A decade of excellence: Celebrating 10 years at Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong

Interview with Principal Kenny Duncan: Reflecting on 10 years of success and looking to the future

As Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong (NAISHK) celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, we reflect on the incredible journey the school has undertaken and to look ahead to the future. From its beginnings with fewer than 500 students to becoming a thriving educational community of nearly 1,600 students across three campuses, NAISHK has made an impressive mark on the educational landscape in Hong Kong.

Why choose NAISHK? A global perspective with local excellence

One of the key factors that sets NAISHK apart from other international schools in the region is its ability to offer a world-class education while fostering a close-knit, supportive community.

“We are part of the global Nord Anglia Education network, which includes over 85 premium international schools across more than 30 countries,” says Kenny Duncan, Principal of NAISHK. “This global reach gives our students access to a world of expertise, diverse perspectives, and unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and growth.”

At NAISHK, your child will benefit from a bespoke curriculum, offering a unique blend of globally recognised programmes like the English National Curriculum, IGCSE, and IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)

“Our curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning,” Duncan explains. “We aim to develop well-rounded, resilient global citizens who are prepared to succeed at top universities and excel in an ever-changing world.”

 

Milestones of growth and achievement

As NAISHK celebrates its 10th anniversary, we reflect on the milestones that have shaped the school and its community. From opening its first campus in Lam Tin in 2014 to now serving nearly 1,600 students across three dedicated campuses, the school has experienced significant growth in just a decade.

“We’re proud of our journey so far,” says Duncan. “In 2017, we opened our Sai Kung campus for Early Years students, and in 2019, we introduced the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), opening up new pathways for our older students. The opening of our Kwun Tong campus in 2021, dedicated to Secondary education, marked another key moment in our growth.”

These milestones aren’t just about expanding our physical space—they’re about enhancing the quality of education we offer. Duncan continues, “Our school now offers dedicated campuses for Early Years, Primary, and Secondary, ensuring that every stage of your child’s learning is supported in the most appropriate environment.”

What makes NAISHK stand out?

For prospective parents, choosing the right school for your child is a decision that affects their academic future and personal growth. Here’s what makes NAISHK truly special:

    • Global learning, local impact: The students at NAISHK are part of a global community of over 80,000 young people from around the world. This diversity helps them develop a broader understanding of different cultures and perspectives, while fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual respect.
    • World-class facilities: Over the past decade, the school has invested in state-of-the-art facilities that cater to the academic, creative, and physical needs of its students. From cutting-edge science labs to performing arts spaces and sports facilities, students have everything they need to explore their passions.
    • Personalised education: Recognising that every child is unique, the school offers personalised learning plans to help each student reach their potential. Whether through well-being programmes or one-on-one guidance, the school is committed to providing the support students need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
    • World-class teachers: At the heart of NAISHK’s success is its dedicated, highly qualified teaching staff. The school attracts exceptional educators from around the world, each bringing expertise, passion, and a commitment to fostering an engaging, nurturing learning environment. Teachers are experts in their fields and continuously engage in professional development to stay at the forefront of educational innovations, ensuring students receive the best possible education.
    • Collaborations with the world’s best organisations: The curriculum is enriched by formal collaborations with prestigious institutions like MIT, The Juilliard School, and UNICEF, offering students exclusive learning experiences that are academically rigorous and socially meaningful.

“We believe that learning is most powerful when it’s tailored to the individual,” Duncan says. “We take the time to get to know each student, their strengths, and their development needs. This allows us to create an educational journey that truly supports their growth and fosters a love of learning.”

 

Memorable moments and success stories

At NAISHK, the focus is not just on academic success; the school also prioritises the personal growth and development of each student.

“In 2021, we celebrated our first cohort of IBDP graduates, who achieved an outstanding 100% pass rate and an average score of 36.3,” Duncan shares proudly. “These results are a testament to the hard work of our students and the strength of our academic programmes.”

The school’s success is also reflected in its growing community. From fewer than 500 students in 2014, the school has expanded to nearly 1,600 students today. “Our growth is one of the things I’m most proud of,” says Kenny. “We’ve created a vibrant, diverse community that values learning, creativity, and collaboration.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, NAISHK quickly pivoted to a Virtual School Experience, ensuring that students continued to receive a high-quality education despite the challenges. “This was a real test of our resilience and adaptability, and I’m so proud of how our community came together to make it work.”

Preparing students for global success

Looking to the future, NAISHK remains committed to preparing students for success in higher education and beyond. “Our goal is to ensure that our students are not only academically prepared, but also equipped with the skills and mindset they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world,” says Duncan.

The school’s university preparation programme is designed to help students gain admission to prestigious universities worldwide, including in the UK, USA, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Europe. “We provide personalised support through the university application process, ensuring that each student has the guidance they need to achieve their higher education goals,” Duncan explains.

 

A vision for the future

As the school looks ahead to the next decade, Kenny’s vision remains focused on continuing to provide a forward-thinking, technology-enabled education that prepares students for the future. “The world around us is changing rapidly, and our goal is to equip our students with the tools they need to navigate that change successfully,” he says. “We’ll continue to integrate new technologies into our teaching, expand our extracurricular offerings, and strengthen our global partnerships.”

“We want to cultivate a generation of creative, resilient global citizens who will go on to make a positive impact on the world,” he concludes. “At NAISHK, we’re excited to be a part of their journey.”

Why now is the time to join

As NAISHK celebrates its 10th anniversary, it’s an exciting time to become part of a school that is defined by its commitment to excellence, innovation, and community. Whether you’re looking for a school with a strong academic record, world-class facilities, or a personalised approach to learning, NAISHK offers all of this and more.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last decade, but we’re even more excited about what’s to come,” Kenny says. “We invite prospective parents to join us on this exciting journey as we continue to inspire, challenge, and support the leaders of tomorrow.”

With a proven track record of success, a global network of opportunities, and a commitment to nurturing each child’s potential, NAISHK is ready to offer your child an exceptional educational experience for the next decade and beyond.

Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong. Primary Campus, 11 On Tin Street, Lam Tin, Kowloon. Secondary Campus, 19 Yuet Wah Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon. Early Years Pre-school Campus, 285 Hong Kin Road, Tui Min Hoi, Sai Kung, 3958 1488. To find out more click here.