a Tutor and Head of House who oversee wellbeing and academic progress. The school also provides access to counselling services and a published Special Educational Needs Policy detailing additional provision for students requiring support.
Additional learning support
RCHK provides tailored support for students with Additional Learning Needs. Its inclusion programmes and wellbeing initiatives ensure that individual needs are addressed in class and across school life.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Island School is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), Hong Kong’s largest provider of English-medium international education. It does not hold affiliation with any other country.
Country affiliation
The school is part of the English Schools Foundation in Hong Kong and is not affiliated with a specific country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no stated religious affiliation and welcomes students of all backgrounds.
Religious affiliation
RCHK is non-religious and has no faith affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
Lessons begin at 08:25 a.m. and end at 3:35 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and at 2:35 p.m. on Fridays. Morning buses arrive by 08:15 a.m., and after-school buses depart at 3:40 p.m. (Monday–Thursday) and 2:40 p.m. (Friday).
School day structure
Classes generally run from 8:00 am to 3:10 pm, with a mid-morning break and a lunch break included in the schedule
Bus service details
Bus service details
Island School provides an organised school-bus service coordinated with its daily timetable. Buses arrive before classes begin and depart immediately after the end of the school day. The service covers routes to major residential areas on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, helping students reach the Mid-Levels campus conveniently and safely.
Bus service details
The college offers an optional bus service. Routes cover a wide range of residential areas in Hong Kong, and stops are arranged at housing estates near the school for convenience
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fees A non-refundable application fee of HKD 2,800 is required for all new applicants to ESF secondary schools. This is paid online by credit card via PayPal at the time of application. Families must also pay a two-month refundable deposit upon accepting an offer of admission. Half of this deposit is credited toward the first month’s tuition, and the other half is offset against the final month’s payment, provided appropriate withdrawal notice is given.
Tuition Fees (Per Year)
Years 7 – 10: HKD 181,100 Year 11: HKD 159,400 Years 12 – 13: HKD 167,600
Tuition fees are billed in 10 equal monthly instalments (September – June) through direct debit (autopay). Fees are payable for any month in which a student attends school for even one day.
Additional Fees Families may incur additional costs for uniforms, school trips, and public examination fees (IGCSE or IB). The English Schools Foundation (ESF) also applies standardised capital contribution schemes and “Other Charges” that support long-term facility investment.
Transportation Fees The school provides a daily bus service with routes across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Morning buses arrive before the 08:25 a.m. start, and after-school buses depart at 3:40 p.m. (Monday – Thursday) and 2:40 p.m. (Friday). Transport fees are set by the contracted provider and invoiced separately to families.
Learning Support Island School offers a structured House system and counselling services for student wellbeing. If additional specialist support is required, families coordinate provision directly with the school’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) department.
Refund Policy The application fee is non-refundable. The refundable deposit is returned when families provide proper withdrawal notice and no outstanding balances remain. Attendance during any month renders that month’s fees payable in full.
Payment Options
Direct debit (autopay) for monthly tuition fees Credit card (via PayPal) for application fee.
Fee details
Application Fee An application for entry to RCHK carries a non-refundable, non-transferable administration fee of HK$2,800.
Tuition Fees by Year Group (2025–26)
* Years 1–6: HK$148,100 annually * Years 7–11: HK$193,600 annually * Years 12–13: HK$195,700 annually
Tuition is billed over 10 months (i.e. divided across 10 payments).
Building Levy / Capital Contribution New students entering Year 1 are required to pay a non-refundable building levy (NBL) of HK$50,000. Students entering Years 2–12 must pay a pro-rated portion of that levy.
Other Costs & Fees
* RAPT (Parent-Teacher Association) membership fee (per family): HK$275 * Student Smart Identity / Value-Stored Card: first copy free, replacements cost HK$20 * ID card for parents/guardians/helpers: first copy free, replacement HK$20 * Certified true copy of report card (PYP, MYP, Y12): HK$50 per copy * Additional academic transcript copies (for current MYP/DP students): HK$100 per extra copy * Certified transcript for graduated/left students (MYP/DP): HK$100 per copy
Billing Schedule & Payment Terms Tuition is deducted monthly over 10 months via autopay (direct debit authorisation, DDA). Parents will be notified by email if there is an outstanding invoice.
Refund / Withdrawal Policies Specific refund conditions for mid-year withdrawal are not detailed in the public fee pages. The building levy is explicitly non-refundable.
