Comprehensive analysis of ESF, Malvern, CDNIS and Kallett

Mag Shum
Oct 12
3 min read

Explore an in-depth analysis of Hong Kong’s top international schools—ESF, Malvern College, CDNIS, and Kellett—including tuition fees from age 3 to primary years, detailed academic and IB diploma results, and their primary school curricula. Gain practical insights to make informed education decisions.

Tuition Fees: Age 3 (Kindergarten/Preschool) to Primary

School	Early Years/Kindergarten (Annual)	Primary Years/Prep (Annual)	Notes
ESF	Not directly published for 3yo; Y1: HK$139,000	Y1-Y6: HK$139,000	Fees consistent across campusesjoin-us.esf+1
Malvern	Pre-school Half Day: ~HK$121k (11x$11k), Full Day: ~HK$209k	Prep 1-6: HK$198,860	Annual Capital Levy: HK$42,000malverncollege+1
CDNIS	Nursery: HK$138,600 (half day), HK$156,300 (EY1), HK$203,100 (EY2, full day)	Prep-Grade 2: HK$210,900, G3: HK$191,800	Entry Fee: $12,500; K3 not includedcdnis+1
Kellett	Reception (Prep): ~HK$208,800	Prep (Y1-6): HK$208,800	Annual/Term based; debenture/levy req.kellettschool+1
Victoria Shanghai	K1: HK$120k+	Primary: HK$168k+ (estimate)	Popular IB school, competitive resultslittlestepsasia

Academic Results & IB Diploma Performance (Class of 2025)

School	Avg IB Score	% Achieving 40+ pts	Top/Max Scores (45)	Pass Rate	Notable Academic Results
ESF	36.4	33.4%	15-20+ students	98%	Avg stable 36-37 range, top 10 in HKesf+1
Malvern	39	~33%	1x 45, 2x 44, 2x 43	>97%	Recent increase, university offers globallinkedin+1
CDNIS	37-38	39-44%	2-3x 45, 3x 44, 10+ 43	96%	Long record of perfect scores, strong acceptancesfinalsite+1
Kellett	N/A (A-level Focused)	N/A	N/A	N/A	A-level school, not IB. 85% A*-A at GCSEkellettschool+1
VSA	37.6	38%	5x 45, 7x 44, 6x 43	97%	Competitive IB, rising reputationlittlestepsasia

Additional Comparison Notes

ESF remains one of the more affordable and consistently high-performing international school networks in Hong Kong, with stable, strong IB results and a very high pass rate.
Malvern College Hong Kong is newer but rapidly competitive, with a rising IB average (39) and strong university placements. However, capital levies and higher fees apply from preschool onward.
CDNIS is a top choice for IB, with consistent perfect scores and a high percentage achieving 40+, also offering Canadian curriculum integration.
Kellett is a British international school, offering IGCSEs and A-levels (not IB) with very high rates of A*-A results (85% at GCSE in 2025) and a strong reputation for UK university placements.
Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) is another strong IB school, included for context. It is locally popular, with a high average, and a large proportion of its cohort scoring 40+.

Summary Table

School	Avg IB Score	% 40+ IB	IB Rank/Top Score	Annual Tuition Primary	Notable Fees
ESF	36.4	33%	15-20x 45s	HK$139,000	Standard, minimal extras
Malvern	39	33%	1x 45, cohort top	HK$198,860	Annual levy HK$42,000
CDNIS	37-38	44%	2-3x 45s / yr	HK$210,900	Entry fee $12,500
Kellett	N/A	N/A	A-levels only	HK$208,800	Debenture required
VSA	37.6	38%	5x 45 in 2025	HK$168,000+ (est.)	Capital levy

Practical Insights

For parents seeking the highest IB results, Malvern, CDNIS, and VSA are close competitors, with ESF slightly lower but still excellent and generally more cost-effective.esf+3
Kellett is best for those focused on a UK academic pathway, with exceptional IGCSE/A-level results.alumni.kellettschool+1
Upfront fees, application charges, capital levies, and debentures vary by school and can add substantial costs. Always check the latest fee schedule and additional mandatory charges before applying.cdnis+3

All information is based on academic year 2025/26 published and school-reported results.