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Comprehensive analysis of ESF, Malvern, CDNIS and Kallett

Comprehensive analysis of ESF, Malvern, CDNIS and Kallett- Oct 12, 2025- 3 min readExplore 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.

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

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 TableSchool

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.

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