Hong Kong international school student numbers climb 18% to record high since 2013

In a recent headcount exercise conducted in Hong Kong kindergartens, primary, secondary, and special schools, it was revealed that the city’s overall school enrolment has dropped by 11% to 799,025 students in the current academic year compared to 2013-14. However, the number of students studying in primary and secondary international schools has reached an 11-year high, totaling 42,074.

The Education Bureau highlighted that international schools in Hong Kong cater to non-local families, specific cultural or linguistic groups, and students who prefer not to take local examinations. Over the years, the proportion of non-local students in these schools has declined, with locals and new arrivals from mainland China opting for international education, including prominent local school students transferring to prestigious international institutions.