
We are increasingly recognizing the complexities of human development and the urgent need to embrace holistic education as a foundational norm. A fundamental aspect of this shift is understanding that there is no single “correct” way to learn—every individual processes and engages with the world differently. This is particularly significant when we consider the neurodiversity of students, whose unique strengths and challenges underscore the limitations of traditional, one-size-fits-all education.
Early Years Inclusive Schools Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, a growing number of inclusive schools are leading the way in creating environments that celebrate diverse learning needs. These schools understand that both SEN students and those who excel benefit from differentiated classrooms, where teaching is tailored to support every learner. By fostering such inclusive spaces, they set a powerful example of how education can empower children to thrive.
Explore our ultimate guide to the best inclusive schools in Hong Kong—institutions that are redefining what it means to educate with empathy, understanding, and innovation. From insights on inclusive education EDB guidelines to a comprehensive special school list, we provide valuable information on inclusive schools in Hong Kong (and the fees), autism schools in Hong Kong, and the distinction between inclusive education vs integrated education. Discover how these schools are transforming the educational landscape for SEN students in Hong Kong, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Learner Support & SEN: What are the fees like in Hong Kong?
Learner support fees vary widely depending on the type and intensity of support required.
Therapy sessions (speech, occupational, physiotherapy) typically cost HK$150 to HK$780 per session.
Psycho-educational assessments cost around HK$8,000 to HK$13,000 per assessment.
Special education programs at international schools can range from HK$75,000 to over HK$200,000 annually.
Fee structures often include non-refundable application fees, deposits, and assessments, which are separate from tuition and therapy costs.
The Harbour School (THS) excels in personalized education, with a high teacher-to-student ratio ensuring every student’s needs are met. For those requiring extra help, the Learning Support program offers tailored support in numeracy, literacy, and social development through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Support is provided both in-class (Push In Services) and through dedicated sessions (Pull Out Services), with technology integrated as assistive tools to enhance learning.
For academically advanced or gifted students, the Learning Extension Program provides opportunities like Full Steam Ahead (FSA) for accelerated math, LEAP for advanced literacy projects, and enrichment through competitions and partnerships with organizations like the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education and Johns Hopkins CTY.
By celebrating neurodiversity and tailoring education to each student, THS fosters an inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
Hong Kong Academy (HKA) emphasizes inquiry-based education and champions an inclusive learning environment where all students benefit from diversity, including those requiring additional support. The Learner Support program is tailored to meet a wide range of needs, from academic and social development to cognitive and behavioral challenges. This includes in-school occupational and speech therapy, as well as personalized International Individualized Learning Plans (IILPs) that outline accommodations, strategies, and goals for each student.
HKA’s commitment to inclusion extends to its faculty, with all teachers receiving regular professional development to enhance their ability to integrate diverse learners into the mainstream classroom. This collaborative approach accounts for both the unique needs of individual students and the dynamics of their classrooms, ensuring all students can thrive in a supportive and engaging environment.
Hong Kong Academy, 33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, https://hkacademy.edu.hk/
This dual-language Montessori school embraces the uniqueness of every child, fostering an environment where all students are free to grow into their best selves. The Montessori approach is naturally inclusive, emphasizing self-motivated, sensory-based learning that allows all children to thrive. It is particularly transformative for those whose talents may be overlooked in traditional, rigid settings, as Montessori enables students to learn at their own pace.
Rather than adhering to standard benchmarks, this method encourages children to explore their individual interests and develop a deep sense of self-confidence and purpose. By nurturing their curiosity and creativity, Montessori cultivates a lifelong love of learning and equips students with the tools to contribute meaningfully to society in their own unique ways.
International Montessori School, multiple locations across Hong Kong, www.ims.edu.hk
Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) fosters an inclusive environment where students learn to be supportive, empathetic, and inclusive members of society. By encouraging the exchange of ideas and experiences with peers of differing abilities, DBIS promotes mutual respect and understanding. The school is committed to meeting the needs of students with a wide range of Individual Needs, ensuring they have equal access to a complete and enriching school experience.
