We are non-selective, accepting students of all capabilities.We have also been accredited as an IB World School. Students are encouraged to become responsible global citizens, and develop IB Learner Profile attributes. Training for leadership roles within the school and beyond is a strength which the school believes heralds. The school has a strong focus on the value of international mindedness and the importance of community and . We have a reputation for academic excellence balanced with compassion and service beyond the classroom, as well as a strong sports program that has produced many stellar individual and team wins.
Students will meet with the relevant Vice Principal or a Faculty Head followed by a written assessment (English and Math).
Waiting list
Depends on the year group.
Deadline for registration (new academic year)
We have a rolling application policy.
Students can join after academic year begins
Yes.
School Day
Supervised care before/after school
No
School bus service available
Yes
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
Yes
School start time
8.15am
School finish time
3.15pm
Classroom
Max. number of students per class
It depends on the subject.
Average number of students per class
It depends on the subject.
Does the school employ teaching assistants?
Yes.
Use of technology in the classroom
Student Body
Number of students
1203
Most common nationality
British
Number of nationalities represented in the school
West Island School is a community of multilingual learners who have various nationalities and cultural backgrounds. We have more than 40 nationalities of students, 47 languages spoken, and over 47 per cent of the students are bilingual or multilingual.
Extracurricular
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered
Over 100 extracurricular activities are offered termly, which include Model United Nations, Hackathon Club, Fitness Club, Cricket, Yearbook Club, Chess Club, Cooking, and many more.
Sports activities included
Swimming, football, netball, hockey, badminton, athletics, water polo, volleyball, tag rugby, basketball, cricket, rounders, dance and ultimate frisbee.
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students
Yes. Many of our students actively represent Hong Kong at national level (rugby, athletics and swimming).
Facilities
Facilities at the school
Library, Black box theatres, Food and Technology classrooms, Science labs, Design and Technology classrooms, Visual arts classrooms, Music rooms, Film classrooms, Dance room, Gym, Auditorium
Sports facilities at the school
The school has two gymnasiums, outdoor courts for a range of sports and a 25 metre swimming pool . The proximity to Hong Kong University playing fields provides further sport facilities.
Language Support
Native English speaking teachers
Yes.
Language support for students not fluent in English
Yes. English for academic purposes (EAP) is offered to students requiring additional support to develop their academic English.
Additional language classes offered by the school
Chinese, French and Spanish.
This approach fulfills the necessary requirements and yields positive outcomes. Although there is a relatively small number of students pursuing bilingual diplomas, our language program remains comprehensive and effective.
Furthermore, we actively support students who wish to continue developing their mother tongue through self-study. Some of these provisions are made available with the assistance of the ESF Centre.
The school has successfully supported students in various mother tongues, including Dutch, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Russian. Several of these students have completed self-study courses to obtain the IB bilingual diplomas, showcasing their proficiency and dedication.
Student Support
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
Yes.
Learning support offered
The school steps away from pigeonholing students, focusing instead on a range of individual needs from moderate learning disabilities (Dyslexia, ADHD, Global Delay and Dyscalculia) to extensions for gifted students.
For students who require additional support or have more individual needs that requires higher level of adjustments, we have a timetabled support program called Strategies for School (S4S). This program is offered as an alternative to studying one of their languages or as an option during years 10 and 11 when students choose their GCSE subjects.
In cases where students have more complex needs that cannot be fully addressed within the school's framework, students can apply ESF Jockey Club Sarah Roe School. Admissions to this specialized school are guided by ESF admissions team to ensure that students receive the appropriate support and resources tailored to their specific needs.
The school strive to provide comprehensive support and accommodations to ensure that every student can be the best they can be, thrive academically and reach their full potential. There is also a learning centre for approximately 25 students requiring more intensive support either individually or in smaller groups.
Yes we have 3 food outlets available for students.
Uniform required
Pre 16 students (Years 7-11) are required to wear a school uniform. Post 16 students (Years 12-13) do not wear a uniform.
WIS is a 1:1 laptop school with digital literacy as part of the curriculum.
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)
We are ready to revert to online learning as and when necessary.
The school supports gifted, able and talented students
The school has a programme of approaches for students with strong ability through links to gifted education as well as a mentoring programme designed to develop students further who have a particular strength within subject domains or disciplines. Courses have also been developed in the school curriculum to extend these students further. Opportunities to work with other students of a similar ability are part of our programme for this group who are identified through a range of data.
