International Primary School Assessments
in Hong Kong: A Parent’s Guide
Choosing the right international primary school for your child in Hong Kong can feel overwhelming. Schools here vary widely in curriculum, assessment style and expectations, from play-based evaluations for younger children, to structured literacy and numeracy assessments for older primary applicants. Starting your planning early and knowing what to expect will give your child confidence on the day and help your family make informed decisions.
How International Primary Admissions Work in Hong Kong
The Timing
Most international schools begin accepting applications around a year before the September intake. Many schools open online applications in the autumn or winter of the preceding year, and assessments and interviews often take place several months ahead of the new school year. Planning ahead (including visits, tours and early conversations with admissions teams) can make a real difference.
What Schools Are Looking For
Admissions teams are typically seeking:
Age-appropriate academic readiness, especially in English and Maths.
Communication and social skills, demonstrated through conversation and group tasks.
A willingness to engage and participate, whether in structured assessments or informal activities.
Across many international schools, from Year 1 upwards, children will be observed in both one-to-one and small group activities that assess the breadth of their skills, not just test results.
Assessment Formats by Age Group
Nursery & Reception
For younger applicants, the focus is often on play-based tasks and observation. These sessions are designed to mirror familiar classroom activities so children can be relaxed and natural. Teachers might observe:
Early literacy and numeracy through games
Social interaction with peers
Ability to follow simple instructions and engage in conversation, often in English
This informal approach helps schools understand your child’s developmental readiness and how they engage with structured learning.
Lower Primary (Years 1–3)
At this stage, schools usually introduce more structured academic elements, while still valuing comfort and confidence. Assessments often include:
Basic reading and phonics tasks
Simple arithmetic and number sense
Short writing prompts
Conversation with a teacher to assess language skills
These assessments give schools a snapshot of where your child is academically and socially.
Upper Primary (Years 4–6)
Older primary applicants may face a combination of:
Group or individual academic tasks focused on reading comprehension, writing and mathematics
Cognitive or reasoning tasks - some schools include online assessment components
Structured interviews to explore interests and motivations
The aim is to balance academic potential with confidence, curiosity and the ability to contribute to school life.
Preparing Your Child: What Works Well
Understand the Curriculum
Different schools follow different curricula (British, International Baccalaureate, Singapore, etc.), and their assessments reflect that. Exploring school prospectuses, curriculum guides and sample tasks will help you tailor preparation effectively.
Focus on Confidence, Not Just Content
At primary school level, confidence and communication skills matter as much as academic readiness. Encouraging your child to talk about their favourite books, answer questions in full sentences, and enjoy number games builds fluency and self-assurance.
Practice Makes Familiar
Familiarisation with common assessment formats, especially for reading, writing and maths, helps your child feel prepared and calm on the day.
British Tutors: Supporting Your Journey
At British Tutors, we provide tailored support that helps families prepare calmly and effectively for international primary assessments.
Experienced tutors who know how schools in Hong Kong assess young learners
Bespoke lessons focused on your child’s strengths and areas for growth
Parent guidance on timelines, documentation, and what to expect
Confidence-building strategies, not just academic drills
Our approach is always child-centred and supportive because confident, happy learners do best when it matters most.
Next Steps
Explore schools early: attend open days or information sessions.
Start gentle preparation with reading, maths and conversation activities tailored to your child’s age.
Reach out if you’d like personalised support - we’d be delighted to chat about how we can help your family navigate the process with confidence.
“I just wanted to thank you and your most excellent tutors so very much for getting my daughter through this very difficult journey. We’re beyond thrilled with the results and it was really quite a shock she did so well! We definitely couldn’t have done it without all the many brilliant tutors at British Tutors.”
Contact Us
Book your first lesson today or arrange a free consultation to learn more about how we can support your child’s academic journey.