Whenever possible, all extra-curricular activities, including clubs, productions, and sports teams, are open to students with individual needs. Additionally, Occupational Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy services are available during school hours, providing tailored support to enhance students' cognitive, social, and communication skills.
Discovery Bay International School, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, https://www.dbis.edu.hk/
The Individual Needs Coordinator at the school focuses on identifying and supporting students with diverse needs, including social, emotional, cognitive, and physical difficulties. Collaborating with parents and staff, the coordinator develops tailored support plans and strategies. Support measures include standardized assessments, regular meetings with parents, and individualized education plans (IEPs) for students requiring enhanced assistance. The Learning Support Team offers additional help, sometimes providing 1:1 Learning Support Assistants. Early identification and intervention are emphasized to boost student attainment and wellbeing. The coordinator also liaises with external specialists for additional therapies, ensuring a comprehensive support framework for all learners.
Shrewsbury, 10 Shek Kok Road, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, +852 2480 1500, enquiries@shrewsbury.edu.hk, www.shrewsbury.edu.hk
ICHK is dedicated to providing equal opportunities for students with pronounced learning needs through a supportive and nurturing environment. With the help of a skilled Learning Support team, the school offers Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) tailored to each student’s unique needs, ensuring they can reach their full potential. ICHK has extensive experience supporting students with speech and language difficulties, dyslexia, and those on the autism spectrum.
Additionally, the school’s Student Wellbeing Team, which includes pastoral leaders, form tutors, and an experienced school counsellor, works closely with students to ensure their emotional and social needs are met. For secondary students with more pronounced educational needs, ICHK provides dedicated resources through its +1 Centre, offering specialized support in a responsive and caring environment.
International College Hong Kong, 60 Sha Tau Kok Road, Shek Chung Au, Sha Tau Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong, https://www.ichk.edu.hk/
AIS is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, student-centered environment where every learner is supported to reach their full potential. The school is equipped with two school psychologists (and plenty of plushies!) to assist students with emotional and social challenges. Additionally, the Learning Enrichment Centre (LEC) is staffed by a team of specialists, including the Head of Learning Strategies, a Literacy Intervention Specialist, LEC teachers, and assistants. This dedicated team enriches the learning journey for all students, whether they are gifted, require additional learning support, or both.
To further enhance its inclusive approach, AIS also has an on-site speech pathologist, who collaborates with the LEC team to ensure all students have equal opportunities to succeed in their world-class education. Personalised Student Learning Pathways are developed for eligible students, providing tailored support and equitable access to the curriculum, empowering every child to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Australian International School, 3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, https://www.aishk.edu.hk/
Kellett School is committed to supporting students with Additional Support Needs (ASN) in a mainstream setting through a differentiated curriculum that recognises and respects each student's unique abilities and challenges. While places for students with ASN are limited and determined by the level of need within the programme, Kellett ensures that those enrolled receive personalised support from a highly skilled Additional Support Team, which includes expert teachers and teaching assistants.
Parents play a vital role in collaboration with the ASN team, and when necessary, the school encourages the involvement of external specialists, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists, to provide additional support. These services, arranged in partnership with the school, are funded by parents.
For students needing targeted assistance, Kellett offers Optimal Learning sessions, where small groups focus on specific areas of development and explore tailored learning tools. Additionally, the school’s Further Challenge provision supports students who excel, ensuring their abilities are nurtured alongside their peers.
Kellett’s inclusive approach ensures that every student, whether needing additional support or exceeding expectations, is empowered to reach their full potential in a supportive and aspirational environment.
Kellett British International School, Pok Fu Lam & Kowloon Bay, https://www.kellettschool.com/
WANT MORE? Here are a few schools that you should know about in Hong Kong For SEN:
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