English Schools Foundation (ESF)

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest international school group in Hong Kong. It operates a network of schools providing English-medium education. ESF is currently newsworthy due to two recent issues. First, it is among eight international school operators that failed to meet the government's target for non-local student enrollment this academic year. ESF stated that it has been increasing the proportion of non-local passport holders since the pandemic, but it may take several years to reach the required levels. Second, ESF was indirectly involved in a bribery case where 13 parents and a merchant were convicted of offering bribes to a kindergarten administrator to secure school places. These events highlight challenges faced by international schools in Hong Kong, including maintaining diversity and addressing concerns regarding admissions processes.