When did Malvern College Hong Kong open?

Malvern College Hong Kong opened on 27 August 2018.

What is the school’s full capacity?

The School accommodates approximately 1,200 pupils across the primary and secondary years.

What is the class size and teacher–pupil ratio?

Classes have a maximum of 24 pupils, with an overall teacher–pupil ratio of approximately 1:10, allowing for personalised attention and strong pastoral support.

What are the school hours?

The school day runs from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, with co-curricular activities taking place from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

What makes Malvern College Hong Kong unique among international schools?

Malvern College Hong Kong combines small class sizes, strong pastoral care, and a wide-ranging co-curricular programme to support the development of the whole child.

The School draws on the rich heritage and educational ethos of Malvern College UK, a co-educational day and boarding school founded in 1865, known for its academic rigour, scientific heritage, and holistic approach to education. Malvern College UK consistently achieves International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma results above the global average.

As a member of the Malvern Family of Schools, Malvern College Hong Kong is part of a global network of schools that collaborate closely, sharing expertise and best practice while upholding a shared educational philosophy — educating pupils the Malvern way.

What is the school’s management structure?

Malvern College Hong Kong is led by a Senior Management Team comprising the Headmaster, Head of Prep, Head of Seniors, and programme coordinators for the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).

The Senior Management Team is supported by experienced academic and non-academic leaders, together with a dedicated team of teachers and support staff.

What is the relationship between Malvern College UK and Malvern College Hong Kong?

Malvern College Hong Kong operates in close partnership with Malvern College UK, its parent school. This relationship provides ongoing educational guidance and quality assurance, with members of Malvern College UK appointed to the College Council.

Malvern College UK conducts regular quality assurance visits to ensure that teaching standards, educational practices, and school ethos remain aligned with Malvern’s long-standing traditions while reflecting current educational best practice.

Eligible pupils at Malvern College Hong Kong may also choose to continue their education at The Downs Malvern from Year 7 or at Malvern College UK from Year 9, subject to meeting the relevant entry requirements.

Are Malvern schools in Qingdao and Chengdu managed in the same way as Malvern College Hong Kong?

All Malvern schools worldwide share a common educational ethos and philosophy rooted in the traditions of Malvern College UK. Each school aims to provide a nurturing learning environment with personalised teaching and high academic expectations.

At the same time, individual schools adapt their operations to meet local educational requirements, regulatory frameworks, and pupil intake profiles, including variations in English language proficiency, while maintaining the core Malvern standards.

Do you have an application deadline or specific application period?

Malvern College Hong Kong operates a rolling admissions process. Applications are accepted throughout the school year and may be submitted up to two years in advance, subject to availability.

Are all applicants required to attend an assessment?

Yes. All applicants are invited to take part in an assessment and/or observation session, appropriate to their age and stage of development.

Do you accept children with limited English language experience?

All applicants must be able to engage with an English-medium curriculum.

Children with limited English proficiency may still be considered if they demonstrate strong academic potential through school reports and if appropriate English language support is available at home.

What are your admissions priority criteria?

Malvern College Hong Kong values a diverse, inclusive, and multicultural school community. As part of the admissions process, a meeting with both parents and the child is required to ensure alignment between the School’s values and those of the family.

Priority for assessment may be given to applicants in the following categories:

• Corporate Nomination Right (CNR) nominees
• Individual Nomination Right (INR) nominees
• Siblings of current pupils
• Pupils from Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong (with a minimum of one academic year of attendance)
• Children of Old Malvernians (alumni)
• Pupils transferring from another Malvern College Family of Schools (with a minimum of two academic years of attendance prior to admission)
• Applicants who contribute to the School’s diversity in nationality, background, age, and gender
• Pupils who demonstrate a genuine interest in learning and an aptitude for independent study 

What curriculum does Malvern College Hong Kong offer?

Malvern College Hong Kong is an IB World School, offering the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP)
• Middle Years Programme (MYP)
• Diploma Programme (DP)

This provides pupils with a coherent and internationally recognised education from Prep through to Sixth Form.

What are the key features and benefits of the IB curriculum?

