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Discovery Bay International School (DBIS)
Image: school campus
Institutional Overview
Curriculum:
Overview:
English National Curriculum with IGCSE in Years 10 to 11 and A-Levels plus BTEC Level 3 in Sixth Form.
Curriculum Track:
A-Level + BTEC Level 3 in Sixth Form. No IB Diploma pathway.
Languages:
English.
Levels:
FS-1 (age 3) through Year 13 (age 18).
Student Body:
Around 1,000 students across all three campuses; predominantly British, Australian, Canadian and HK families.
Campus
Three Discovery Bay campuses on Lantau: Early Years, Primary + Secondary, and Sixth Form (DB North Plaza).
Founded:
1983.
Website:
Academic Profile
A-Level 2025 (A* to A):
38% of grades at A* or A.
A-Level 2025 (A* to E):
98% A* to E pass rate; 85% at A* to C.
Language & Stream:
English. Additional languages: Mandarin Chinese core through Year 9; Cantonese also offered.
Notable Strengths:
Only major international school in Discovery Bay catchment; pioneer of HK forest and beach school programmes; HKAYP host; broad arts and athletics on Lantau.
Admissions and Matriculation Statistics
Top University Destinations:
UK: Cambridge, LSE, York, Cardiff, Manchester.; USA: Cornell, NYU, UC Berkeley.; Asia / Canada: CUHK, Ryerson.
Academic Standing:
Council of International Schools and WASC accredited; FOBISIA member; A-Level 2025 results show 38% A* to A, 85% A* to C, 98% A* to E.
Reputational Standing:
Council of International Schools and WASC accredited; FOBISIA member; A-Level 2025 results show 38% A* to A, 85% A* to C, 98% A* to E.
Financials (2026-27 Academic Year)
Annual Tuition:
FS-1 to Year 6:
HK$ 132,500 to 143,700
Years 7 to 11:
HK$ 190,700
Years 12 to 13:
HK$ 206,800
Optional Capital Levy:
HK$15,000 per year (FS-1, FS-2 only).
Debentures / Nomination Rights:
Premium School Development Levy:
HK$500,000 one-off for priority admission.
Corporate Debenture:
Not offered.
School Development Levy:
Standard HK$60,000 (1st/2nd child); HK$50,000 (3rd+). Non-refundable.
Admissions & Application Windows
Admission Difficulty:
Confirm current-cycle details with admissions.
Application Window:
Main entry:
Deadlines change yearly. Confirm the current cycle with admissions.
Other years:
Rolling, subject to vacancies.
Note:
Apply early; popular entry years fill fast.
Assessment Format:
Deadlines change yearly. Confirm the current cycle with admissions.
The Consultant’s Take
Best Fit For:
Families drawn to only major international school in Discovery Bay catchment; pioneer of HK forest and beach school programmes; HKAYP host; broad arts and athletics on Lantau. Speak to us for a fit assessment for your child.
The “Insider” Tip:
Ask us about how this school compares with its nearest alternatives for your child’s profile and entry year.