ESF South Island School is the English Schools Foundation secondary serving the south side of Hong Kong Island, in Hong Kong. Opened in 1977 on Nam Fung Road in Aberdeen, it teaches students aged 11 to 18 and is one of three ESF secondaries on the Island, alongside Island School and West Island School. The lower years lead to IGCSE before a sixth form choice of the IB Diploma or the IB Career related Programme.
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At a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | Middle Years framework in Years 7 to 9, IGCSE in Years 10 and 11, then the IB Diploma or the IB Career related Programme with BTEC options in Years 12 and 13 |
| Stage range | Secondary, ages 11 to 18 (Years 7 to 13) |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Accreditation | Authorised IB World School for the Diploma; part of the English Schools Foundation |
| Fee band | ESF standard secondary fee, mid band for Hong Kong |
| Campus area | Nam Fung Road, Aberdeen, Southern District, Hong Kong Island |
Curriculum and academics
South Island School works through a Middle Years framework in the lower school before IGCSE in Years 10 and 11, giving students a recognised British style set of qualifications at 16. In Years 12 and 13 the school offers the IB Diploma and the IB Career related Programme, with BTEC options for students who want a more applied mix.
As an authorised IB World School, South Island publishes its Diploma results each summer. Ask the admissions office for the latest cohort figures rather than relying on older third party numbers. For how IGCSE and the Diploma fit together, and how British qualifications compare with the IB route, see our British curriculum guide and our IB curriculum guide.
Want to know what South Island School really costs?
Use our fee calculator to estimate tuition, levies and the extras that come with an ESF secondary place, so there are no surprises later.
ESF South Island School fees
South Island School charges the standard ESF secondary fee, the same as the foundation other secondaries, which places it in the mid band for Hong Kong. Fees are reviewed annually and any rise is subject to approval, so confirm the current schedule with the school before budgeting.
Families also 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, and the foundation issues nomination rights and debentures that bring priority in admissions. Our Hong Kong international school fees guide shows how the ESF fee compares with the city more premium privates and how the levies add up.
Admissions
South Island admits through the central ESF secondary process. Priority goes to certain passport holders and to nomination right and debenture holders, with many places taken by pupils progressing from ESF primary schools. External applicants are considered subject to space, and the year starts in August.
Sixth form entry is shaped by the subjects and pathway a student wants, so applying early helps, especially for popular Diploma combinations. Register interest, confirm the current criteria and arrange a visit, particularly for a Year 12 start.
Location and who goes there
The campus is on Nam Fung Road in Aberdeen, in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. The south side has become far more connected since the South Island MTR line opened, which suits families living in Aberdeen, Wong Chuk Hang, Repulse Bay, Stanley and along Pok Fu Lam Road. To explore the wider south side market, start with the Hong Kong city hub.
The community reflects the British, Australian, Canadian, American and local families who choose the greener, quieter south of the Island. South Island School is one of the main reasons many of those families settle there in the first place.
ESF South Island School reviews
We do not yet hold verified parent reviews for ESF South Island School. 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.
If your child attends or has attended the school, your account of the teaching, pastoral care and value for money would help the next family decide. Share it through our school reviews hub.
Frequently asked questions
How much are ESF South Island School fees?
South Island charges the standard ESF secondary fee, 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.
What curriculum does ESF South Island School follow?
A Middle Years framework in Years 7 to 9, IGCSE in Years 10 and 11, then the IB Diploma or the IB Career related Programme with BTEC options in the sixth form.
Is ESF South Island School an IB school?
Yes. It is an authorised IB World School offering the IB Diploma, alongside a Career related pathway and BTEC options for students who prefer a more applied mix.
When do ESF South Island School applications open?
Admission runs through the central ESF secondary process with an August start. Register interest early and confirm the current window and criteria with the school.
Where is ESF South Island School located?
The school is on Nam Fung Road in Aberdeen, in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island.