The IB curriculum is internationally respected and designed to develop confident, independent learners. Key features include:

• Global recognition by leading universities worldwide
• Inquiry-based learning, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and independent exploration
• Academic rigour, with high standards and clear expectations
• A conceptual and interdisciplinary approach, supporting deep and broad understanding across subjects
• A strong emphasis on international mindedness and global citizenship
• A collaborative framework, supported by ongoing professional development and quality assurance
  

What subjects are taught in the Primary Years (Prep 1–6)?

In the Primary Years, pupils follow an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum that connects learning across subjects and real-world contexts.

Primary subject areas include:

• Languages: English and daily Chinese
• Social Studies: People, societies, and the environment
• Mathematics: Number, measurement, data handling, patterns, and space
• Arts: Visual Arts, Music, Drama, and Dance
• Science: Experimental and integrated scientific learning
• Physical, Health and Social Education: Physical education, wellbeing, character, and social development

What subjects are taught in the Secondary Years?

Pupils in Foundation Years 1–3 (Years 7–9), Remove (Year 10), and Hundred (Year 11) study eight subject groups:

• Language & Literature
• Language Acquisition
• Mathematics
• Sciences
• Individuals & Societies
• Design
• Arts (Music, Drama, Visual Arts)
• Physical and Health Education 

Secondary pupils also take part in interdisciplinary learning and complete both group and individual projects that encourage collaboration, reflection, and meaningful action.

What subjects are offered in the Sixth Form (IB Diploma Programme)?

In the two-year IB Diploma Programme, students study six subjects chosen from the following groups, alongside the IB Core:

Subject Groups

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature (English, Chinese, or self-taught language)
• Group 2: Language Acquisition (English, Chinese, Spanish ab initio)
• Group 3: Individuals & Societies (History, Geography, Economics, Psychology)
• Group 4: Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Design Technology)
• Group 5: Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches; Applications & Interpretation)
• Group 6: The Arts (Music, Theatre, Visual Arts) 

IB Core Components

• Extended Essay (EE)
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) 

Does the curriculum focus on a particular subject area?

No. Malvern College Hong Kong places equal importance on academic achievement and holistic development. The curriculum is designed to support pupils’ intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth, providing a balanced education across languages, mathematics, sciences, humanities, design, the arts, and physical education.

What is the language of instruction at Malvern College Hong Kong?

English is the main language of instruction for all subjects, except for language classes taught in languages other than English.

Do pupils learn Chinese at Malvern College Hong Kong?

Yes. All pupils have daily Chinese lessons as part of the curriculum. In line with IB requirements, Mandarin is taught using simplified Chinese characters.

What other languages are offered?

In the Sixth Form, Spanish ab initio is offered as part of the IB Diploma Programme.

The School continues to review opportunities to introduce additional foreign languages at secondary level in line with pupil needs and curriculum development.

Some secondary pupils who join Malvern College Hong Kong from overseas may attend alternative language classes instead of the Chinese programme. These arrangements are considered on an individual basis, following assessment and consultation.

In addition, French, Spanish, and Japanese (beginner level) are available through the co-curricular activities (CCA) programme, allowing pupils to explore further language interests beyond the academic curriculum.

What is the Forest-Beach School programme?

Forest-Beach School is an outdoor learning programme designed to complement classroom learning through child-led exploration in natural environments. The programme supports the development of self-awareness, independence, creativity, resilience, empathy, communication skills, confidence, and a positive attitude to learning.

What do pupils learn through Forest-Beach School?

Outdoor spaces become a temporary classroom, with sessions often linked to curriculum themes. Through guided activities and play, pupils develop teamwork, social and communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. Supervised practical experiences—such as shelter building and safe tool use—help build self-esteem, confidence, and practical thinking.

Which pupils take part in the Forest-Beach School programme?

Currently, all pupils from Prep 1 to Prep 3 participate in Forest-Beach School sessions as part of their learning experience.

How often do Forest-Beach School sessions take place?

Sessions are held once every three weeks.

Does Forest-Beach School run in wet weather?

Yes. Sessions take place in all safe weather conditions, allowing pupils to experience learning in a variety of natural environments while prioritising safety.

