Hong Kong

[Merlion]

Dh is about to start discussions for a position in Hong Kong for sometime next year. We've been in Singapore for over 5 years now and have 2 dc (4 and nearly 18 months). Dh is now on a local package and I'm guessing that would be the same for Hong Kong so we need to have an idea of costs for rent, schooling etc so we could ensure the sums made sense.

His job would be Central. We are used to condo living but have an older large apartment in a small complex at the moment do would prefer something similar. We have 3 bedrooms at the moment. I also work part-time and would hope to get a transfer.

Would appreciate any info on rent and I know I really need to get on top of the school situation after that but if the figures don't add up we will stay put for a while longer.

[Johnnycomelately1]

www.facebook.com/groups/861110834040142

Does this work, although it's all just kicked off over Brexit on there so maybe give it a miss? HK Moms gives the worst possible impression of expats and best avoided. British Mums in HK (FB group) is ok, bit "virtue signally" and MLM heavy but for answering factual questions it's good.



But also, there are a fair few HK'ers on here so if you have specific questions I'm happy to give them a shot. Been there 10 years.

[yakari]

 at less scary! There's another forum called Hong Kong Moms that would give AIBU a run for their money!

The advice on this thread still stands - start with schools although there's an oversupply of international school places in last couple of years do not quite as dire. And prepare for rents that will make you weep.
Try FB groups Hong Kong Schools or Hong Kong British Mums

[ShaakTi]

Oh and I mean 'thank you'! Is this a forum or a FB group - I can't seem to find it either way - thanks again!

[ShaakTi]

What do you mean by 'least scary'?!

[Johnnycomelately1]

British Mums in Hong Kong is the least scary one

[ShaakTi]

Hi sorry to bump an old thread... but this one came up on Google.

Does anyone know if there are any good HK mum forums like mumsnet or Facebook groups that I could join?

I have lots of questions about a potential move to HK!

TIA x

[laptopwieldingharpy]

There you go, just start calling admissions. Its really no more than a waiting game in the end.
Lets talk this weekend?

[RichManPoorManBeggarmanThief]

Best approach with schools is to call admissions, find out if there's a chance of getting in, and then visit those that might be able to help. Dont worry about your younger child as nearly all schools operate sibling priority, so the key is to get the older one in somewhere.

Some options are

• Kellett (British International School in HK)
  
• HK Academy and Harrow School (New Territories)
  
• The harbour School (small school that has traditionally been "overflow" but has an excellent rep. in itself)
  
• German Swiss (GSIS)
  
• Canadian International (CDNIS)
  
• Korean International School
  
• Woodlands (in case you dont get a school place, your son can start P1 at Woodlands) and Sunshine House
  

ESF is tricky because admissions are run on catchment basis so you need to know where you're living before you can choose a school. Maybe just call the admissions office at Bradbury School and ask them what the process is for you.

Another possibility - Are you on FB? Find a group called "Hong Kong Schools" and join it. The administrator is a woman called Ruth Benny. She runs seminars on schools and also offers a consultancy service. She knows much better than me where your best chances are. You could maybe arrange a phone consultation beginning of January to "shape your strategy". Not sure what she charges, but once you join the group you can PM her and ask her.

[DingdongMerliononhigh]

Back again as things seem to be moving forward. We are now booked for a 'look see' at the end of January. So that means I need to get some school visits sorted. So where to start? I have to assume for the moment no debenture. As for move date we have been told that this is flexible up to the end of 2013.

[MuffinTumMum]

Yippee. I don't live in HK anymore but I do get to come here and gripe about the schools

My top tips are:-
Prepare for a stressful time.
Talk to your company about possibility of debenture. If they want you to move quickly well, it's the nature of the beast in HK.
Don't discount the kindy route. It's one alot of people take and it's fine
Check out the schools that fly under the radar in HK. Ie a very well regarded kindy in DB has now set up a prep school in the North Plaza ( DMK)
Check out the Island Christian Academy in central. Friends love it there ( and they are not practicing faith wise)
Schools in HK are not all about esf and outrageously expensive international schools.
We came to a compromise over debentures with our company. We gave up our car allowance each month and contributed towards it. Think about what it's worth to you. If its not worth it then put the kids in a kindy with school classes and wait it out.
Get together with other mums in the same situation, drink wine and bemoan the HK international education system!
But don't ever let it out you off HK. It's a magic place to live and I miss it lots.

Good luck!!!!

[laptopwieldingharpy]

Harbourside's principal is ace. She's really on a mission to get all "her" kids interviewed and placed.
They deliver a sound key stage one curiculum. Better than some uber selective international school which i realise now are all about show!!

[RichManPoorManBeggarmanThief]

That's why you want them in woodlands or sunshine house if you cant get hillside.

Yeah, I'm going to look at Harbourside in the next few weeks. It's all such a ball ache though. He's only 2 and I feel I have to have some watertight strategy for his entire education.

