Kellett School

Recognition and Accreditation

Kellett School has accumulated a distinctive portfolio of external validations that set it apart among British international schools in Asia.

British Schools Overseas — Outstanding (2023)

In 2023, Kellett was awarded an 'Outstanding' rating across all inspection areas by British Schools Overseas (BSO), the UK Government's inspection framework for British schools operating internationally. This is the highest possible BSO rating, equivalent to an Ofsted 'Outstanding' for schools abroad. The rating was confirmed by the Independent School Parent directory and validated by the school's own communications, reflecting excellence across teaching quality, pupil outcomes, leadership, and pastoral care.

COBIS Accreditation (2021)

In 2021, Kellett achieved COBIS (Council of British International Schools) accreditation following a rigorous accreditation visit. COBIS accreditation is one of the most respected quality marks for British international schools globally, assessing governance, safeguarding, curriculum quality, and school leadership against internationally benchmarked standards.

HMC and IAPS Membership

Kellett holds membership of two of the UK's most prestigious school associations:

• HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference) — the association of leading independent secondary schools, whose members include many of the UK's most selective boarding schools
• IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) — the equivalent body for preparatory schools

These memberships are significant for university admissions: universities in the UK are familiar with HMC schools and their academic standards, lending Kellett applicants credibility in competitive admissions processes.

Eco-Schools Green Flag — First in Hong Kong

Kellett holds the distinction of being the first school in Hong Kong to receive the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award, an international recognition for schools demonstrating a systematic approach to environmental education and sustainability. This reflects the school's commitment to environmental stewardship and preparing students as responsible global citizens.

International Property Award (2013)

The Kowloon Bay campus, opened in 2013, won the International Property Award for Best Public Service Architecture in Hong Kong — recognition of the campus's design quality and contribution to the built environment.

Taken together, these accreditations and awards provide assurance to prospective families that Kellett operates to the highest international standards across academics, governance, pastoral care, and environmental responsibility.

Student Wellbeing at the Heart of School Life

Kellett School places student wellbeing at the centre of its educational philosophy under the banner 'Positively Kellett'. This is not a standalone initiative but a school-wide culture embedded across all year groups and both campuses.

Dedicated Wellbeing Team

At the Kowloon Bay campus, the Student Wellbeing Team includes:

• Justin McLaughlin — Nurse/Counsellor
• Tisha George — Counsellor
• Jeni Chesnut-Tangerman — Counsellor
• Sue Parsons — Nurse
• Kathy Carroll Lea — Nurse

This team of five provides both physical health services and psychological support, making Kellett unusually well-resourced compared to many international schools of similar size. Students have accessible, on-site support for everything from minor illnesses to mental health challenges.

House System

Kellett operates a House system in both Prep and Senior Schools, grouping students across different year levels with staff members as House tutors. The House system serves multiple purposes:

• Building cross-year friendships and peer mentorship
• Fostering healthy competition through inter-house events
• Creating smaller communities within the larger school
• Providing a consistent pastoral relationship across a student's time at Kellett

Anti-Bullying Policy

The school maintains a published Anti-Bullying Policy, available to parents and students on the school's governance and policies page. This transparency signals a proactive rather than reactive stance on student safety.

Additional Learning Support

Kellett's Additional Support team provides highly qualified specialist support for students with diverse learning needs, including those requiring SEN provision and EAL (English as an Additional Language) assistance. Support is delivered both in-class and through withdrawal sessions across all year groups — a model that promotes inclusion while maintaining the academic rigour of the English National Curriculum.

Community and Belonging

With over 40 nationalities in the student body and approximately 50% British students, Kellett consciously cultivates a sense of belonging for all families. The rolling admissions policy and fluid waitlist approach reduce some of the anxiety associated with school transitions, particularly relevant for internationally mobile expatriate families who may join mid-year.

Admissions at Kellett School

No Fixed Deadlines — Rolling Admissions Year-Round

Unlike many selective British independent schools, Kellett School operates a rolling admissions policy with no fixed application deadlines. The school's FAQ states explicitly: "We do not have application deadlines; waitlists are fluid." This approach is specifically designed to accommodate the reality of expatriate life in Hong Kong, where families may relocate at any time of year due to corporate assignments or diplomatic postings.

This means parents can apply at any point, and — subject to space — children may join mid-term. It also means that Kellett's waitlists fluctuate dynamically as places become available through family departures.

Who Applies?

Kellett's student body is approximately 50% British by nationality, with 40+ nationalities represented overall. The school was founded specifically for Hong Kong's English-speaking expatriate community and continues to serve predominantly international families, though it is open to all.

Entry Requirements

Kellett follows the English National Curriculum exclusively in English. Strong English proficiency is therefore an implicit requirement for most applicants. The school's Additional Support team can assist students with EAL needs once enrolled, but the primary medium of instruction remains English throughout.

For Prep entry, age-appropriate assessment of literacy and numeracy is standard. For Senior School entry (Year 7+), the school notes that approximately 80% of Prep students progress to Senior School, indicating that a selective transition process exists. External applicants to the Senior School are likely assessed more formally.

