A move abroad promises plenty of planning and big decisions ahead, no matter what point of life you may currently be in. But never is this statement more true than when you have a young family to consider and relocate along with you.
Hong Kong for kids
Ensuring you provide children with a great education and excellent quality of life comes top of the priority list for any parent, and a move to a country as far away as Hong Kong can seem more than a little intimidating. After all, the images that initially spring to mind are of high-rise buildings, hectic crowds and a culture so far removed from our own – is this really a city suitable for young children?
Well, the short answer is yes. A variety of expat surveys, including the annual HSBC Expat Explorer survey and the Expat Insider Report, from expat community website InterNations, recently placed Hong Kong in the top 10 cities for quality of life. One of the key factors considered in these surveys was the standard of education and socialisation for children.
The HSBC survey ranked Hong Kong as the 10th best country in the world for quality of childcare; 11th best for the quality of education; eighth for the opportunity for your children to become well-rounded, confident individuals; and second in the world for providing your children with a wide and diverse circle of friends. In fact, the people of Hong Kong are well known for their friendly, patient and helpful nature towards children.
Other perks of bringing up kids in Hong Kong are the city’s notable safety record, low levels of violent crime, family-friendly housing and excellent healthcare system. In addition, the city has plenty of entertainment to keep children (and parents) happy at the weekends with its theme parks, museums, sports clubs, swimming pools and public playgrounds. There are also wonderful opportunities to get back to nature with hikes or camping in the New Territories.
Schools in Hong Kong
If you are considering bringing up your family in Hong Kong, you will need to make a decision about whether to send children to a local school or an international school. Local schools provide a high standard of education but usually teach classes in Cantonese and have a reputation for strict discipline, large classes and a competitive spirit.
There are a few local schools that supply a programme of study conducted in English but it is advisable to do your research thoroughly as some may initially appear to advertise as an English school yet still conduct many classes in Cantonese.
The typical choice for the majority of expats in Hong Kong is to send their children to an international school but it is advisable to move fast to get on your chosen waiting lists. Places fill up quickly and are secured with a holding fee. The international schools of Hong Kong can be very expensive but there are many to choose from and the tuition fees vary.
The academic year usually runs from September to July, just as it does in the UK, and international schools generally can be expected to follow either the British, American or Australian curriculum.
If you are considering moving to Hong Kong, Cadogan Tate will assist you every step of the way – from your first enquiry  to unpacking at your new home, we are here to help and advise you.
Information correct at time of publication.
A move abroad promises plenty of planning and big decisions ahead, no matter what point of life you may currently be in. But never is this statement more true than when you have a young family to consider and relocate along with you. Hong Kong for kids Ensuring you provide children with a great education and excellent quality of life comes top of the priority list for any parent, and a move to a country as far away as Hong Kong can seem more than a little intimidating. After all, the images that initially spring to mind are of high-rise buildings, hectic crowds and a culture so far removed from our own – is this really a city suitable for young children? Well, the short answer is yes. A variety of expat surveys, including the annual HSBC Expat Explorer survey and the Expat Insider Report, from expat community website InterNations, recently placed Hong Kong in the top 10 cities for quality of life. One of the key factors considered in these surveys was the standard of education and socialisation for children. The HSBC survey ranked Hong Kong as the 10th best country in the world for quality of childcare; 11th best for the quality of education; eighth for the opportunity for your children to become well-rounded, confident individuals; and second in the world for providing your children with a wide and diverse circle of friends. In fact, the people of Hong Kong are well known for their friendly, patient and helpful nature towards children. Other perks of bringing up kids in Hong Kong are the city’s notable safety record, low levels of violent crime, family-friendly housing and excellent healthcare system. In addition, the city has plenty of entertainment to keep children (and parents) happy at the weekends with its theme parks, museums, sports clubs, swimming pools and public playgrounds. There are also wonderful opportunities to get back to nature with hikes or camping in the New Territories. Schools in Hong Kong If you are considering bringing up your family in Hong Kong, you will need to make a decision about whether to send children to a local school or an international school. Local schools provide a high standard of education but usually teach classes in Cantonese and have a reputation for strict discipline, large classes and a competitive spirit. There are a few local schools that supply a programme of study conducted in English but it is advisable to do your research thoroughly as some may initially appear to advertise as an English school yet still conduct many classes in Cantonese. The typical choice for the majority of expats in Hong Kong is to send their children to an international school but it is advisable to move fast to get on your chosen waiting lists. Places fill up quickly and are secured with a holding fee. The international schools of Hong Kong can be very expensive but there are many to choose from and the tuition fees vary. The academic year usually runs from September to July, just as it does in the UK, and international schools generally can be expected to follow either the British, American or Australian curriculum.  If you are considering moving to Hong Kong, Cadogan Tate will assist you every step of the way – from your first enquiry  to unpacking at your new home, we are here to help and advise you. For more details about Cadogan Tate’s specialist international removals services from London, click here. Information correct at time of publication.
If you are moving to Hong Kong our international expertise at moving your possessions from one country to another is best in class. We have over 40 years’ experience and are precise, secure, knowledgeable, taking special care of your belongings from start to finish. Visit our Hong Kong hub for full details and request a quote.