School open days are a primary opportunity for parents in Hong Kong to evaluate a school before submitting applications. Unlike brochures or websites, open days let you see classrooms, talk to teachers, and observe student behaviour firsthand. However, without a structured approach, you may leave without the information needed to make a confident decision.
This article provides a step-by-step checklist tailored to Hong Kong's education system. It covers preparation before the event, what to look for during the visit, key questions to ask, and how to compare schools afterwards. The advice applies to local aided schools, Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools, and international schools. For an overview of school types, see our article on Direct Subsidized vs Aided Schools.
Before the Open Day: Preparation
Preparation determines how much you gain from an open day. Start at least two weeks before the event.
Register and confirm timing
Most Hong Kong schools require advance registration for open days. Check the school's website for the registration deadline. Some popular schools, such as St. Paul's Co-educational College or Diocesan Boys' School, fill up within hours of opening registration. If you miss the online slot, call the school office: some keep a waiting list or offer a separate tour on a different date.
Open days typically run on Saturdays or Sundays, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Arrive 15 minutes early to allow for queues. If the school is in a congested area like Kowloon Tong or Causeway Bay, use public transport or park at a nearby car park. Parking on school premises is rarely available.
Research the school's profile
Before attending, gather basic facts: school banding, curriculum, medium of instruction, and recent public examination results. For local schools, check the Education Bureau's School Profile on the Committee on Home-School Co-operation website. For DSS schools, look at the school's annual report on its website. For international schools, consult the school's accreditation body, such as the Council of International Schools (CIS) or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Understanding the school banding context helps you gauge academic expectations. See our articles on Band 1 Schools List HK and How to Identify Band 2 Schools for more details. Also read about School Banding Myths Debunked to avoid common misconceptions.
Prepare a list of questions
Write down 5-10 specific questions based on your child's needs. General questions like "Is this a good school?" yield vague answers. Better questions target academics, student support, and school culture. We provide sample questions in the next section.
Bring a notebook, a pen, and a fully charged phone for taking photos (if permitted). Some schools provide a printed programme; keep it for reference.
During the Open Day: What to Observe
An open day is a curated event. Schools showcase their best facilities, friendliest students, and most articulate teachers. Your task is to see beyond the presentation.
School facilities and learning environment
Walk through the classrooms, science laboratories, library, sports hall, and outdoor areas. Note the condition of equipment. Are the microscopes modern? Are the library books current? Are the sports facilities well maintained?
In Hong Kong, many older aided schools have limited space. A school in Mong Kok or Sham Shui Po may have a small playground but compensate with nearby community facilities. Ask whether the school uses external sports grounds or swimming pools. For example, some schools in the Sai Kung district have large campuses, while those in Central often have rooftop playgrounds.
Check the air quality and noise levels. If the school is next to a main road, does the classroom have double-glazed windows? Is there air conditioning in every room? These factors affect daily comfort.
Student behaviour and interaction
Student ambassadors often lead tours. Observe how they speak: do they sound scripted or natural? Do they make eye contact? Ask them a question not on the standard tour, such as "What is the most challenging part of studying here?" A genuine answer reveals school culture.
Watch how students interact with each other in corridors. Are they respectful to teachers? Do they seem stressed or relaxed? During break time, look at the canteen: do students eat together in groups, or do they sit alone with phones? These small signs indicate social dynamics.
Teacher and principal presentation
The principal's speech sets the tone for the school. Listen for values: does the principal emphasise academic results, character development, or holistic education? Compare this with what you see in classrooms. If the principal talks about creativity but the art room has only basic supplies, there is a gap.
Talk to at least one subject teacher. Ask about class size, homework load, and how the school supports struggling students. In Hong Kong, typical class sizes are 30-35 for aided schools and 20-25 for DSS and international schools. Smaller classes allow more individual attention.
Special programmes and extracurricular activities
Many Hong Kong schools offer gifted programmes, bilingual streams, or specific sports academies. Look for displays or booths about these programmes. Ask about the selection process: is it by exam, teacher recommendation, or lottery? Also ask about costs: some programmes, like the International Baccalaureate (IB) at DSS schools, carry additional fees beyond tuition.
Extracurricular activities (ECA) are a core part of Hong Kong school life. Check the ECA timetable: are activities held during lunch, after school, or on Saturdays? How many activities can a student join per term? Are there competitive teams for sports like badminton, swimming, or debate? For example, schools like La Salle College have strong music and sports traditions, while others focus on STEM competitions.
Key Questions to Ask
Below is a list of questions grouped by category. Adapt them to your child's age and needs.
Academic questions
- What is the medium of instruction for each subject? Some schools use Chinese for some subjects and English for others.
- How does the school prepare students for public examinations such as the HKDSE? Ask about past HKDSE results, including subject pass rates and percentage of students attaining Level 4 or above. See our article on DSE Exam Format and Grading for reference.
