Hong Kong's Top International Schools Miss Foreign Student Targets

Eight international school operators in Hong Kong have failed to meet their government-mandated quotas for non-local students this year. The group includes the city's largest network, the English Schools Foundation (ESF). These schools had pledged to fill at least 70% of their places with students holding foreign passports. This rule exists to ensure Hong Kong has enough school places for children of overseas professionals. The ESF stated it has been increasing its non-local student numbers since the pandemic. However, it said reaching the required level may take "several years." During COVID-19, the government temporarily allowed these schools to admit more local students to fill empty places. The Education Bureau confirmed the shortfalls. It said it is monitoring the situation and will work with the schools to "rectify the imbalance."