How do pupils travel to the Forest-Beach School site?

School-arranged bus transportation is provided between the campus and the Forest-Beach School site in Sai Kung for all participating pupils.

To what extent is digital technology used at Malvern College Hong Kong?

Malvern College Hong Kong uses digital technology thoughtfully to support and enhance learning, while placing strong emphasis on helping pupils become responsible, informed, and balanced digital citizens.

Through the School’s Digital Intelligence (DQ) education, pupils engage in age-appropriate learning units that explore topics such as digital identity, online safety and security, digital creativity, and entrepreneurship. A range of carefully selected online learning platforms is used to support learning both in school and at home, aligned with pupils’ developmental stages.

Which devices are used at school? Do families need to purchase devices in advance?

Device use at Malvern College Hong Kong is introduced gradually and in a developmentally appropriate way:

• Prep 1–Prep 4: Pupils use school-owned iPads, shared on a 1:2 ratio and kept on campus. No personal device purchase is required at this stage.
• Prep 5–Prep 6: Pupils use their own iPads, introduced at the end of Term 1 in Prep 5, following a pupil–parent digital citizenship programme to ensure responsible and effective use.
• Secondary School: Pupils use their own laptops under a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. Detailed guidance is shared with parents before the start of the academic year. 

This structured approach ensures that pupils develop strong digital skills while maintaining a healthy balance between technology use and learning.

Do you offer a co-curricular activities programme?

Yes. Malvern College Hong Kong considers co-curricular activities an essential part of a holistic education. Through participation beyond the core curriculum, pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, explore new interests, and build personal, social, and practical skills.

What types of co-curricular activities are offered?

Malvern College Hong Kong offers a wide-ranging CCA programme across all year groups, including:

Sports

• Football, rugby, cricket, field hockey, basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton
• Swimming, gymnastics, yoga, capoeira, multi-sport
• Fencing, water polo, sailing 

Arts & Performing Arts

• Dance (ballet, jazz, K-pop, hip hop)
• Visual arts, music, drama

Languages & Culture

• English for Academic Purposes
• Chinese enrichment
• Spanish, French, Japanese 

STEM & Innovation

• Coding and robotics
• Maker Space 

Clubs & Enrichment

• Gardening Club, Chess Club, Environmental Club
• Science Club, Games Club, Cookery Club
• Chinese Reading Club 

Academic & Creative Activities

• Debating, Model United Nations
• Battle of the Books
• Creative Writing, Board Games
• Storytime Art, Textile Weaving, Pottery 

Activities are reviewed regularly to reflect pupil interests and developmental needs.

Are co-curricular activities subject to additional fees?

Some co-curricular activities may involve additional fees:

• Activities led by Malvern staff are free of charge or subject to a nominal fee
• Activities delivered by external providers are charged at cost 

Details are shared with parents during CCA sign-up periods.

Is participation in co-curricular activities compulsory?

Yes. Pupils are expected to participate in co-curricular activities in line with the following guidelines:

• Prep 1: One to two maximum CCAs per week (starting from Term Two)
• Prep 2: Minimum one, maximum two CCAs per week
• Prep 3 and above: Minimum one, maximum four CCAs per week 

This structured approach ensures a balanced experience alongside academic learning.

Where can I find more information about the school uniform?

All pupils are required to wear the appropriate Malvern College Hong Kong summer or winter uniform.

Detailed information, including uniform requirements and purchasing guidance, can be found here:  

How will my child be allocated to a school house?

House allocation details are shared with families shortly before the start of term. Pupils will receive their house ties during the first week of school, so parents do not need to purchase a house tie in advance.

Houses are allocated by the School to ensure a balanced mix of gender, age, background, and talents within each house. Siblings are always placed in the same house.

What are the school fees?

Tuition fees are charged annually and payable in ten monthly instalments, subject to approval by the Education Bureau (EDB).

For the 2026-27 academic year, the proposed annual tuition fees are:

• Primary: HK$208,200

• Secondary: HK$236,840 

In addition, an Annual Capital Levy of HK$42,000 applied for the 2026-27 academic year. Pupils supported by an Individual Nomination Right (INR) or Corporate Nomination Right (CNR) are exempt from paying the Annual Capital Levy.

