International Secondary Education

UK A Levels, IB, I/GCSE

CHINESE 中文 國際中學教育

The Hong Kong education environment has undergone some significant changes that have implications for HK students preferring an international education.

With the ending of the HKCEE, students who are undertaking the HKDSE will no longer have an externally verified exam grade to show at the end of Form 5.  For parents wishing to enrol children in the IB (International Baccalaureate) or UK A-Levels for years 12 and 13 this is a problem as they no longer match the age groupings for UK schools and universities. In addition, even though UCAS has released its tariff awards for the DSE, there are some issues for Hong Kong students wishing to gain entry to UK universities. Many tertiary institutions in the UK require a ‘C’ grade or better at GCSE English.  HKCEE was regarded as equivalent to this but now there is no external exam score at this level, more students will need to consider undertaking the IELTS exam.

Also as students have completed one year less schooling in Hong Kong, they will be younger to enter university.  Many tertiary institutions, even those offering a foundation programme, are not very keen to admit students who are under 18 years of age.  This might make it difficult for students to take up places,irrespective of their marks, until after their 18th birthday.

Possible alternatives are:

• enrolling your child in some core IGCSE/GCSE subjects to ensure they have recognized exam scores for entrance into international schools in Hong Kong and abroad.

• sending your child to a UK independent school

UK A-Levels are no longer being offered by the ESF in Hong Kong. These are the most recognised qualifications for entry to UK universities. If you wish your child to complete some or a full course of A- Levels, possible alternatives are:

• enrolling your child to complete a desired number of  self study UK A-levels with ITS.

• sending your child to a UK independent school to complete a full UK A–Level course.

ITS is a registered exam centre for IGCSE/GCSE and UK A-Levels (Edexcel exam board) and a UCAS centre. 

For further information regarding the options for your child contact ITS and arrange and appointment or simply request further information.

Phone or email - info@tuition.com.hk  Ph: 2116-3916.