ESF Sha Tin Junior School
Part of English Schools Foundation, Secular, Founded 1988
Updated July 2026
IB PYP
Sha Tin Junior School is an international primary school for students aged 5 to 11, operating as part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF). It is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School that delivers the Primary Years Programme (PYP).
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Sha Tin Junior School is an inclusive community that values effort, engagement, and creativity, guided by a commitment to 'learning for life.' The school focuses on the holistic development of the whole child—academic, social, physical, emotional, and cultural—while fostering student agency and global citizenship. It maintains a strong partnership with families to ensure a supportive environment where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential.
Programmes
The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students in Years 1 through 6. The curriculum is inquiry-based and transdisciplinary, designed to build conceptual understanding. Language education is a priority, with specific projects focused on biliterate and trilingual abilities in English and Mandarin, alongside support for mother tongue development.
Outcomes
The school aims to foster confident, independent, and resilient learners who are prepared for future success. Students transition from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) into the Middle Years Programme at Sha Tin College. The school emphasizes academic achievement alongside the development of values such as compassion, kindness, and responsibility.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs inclusive pathways to support student development, including strategies for multilingualism, nurture, trauma-informed approaches, and gifted and talented education. Support is structured according to the ESF Levels of Adjustment (LOA), ranging from school-based monitoring to intensive intervention. A dedicated Head of Support and a team of learning support teachers oversee these provisions.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does ESF Sha Tin Junior School offer?
- ESF Sha Tin Junior School offers IB PYP.
- What ages does ESF Sha Tin Junior School teach?
- ESF Sha Tin Junior School enrolls students aged 5 to 11.
- What accreditations does ESF Sha Tin Junior School hold?
- ESF Sha Tin Junior School holds accreditations including IB.
- Is ESF Sha Tin Junior School co-educational?
- ESF Sha Tin Junior School is a co-ed school.
- Where is ESF Sha Tin Junior School located?
- ESF Sha Tin Junior School is an international school in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
Admissions are managed centrally through the English Schools Foundation (ESF). Prospective families are encouraged to attend information sessions, workshops, and school tours, which are typically held on Wednesdays at 11:00 am. The school maintains an admissions team to assist with inquiries regarding place availability and the application process.
Calendar
The school operates on a standard academic calendar, with the 2026-27 calendar available for reference. Tours and admissions events are scheduled throughout the year.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus is located in Fo Tan and features modern, flexible learning spaces designed to support both individual and group work. The school is equipped with a variety of sports, arts, and drama facilities. The grounds include a school garden and a playground area. Please note that there is a no-car policy on campus, and no parking is available.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide range of clubs, societies, and teams, many of which are led by teaching staff. Additionally, the school partners with ESF Explore to provide after-school sports, language classes, and holiday camps. Students may also participate in leadership groups such as the Student Council, House Captains, CARE Reps, and Environmental Reps.
- Dr. Rehana ShanksPrincipal
Dr. Shanks is a distinguished educator with over 30 years of experience in teaching and school leadership, primarily in Scotland and Hong Kong. She holds a Doctorate in Education and focuses on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), emphasizing inclusive and engaging learning environments.
- Dr. Aaron Van BorekVice Principal
Aaron is an experienced educator who has served in various roles, including teacher, instructional coach, Associate Division Head, and Vice Principal across Canada, St. Vincent, Mexico, the UAE, Brazil, and Hong Kong. He specializes in literacy, coaching, curriculum design, and data analysis, and is currently completing his doctoral studies in educational leadership with a focus on inclusion.
- Mrs. Laura BilesVice Principal
Laura Biles is a dedicated educator with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership focusing on teacher flourishing. Having worked at Sha Tin Junior School for eight years and in the UK for five years, she specializes in Mathematics and is committed to fostering an environment that prioritizes the well-being of both students and teachers.
- Mr. Jonny McLarnonPYP Coordinator
Jonny has over 12 years of experience in education, with 8 of those years dedicated to the English Schools Foundation. He has successfully completed a National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership and is currently pursuing a Master's in Educational Leadership, with a focus on curriculum design and development.
- Ms. Alison ClarkHead of Support
Alison has 33 years of teaching experience, with most of her career spent in Scotland, and is now in her fifth year in Hong Kong. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Support for Learning and has dedicated the last 17 years to specializing in inclusion, wellbeing, and equalities.
- Ms. Charlotte PhillipsEarly Years Leader
Charlotte is a passionate educator currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. She serves as the Early Years Leader, overseeing provision and transitions, and represents teacher voices on the Board of Governors and the ESF Teachers’ Committee.