2026 Rankings
Best International Schools in Hong Kong 2026
Our independent ranking of Hong Kong’s leading schools, based on academic results, university destinations, pastoral care and the breadth each school provides.
Hong Kong has one of the deepest English-medium education sectors in Asia, with British, International Baccalaureate and American schools all represented at a high level, alongside the large English Schools Foundation. The schools below are among the most respected in the city. The order reflects our overall view across academics, university outcomes, pastoral care and breadth, but the right school for your child may not be the one at the top, which is exactly the conversation we help families with.
Each school has its own character and ethos. While results matter, the best school for your child is the one where they will thrive. We encourage families to visit several schools and weigh fit alongside any ranking.
How much do international schools in Hong Kong cost?
Fees at the leading schools are among the higher end for international education, and some schools operate debenture or capital certificate schemes on top of the fees. Costs are set by each school and change from year to year, so the only reliable figure is the current one confirmed with the school itself.
When should we apply?
Places at the most sought-after schools are in high demand and can carry waiting lists, and admission can be genuinely competitive, so applying early is important, particularly for families relocating to the city.
Do these schools lead to UK universities?
Yes. A-Levels and the IB Diploma are recognised by universities in the United Kingdom and worldwide, and a British curriculum school in Hong Kong also keeps open the natural option of moving on to a UK boarding school. Our guide to British schools in Hong Kong explains that pathway.
With that in mind, here are our top schools in Hong Kong for 2026, ranked across academics, university outcomes, pastoral care and breadth.
Chinese International School
Braemar Hill, Hong Kong
One of the most selective and highly regarded schools in Hong Kong, following the International Baccalaureate with a distinctive bilingual English and Mandarin programme. Known for exceptional academic results and strong university destinations worldwide.
Harrow International School Hong Kong
Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
The first Harrow outside the United Kingdom when it opened, bringing the traditions of its namesake, including a house system and boarding, to a purpose-built campus. A traditional British education with strong pastoral structures.
Hong Kong International School
Repulse Bay & Tai Tam, Hong Kong
A long-established and prestigious American curriculum school, known for excellent facilities, a broad programme and strong university outcomes, particularly to the United States.
Kellett School
Kowloon Bay & Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
Known as the British International School, Kellett is a long-established and much-loved British curriculum school with a strong record at A-Level and a warm, family feel across its two campuses.
German Swiss International School
The Peak, Hong Kong
A long-established and highly regarded school offering an English stream following the British curriculum alongside a German stream, known for strong academics and a distinctive international character.
English Schools Foundation
Schools across Hong Kong, Hong Kong
The largest English-medium provider in Hong Kong, running a group of schools that offer IGCSE and the IB Diploma, including well-known secondaries such as Island School and West Island School, with consistently strong results.
Malvern College Hong Kong
Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong
Part of the Malvern family, following the British curriculum leading to the IB Diploma on a modern campus, known for a rounded education and a strong international outlook.
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong
Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong
A more recent arrival linked to the English Shrewsbury School, known for a strong early-years and primary programme and a warm, well-resourced start to a British education.
Our ranking methodology
Academic performance
Results at IGCSE, GCSE, A-Level and the IB Diploma, weighed over recent years.
University destinations
Where a school’s leavers actually go, in the UK and around the world.
Pastoral care
How well a school looks after a child, which matters most when home is far away.
Co-curricular breadth
Sport, music, drama and the wider life beyond the classroom.
We weigh four things. Academic performance looks at results at IGCSE, A-Level and the IB Diploma. University outcomes considers where leavers actually go, in the United Kingdom and worldwide. Pastoral care assesses how well a school looks after its pupils, which matters enormously for a child living far from extended family. Breadth covers sport, music, drama and the wider life of the school. Hong Kong does not publish a single government star rating for its international schools, so we weigh published results, accreditation and reputation, and we treat these lists as a starting point for a more personal conversation rather than the final word. We always recommend confirming current fees, any debenture arrangements and details with each school directly.
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Hero photograph by Cheung Yin on Unsplash. School tiles are branded Elite British Admissions graphics.