Children and education
These guides cover the requirements, documents and steps for this topic. Each includes a check date and sources you can consult.
All guides in this category
4 guides · Page 1.
Choosing a Hong Kong school: public, DSS, private and international
Choosing a school means looking beyond the curriculum and results. Work through teaching languages, daily travel, costs and admissions to build a shortlist that suits your child.
- Start with the languages and progression your child needs over the next three to five years, then compare school categories.
- A school category cannot replace checking its actual curriculum, support and daily journey.
- Public-sector placement and applications to DSS or private schools follow different procedures. Check each separately.
Helping children settle into Hong Kong school life
New classrooms, languages and friendships take getting used to. Use preparation and observations over the first eight weeks to understand what is difficult and when to ask teachers or other professionals for support.
- Adjustment includes classroom expression, homework habits and belonging, as well as understanding Cantonese.
- Initiation and Induction Programmes serve different purposes; ask the school or Education Bureau about suitability.
- Build a safe, predictable routine before adding support based on observed needs.
Kindergarten admission: K1 applications and registration documents
School applications and Education Bureau registration documents both need attention. Start with your child’s age and intended school year, then compare schools against everyday care needs.
- Applying to a kindergarten and applying for a Registration Certificate are separate tasks to manage together.
- Use the Education Bureau and school timetable for the actual entry year, not dates from an older year.
- Half-day, whole-day and long whole-day provision differ in collection times and holiday care.
Transferring into a Hong Kong school: places, documents and offers
A transfer involves coordinating the school place, year level and arrival date. Follow the steps for contacting schools, preparing documents, finding placement support and checking how your child settles in.
- Children arriving during the school year can contact schools directly or seek help from a Regional Education Office.
- A previous year-level name may not correspond directly to a Hong Kong class; assess curriculum and language readiness.
- Confirm the admission date and formal offer before finalising withdrawal and relocation.