The international school sector is flourishing. According to the  from ISC Research, the international market now has more than: 

• 15,000 English-medium international schools 

• 7.7 million students 

• 730,000 staff 

More than half of international schools reported a rise in demand for student places, driving the need for more international schools and teachers, leaders and support staff.  

This blog focuses specifically on the international school sector in Hong Kong and takes a deep dive into where applicants are coming from, as well as what international school leaders can do to make their school more attractive. 

International teachers in Hong Kong – who's making the move? 

The information in this blog is taken from our recent Candidate Migration Report, where we analysed exclusive 91���� Jobs applicant data to reveal which international countries candidates are applying to, based on data from January 2023 to January 2026.

Overall, there has been a 20% increase in Hong Kong international school students over the period between 2013 and 2023, from 35,000 to 42,000. But how has this impacted international teaching roles?

Applicants from the UK 

Between 2023 and 2025, applicants to Hong Kong international schools from the UK rose from 1,823 to 2,617 – an increase of 800 applicants. Over this period, Hong Kong climbed from being the 16th to the 11th most popular destination for UK applicants. 

This rise in UK teachers migrating to Hong Kong is good news for international leaders. On average, our data shows that UK teachers are bringing around 15 years of teaching experience to the Hong Kong market.  

International to international 

When we look at international to international (non-UK) candidate migration, Hong Kong is the 15th most popular destination. 2025 saw 911 applicants, an increase of 300 since 2023. 

Our data shows that growth is mostly driven by teachers based in the US, India, Thailand, Malaysia and the UAE. 

Domestic movement 

What’s interesting is that our data also indicates that applications to Hong Kong international schools are also increasing from local talent. Local applications rose from 2,646 in 2023 to 3,075 in 2025.  

Where are most applicants to Hong Kong international schools coming from? 

Interestingly, the majority of 2025 applications to Hong Kong international schools were domestic: applications from local teachers made up 47% of all applications. 

In comparison, 40% came from the UK and only 14% from other countries.  

This suggests international schools in Hong Kong could capture more candidates from countries internationally. But how can they do this? 

How international leaders can attract quality candidates to Hong Kong 

Whilst there is growing global interest in the Hong Kong international school sector, there are a few things for leaders to consider which could attract more talent. Here are just a few examples: 

1. Emphasise Hong Kong’s unique ‘dual market’ advantage 

Hong Kong offers a unique “dual market” access to both Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland under the “One country, two systems” framework. Hong Kong operates legal, financial and education systems aligned with international standards, while offering access to the mainland. 

2. Offer more competitive total rewards and relocation support 

Hong Kong’s biggest competitor is the Middle East – and one of the biggest draws to Middle East international schools is the total rewards package offered. Most Middle East schools offer a very competitive salary alongside relocation support and semi-regular flights home. 

To compete with Middle East international schools, schools in Hong Kong could offer similar rewards and support with relocation. 

3. Work on candidate engagement and employer branding 

One of the best things that international schools can do to attract quality talent is to improve school branding. Use high-quality recruitment media to showcase the school and its culture and help candidates to see what life could look like in Hong Kong. 

This includes helping candidates to better understand what career paths could look like at your school – what would growth look like in the role and what development opportunities could you offer? 

How leaders can relieve staffing pressures 

With an ever-growing interest in the international school market, leaders are now facing increased staffing pressures.  

Whilst the international market remains attractive, our data shows that this attention is largely focused on countries in the Middle East, particularly for the younger demographic.  

Increasingly, international schools are looking at long-term solutions, such as offering development opportunities for new teachers, unqualified teachers, and for those who may wish to move from support roles into teaching positions. 

One way to do this is by taking on permitted teachers who can go on to study a course such as our Hong Kong iPGCE – and then apply to become a registered teacher.

How 91���� Institute can help 

At 91���� Institute, we give international schools practical ways to develop teaching staff and adopt a more strategic approach to workforce development.

Our programmes are designed to fit around full-time teaching, helping schools support staff progression without losing momentum in the classroom. Learn more about our lasting commitment to programme quality.

We offer:

• ������iPGCE course designed for Hong Kong���ٱ𲹳���������

• Flexible delivery with online and blended learning 

• Accredited, globally recognised qualifications 

• Access to international experts 

• A partnership approach with school leaders 

Learn more