- What support is available for students who are below grade level? Is there after-school tutoring, remedial classes, or a learning support centre?
- How does the school handle homework and tests? Ask about the average number of tests per term and homework hours per day.
Student welfare questions
- What is the school's policy on bullying? Is there a designated counsellor or social worker?
- How does the school communicate with parents? Is there a parent-teacher association? How often are parent-teacher conferences held?
- What is the school's approach to mental health? Does the school have a full-time psychologist or counsellor on staff?
Admissions and transition questions
- What are the admission criteria? For Primary One admission, see our article on Primary One Admission System. For Secondary One placement, see Secondary School Place Allocation.
- For DSS schools: what is the annual tuition fee? Are there additional costs for books, uniforms, trips, or examinations?
- What is the school's policy on sibling priority? Some schools give priority to siblings of current students.
- How does the school support students transitioning from primary to secondary, or from secondary to university? Ask about career counselling and university application guidance.
School culture questions
- What is the school's religious affiliation (if any)? Is religious education compulsory?
- What is the school's policy on discipline and uniform? Are there strict rules about hair length, phone use, or punctuality?
- How does the school celebrate diversity? For international schools, ask about the nationalities represented and how the curriculum incorporates different perspectives.
After the Open Day: Evaluation and Comparison
Within 48 hours of the visit, review your notes while details are fresh. Rate each school on a scale of 1 to 5 for the following criteria:
- Academic fit: Does the school's academic level match your child's ability and interests?
- Facilities and location: Is the commute manageable? Are the facilities adequate?
- Student culture: Did you feel a positive atmosphere?
- Teacher quality: Were teachers engaging and approachable?
- Support services: Does the school provide adequate counselling and learning support?
- Cost and value: For DSS and international schools, does the tuition fee justify the offerings?
Compare scores across schools. If two schools score similarly, revisit your child's preferences. For example, if your child is musically inclined, a school with a strong orchestra may be a better fit than one with slightly higher HKDSE results but fewer music activities.
Also consider the school's track record in university placements. For local schools, check the percentage of graduates admitted to HKU, CUHK, and HKUST. For international schools, ask about IB diploma average scores and university destinations. Our article on JUPAS Application Timeline 2025 can help you understand the local university admission process.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Parents often make these mistakes during open days.
- Focusing only on hardware. A shiny new building does not guarantee good teaching. Prioritise teacher-student interaction and curriculum quality.
- Asking only about rankings. Rankings reflect past performance, not your child's future experience. Ask about value-added measures: how much does the school help students improve from entry to exit?
- Ignoring the commute. A 90-minute bus ride each way exhausts a child. Consider schools within 30-45 minutes of your home.
- Being swayed by a charismatic principal. A principal can leave. The school's system and culture outlast any individual.
- Not involving your child. Bring your child to the open day if allowed. Their impression matters. If they dislike the environment, they will struggle to thrive.
Special Considerations by School Type
Local aided schools
Aided schools follow the government curriculum and are free. Open days often focus on academic results and discipline. Ask about the school's banding and how it supports students across ability levels. For more on choosing between band levels, see Choosing Between Band 1 and Band 2.
Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools
DSS schools charge tuition but have more flexibility in curriculum and admissions. Ask about the scholarship programme: some DSS schools offer full or partial scholarships based on academic merit or financial need. Also ask about the school's approach to the HKDSE versus other qualifications like GCE A-Level or IB. See our article on Direct Subsidized vs Aided Schools for detailed comparison.
International schools
International schools follow curricula such as the IB, British IGCSE and A-Levels, or the American AP system. Open days at international schools emphasise global citizenship and language support. Ask about the school's language of instruction, second language options (e.g., Mandarin, French, Spanish), and how the school supports students with English as an additional language. For a broader view, read International School Options HK.
Follow-Up Actions
After the open day, take these steps:
- Send a thank-you email to the school if you spoke with a specific staff member. This leaves a positive impression.
- Check the school's website for application deadlines. For Primary One admission, the application period usually opens in September for the following academic year. For Secondary One, the Discretionary Places phase runs from early January to mid-January.
- Attend a second open day if the school offers one, or request a private tour. Some schools allow individual visits after the main open day.
- Talk to current parents. Ask the school for contact details of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). PTA members can give candid feedback.
- Review the school's latest Inspection Report or School Development Plan. These documents are often on the school's website or the Education Bureau's portal.
Choosing a school is a multi-step process. An open day is just one piece of the puzzle. Combine it with research, conversations, and your child's input. For a full overview of Hong Kong's education pathways, start with The Complete Guide to Hong Kong Education Pathways.
Related articles
- The Complete Guide to Hong Kong Education Pathways
- Primary One Admission System
- Secondary School Place Allocation
- Direct Subsidized vs Aided Schools
- International School Options HK
- School Banding Myths Debunked