Cities / Hong Kong / Singapore International School Hong Kong
Singapore International School Hong Kong
A through-train school in Aberdeen, founded in 1991, running the Singapore Ministry of Education's bilingual English-Mandarin curriculum from Nursery through primary, then IGCSE and the IB Diploma in the secondary years.
In brief
SISHK follows the Singapore Ministry of Education curriculum structure from Nursery through Primary 6, emphasizing bilingual education in English and Mandarin alongside values-based learning. The school's 2024 SG60 anniversary celebrations showcased its community commitment, raising over HKD 700,000 for 60 beneficiary organizations and engaging students in projects like crafting stories inspired by Singapore's history. These initiatives, attended by officials including Singapore's Consul General and Hong Kong's Under Secretary for Labour & Welfare, demonstrate the school's active role in Hong Kong's expatriate community.
Unlike larger Hong Kong international schools such as HKIS or CIS that offer full secondary programs with IB diplomas, SISHK appears focused primarily on primary education with Singaporean curriculum specialization. The school's UWC associate status from 1971 provides historical international credibility, though current accreditations and university placement data remain unclear. Parents considering SISHK should evaluate transition plans for secondary education, as the school's primary-focused structure requires families to seek alternative institutions for older children.
Strengths
- Strong bilingual English-Mandarin education following Singapore curriculum standards
- Active community engagement through charitable initiatives like SG60 projects
- Historical international recognition as UWC associate member since 1971
- Values-based education approach aligned with Singaporean educational philosophy
- Demonstrated administrative commitment to social responsibility and community ties
Considerations
- Limited information available about secondary education programs or pathways
- Primary-focused structure requires transition planning for older students
- Facilities, academic outcomes, and university placement data not readily available
- Fee structure and exact enrollment numbers unclear from public sources
- Smaller profile compared to established Hong Kong international schools with comprehensive programs
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Preparatory Years | 5 | HK$103,000 |
| Primary 1 to Primary 6 | 6 | HK$161,100 |
| Secondary 1 to Secondary 4 | 12 | HK$208,800 |
| Diploma Programme Year 1 and Year 2 | 16 | HK$254,900 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | HK$2,800 | |
| Entrance Fee | HK$13,000 | |
| Personal Debenture | HK$200,000 | |
| Corporate Debenture | HK$500,000 |
Reviews
- Parents describe SIS Hong Kong as one of the more academically demanding international schools in the city, sitting between local schools and the lighter expat options.
- Homework load is the most repeated theme. Parents say primary-age children average two to three pieces of homework a day, with strong English and Chinese expectations from early grades.
- Admissions are tight for non-Singaporean passport holders. Parents describe getting a place as competitive, with most spaces going to Singaporean families.
- Children who struggle in a subject are streamed into parallel classes for extra support, while strong performers in maths and Chinese move into advanced classes.
- One parent on a Hong Kong forum summed it up as "a good cross between local (too much HW) and international (too little HW)," not a fit for families wanting a stress-free childhood.
Positives
- Bilingual English-Chinese focus. Strong dual-language programme is consistently flagged as a draw.
- Streaming and support. Parallel classes for struggling pupils, advanced classes for stronger ones in maths and Chinese.
Considerations
- Academic rigour and homework. Heavier workload than most Hong Kong international schools, especially in primary; parents accept this knowing what they signed up for.
- Selective admissions. Limited non-Singaporean places; parents describe entry as highly competitive.
- Tiger-mum stereotype. Parents debate the academic-pressure label; one student response argued the workload is normalised, not crushing.
Leadership
Mr. Tony Low
Mr. Tony Low was appointed Principal of Singapore International School (Hong Kong) in December 2025, following his role as Zonal Director of Schools (East) at the Singapore Ministry of Education.
Accreditations
- HK_EDB 01
Academic results
- IB Diploma 2024 average 39.2 points
- IB Diploma 2023 average 38 points
- A* / A at IGCSE 2023 76.5%