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South Island School
(SIS)
Image Source: South Island School
Institutional Overview
Curriculum:
Years 7–9:
A bespoke, skills-based curriculum.
Years 10–11:
IGCSE.
Years 12–13:
IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or IB Career-related Programme (IBCP).
Levels:
Year 7 to Year 13 (Secondary only).
Student Body:
~1,400 students.
Campus
50 Nam Fung Road, Aberdeen (Deep Water Bay area).
Founded:
1977.
Website:
Academic Profile
Average IB Score (2025):
35.9 (Pass Rate: 99.2%).
Top Performance:
Known for being the most flexible ESF school regarding pathways. It offers a very strong IBCP (Career-related Programme) for students who prefer vocational excellence in fields like Sustainability, Creative Media, or Business.
Language & Stream:
English primary instruction. Mandatory Chinese (Putonghua) in Year 7–9, with French, Spanish, and Japanese options available.
Notable Strengths:
“Global Thinking” (integrated into all subjects), award-winning film and media department, and highly competitive swimming and athletics programs.
Admissions and Matriculation Statistics
Top 10 University Destinations
(Class of 2025):
UK (34.6%) :
UCL, King’s College London, LSE, Edinburgh, Manchester.
Hong Kong (29.6%) :
HKU (Medicine/Law/Business), HKUST, CUHK.
Australia (12.5%) :
University of Sydney, Melbourne.
North America:
NYU, University of Toronto, UBC, Berkeley.
Reputational Standing:
Frequently described as the “high-achieving all-rounder” school. It is perceived as slightly more relaxed than its sister school, Island School, but consistently delivers top-tier results.
Financials (2025/26 Academic Year)
Annual Tuition (International Stream):
Years 7–10:
~HK$181,100 (Non-subvented).
Years 11:
~HK$159,400 (Subvented).
Years 12–13:
~HK$167,600 (Subvented).
Non-Refundable Capital Levy (NRCL):
HK$26,000 for Year 7 entry (reduces for students entering in higher grades).
Nomination Rights:
Individual (INR):
HK$500,000 (Refundable after 10 years or graduation).
Application Fee:
HK$2,800.
Admissions & Application Windows
Admission Difficulty:
Selective.
Application Window:
Year 7:
September.
Other years, rolling applications.
Assessment Format:
Collaborative group activities and evidence of English language proficiency. Interviews with faculty.
The Consultant’s Take
Best Fit For:
Students who want a diverse, international community and a balanced lifestyle. It is a fantastic choice for the “creative academic”—someone who wants high IB points but also wants to spend their afternoons in the film studio or on the rugby pitch.
The “Insider” Tip:
SIS has one of the best Higher Education (HE) counseling teams in the city. While some schools are “UK-heavy” or “US-heavy,” the SIS team is exceptionally skilled at placing students in Australia and Canada, which are becoming increasingly popular alternatives for HK families.