Fortunately we're pretty high up for Kellett as I got name down at birth and then they recut the year groups (started going 1 Sep-31 Aug instead of 1 Jan-31 Dec) and as he's September born, we benefited from that. I loved HKA when I visited but not prepared to drive up to Sai Kung every day, even if he got a place.

Anyway- sorry to hijack with my moaning OP.

[mungojerrie]

Another choice is for your dc to attend a kindergarten that have classes for children up to 6/7 yrs old. They offer these as some of the international schools (JIS) don't take children til they are older.

I would highly recommend the YMCA International Kindergarten which is in TST - next to the Peninsula.

I am looking to apply for a HK job at an ESF school next year... looking through the application process is terrifying!

[laptopwieldingharpy]

We are going through the process so i kid you not!

[laptopwieldingharpy]

Its scary. You know what ESF do?
The SCOUT the kids who have applied.
That means they go and "informally observe" them ahead of the interview. We are talking 4 year olds.
That's why you want them in woodlands or sunshine house if you cant get hillside.

[laptopwieldingharpy]

I do know of a miracle that happened at hillside so dont despair.

[RichManPoorManBeggarmanThief]

Esf does have debentures now called "corporate surety"

See? I live in HK and I don't know what's going on with these blardy schools. Already missed the boat on Victoria Kindergarten application for DS next year- everyone seems to be going there now. Sigh. Better hope for a Hillside miracle

[laptopwieldingharpy]

Yes thats it, nommination rights.

The corporate surety is for summer relications

[laptopwieldingharpy]

Esf does have debentures now called "corporate surety"

True for expats relocating over the summer they operate a garanteed placement. But you cant pick which school.
After one year, you should be garanteed a place in your catchment.
We did that but ended up not taking it as they called us on the 25th august for a start on the 29th!
Tbh as year one is a common entrance with strict deadlines, am not sure you'll get a chance without a debenture.

[Merlion]

Thanks yes I am on FB so will take a look.

I was reading about the Nomination Right Scheme which appears to be new for 2013/14 and the applications opened on 3 October so not sure whether that would still be an option.

[RichManPoorManBeggarmanThief]

A debenture is basically a "bond" or loan. When the schools were built, the building was financed by issuing debentures (so say the school cost £100k to build, they issued 100 debentures for £1000 each to get the money to actually build it- the running costs are then covered by the fees). The debenture gave the right to attend the school and could be sold by the holder so it wasn't a cost to the holder, just a loan for as long as their children were at the school. It kind of makes sense.

However, at the moment, ESF doesn't have debentures. That may be set to change as there are big arguments going on about the subsidy ESF schools receive from the government (which makes ESF schools significantly cheaper than most, if not all, international schools). Many of the schools need refurbishing and there's no money to do it so a debenture/capital contribution scheme is one solution. That doesnt really help you though.

However, what I did hear yesterday on FB was that kids new to HK (ie. applying from outside HK) get priority over other children on the ESF wait lists (which is massively controversial in itself) , so might be worth investigating that.

Are you on FB? If so, find and join a group called "Hong Kong Schools" It's run by a woman called Ruth Benny who is basically a schools consultant here, but she'll answer brief questions on the FB page for free, and you can get info from other parents too.

[Merlion]

Thanks for all your help so far. It is looking increasingly likely at the moment that we will be going but still lots of discussions to be had.

Can any of you enlighten me about debentures in particular for ESF? Particularly as richman mentioned we have missed the cut-off for application for August 2013. Would it make any difference if we can get the Company to pay?

[deXavia]

at this thread bringing out all the HKers
Absolutely start with school - also check out geoexpat.com there is an education forum where people discuss various schools so a dig into past threads there will help. My personal soapbox is that each school runs a different system - waiting list on a first come first served basis, waiting list for assessment or even a 'pool' from which they pick which kids makes the right mix for their class. So make sure you ask for very clear idea on how the selection is made.
On housing - personally I say you need to come look at loads of different options. The range is staggering even within the same extortionate price range. What will you compromise on - old avocado colour bathroom suite but bigger living space? Further out but means your kid is on a school bus from day1?

Lots of choices but keeping coming back here, sure we can all help as you narrow down your choices.

[eastendfareast]

I'd highly recommend Happy Valley. We love it, but be warned, so do a lot of other people hence huge rents hikes recently - I've had friends being told by LL that rents are going up by 20-25% on renewal which is utterly nuts! Great buildings though and a fab village feel so definitely worth a look.

[laptopwieldingharpy]

arghhhh! my connection dropped just as i was posting a long reply!!!!

Do hedge your bets and apply to woodlands or sunshine house. They are also oversubscribed for a good reason, they feed into the bigger schools.
We are all a bit shell shocked by this but you'll get there in the end.

Another better value area is Happy valley/Tai Hang. Big french community as the main french school and lycée are there.
Few blocks with full facilities but some very good renovations in older blocks and decent sized bedrooms. Great views on the racing course and harbor below. good village feel with delis, florists, grocers etc?.
Halfway between central and the beached on south side.

Have a look at park view too. the size of the development is intimidating but its a good place to live.