Hong Kong Schools/places to live

[ashastri84]

Hi,

My husband's job is likely to move to Hong Kong from London so we may have to relocate. We have three children - 7, 4 and 10 months and i need to start looking at schools for the older two. They currently attend a co-ed Prep School in London. Has anyone made this move, or lives there now who can provide any guidance on schools. I'm American, my husband is Canadian and we have lived in London for the last 10 years (all kids were born here). Any help on schools or where to live (which I'm assuming will be dicated by school) would be great. Thanks!

At the moment, only people with existing Hong Kong residency are being allowed in, so I think your move will not be possible any time soon.

Hi OP, we made this move at the end of 2017 to South Lantau. Its a lovely place if you want the beach lifestyle and to be away from the hustle and bustle. However its a fair distance from where the majority of jobs are and can add a large chunk of time to your day with the travelling. We were lucky to get a school place for our son, 8 at the time, at the local school. Many are hugely oversubscribed and very expensive if you are picking up the bill. We looked at some schools in Central and Knowlton side and the only way to get into those was to pay a specialist company to assist with the application process.

It wasn't for me, I lasted three months and came back home on my own. Our son stayed out there with his Dad and Grandma for a further three months to finish the school year and then came home too. My DH stayed out there and manages to get home a few times a year for a few weeks. I know some people love it though so it could be the best thing you've ever done. Good luck

That should say Kowloon side!

My daughter attended Quarry Bay School in North Point ( island side). Her experience was extremely positive and when we returned to the UK she had no trouble adjusting. There are quite a few schools around which would suit, the American school, Swiss German international school or any in the English school foundation.
I loved my time in Hong Kong and have great admiration for the people though the loss of political freedom and the crackdown on civil liberties is deeply troubling.

I’m in Hong Kong and have been here nearly 10 years - you’re right, schools are the most important thing, sort that out first and then work out where to live. There are lots of international schools and some you might be interested in are Kellett (British), Canadian International, HKIS (American), there’s also Australian International, The Swiss German school etc. Check out the GeoExpat HK forums and HK Mums on FB, I’ve found both to be useful sources of advice (although the latter can be a little bit nuts sometimes).

HK rents are not as eye watering as they once were but I would expect to pay substantially more than in London if you are on the Island. We have PR so not sure what the visa situation is but all arrivals currently need to quarantine for 2 weeks in a hotel (and you cannot leave the hotel room) so consider perhaps your husband going first and you and the kids joining him later. Anyway, good luck, have fun and PM me if you have any questions