South Island School, Hong Kong
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$20K – US$23K
Curriculum: IB · British
Age Range: 11–18
Students: ~1,400
Location: Hong Kong
Updated February 2026
In Brief
South Island School is one of Hong Kong's most established ESF secondary schools, offering the full IB continuum from MYP through Diploma Programme with notably affordable fees of HKD 128,400-135,000. While highly regarded academically and recently achieving their best-ever IB results, the school operates with typical ESF characteristics of being large and government-linked rather than providing the exclusive boutique experience of premium private institutions.
Founded in 1977 as an Island School annex, SIS has grown into a 1,400-student secondary school on Hong Kong's Southern District, serving Years 7-13 with the IB Middle Years Programme transitioning to IB Diploma Programme. The school offers flexibility through its Advanced Diploma Programme with BTEC qualifications in Business, Sports, and Hospitality, plus the IB Career-related Programme introduced in 2016. Under Principal Tom Vignoles, SIS emphasizes technology integration with laptop programs and coding instruction across subjects, while maintaining strong arts and athletics programs that contribute to its reputation as one of ESF's flagship secondary schools.
As part of the ESF network, SIS benefits from government subsidies that keep fees significantly lower than private international schools, though these subsidies are phasing out through 2029 with introduction of a capital levy for new students. The school's Southern Hong Kong Island location provides a campus environment away from central districts, appealing to families seeking a more residential school setting. Recent academic success includes the school's best-ever IB results, reinforcing its position among Hong Kong's competitive international secondary options, though the large student body and ESF system structure may not suit families preferring smaller, more intimate school communities.
What parents value
- –Significantly more affordable than private international schools with ESF subsidized fee structure
- –Strong recent IB results described as the school's best performance to date
- –Full IB continuum from MYP through Diploma Programme with BTEC alternative pathways
- –Technology-integrated learning environment with laptop programs and coding instruction
- –Established 45+ year reputation as one of ESF's premier secondary schools
- –Southern Hong Kong Island location provides campus-style environment away from city center
- –Diverse international community typical of ESF schools
Points of consideration
- –Large student body of 1,400 may lack intimacy of smaller international schools
- –ESF system characteristics may not appeal to families seeking premium private school experience
- –Government subsidy phase-out increasing costs through capital levy for new students
- –Limited specific university placement data available for assessment
- –Southern District location requires consideration of commute from central Hong Kong areas
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Year 7 | 11 | 23,130 |
| Year 8 | 12 | 23,130 |
| Year 9 | 13 | 23,130 |
| Year 10 | 14 | 23,130 |
| Year 11 | 15 | 20,359 |
| Year 12 | 16 | 21,406 |
| Year 13 | 17 | 21,406 |
Fees converted from HKD. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 358 |
| Admission Deposit | 2,044 |
| NCL Year 7 | 3,321 |
| NCL Year 8 | 2,848 |
| NCL Year 9 | 2,376 |
| NCL Year 10 | 1,903 |
| NCL Year 11 | 1,430 |
| NCL Year 12 | 958 |
| NCL Year 13 | 485 |
Photos
Academic Results
IBDP 2025 Highlights: 131 students awarded IB Diploma, average score 35.9. 1 student scored 45 marks, 2 scored 44, and 9 scored 43. 86% scored 30 or above.
Extra Curriculars
Expanding Horizons Curriculum includes: Sports, Drama, Music, HKAYP (Bronze, Silver, Gold levels), Student Council, Prefect system, and Community Service (CAS programme). Specific activities mentioned: board games, foosball, table tennis. Source, Source.
Campus located at 50 Nam Fung Road, Deep Water Bay. Facilities include: The Hall (seats 400+, professional sound/lighting), The SPACE (multi-purpose venue with stage and AV), Sports Hall (6 badminton courts, 1 netball court, 3 volleyball courts, 2 basketball courts, gym with weights and cardio), and specialized classrooms for PE. Source.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
- Registered international school with Hong Kong EDB
- ESF governance under ESF ordinance
- Not publicly listed.
Accreditations
- CIS, WASC 5-year extension ~2015, no rating published
- Not publicly listed.
Memberships
- HKAYP Duke of Edinburgh
- Not publicly listed.
Student Body
Enrolment: 1,447 total students (Year 7 through 13). Graduating Class of 2026: 173 students. Nationalities: Over 30 nationalities represented.
Leadership
Helen Thew - Principal
Helen Thew is an educator from Wales with over 30 years of experience in British and international schools, including roles as Biology teacher in the UK, Head of Key Stage 4 at St Georges British International School in Rome, Head of Sixth Form at the British School in the Netherlands, and various leadership positions at Bangkok Patana School such as Assistant Principal for Student Welfare (2005-2018) and Cross Campus Principal (2018-2024).
