ESF Sha Tin College is the principal English medium secondary school for international families in the New Territories, run by the English Schools Foundation in Hong Kong. It opened in 1982 and has occupied its Fo Tan campus since 1985, sharing the site with Sha Tin Junior School so children can move from primary to sixth form in one place. Students aged 11 to 18 work towards IGCSE and then the IB Diploma or the IB Career related Programme.
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At a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | Broad lower secondary curriculum, IGCSE in Years 10 and 11, then the IB Diploma or the IB Career related Programme in Years 12 and 13 |
| Stage range | Secondary, ages 11 to 18 (Years 7 to 13) |
| Founded | 1982, on the Fo Tan campus since 1985 |
| Accreditation | Authorised IB World School for the Diploma and Career related Programme; part of the English Schools Foundation |
| Fee band | ESF standard secondary fee, mid band for Hong Kong |
| Campus area | Fo Tan, Sha Tin, New Territories |
Curriculum and academics
Sha Tin College runs a broad lower secondary curriculum, then sets IGCSE examinations in Years 10 and 11 so students leave the middle school with an internationally recognised set of qualifications. In Years 12 and 13 the school offers two routes, the full IB Diploma and the IB Career related Programme, which pairs IB courses with a more applied focus for students aiming at a specific field.
As an authorised IB World School the college publishes its Diploma and Career related results each summer. Ask the admissions office for the most recent cohort figures rather than relying on older third party numbers, since results move year to year. For how the Diploma sits against British A Levels and the American high school diploma, and how it builds on the IB Middle Years and Primary Years programmes used across the foundation, see our IB curriculum guide.
Choosing between Sha Tin College and another secondary?
Answer a few questions and our school finder shortlists three Hong Kong schools that fit your child, your budget and your district.
ESF Sha Tin College fees
Sha Tin College charges the standard ESF secondary fee rather than a campus specific rate, so its tuition matches the foundation other secondaries and sits in the mid band for Hong Kong. Treat any single figure as indicative, since the foundation reviews fees annually and increases are subject to approval. Confirm the current schedule directly with the school before you budget.
On top of tuition, ESF families pay a one off non refundable capital levy, which starts at roughly HK$26,000 in Year 7 and tapers as a child moves up the school. The foundation also issues nomination right certificates and corporate debentures that bring priority in admissions. Against the city most premium private internationals the ESF fee is comparatively accessible, which is why the college features among the more affordable options in our cheapest international schools in Hong Kong roundup. Our Hong Kong international school fees guide shows how the levies and extras add up.
Admissions
Sha Tin College admits through the central ESF secondary process. Priority goes to certain passport holders and to families holding nomination rights or debentures, and many places are taken by pupils progressing from ESF primary schools, including Sha Tin Junior next door. External applicants are considered subject to space, and the academic year starts in August.
Because the college is large and in demand across the New Territories, applying early helps, especially for sixth form entry where the IB Diploma and Career related timetables shape the offer. Register interest, confirm the current criteria and arrange a visit, particularly if your child is joining in Year 12.
Location and who goes there
The campus is in Fo Tan, Sha Tin, in the eastern New Territories, on the same site as Sha Tin Junior School. It is well served by the MTR and road links, which keeps it within reach of the residential districts where many international families in the New Territories settle, including Sha Tin, Tai Po, Ma On Shan and the surrounding estates.
The community reflects the British, Australian, Canadian and local families who choose to live north of the harbour for more space and value. To weigh Sha Tin College against the other ESF and private options, start with the Hong Kong city hub and our guide to the most affordable international schools in Hong Kong.
ESF Sha Tin College reviews
We do not yet hold verified parent reviews for ESF Sha Tin College. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish a rating only once we can confirm reviews come from real families. We would rather show nothing than show an invented score.
If your child attends or has attended the college, your account of the teaching, pastoral care and value for money would help the next family. Share it through our school reviews hub.
Frequently asked questions
How much are ESF Sha Tin College fees?
Sha Tin College charges the standard ESF secondary fee, which sits in the mid band for Hong Kong, plus a one off non refundable capital levy that starts at around HK$26,000 in Year 7 and tapers up the school. Confirm current rates with the school, as fees are reviewed each year.
What curriculum does ESF Sha Tin College follow?
The college teaches a broad lower secondary curriculum, sets IGCSE in Years 10 and 11, then offers the IB Diploma or the IB Career related Programme in Years 12 and 13.
Is ESF Sha Tin College a good school?
It is one of the larger and longer established ESF secondaries and an authorised IB World School. We do not publish a ranking, but you can compare its curriculum, fees and location against other Hong Kong secondaries using our tools.
When do ESF Sha Tin College applications open?
Admission runs through the central ESF secondary process with an August start. Places are in demand, so register interest early and confirm the current window and criteria with the school.
Where is ESF Sha Tin College located?
The college is in Fo Tan, Sha Tin, in the New Territories, sharing a campus with Sha Tin Junior School.
