South Island School is a IB Diploma Programme / IB Middle Years Programme / IB Career-related Programme / IB school in Aberdeen, Hong Kong. Founded in 1977. Annual tuition ranges from $21,788 to $23,543 USD.
Location & Getting There
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Key facts
About
South Island School is a private, coeducational day school in Hong Kong authorized by the International Baccalaureate since 2006. The school offers the IB Diploma Programme, IB Middle Years Programme, and IB Career-related Programme, all taught in English. As an IB World School in the Asia Pacific region, South Island School serves students seeking an international education across multiple IB programme levels.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
South Island School's distinctive 'Making a Difference' ethos is embedded across the curriculum, particularly in MYP community projects and whole-school events such as International Evening, TEDxTSIS, and service-oriented programmes. The school offers three senior pathways (IBDP, IBCP, and SIS Diploma) providing flexibility for students with different strengths. The campus features a renovated 400-seat School Hall and an AstroTurf pitch, set in a semi-rural green setting on Hong Kong Island's south side.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Year 11 | HKD 159,400~$ 20,384 |
| Years 7-10 | HKD 181,100~$ 23,159 |
| Years 12-13 | HKD 167,600~$ 21,432 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: HK$167,600 - 181,100. Application fee: $364.
Admissions Process
- 1Submit online application through the ESF admissions portal, selecting up to four ESF school preferences, and pay the non-refundable administration fee. 2. Shortlisted applicants are invited to attend assessments or interviews. 3. If successful and a vacancy exists, an offer of place is issued; family must accept by a deadline and pay deposit or building levy. 4. Once accepted, student completes orientation, registration, and fee payment; supporting documents (previous school records, medical records) may be required. 5. If no immediate place is available, the candidate may be placed on a waitlist.
Admissions Details
SIS (via ESF) maintains a waiting list/pool system when demand exceeds vacancies. Applicants are placed on the waitlist in priority order by date of application and priority group; offers are extended when places become available.
School Day
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: 7:55 am to 3:15 pm. Tuesdays: later start. Fridays: 7:55 am to 12:55 pm.
Student Life
The school has six Houses organised into two Families, each split into three Houses. Year 12 students are selected as House Captains. The Head of Activities coordinates inter-house events including Cross Country, Musicfest, Athletics, and Swim Gala.
Uniforms are required for Years 7-11 and are ordered online via schooluniform.hk or at the supplier's Lai Chi Kok outlet. Orders over HK$500 qualify for free shipping with 3-5 business day delivery. A Uniform Guide exists for Years 12-13.
Three on-site food outlets: the Refectory (Ground Floor, D Block), the Atrium (5th floor, C Block), and Cafe Five-O at the school entrance. All outlets are operated by Chartwells and accept Octopus cards. Year 12-13 students may eat in the Diploma Centre; Years 9-13 may eat in classrooms during breaks; Years 7-8 use the SPACE.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
The vice principal oversees well-being systems, with wellbeing described as at the heart of school practice. The school uses surveys and reflective tools to monitor belonging and psychological safety. The Family Leadership Team (FLT) collaborates with staff to provide multi-layered support to students.
ESF upholds every child's right to learn and live in conditions that protect them from harm, anchored in strong policy, proactive and responsive measures, and collaboration with families. The school maintains a Child Protection Officers Network as part of ESF's system. Policies include safeguarding, privacy, and conduct guidelines.
Student Demographics
School Background
private