The Ultimate Guide to the First Day of School in Hong Kong 2025-26

Introduction to the First Day of School

The start of the school year is a very important moment for the whole family. Young students are excited to meet new and old friends and find out who their new teacher will be. For parents, it marks the beginning of a new era in their children's lives, confronting the reality that their children are growing and continue the development on their education process. It is indeed a moment of joy and nervousness for everyone.

As we approach the start of the 2025-26 school year, we have elaborated a brief guide on how to prepare for this exciting time. Understanding the school calendar and the different terms is a great way for families to plan in advance. We hope you find this guide useful and concise as you prepare to continue the path of education in Hong Kong.

 

Understanding the School Calendar

The Education Bureau in Hong Kong provides an annual example of the Whole-day School Calendar, which typically runs from September to July, divided into three different terms throughout the school year. Different education institutions in Hong Kong will have varying commencement dates, so you can search for or enquire with your current school about the start and different terms.

Academic Term Dates 2025-26

The 2025-26 calendar for Oxbridge School in Hong Kong starts on 25 August 2025. We have three terms, with the first term being the longest, consisting of 15 weeks.

• First Term 2025-26: Our first term will run from 25 August to 12 December 2025, with one week of public holidays in October, coinciding with National Day.
• Second Term 2025-26: Our second term will start on 6 January 2026 and conclude on 27 March 2026, which includes a parent's meeting scheduled on that date.
• Third Term 2025-26: Our last term will run from 13 April and the school year will end on 26 June 2026, leading into our summer holidays in July.

Preparing Your Child Emotionally

It is completely normal for your child to feel nervous or anxious, especially if you have relocated from another country, your child is changing schools locally, or they are moving from Kindergarten to Primary or from Primary to Secondary level. You can also read our article Top Tips for a Smooth Transition: Kindergarten to Primary School. To help make the process smoother, you can:

• Encourage your child to talk about their expectations for the first day of school. Discuss this during the holiday time in July or August to make their expectations feel more real.
• Share a personal story from when you started school! Talking about your experiences and giving real examples will strengthen the bond between parents and children.
• Discuss the activities that excite your child. For example, if they enjoy basketball, talk about the PE lessons or other activities planned that relate to this hobby.
• Search for summer activities, and look into enrolling your child at the school during the July or August holidays. This can give them the opportunity to meet schoolmates, play, do their favourite activities, and meet the teachers.

Morning Routine and Time Management

Before starting the school year, establishing a morning routine can help students develop time management skills, making mornings less stressful for you as a parent.

A well-structured morning routine should include:

• Time for a healthy breakfast.
• Getting ready at a relaxed pace.
• Reviewing the day’s schedule together.

Consider going over the requirements for the next morning each night, including checking uniforms and packing backpacks.

Back to School Essentials

Different education institutions will have varying requirements for supplies, so check the basic requirements at your current school to understand what you need to prepare in advance. At Oxbridge, we provide the essential stationery required by students, so they usually do not need to carry their notebooks, books, or pencil cases back and forth. It is advisable to confirm these details with your current institution.

Uniform Preparation

Back-to-school essentials, such as school supplies and uniforms, are crucial for a successful academic year. At Oxbridge, our students wear their full uniform every day. Uniforms simplify decision-making for parents, as they do not need to consider special clothing each day.

Parent-Teacher Communication

Parent-teacher communication is vital for student success. At Oxbridge School, we offer various ways for parents to connect with our educators and staff.

For academic and educational topics, parents can contact our teachers through Class Dojo, which is a great direct communication app. In emergencies, Oxbridge provides a direct phone contact to improve communication with families.

We recommend checking your current school’s website for the different ways to communicate with the staff in the administrative and educational departments.

Conclusion

As you prepare, keep these key points in mind:

• Familiarise yourself with the school calendar and term dates to plan around activities and events.
• Provide emotional support to your children. Share personal examples and your own experiences.
• Prepare uniforms, equipment, and backpacks well in advance.
• Arrive early and be prepared; this will help students make a positive impression on their teachers and friends and set the tone for the year.
• Effective communication is key to a successful first day—ensure you have all the relevant contacts for both educational matters and emergencies.

Enjoy this date that will never repeat again!

 

For questions or more information:

admissions@obs.edu.hk

+852 2612 1888

www.oxbridgeschool.hk

 

FAQ

When does school start in Hong Kong?

At Oxbridge School, the academic year starts on 25 August 2025 and will conclude on 27 June 2026. Our calendar will have three terms throughout the year. The Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB) annually provides an example of the school calendar. The academic year from the EDB in Hong Kong runs from September to July.

How many terms does the school year have in Hong Kong?

At Oxbridge School Hong Kong, we have three terms throughout the year:

• First Term 2025-26: Our first term will run from 25 August to 12 December 2025, with one week of public holidays in October, coinciding with National Day.
• Second Term 2025-26: Our second term will start on 6 January 2026 and conclude on 27 March 2026, which includes a parents' meeting scheduled on that date.
• Third Term 2025-26: Our last term will run from 13 April and the school period will end on 26 June 2026, leading into our summer holidays in July.
  
  

What to prepare the night before the first day of school?

As you prepare for the first day of school, keep these key points in mind:

• Familiarise yourself with how to get to school in advance. Find the best routes, whether driving, by bus, or MTR, and allow yourself and your children a few extra minutes when leaving home.
• Provide emotional support to your children and establish a good night routine to ensure they go to bed early.
• Prepare uniforms, equipment, and backpacks well in advance. Encourage your children to take part in this activity.
• If necessary, prepare lunch boxes, snacks, and a refillable water bottle in advance.
• Enjoy this day as a parent, as it will not repeat!