Fee Payment Options
* The main tuition and levies are handled via direct debit (autopay / DDA). * Other charges (e.g. PTA, trips, insurance) are handled through an ePayment wallet. Parents can top up this wallet using credit card, PayPal, or PPS. * Residual ePayment balances may be refunded, or transferred to siblings, upon leaving the school.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Island School follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7 to 9, providing a framework that integrates subject learning with real-world application. In Years 10 and 11, students work toward the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) across core subjects including English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science (Double Award), Global Perspectives, and a modern language (Chinese, Spanish, or Japanese). In Years 12 and 13, students choose between the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP), allowing pathways either toward university study or career-focused qualifications. The curriculum also includes Personal and Social Education (PSE) and structured Service Learning, supporting community engagement and personal development. Specialist subjects in the arts, technology, and design complement academic study throughout all years.
Curriculum details
Renaissance College Hong Kong (RCHK) delivers the full IB continuum from Year 1 through Year 13: the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Years 1–6, the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7–11, and then in Years 12–13 students choose between the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP / IBCP). In the lower years, learning is inquiry-based and transdisciplinary, focusing on connecting subjects through real-world themes and promoting development of learner skills. ([Renaissance College][1]) The MYP bridges subject disciplines via “Global Contexts” and emphasizes self-reflection, critical thinking, and personal projects. In Years 12–13, those opting for the DP follow six subject groups plus core components (TOK, Extended Essay, CAS). Those selecting the CP / IBCP combine career-related studies (for example via partner institutions) with IB academic courses and a CP core (Personal & Professional Skills, Reflective Project, Language & Cultural Studies, and Service Learning).
1. Application Submission Applications for Island School are managed centrally through the English Schools Foundation (ESF. Families must submit applications online via the ESF Admissions Portal, selecting Island School as their preferred campus. Each application requires a non-refundable fee, payable online by credit card via PayPal. Applications are accepted year-round for available year levels.
2. Document Review and Assessment Once the application is received, ESF reviews submitted documents, including proof of residency, school reports, and identification. Depending on availability and year group, the applicant may be invited to attend a placement interview or assessment to determine readiness for the ESF curriculum. Assessments are conducted in English and focus on communication and general aptitude.
3. Offer of Place If a suitable place is available, families receive an official offer directly from ESF. The offer letter includes details on tuition fees, start dates, and required deposits. To secure the place, parents must pay a two-month deposit corresponding to the annual fee for the assigned year group.
4. Acceptance and Enrolment Upon payment of the deposit, families complete the enrolment formalities through ESF. They are then issued joining instructions, including details about uniform, transport, and start dates. Island School provides a Parent Handbook and transition materials to support students entering Year 7 or transferring mid-year.
Admissions
1. Online Application Submission Families submit an online application through the ESF / RCHK admissions portal, selecting up to four ESF (or RCHK) school preferences. The application includes the non-refundable administration fee.
2. Assessment / Interview / Testing Applicants (for years other than entry levels) are invited to attend assessments or interviews to evaluate their readiness for the English-medium curriculum. Shortlisted candidates are notified with schedules for testing and interviews.
3. Offer of Place & Acceptance If successful and if a vacancy exists, the school issues an offer of place. The family must accept by a deadline, after which a deposit or building levy may be required.
4. Onboarding & Entry Requirements Once accepted, the student is integrated into the school system, including orientation, registration, and payment of fees per the school’s billing schedule. Families may also be asked to submit supporting documents (previous school records, medical records, etc.).
5. Waitlist Consideration If no immediate place is available, the candidate may be placed into a waitlist or pool. Offers from the waitlist may be made when places become available.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The Island School and ESF websites do not list any academic or merit-based scholarship programmes for secondary students. Admissions and tuition follow the standard ESF structure, and no financial aid or fee-waiver schemes are described in official materials.
Scholarships
* RCHK offers full scholarships (100% tuition waiver) for students from Year 7 to Year 13, across categories including academic, music, theatre, visual arts, and sports. * A Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) exists to provide full tuition fee coverage (and potentially extra expenses) on a needs basis, subject to eligibility and availability. * Scholarship criteria include demonstrated talent in the relevant domain (academic, arts, sport) plus evidence of commitment to service and leadership. * RCHK also allocates 2% of its fee income to a hardship fund (ESF financial assistance) for families encountering sudden changes in circumstances—but this is limited to current students and does not function as a scholarship for new entrants.
Waitlist
Waitlist
ESF operates a centralised admissions system, and each school maintains a waiting list for year groups that are at capacity. When places become available, ESF contacts families in order of application date and eligibility. Island School does not operate a separate or internal pool system; all admissions are coordinated directly through ESF’s central admissions office.
Waitlist
RCHK (via ESF) does maintain a waiting list / pool system for school places when demand exceeds vacancies. Applicants are placed on the waitlist in priority order, and if a vacancy arises, offers may be extended from the waitlist by date of application and priority group.