Further details on fees and charges can be found here.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes. Malvern College Hong Kong offers a range of merit-based scholarships across different areas, including:

• Academic
• Sports
• Visual Arts / Design
• Drama
• Music
• Leadership
• Diversity 

Further information on scholarships can be found here.

Do you offer bursaries?

Yes. Bursaries are available to families who require additional financial support, including international and expatriate families who do not receive an educational allowance from their employer.

Bursary support is means-tested and assessed on an individual basis. Families receiving bursary assistance are expected to align with the ethos and educational philosophy of Malvern College Hong Kong.

What facilities are available on campus?

Malvern College Hong Kong is located in Pak Shek Kok, adjacent to the Hong Kong Science Park, and sits on a purpose-built, environmentally conscious campus.

Our facilities are designed to support academic learning, creativity, wellbeing, and physical development, and include:

• A 450-seat auditorium (Big School)
• An open-plan library
• Rooftop sports pitch
• 6-lane indoor swimming pool
• Climbing wall and dance studio
• Fully equipped science laboratories
• Maker space and creative computing centre
• Design technology workshops
• Music and arts rooms, including a ceramics studio
• Drama Studio
• An outdoor, turf-surfaced multipurpose activity area (The Junior)
• The school dining hall (Grub)

These facilities support a broad and balanced educational experience across academics, sport, the arts, and co-curricular activities.

What play areas are available for younger children?

Younger pupils have access to a range of age-appropriate play and activity spaces during break and lunchtime, including:

• The primary sports hall
• Outdoor play areas on the ground floor
• The sky pitch

Designated terraces may also be used by specific year groups to ensure safe and enjoyable play opportunities.

Do you have a school bus service in place?

Yes. A school bus service is available for pupils travelling to and from Malvern College Hong Kong. Current draft routes (Academic Year 2026-27) cover Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and Discovery Bay.

Routes, stops and timings are subject to change according to the number of applications received. Morning routes are planned to arrive at school before 7:50 a.m., while regular afternoon buses are scheduled to leave school at approximately 3:20 p.m.

Please refer to the school bus service website for the latest routes, fees and registration information.

Can I drop my child off at the school myself?

Private car or taxi drop-off and pick-up are not allowed in the immediate vicinity of the school.

Pupils who live close-by can walk to school.

What is the nearest MTR station?

University MTR Station is the closest convenient MTR connection to the campus. However, the school is not within comfortable walking distance of the station.

A school bus stop is currently available at University MTR Station. Families should consult the latest bus schedule, as routes and stops are subject to confirmation.

Is there a school bus service after co-curricular activities (CCA)?

CCA buses depart from school at 4:10 pm, covering a skeleton of drop-off points including Hong Kong MTR station, Kowloon Tong MTR station and University MTR station.

Can my younger child wait for an older sibling who is attending a CCA?

The school always tries to accommodate the needs of individual families. Younger pupils can wait for their older siblings in the library or other appropriate areas with suitable adult supervision.

Can my child come to school by public transport in the morning but take the school bus home in the afternoon?

Families may apply for a single-trip school bus service, subject to route and seat availability. The single-trip fee is currently 80% of the corresponding round-trip fee.

The service requires a full-year commitment and cannot normally be booked only for selected days or months.

Where do your teachers come from?

• Malvern College Hong Kong’s teaching staff are recruited both internationally and locally. Many of our teachers come from countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, and bring experience from international schools around the world.

What are your recruitment criteria for teachers?

• All teachers are selected based on their professional qualifications, teaching experience, and suitability for an IB learning environment. Particular emphasis is placed on experience with the International Baccalaureate programmes and alignment with Malvern’s educational philosophy.
• Malvern College UK plays an active role in the recruitment and quality assurance of teaching staff, supporting the School through guidance and regular visits to ensure high teaching standards are maintained.

If parents are interested in the Corporate or Individual Nomination Rights Scheme, please contact us at nr@malverncollege.org.hk.