Private Tutors and Consultants in Hong Kong

Wentworth Education in Hong Kong

We provide tuition and consultancy for the full lifecycle of transition from the Hong Kong school system to the US or the UK at any age. Our experts have particular experience with the Hong Kong day schools and can diagnose and then mitigate the gaps in education to ensure successful preparation for entry to a foreign school or university.

Why do I need a tutor and / or a consultant?

In our experience, the Hong Kong school system, while rigorous, does not cover all the same areas as the US or the UK. For admission to UK boarding schools, the standards of English, particularly creative writing and critical thinking, are above those of even the strongest Hong Kong private schools. For admission to the US, the exams require a level of critical reading that takes significant practice for students. In both systems, there is less of an emphasis on rote learning and more interactive classroom discussion. Working with teachers and consultants prior to the exams ensures that students can smoothly make the transition to a foreign school.

What does our support look like?

It depends entirely on which transition is being undertaken. Most students will need help across all the subjects to make the smoothest transition possible. For example, for a UK 13+ entry for boys, tutors will be needed in Latin, Geography, History, and English as well as the three Sciences and Mathematics. For entry to university in the UK, however, a tutor for personal statement and interview preparation will be sufficient. In most circumstances, one or two lessons per week per subject over a year or two will ensure that students are prepared for any academic exam. We don’t recommend last minute cramming or intense lots of sessions as, in our experience, the material isn’t as well reinforced for students if this is the case.

How long should I take to prepare for a transition to a US or UK boarding school or university?

In our experience, planning for two years prior to attending school or university in a foreign country is the minimum amount of time that is needed. For a US university application, the optimal time frame is slightly longer, about 3-4 years with a slow ramp up in the beginning. For admission to UK boarding schools, schools start to take registration 3-4 years ahead of admission, and so early planning is strongly advised. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you are interested but concerned about meeting deadlines.

I have heard that admission from Hong Kong is really competitive. How does my child stand a chance?

It is undoubtedly competitive to gain admission to a top school or university in the US or the UK. However, the schools and universities are looking for slightly different things which means that success in Hong Kong is not necessarily a guarantee for success in admission elsewhere. We have helped students gain entry to every top school and university and will happily give you a fair assessment of how we think your child is doing compared to the standards we see set by these institutions.

How do you provide lessons?

The vast majority of our lessons are delivered online through Zoom and Skype. Our teachers do make trips to Hong Kong to visit, and we strongly encourage students to meet their teachers face to face in London or in the US depending on where they are attending school. In our experience, online tuition works for students as young as 8, and we would be happy to discuss how this works best. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.