Moving From UK to HKG

[Eastern123]

Hello,

I am British and non-permanent HKID holder moving to HKG early next year. A family of 5, initially I will move to HKG first to get everything settle up and then planning to bring the rest of the family here. Me and my wife both speak Cantonese and English very well, but the 3 children only speaks English. Our main concern is education for our children. (Age 9, 6, & 3)

1. Does the schools here charge fees for non local kids?
2. How the schools education system relates to UK standards?
3. Is Cantonese/Mandarin compulsory in education?

Getting a property in HKG is also a concern. A 4 good properties here in the UK is equivalent to 1 sub standard flat in HKG. As I’m aware properties in uk tend to go up in value over time and last very long, but with flats in HKG would it be the same? Mortgages, do foreigners get favourable deals and pay larger stamp duties.

I appreciate if anyone can answer my questions and help me out.

Thanks

[aw451]

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[shri]

At the age the kids are and the ability of the parents to speak Canto, the local EMI schools can also be a good option.

EMI - English Medium of Instruction

Look for DSS and other subsidised schools.

ESF or International schools for three kids will be a significant drain in your budget.

[shri]

Mortgages, do foreigners get favourable deals and pay larger stamp duties.

No and yes if you don't have permanent residency.

[bsh]

I would be very reluctant about putting your kids into the local CMI (Cantonese as Medium of Instruction) schools. even though it's the cheapest option. And definitely not the older ones.

They would not be able to cope with the level of Cantonese and PTW used in school and you'll end up having to pay for a private tutor as well as you and your partner providing support. They'll be miserable.

The 3 yr old maybe as they are young enough to learn.

Second, they will not like the amount of homework given each day. Even though they're supposed to be short exercises, there's often 4 pieces per subject a day.

There are some primary schools that have English as Medium of Instruction classes but some lessons may be in Cantonese. Po Tung Wah will be compulsory lessons.

There may be a bigger choice once they get to secondary school.

Maybe someone will come along and give you a list of possible schools.

[hongkongmusic]

Do your research. Really do your research! Don't bring kids here without really understanding the school system. It's all very complicated and very competitive to enroll into English speaking schools. Extremely expensive should you find out the best option is an international school.

[becomjapanHK]

Yes, crazy how complicated it is.......

[ndt]

Both of you able to speak cantonese, higher chances you have close/remote connections with few locals in HK!!! They will tell you other issues with local schools generally not discussed openly on public platform for specific reason..

[albyalby]

Re your question "Cantonese/Mandarin compulsory in education" - the short answer is "no" for international school. For Aided Schools and Direct Subsidy Schools, the short answer is "yes" for most, but I think a handful of these schools do cater for kids who don't speak or have no knowledge of Chinese - you need to do your research re their curriculum and how to get in.

[jimbo]

The others have given you the best advice regarding schooling etc that’s not my forte as we don’t have kids.

What you need to figure is where you’ll be working, Will your wife be a Sahm or will you get a Helper?

You need a realistic budget as well as you know property isn’t cheap here.

A two bedroom apartment here in West Kowloon will cost you £750k and obviously that’s far too small for your needs.

A 3 bedroom will be £900k upwards.