Hong Kong education has long had its roots in its British heritage, with local exams leading to A-levels modelled on the British equivalent and students in international schools most likely to leave school with a clutch of British A-levels.
This year that will change, with A-levels being replaced by the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE), and the English Schools Foundation (ESF) and several other international schools switching to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Several Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools, including St Paul's Co-Educational College and Diocesan Boys' School, plan to offer the IB Diploma.
Yet interest in British A-levels remains strong, and several international schools still offer them. Many DSS schools, including St Paul's Convent School and St Paul's College, recently opted for them as their alternative to the HKDSE, instead of the IB.
Close to 700 candidates are registered to sit British A-levels in Hong Kong with the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority.
There are also at least 2,000 students a year entering A-level courses in Britain's schools and colleges, while others will be choosing this option at international schools around the region, such as Harrow International School in Bangkok and Beijing.
There are pros and cons to each, and which is the best programme depends on the individual student.
