The YK Pao School Through Train Pathway

With YK Pao School Hong Kong set to open its doors in September 2026, we are excited at this addition to the international school landscape. We’ve been speaking with the leadership team and with many parents - some of whom have already accepted places for primary - and the overall sentiment is extremely positive.

These are a select few of the topics we’ve been discussing with parents since the primary was announced in November 2025: 

1. “How does bilingual education really work in practice — the philosophy sounds impressive, but does it truly translate to the classroom?”

At its core, YK Pao School Hong Kong embraces the ethos of “Learning with Joy, Living with Purpose,” a philosophy carried forward from the Shanghai campuses* and rooted in a deep respect for Chinese culture, character development, and global engagement. 

Immersion Model: Unlike many international schools that primarily use English, YK Pao follows a rigorous Chinese-English immersion bilingual program.

This isn’t just about learning two languages. It’s about nurturing whole-person growth -  intellectual, emotional, social, and ethical - through an immersive bilingual programme where students experience both languages as languages of learning and thinking. 

From the earliest years, students at YK Pao School Hong Kong will:

• develop curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking skills
• build a deep appreciation of Chinese literature, history, and arts
• cultivate intercultural awareness and global perspective
• connect academic learning with creative arts, sports, and character-building activities 

At the start, YK Pao School Hong Kong will offer Years 1 - 3, with plans to grow into Years 1 - 9 as the school community establishes itself and facilities expand. 

2. “Can we “taste” the YK Pao approach before enrolling our child?”

For families looking to experience the YK Pao approach before enrolling, Pao Beyond offers a range of day, residential and sailing summer camps designed to support the development of the whole child.

* The Shanghai school is widely considered one of the top bilingual schools in Mainland China, frequently ranked first in the Hurun Education and Forbes lists of international schools.

These camps blend interdisciplinary learning, outdoor adventure, and character building, reflecting the values at the heart of Pao education. Students get a real taste of bilingual learning, creative problem solving, and collaborative experiences.

Whether as a first step into the YK Pao community or as a meaningful summer experience, these camps offer a joyful and enriching introduction to the Pao way of learning.

3. “And what happens after primary school? If YK Pao only offers up to Year 9 in Hong Kong, will our children still have access to quality pathways beyond that?”

While YK Pao School Hong Kong will initially offer up to Year 9, families can confidently plan for their children’s education beyond this stage thanks to the strong, well-established pathway at YK Pao School Shanghai.

Founded in 2007 in memory of Sir Yue-Kong Pao, YK Pao School in Shanghai has grown into a pioneering bilingual institution with over 1,600 students from China and overseas, and is widely recognised for its rigorous, immersive Chinese-English educational model. 

At YK Pao School Shanghai:

• Primary, Middle, and High School campuses provide unified bilingual learning from Year 1 through Year 12. 
• The curriculum integrates Chinese National Curriculum elements with international frameworks, culminating in IGCSE and IB Diploma programmes that help prepare students for global universities.
• Character education is central, supporting students to become compassionate, responsible global citizens who are grounded in both Chinese heritage and an international outlook. 

Every graduate of YK Pao School Hong Kong’s first cohort is guaranteed a place at YK Pao School Shanghai, where they can continue their education through secondary and high school, including the possibility of boarding — all within a vibrant, globally connected environment.

Do you have any further questions or considerations as you think about your child’s educational journey? 

For more in-depth answers and the opportunity to meet senior leaders from YK Pao School Shanghai, families are warmly invited to an information session on 7 March, where you will hear more about:

• Curriculum Rigour: The Academic Programme Coordinator, Ms. Cathy Chen, will present their IB+ curriculum, which blends international perspectives with a strong foundation in Chinese and Mathematics.
• The leadership vision behind YK Pao School Hong Kong, Mrs. Cathy Braithwaite, will share her insights on upholding the core tenets of YK Pao Education and how our Hong Kong school is setting a new standard for bilingual and bicultural education.
• The YK Pao pathway, high school students and alumni will share their firsthand experiences, illustrating how the Pao education fosters diverse paths—from student council leadership and competitive sports to a profound passion for the arts. This whole-person approach equips them with the right values and essential skills to prepare for university and future careers.
• The Pao Beyond Summer Camps and what makes them unique

Date: 7 March 2026
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Hennessy Room, Conrad Hotel, Admiralty
Register: https://topschools.link/YKPao7Mar

As the countdown to September 2026 begins, YK Pao School Hong Kong represents more than a new school opening. It marks the arrival of a thoughtfully designed bilingual pathway, grounded in heritage, guided by vision, and built for the future.