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Kennedy School

Part of English Schools Foundation, Secular

Updated July 2026

Non-profitOwnership

Curriculum

Accreditations

Kennedy School is an international primary school in Hong Kong and a member of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), serving approximately 900 students. It provides an English-medium education based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework.

Teaching approach

Kennedy School is guided by the mission of 'Belonging, Learning, Thriving,' aiming to create a friendly, diverse, and inclusive environment where every child feels valued. It focuses on educating the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—and encourages students to become responsible leaders who make informed choices. The school celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion, and promotes environmental stewardship through eco-projects and outdoor learning.

Programmes

The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students in Years 1 to 6. The curriculum is delivered through a 'Programme of Inquiry' that connects subjects across six transdisciplinary themes: Who We Are; Where We Are in Place and Time; How We Express Ourselves; How the World Works; How We Organise Ourselves; and Sharing the Planet. Core disciplines are addressed through both integrated units of inquiry and discrete subject instruction, with progress monitored through various assessments, including the Primary Insight assessments and the International Schools’ Assessment (ISA).

Outcomes

The vast majority of Year 6 students transfer to the nearby ESF West Island School, ensuring a smooth transition for students already familiar with the campus and expectations. Students are encouraged to develop leadership skills, with opportunities for Year 6 students to serve as House Captains and members of the Student Representative Council. The school aims to equip students with the skills to navigate a rapidly changing world, fostering resilience, perseverance, and confidence.

Student support

EAL support
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Learning support
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Learning support

Teachers and educational assistants collaborate to provide personalised learning, taking into account each child's unique identity, strengths, and needs. The school employs the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to ensure lessons are flexible and accessible, removing environmental barriers to help students achieve success at their own pace. The school also maintains a focus on student wellbeing and emotional development.

Frequently asked questions(3)
What curriculum does Kennedy School offer?
Kennedy School offers IB PYP.
What accreditations does Kennedy School hold?
Kennedy School holds accreditations including IB.
Where is Kennedy School located?
Kennedy School is an international school in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

Kennedy School welcomes applications through the English Schools Foundation (ESF) central admissions process. The school provides support for prospective families through its own admissions team and the ESF Centre. Throughout the year, the school hosts a series of events, seminars, workshops, and open days for families to visit the campus.

Calendar

The school operates on a standard academic year, with specific events such as open days for prospective parents typically beginning in late August. The school year includes various community-building events, such as the annual Festive Fair held in November.

Facilities

PlaygroundLibrary

About the campus

Located in Pokfulam, the campus features classrooms designed for both individual and collaborative learning, alongside a wide array of sports, arts, and drama facilities. Recent upgrades include a North Wing rooftop, an East Wing garden rooftop, a ground-floor adventure area, and an upgraded 'Traffic Town' for early years students. Students also have access to the expansive sports complex at the Hong Kong University Stanley Ho Centre.

Co-curriculars

Kennedy School offers over 100 after-school clubs and sports teams, which are designed to develop skills, nurture talents, and foster collaboration with other schools. The programme includes activities such as choir, band, and various sports, with students frequently using the nearby Hong Kong University Stanley Ho Sports Centre for swimming, games, and lunchtime play. Additionally, students participate in adventure camps and cultural immersion trips.

  • Brenda CookPrincipal

    Brenda is an enthusiastic and passionate educator who has led school leadership teams in ESF and New Zealand schools for over 20 years. She joined Kennedy School as Interim Principal in August 2022 after leading Beacon Hill School and Glenealy School.

  • Debbie ShewardVice Principal for Years 1 - 3

    Debbie Sheward is a member of the school's leadership team.

  • Rudi DrayVice Principal for Years 4 - 6

    Rudi is a reflective and dynamic individual who has worked in education in Hong Kong for over 15 years. He joined ESF in 2010, working at Beacon Hill School before transferring to Kennedy School as a year leader and becoming a Vice Principal in 2019.

  • Catherine CarterVice Principal/ PYP Coordinator

    Catherine Carter is a member of the school's leadership team.