Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong, Private Day School WAS Hong Kong

• Location: Hong Kong, China,
• Year of foundation: 2019,
• Language of instruction: English, Chinese,
• Type of education: blended.

Wycombe Abbey School in Hong Kong (WAS Hong Kong) — an international private day school for children aged 5-18. WAS Hong Kong teaches programs based on a combination of Chinese and British education systems — teaching is conducted in two languages, adheres to British school standards, and prepares students for admission to leading universities around the world.

WAS Hong Kong is part of an international education system that originated in 1896 in London — it was then that the first school of the educational group was opened, which continues academic activities to this day. The WAS schools association has campuses in several cities in China, offering high-quality British education combined with the study of Chinese language and culture. Programs are aimed at both local and foreign students, thereby allowing students from all over the world to obtain a sought-after international diploma and the opportunity to continue their academic path at universities in Britain, Canada, the USA, Germany and other countries.

The school in Hong Kong opened in 2019, since then it has been offering high-quality programs for primary, secondary and senior grades. In addition to intensive, academically rigorous teaching in classrooms, students can expect a wide range of extracurricular activities for the development of creative and sports abilities. WAS Hong Kong adheres to a holistic education system where scientific disciplines are studied alongside extracurricular electives that contribute to the disclosure of student talents.

Students who do not have sufficient English proficiency attend an intensive language course (IE) — the program adapts learning to each child's abilities, integrating British and Cambridge English programs. Thanks to small groups and individual support, students develop basic language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) that will prepare them for successful completion of the main academic program and further study in English-language education. The duration of the IE program is considered individually — most students move into regular classes after at least two semesters, however, the length of study can be varied.

The IE program is available for students in grades 3-8. Students in grades 7 and 8 take additional assessment tests as part of the Cambridge Global English system to ensure a smooth transition.

In addition to the language program, students have access to a wide range of additional academic and extracurricular support. Qualified teachers organize individual meetings to help pupils overcome difficulties in learning the subject, expand and deepen their knowledge. Outside of class, students can expect various seminars, workshops and lectures that will complement the educational experience gained in the classroom and give them the opportunity to become interested in new areas for the student.

The academic system consists of several educational stages:

• Prep School — grades 1-8,
• Senior School — grades 9-13.

WAS Hong Kong operates during the day and does not provide on-campus accommodation.

WAS Hong Kong has a comprehensive school meal program in partnership with Shamrock Catering Company — a supplier of balanced and healthy food that takes into account various dietary needs. The lunch menu is published in advance to allow students to plan their diet and adjust it if necessary. Students can bring lunch from home or order individual meals from Shamrock Catering, but in both cases they need to have their own cutlery and take it home every day, as there are no refrigerators or heating devices at school. In addition to the dishes offered in the dining hall, senior students can visit cafes and snack bars located near their campus.

A rich extracurricular program is designed to complement the academic curriculum and provide students with opportunities to develop creative, athletic skills, interests and hobbies: it includes a variety of sports, music, art, theater, languages, clubs and circles adapted to different levels and abilities. The range of areas available to elementary school students:

• Fine Arts,
• Drama,
• Robotics,
• Musical Ensemble,
• Swimming,
• Football,
• Basketball,
• Student Council,
• Board Games,
• Debate,
• Ecology,
• Programming,
• Dancing,
• Photography,
• Cooking.

High school students have access to these areas as well, and dozens of new ones, including:

• Chinese Book Club,
• Geography Photography,
• Model UN,
• Volleyball,
• Chinese Culture Club,
• Japanese Language Class,
• Graphic Design,
• Film Production.

The school organizes thematic events that promote teamwork, leadership skills, creativity and social responsibility. By participating in circles, sections and various events on and off campus, students create their own portfolio, effectively develop strengths and realize their talents.

