Discovery Bay International School - Early Years Foundation Stage Campus

Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) is located in Discovery Bay, a residential community on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. The campus is easily accessible via the Discovery Bay Tunnel Road and ferry links from Central. The surrounding neighbourhood is family-oriented, with convenient local transport and recreational amenities nearby.

The school is structured into three main sections: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for ages 3–5, Primary School for Years 1–6, and Secondary School for Years 7–13. EYFS operates on a separate campus, providing dedicated learning and play areas designed for early childhood education.

DBIS is a co-educational, non-boarding day school that welcomes both local and expatriate families. The school provides an inclusive environment where boys and girls learn together from Early Years through to Sixth Form.

The school offers Learning Enhancement and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. Students with specific learning needs receive tailored assistance and individual communication goals. Where necessary, the school may recommend external specialists for additional support.

DBIS follows the British Curriculum, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Key Stages 1–5, and (I)GCSE and A Level/BTEC qualifications in the upper years. It does not have an official affiliation with any specific country beyond the curriculum framework.

The school has no religious affiliation and welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.

The school operates Monday to Friday, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for most year groups. Timetables vary slightly by section and include breaks for snacks, lunch, and outdoor play. School days for EYFS include structured learning sessions interspersed with supervised free play and outdoor learning time.

DBIS provides a dedicated school bus service operated in partnership with Discovery Bay Transport Services. The service includes regular morning and afternoon routes within Discovery Bay and additional after-school routes (S6 and S9). Bus arrangements are coordinated through the school’s Hub, and families may register for routes directly through the transport provider.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Campus at Discovery Bay International School follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework of the British Curriculum, designed for children aged 3 to 5 years. Learning is organised around seven key areas of development, including communication and language, literacy, numeracy, and physical and social growth. Teaching is play-based and inquiry-driven, allowing children to explore concepts through hands-on experiences both indoors and outdoors. The EYFS programme also integrates specialist lessons in music, physical education, and Mandarin. A distinctive feature of the curriculum is the Forest and Beach Schools programme, which provides structured opportunities for children to learn in natural settings within Discovery Bay.

1. Application Submission
Applications are accepted year-round through the online admissions portal on the DBIS website. Parents must complete the online form and submit supporting documents, including a recent photograph, a copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport, and the non-refundable application fee.

2. Supporting Documents and Review
Families must upload the child’s latest school or nursery report (if applicable) and proof of residency in Hong Kong. Once all documents are received, the Admissions Office reviews them to ensure eligibility for the appropriate year group based on the child’s age.

3. Assessment and Interview
If a suitable place is available, the school arranges an assessment and/or interview to evaluate the child’s readiness for entry into the EYFS programme. Assessments are informal and developmentally appropriate, focusing on early communication, social interaction, and play-based engagement.

4. Offer of Place
Successful applicants receive a formal offer letter by email. To confirm the place, parents must pay the Standard or Premium School Development Levy before the start date. The offer may specify a deadline for payment to secure enrolment.

5. Enrolment and Orientation
Once all fees are settled, the school confirms the start date and shares information on orientation and class placement. Parents receive access to the DBIS Parent Hub for ongoing updates and school communications.

The school website includes a Scholarship Programme reference, but no specific details on eligibility, application process, or award structure are publicly provided. Therefore, as of the current academic year, DBIS does not publicly disclose information regarding scholarship types or criteria.

DBIS operates a priority-based waiting list for full year groups. Priority is given first to applicants under the Principal’s discretion, followed by families who have paid the Premium School Development Levy (PSDL), then to siblings of current students, returning DBIS families, and finally to all other applicants in the order that their application fee was received. Families on the waiting list are notified if a place becomes available, and assessments are arranged as openings arise within the EYFS year groups.