Debenture Requirement

A notable feature of Kellett's admissions process is the corporate debenture requirement: every student must be covered by a debenture. Debentures are tradeable financial instruments (typically purchased by the sponsoring employer or family) that represent a contribution to the school's capital and may confer limited governance rights. This is a distinctive feature common among older Hong Kong international schools and represents a significant upfront financial commitment separate from tuition fees.

Financial Assistance

Bursaries and scholarships are available, though the school's FAQ notes these are currently accessible primarily to enrolled students rather than new applicants. Sibling discounts may also apply. The school is registered with the Hong Kong EDB's Financial Assistance scheme.

Practical Advice for Applicants

Given the fluid waitlist, families are encouraged to apply as early as possible — especially for Reception (age 4) and Year 7 entry, which are the most competitive entry points. Prospective parents should check the school website for Open Day dates and contact the admissions office directly for current availability.

Academic Excellence at Kellett School

Kellett School follows the English National Curriculum, progressing through IGCSE in Year 11 and A-Level in Year 13. The school's examination outcomes consistently rank among the strongest for British international schools in the Asia-Pacific region.

A-Level Performance

In the 2025 A-Level session, 81 candidates sat their examinations. The results were exceptional:

• 27.5% of all grades were awarded A*
• 60.6% were A* or A
• Pass rate effectively 100%

The 2024 cohort of 74 students achieved 24.2% A* and 60.4% A*–A, and the 2023 cohort (also 74 students) recorded 16.3% A* and 48.6% A*–A — with the school noting that 88% of Year 13 leavers were accepted into their first-choice or insurance university.

This trajectory shows a clear upward trend in the proportion of top grades, suggesting continual improvement in teaching quality and student preparation.

IGCSE Performance

At IGCSE level (Year 11), the 2025 results were equally impressive:

• 99.7% of all grades were in the range 9–C (equivalent to the old A*–C)
• 67% of grades were at 9–A* (the highest classifications)
• A notable cohort of 25 students achieved exclusively A* and 9–8 grades across all their subjects

University Destinations

Kellett reports that nearly all graduates proceed to higher education at leading universities worldwide. The 88% first-choice acceptance rate for the 2023 cohort, combined with the school's membership of HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference), signals that Kellett alumni compete successfully for places at selective British and international universities.

Class Sizes and Teaching Environment

Smaller class sizes at senior levels contribute to academic outcomes: the average Sixth Form class has just 9 students, compared to 14 in Senior School and 23 in Prep. This facilitates close teacher–student relationships and personalised academic guidance, particularly important during A-Level preparation.

Additional Academic Support

Kellett's Additional Support team provides in-class and withdrawal support across all year groups for students with special educational needs (SEN), English as an Additional Language (EAL) needs, or other learning differences — ensuring that academic achievement is accessible to the full breadth of the student body.

A Multi-Campus School Designed for Every Stage

Kellett School operates across three sites (two distinct campuses) in Hong Kong, each purpose-designed for its student age group. Despite the geographic separation, the school maintains a unified culture through shared houses, events, and pastoral structures.

Pok Fu Lam Preparatory School (Hong Kong Island)

The original campus at 2 Wah Lok Path, Wah Fu, Pok Fu Lam serves Reception through Year 6 (ages 4–11). Set in a residential part of Hong Kong Island, it offers an extensive suite of facilities for young learners:

• Large auditorium for assemblies and performances
• Gymnasium and dance/drama studios
• Science laboratory and ICT suite
• Art and music rooms
• Spacious library
• Outdoor Astroturf playground, adventure playground, and gardens
• SEN support centre
• Indoor covered play area

Two on-site car parks serve the campus. School bus routes operated by Kwoon Chung connect to multiple parts of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Kowloon Bay Preparatory & Senior School (Kowloon)

The flagship campus at 7 Lam Hing Street, Kowloon Bay, opened in 2013 and won the International Property Award for Best Public Service Architecture in Hong Kong. Described by the Good Schools Guide (2024) as "modern…large, light, and spacious," it houses both a Prep section (capacity ~300) and the Senior School (capacity ~600):

• Full theatre for drama and performing arts productions
• CrossFit gym and fitness facilities
• Sky Pitch — a rooftop artificial-turf multi-sport field with a running track
• Adjustable-depth indoor swimming pool
• Dance hall/studio
• Dedicated Sixth Form facilities

The campus is approximately a 10-minute walk from Kowloon Bay MTR station, and school buses operated by Lewis Motors cover key residential areas. This purpose-built environment reflects the school's commitment to delivering both academic and physical education at the highest level.

Cohesive School Identity

Despite the physical separation between campuses, Kellett maintains a strong unified identity through its House system (operating in both Prep and Senior), shared pastoral philosophy, and whole-school events. The Principal & CEO, Paul Tough, oversees all campuses, with dedicated Heads at each site (Ben Dixon at Pok Fu Lam Prep, Rebecca Findlay at Kowloon Bay Prep, and Joe Alsop at Senior School).