Cities / Hong Kong / Sha Tin College Hong Kong
Sha Tin College Hong Kong
Sha Tin College is an established ESF secondary school founded in 1982, serving 1,266 students from 30 nationalities with IB Diploma programs in Fo Tan. While it maintains recognition as part of Hong Kong's prestigious ESF network alongside schools like…
In brief
Located in Fo Tan since relocating from its original Shatin Annexe site, Sha Tin College operates as one of five ESF secondary schools offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme to students aged 12-18. The school serves 1,266 students representing 30 different nationalities, with 71% from Hong Kong SAR, and graduated 148 students in 2025. As an ESF institution, it benefits from government subsidies that make international education more accessible compared to private alternatives, while maintaining IB accreditation and the network's established university placement pathways.
Parent discussions consistently group Sha Tin College alongside other prestigious ESF secondary schools like KGV, Island School, and West Island School when discussing Hong Kong's most respected international institutions. However, some online reviews suggest concerns about facilities and teaching quality compared to other ESF schools, with one reviewer describing it as 'really bad' relative to ESF peers. The school emphasizes inclusivity for students of all abilities, which may contribute to its different character within the ESF network that traditionally attracts high-achieving international families.
Strengths
- Part of the prestigious ESF network with established reputation and university placement record
- IB Diploma Programme with full accreditation serving diverse international student body
- Government-subsidized fees making quality international education more accessible
- Inclusive approach welcoming students of all abilities rather than selective admissions
- Strong diversity with 30 nationalities represented in student population
Considerations
- Some reviews suggest facilities and teaching quality may lag behind other ESF schools
- Mixed online feedback about school atmosphere and academic standards
- May be perceived as the less competitive option within the ESF secondary network
- Limited detailed information available about specific academic outcomes or university destinations
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 7 | 11 | Annual | HK$181,100 |
| Year 8 | 12 | Annual | HK$181,100 |
| Year 9 | 13 | Annual | HK$181,100 |
| Year 10 | 14 | Annual | HK$181,100 |
| Year 11 | 15 | Annual | HK$159,400 |
| Year 12 | 16 | Annual | HK$167,600 |
| Year 13 | 17 | Annual | HK$167,600 |
| Application Fee | One-time | HK$2,800 | |
| NCL Year 13 | One-time | HK$3,800 | |
| NCL Year 12 | One-time | HK$7,500 | |
| NCL Year 11 | One-time | HK$11,200 | |
| NCL Year 10 | One-time | HK$14,900 | |
| NCL Year 9 | One-time | HK$18,600 | |
| NCL Year 8 | One-time | HK$22,300 | |
| NCL Year 7 | One-time | HK$26,000 |
Reviews
- Consistent positive signal as the strongest academic performer in the ESF secondary network. Multiple Reddit comparisons place Sha Tin College closer to CIS, CDNIS and GSIS than to other ESF secondaries on outcomes.
- Reviewers in expat threads describe the school as the 'nice guys' of ESF, with a community feel and a welcoming culture. Staff are typically described as experienced and supportive.
- Creative arts breadth is a recurring positive. Art, theatre and music are popular and well-resourced; CAS week activities range across rock school, ukulele making, robotics and drama with external specialists.
- Recent infrastructure work added two new floors, a renovated sports hall and a senior school centre, with rooftop sports planned. Reviewers describe the building as calm and uncluttered rather than colourful.
- Curriculum signal is strong. The school runs IB Diploma, Career-related Programme, MYP, Cambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel pathways, giving older students more flexibility than most ESF schools.
- Negative voices are limited. Students have grumbled about specific Diploma options; teachers occasionally flag the New Territories commute. There is no consistent thread on management, turnover or safeguarding.
Head of school
Carol Larkin
Carol Larkin has served as Principal of Sha Tin College in Hong Kong since April 2017.
Accreditations
- Council of International Schools 01
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Schools) 02
- HK_EDB 03
Academic results
- Result IB DP avg 37.2 points 2025
- Result 41% students scored 40+ points 2025
- Result IB DP avg 37 points 2023
- Result 10% students achieved Bilingual Diploma 2024.