English Schools Foundation
Admissions
Admissions
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Starting from August 2022, ESF has become an all\-through educational system. This means that children who join K1 from August 2020 will be guaranteed a place at an ESF primary school, then a secondary school up until Year 13, if they can benefit from a mainstream, English\-medium education.

ESF schools are non\-selective. However, students must demonstrate sufficient English language skills so that they can benefit from the foundation's English\-medium learning environment. Applicants are placed on a waiting list, and will be invited to an interview or assessment when vacancies become available. They will be required to complete age\-appropriate assessments to determine if they can engage with an English\-medium curriculum.

### Procedure

Each September, children in K1, Year 1 and Year 7 go through a central application procedure in the year before admission. Applications are made online, on the online admission system. The applications are then sorted by priority category, and then each school makes an interview list based on the parent's preferences, availability and [Education Bureau](/wiki/Education_Bureau "Education Bureau") requirements. For other applications received throughout the year, they are processed and also placed on the school's waiting list.

Children in kindergarten are assessed based on a play visit in December of each year. The play visit allows the school to observe the children, talk with the parents, and determine if the school is appropriate for the child. For applications to primary and secondary school, students will be invited for an interview and assessment when new places become available. If the student is successful, a place will be offered subject to availability.

Applications to Year 12 for the [IB Diploma](/wiki/IB_Diploma "IB Diploma") programme have special requirements: the student must have either achieved or been predicted five grade C's or above, completed the IB Middle Years programme, or completed an equivalent national qualification. Other students will be considered on a case\-by\-case basis.

Priority consideration is given to children of staff, alumni, elite athletes, and specified visa holders. Priority is also given to siblings of enrolled students, and applicants who have purchased a HK$500,000 nomination right.

ESF has provisions for students that have special educational needs. After SEN students go through the application procedure and are accepted, a moderation team will observe the student, and make recommendations on whether to apply for a learning support place, or a place at the Jockey Club Sarah Roe School.


How are primary and secondary school applications processed?