ESF Makes Primary Admissions "Less Stressful"
English Schools Foundation (ESF), which is the largest provider of English language education in Hong Kong, has scrapped assessment interviews for children who move from ESF kindergartens to one of its nine primary schools.
Previously, children were only offered a Year 1 place after successfully completing a formal interview with the primary school they have applied for. From today, children will be assessed by kindergarten and primary school teachers during their time in class.
Speaking about the changes, ESF director of education Adam Hughes said:
“Every year, thousands of families in Hong Kong apply to us, hoping to have their child benefit from the world class teaching that goes on in every single one of our 22 schools. We know, however, that this process can often be a stressful one. That is why we are making changes.
“Removing the need for an interview not only removes something that parents find difficult, it also means that our primary schools will engage with the children earlier and in a much more meaningful way.”
Looking for an ESF primary school? Read our reviews of Peak School, Bradbury School, Kennedy School, Glenealy School, Beacon Hill School, Clearwater Bay School, Kowloon Junior School, Sha Tin Junior School, and Quarry Bay School.
The new assessment method follows the launch of ESF’s new ‘one-form’ application process, which has streamlined the process for parents applying to an ESF primary or secondary school.
Hughes added: “Taken together with the ‘one-form’, our new approach to admissions is clearer, faster and less stressful for families. It will give parents more certainty about their child’s education and it will make the transition from kindergarten to primary much easier for the children.”
Parents with children born in 2016, 2014 or 2008 can apply now for ESF’s K1, Year 1 and 7 places for the 2019-20 academic year. The application period runs until September 30.
For more information about how to apply to an ESF school, click here.
