A Level Resurgence in Hong Kong: Nord Anglia and Kellett's Sixth Forms in 2026

As the academic landscape in Hong Kong continues to evolve, two prominent international schools have announced plans to expand their sixth form programmes next year. Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong and Kellett School, both renowned for their British curriculum roots, will open new sixth form centres in August 2026, offering the A Level qualification. This move signals a timely revival of A Levels as a compelling alternative to the dominant International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, providing students and parents with greater choice in post-16 education.

Nord Anglia's Expansion: A Focus on Personalised Excellence

Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong (NAIS HK) is set to enhance its secondary offerings with a new sixth form facility as part of its broader campus development. Building on its reputation for innovative teaching in areas like music and STEAM, the school will introduce A Levels for students aged 16 to 18, alomgside IB Diploma. This programme aligns with NAIS HK's global network ethos, emphasising personalised learning and preparation for top universities worldwide.

The A Level curriculum at NAIS HK will be offered alongside the IB Diploma, allowing students to specialise in three to four subjects. The new centre, housed in a commercial building in Hung Hom will open in 2026 and admissions are already open.

Kellett School's Vision 2035: A Dedicated Hub for Aspiring Scholars

Kellett School, Hong Kong's longstanding British international school, is taking a bold step with its Vision 2035 initiative. The new Sixth Form Centre, located at The Bay Hub on Kai Cheung Road opposite the existing Kowloon Bay campus, will accommodate up to 240 students and serve as a relocation site for the school's current Year 11 and 12 cohorts starting in August 2026, pending Education Bureau approval. This purpose-built space promises dynamic learning environments designed to foster independence and well-being and renovations are already well underway! 

Kellett's A Level programme is well established and well renowned, enabling students to pursue three or four subjects over two years, with exams at the end of Year 13. In 2025, 81 students took A levels and achieved an excellent set of results with 60.6% achieving A*-A.

As a not-for-profit school, Kellett reinvests all fees into facilities, ensuring a high-quality experience. 

A Welcome Resurgence of A Levels in Hong Kong

These expansions come at a pivotal moment for Hong Kong's international schools, where the IB Diploma has long held sway due to its breadth and global recognition. Yet the resurgence of A Levels represents a refreshing shift, offering a pathway that prioritises depth over breadth, which suits many students' learning style. While the IB requires students to study six subjects alongside core elements like Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Action and Service, as well as the Extended Essay, A Levels permit specialisation in fewer areas, allowing deeper exploration of passions such as mathematics or literature. Students will usually take 3, or possibly 4, subjects - almost all subjects are graded by examinations with a few sciences or art subjects requiring practicums or coursework in addition to exams.

The additional places for A Level students are most welcome. A Levels may suit students seeking alternatives to the IBDP's intensity to focus on academic strengths, university goals, and well-being needs. 

For parents navigating Year 9/10 or 12 choices, now is the time to explore these opportunities. For a tailored decision, get in touch for a consultation.