Cities / Hong Kong / Ichk Secondary Hong Kong
Ichk Secondary Hong Kong
ICHK Secondary Hong Kong is an IB-focused international school in the New Territories serving Years 7-13, founded in 1984 with an outdoor learning philosophy that extends from its primary campus counterpart. While the school offers a distinctive nature-integrated approach to…
In brief
Operating since 1984 as part of the broader ICHK network, the secondary campus continues the outdoor education philosophy established at the primary Hong Lok Yuen campus in Tai Po. The school delivers IB Middle Years Programme for Years 7-11 and IB Diploma Programme for Years 12-13, emphasizing inquiry-based learning within the New Territories' natural environment. This rural setting positions ICHK Secondary as 'a world away' from Hong Kong's urban international school options, appealing to families seeking nature-integrated education.
The school's connection to educational innovation appears through staff involvement in projects like Gibbon Education's open-source school management system, developed by former staff member Ross Parker. However, ICHK Secondary operates with notably limited public visibility compared to Hong Kong's tier-one international schools. While one parent review describes the move from Ireland to Hong Kong as 'worth it' for the school experience, the absence of detailed information about academic outcomes, university destinations, or extensive community discussions suggests families would need direct contact to fully evaluate the school's offerings.
Strengths
- Distinctive outdoor learning approach integrated with IB programmes
- Established history since 1984 with stable operation
- Nature-focused New Territories location away from urban pressures
- Part of network with successful primary campus serving 400 students
- IB World School authorization for Middle Years and Diploma programmes
Considerations
- Limited public information about academic results and university placements
- Rural New Territories location may create transport challenges for some families
- Minimal visibility in Hong Kong international school discussions compared to prominent institutions
- Secondary-only focus requires primary school transition from other institutions
- Fee structure available but specific costs not publicly detailed
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years 7 – 9 | 11 | Annual | HK$184,500 |
| Years 10 – 11 | 14 | Annual | HK$192,500 |
| Years 12 – 13 | 16 | Annual | HK$204,900 |
| Application Fee | One-time | HK$205 | |
| Administrative Fee | One-time | HK$2,000 | |
| Activity Deposit (refundable) | One-time | HK$4,000 | |
| Capital Fee | One-time | HK$100,000 |
Reviews
- Parents describe ICHK Secondary as small, distinctive and pedagogically experimental, with curriculum strands like Free Learning, Deep Learning and Human Technologies sitting alongside IB and IGCSE.
- One parent, four years in, said they were "extremely pleased" with the education, citing zero tolerance for bullying and small class sizes.
- Another said the move from Ireland to Hong Kong was worth it for the "whole person" education their child was receiving.
- 2021 IB diploma average of 35.4, with around 58% scoring 35 or above.
- An ex-student described attending ICHK as a British international school student and graduating fluent in Cantonese.
- Fees sit in the upper bracket for Hong Kong, with a HKD 100,000 secondary debenture payable over three years; partner-school families get priority admission.
Head of school
Sean McDermott
Sean McDermott holds qualifications including Dip. Teaching, Dip. TESOL, BEd, and MSc in Educational Leadership from New Zealand. He began his career as a teacher and curriculum leader in Hong Kong, co-authoring English workbooks for Chinese middle school students, later becoming an IB Workshop Leader for over six years.
Accreditations
- Council of International Schools 01
Academic results
- IB Diploma average score 2025 33.4 points
- IGCSE A*-C grades 2025 97%
Location
60 Sha Tau Kok Road,, Shek Chung Au,, Sha Tau Kok,, New Territories, Hong Kong