Back to School Directory
ESF Glenealy School
Image: school campus
Institutional Overview
Curriculum:
Overview:
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP): inquiry-led, transdisciplinary learning aligned with ESF benchmarks.
Assessment Pathway:
Internal progress tracking with PYP checkpoints; no external exams at primary.
Languages:
English; Putonghua taught as an additional language across all year groups.
Levels:
Year 1 to Year 6 (ages 5 to 11).
Student Body:
Approximately 300 pupils across Years 1 to 6 (≈2 classes per year level).
Campus
7 Hornsey Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Island.; Compact two-form-entry campus with playgrounds, library, music and arts rooms.
Founded:
1959 (opened 7 January 1959 as Glenealy Junior School); joined ESF in 1979.
Website:
Academic Profile
Cohort Size:
~300 pupils across Years 1 to 6 (≈50 per year group).
Feeder Secondary:
Island School (Year 7 priority transfer for Mid-Levels catchment).
Language & Stream:
English; Putonghua taught as an additional language across all year groups. Additional languages: Putonghua (Mandarin) from Year 1, daily lessons.
Notable Strengths:
Intimate two-form-entry community in Mid-Levels, strong parent involvement, 100+ ECAs annually, outdoor and environmental learning.
Admissions and Matriculation Statistics
Top University Destinations:
Primary ESF secondary: Island School.; Other ESF options: King George V School, South Island School, West Island School.; Private: CIS, CDNIS, HKIS.
Academic Standing:
PYP inquiry framework with ESF-wide literacy and numeracy benchmarks; small-school pastoral care.
Reputational Standing:
PYP inquiry framework with ESF-wide literacy and numeracy benchmarks; small-school pastoral care.
Financials (2026-27 Academic Year)
Annual Tuition:
Year 1 to Year 6:
HK$ 145,000
Refundable Deposit:
Equivalent to two months’ fees.
Advance Fee (Y2 to 6):
HK$ 13,900 (offset against September tuition).
Capital Levy (Y1 entry):
HK$ 38,000 (non-refundable; sliding scale for later entry).
Debentures / Nomination Rights:
Catchment Priority:
Not applicable , ESF central admissions.
Nomination Rights:
Not applicable , ESF primaries do not offer INRs.
Registration Fee:
HK$ 2,800 (one-off, non-refundable).
Admissions & Application Windows
Admission Difficulty:
Via ESF central admissions. Foreign-passport and language-of-need applicants are prioritised.
Application Window:
Year 1:
Central application window via ESF admissions each autumn for the following August. Deadlines change yearly. Confirm the current cycle with admissions.
Other years:
Via ESF central admissions, subject to vacancies.
Priority:
Interview priority with an Individual Nomination Right; sibling priority applies.
Assessment Format:
ESF primary process: play-based / classroom-style visits appropriate to age. Confirm details with ESF admissions.
The Consultant’s Take
Best Fit For:
Families drawn to intimate two-form-entry community in Mid-Levels, strong parent involvement, 100+ ECAs annually, outdoor and environmental learning. 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.