• Winner of the Greater Bay Area STEAM Education Award 2025, finalist in the EdTech, Student Agency and Future Skil categories,
• Bilingual education — in English and Chinese,
• Focus on mathematics, natural sciences and STEAM disciplines,
• Two separate campuses for elementary and middle school,
• Average class size — 15-20 students, ensuring that each student receives individual attention from the teacher.

WAS Hong Kong has two learning campuses, providing separate infrastructure for primary and secondary academic divisions.

The lower school campus is located in Tin Wan, on Hong Kong Island, includes several modernly equipped teaching buildings with a dozen specialized classrooms and studios:

• Sports complex including a 15-meter climbing wall, a 20,000 sq ft rooftop sports field,
• iSTEAM laboratories with makerspace tools,
• Two science laboratories,
• Dedicated music studio,
• Drama and performing arts studio,
• Bilingual library,
• Safe outdoor play and learning areas,
• Art studio with a creativity garden,
• Multifunctional atrium with glass roof for events.

Students have weekly access to first-class hockey fields of the prestigious Hong Kong Football Club.

The campus for secondary and senior students is located on Billionaire Royale grounds in Kowloon City. The academic buildings have been recently renovated and equipped with various facilities, materials for hands-on learning. Here are:

• Modern laboratories of technical, natural, humanities sciences,
• Conference halls, seminar areas and event organization zones,
• Art studio,
• Multifunctional drama and music studio,
• Large dining hall,
• Extensive library with a reading room, self-study classrooms,
• University preparation center,
• Spacious group work rooms.

High school students have access to various sports facilities in the surrounding area.

WAS Hong Kong provides bus transportation for safe travel to and from school. Most students use the school bus, which covers a large area of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

The WAS Hong Kong academic calendar consists of three trimesters:

• Autumn: August-December,
• Spring: January-March,
• Summer: April-June.

Classes are held on weekdays, and rest is organized on weekends, national and international holidays, during seasonal breaks. The school day at the preparatory school officially begins at 8:00 AM, lessons start at 8:25 and continue until 3:00 PM; the schedule for high school students consists of lessons that begin at 8:00 and last until 4:30 PM, while students can stay on campus until 7:00 PM attending electives. During the school day, students have one 20-minute break for a snack and an hour to visit the dining hall.

The cost includes expenses for a full academic plan, some learning resources, most campus events. Additional costs:

• Registration fees,
• Administrative fees and deposits, including bus fare, school uniform, exams,
• Meals,
• Some extracurricular activities,
• Individual lessons, additional support not provided for in the curriculum,
• Personal expenses.

To apply to WAS Hong Kong, applicants need to go through several stages:

• Completing an online application form and medical record,
• Providing the required documents,
• Passing the entrance exam: SAT4, tests in English, mathematics, natural sciences,
• Receiving an acceptance letter, after which visa documents are processed,
• Arriving on campus at the beginning of the trimester to start studying.

WAS Hong Kong – is an educational institution with a high level of selection rigor: academic potential, English language proficiency, demonstrated interest in learning, positive attitude and willingness to fully participate in school life are taken into account during admission.

Students of WAS Hong Kong consistently demonstrate outstanding academic results during their studies and when taking final primary school exams. They enroll in prestigious boarding schools in the UK, including Eton College, Cheltenham Ladies' College, Abingdon, Benenden, Badminton and Rugby, as well as leading international schools in Hong Kong such as Harrow Hong Kong, Chinese International School, ISF and HK International School.

To apply to WAS Hong Kong, future students must provide:

• Personal documents of the child and parents, including a foreign passport, health insurance, and medical certificates. To study in China, foreign applicants need a visa or residence permit, which employees of WAS Hong Kong will help arrange,
• Academic transcripts for the last two academic years,
• A letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor from their previous school.

Education is conducted in English and Chinese, so applicants must have sufficient language skills for effective study. Language requirements vary depending on age. For applicants who meet all admission requirements except for the language requirement, a supporting English language learning program has been created.

Currently, WAS Hong Kong does not offer scholarships or financial aid programs.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision