HKD 500,0000: Fast-track Entry to ESF KGs

Parents can pay HKD 500,000 to help secure a place at one of five kindergartens run by the English Schools Foundation (ESF). A new kindergarten debenture scheme has been launched by ESF for parents who want to improve their chances of securing a place.

Debenture holders will be guaranteed a priority interview interview at an ESF kindergarten of their choice, including Abacus, Hillside, Tsing Yi, Tung Chung and Wu Kai Sha. From 2020, all students entering the first year of an ESF kindergarten will be guaranteed a place at both an ESF primary and secondary school – without the need for any further interviews.

Earlier this year, the ESF scrapped assessment interviews for children who move from ESF kindergartens to one of its nine primary schools; this meant that students are currently assessed by kindergarten and primary school teachers during their time in class for a Year 1 place.

Click here to find out How To Apply To An ESF Primary And Secondary.

There are limited places available and long waitlists at most ESF schools, just as you’ll find at many of the top-tier international schools in Hong Kong. So, for families who want to increase their chances of getting a place at an ESF primary and secondary school, the new debenture is a costly, but perhaps attractive, incentive.

ESF director of communications, Rob Shorthouse said:

“We believe that the earlier students enter into our system, the better it is for them. That is why we created our ‘Through Train’ system. Having this in place means that we can give our parents certainty about their child’s education – guaranteeing a seamless transition between kindergarten, primary and secondary.

“The new Debenture scheme is a way of giving families an even greater guarantee that their child can secure a place at ESF.”

The new kindergarten debenture costs the same as the Individual Nomination Rights Scheme, which currently guarantees a priority interview for families applying for an ESF primary place.

The central application process for K1 places in he 2020-2021 academic year is open from September 1-30 for parents with child born in 2017.