The Hong Kong bounce back and the effect on admissions
As we come towards the end of the year, I interviewed another batch of students yesterday for a place in our school. It is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role as Principal, meeting families and potential students who want to come and join our flourishing and supportive community. This week has been the usual trip around the globe with 30 minute Google Meet interviews with families in Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand as well as some face meetings with students and parents already in Hong Kong or close by in the Greater Bay area of China. When I finish in two weeks time I will have interviewed around 120 families, slightly down on last year when we were opening a new class of students in year 7. Interest in our school remains high, and we expect to open with full capacity in most of our year groups in August 2023.
So why are families attracted to FIS? Well there is no one single answer to that question. Here are a few that are mentioned when I ask the question (in nor particular order of ranking): Recommended by friends, the French culture, school ranking in Hong Kong, 60 years of tradition in the education market, your range of Extra-Curricular clubs, no uniform (students-only answer!), reputation as a caring school and great exam results. In such a big, complex school such as FIS it seems right that there are a myriad of reasons for families to be here.
As much as advertising and social media presence may help put FIS in the public domain in our search to be the top of mind school in Hong Kong, this interview process constantly reminds me that there is no bigger advocate of a school than it’s students and parents. So please keep spreading the news that FIS is the best kept secret in the HK International Schools market and help us welcome in even more families to our fantastic community.
