Hong Kong’s ESF schools group plans to increase fees by 4.1% on average next year
The English Schools Foundation cites growing technology needs and teacher quality as key drivers for the increase.
The English Schools Foundation (ESF), Hong Kong's largest international school group, has announced plans to increase tuition fees by an average of 4.1% for most of its primary and secondary schools for the 2026-27 academic year. The proposal, which requires approval from the Education Bureau, is notably smaller than the 4.8% and 5% increases approved for the previous two years. ESF CEO Belinda Greer explained in a letter to parents that the hike is necessary to continue investing in school infrastructure, meet growing technology demands, and retain high-quality teaching staff.
While the average increase is 4.1%, the impact varies by school and level. The steepest rise is proposed for ESF's kindergartens, with an average fee increase of 5.8%. At the high end, parents at Discovery College on Lantau Island would see secondary school fees rise by HK$1,030 (US$131) per month, the largest monetary increase across the foundation. For the bilingual stream at Abacus Kindergarten in Sai Kung, monthly fees would increase by HK$690. If approved, kindergarten annual fees will range from HK$107,200 to HK$126,600. The ESF's justification centers on maintaining educational standards in a competitive market, specifically highlighting the escalating costs associated with educational technology as a primary budgetary pressure.
- ESF proposes an average 4.1% fee increase for primary/secondary schools, down from 4.8% last year.
- Kindergarten fees face a higher proposed hike of 5.8%, with annual costs reaching up to HK$126,600.
- The foundation cites investment in technology and teacher quality as the key reasons for the increase.
Why It Matters
The decision affects thousands of international families in Hong Kong and reflects the rising cost of integrating technology into education.