Principal's Message

Dear KGV Families,

Happy New Year and I hope you and your family had an enjoyable winter break. As the students settled back into their routines, there has been a wonderful sense of positivity, optimism and vibrancy around the school. Year 13 students have demonstrated a great sense of determination and focus as they start their mock exams, and I am sure the Year 11 students will adopt the same approach when their mock exams start next week.

With the pitch being closed for renovation, it has felt slightly different around the school and I know our students miss being able to use this facility. However, they have adapted quickly and I am appreciative of their positive response with this temporary change.

This term is also a period of time when grades are finalised for semester reports and it is important that students continue to reflect on their successes and targets for improvement. A key component of this reflective process is how each student engages with their teacher. Students asking teachers for clarification and support when needed, either in person or through email, is crucial as it provides the opportunity for further personalised feedback. A good discussion point at home could be

‘Tell me one thing you are being successful with, and one thing that is challenging. How might you work with your teacher to build on your success and resolve your challenge?’

I hope your child continues to enjoy a successful start to this term, and thank you for your ongoing support. Have a wonderful weekend ahead.

Best regards,

Mark

Year 12 & 13 Message

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Our Year 13 students have made a tremendous start to their Mock Exams this week. We have been incredibly impressed by their focus and the positive attitude they have brought into the exam hall. It is a demanding time, and their maturity is a credit to them.

As we move into the second week of the assessment period, we would like to share a few reminders to ensure every student feels supported and prepared.

The Schedule Ahead

The Mock Exam period continues through Friday, 16th January 2026. Please note that students are only required to be on-site for their scheduled exams. However, the LRC remains fully available as a quiet revision and study space for any student who wishes to use it between papers.

Balancing Performance and Wellbeing

While these exams are an important benchmark, it is vital to remember they are a learning opportunity—a practice run designed to identify strengths and areas for growth.

We encourage students to take them seriously, but not at the expense of their mental health. If you notice your child showing signs of undue stress or anxiety, please do not hesitate to reach out to their Tutor or Head of Year so we can provide additional support.

How You Can Help

To help the upcoming week run as smoothly as possible, please support your child in the following ways:

• Organisation: Double-check the exam timetable together to ensure they are clear on start times.

• Punctuality: Aim to arrive at school with plenty of time to spare to avoid a rushed start.

• Equipment: Ensure they have all the necessary pens, calculators, and specialist tools required for their specific subjects.

• Uniform: Students must be in full school uniform. As the hall can occasionally feel chilly, we recommend wearing layers underneath their uniform to stay comfortable.

• Healthy Habits: Encourage a healthy balance of focused revision, plenty of rest, and physical exercise.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students during this important milestone.

Year 10 & 11 Message

As temperatures drop, please ensure your child wears layers under their uniform to stay warm. This is particularly important for Y11 students sitting examinations - it can be chilly. We do expect students to present in proper winter uniform each day for school, including those sitting exams.

Our field is being replaced and is fenced off as construction work takes place. These works will take the rest of the academic year. We miss the space provided by the pitch. Students have been reminded to be careful with ball games and games of tag around the school to ensure safety. Outside of the volleyball and basketball quads, only games involving tennis balls are allowed and we are reminding students not to run through crowded areas of the school.

Year 11 Mock exams run from Monday, 12th January, to Friday, 23rd January. During this time, Y11 students only need to attend school for their exams; however, they are welcome to study in the LRC at any time.
Students must be organised. They should check the exam timetable carefully, bring the right equipment and be ready at least 20 minutes before each exam. We will be simulating the conditions and process of the final exams. 
The examination rules and regulations are available in this folder.

Years 7 | 8 | 9 Message

Winter Uniform
Students should all now be wearing winter uniform, which includes the school tie. Students can add layers for the cold as needed - these can be a combination of layers worn under the uniform that are not visible, and outer layer school uniform items available for sale on the official uniform website.

Field Renovation - PE Kit Expectations
During the period of field renovation, due to reduced accessibility of changing rooms, students should wear their PE uniform all day if they have PE that day. Students should not wear their PE uniform to school on any other day.

Field Renovation - Student Recreation
Students have been reminded to be careful with ball games and games of tag around the school to ensure safety. Outside of the volleyball and basketball quads, only games involving tennis balls are allowed and we are reminding students not to run through crowded areas of the school.

Higher Education & Careers

KGV Higher Education & Careers Website

We have included links to financial aids and scholars to higher education institution in the following regions, in the latest update of the website.
- Australia (by states)

- Canada (by province)

- United Kingdom (by region)

- United States (Top 100 institutions per QS list)

HE Visits @ KGV (Students ONLY)
22 Jan 2026, Lunch break – Ritmeisukan University

H.E. EVENTS shared via KGV Higher Education Events Calendar

KGV is not responsible for the quality of external events. All information is subject to change by event organisers.

H.K.
15 Jan – HKU Online Parents’ Talk on Subject Selection Strategies for Senior Secondary Studies 2026
22-25 Jan – HK Education & Careers Expo 2026

U.K.
Various dates: University of Cambridge – Webinar for international applicants
9 Jan – Royal Veterinary College on Tour Hong Kong – Prospective Student Session
16 Jan – Leeds Arts University Portfolio Webinar
22 Jan – Sheffield & Yorkshire University Consortium Information Session
Various dates in Feb – University of Bath – Parent Info Webinar Series

EUROPE
16 Jan – Medical Doorway Webinar: Studying Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine in Europe 2026
20-21 Jan – EHL Hospitality School Webinar: Applying to EHL with the IB Diploma
24 Jan – Hanze University Webinars: Study & live in the Netherlands
30 Jan – University of Galway – Scholarship Information Webinar

JAPAN
17 Jan – Ritsumeikan University Webinar: Why Choose Ritsumeikan & What Undergraduate Programs are Offered
24 Jan – Ritsumeikan University Webinar: How to Apply to English-medium Undergraduate Programs

USA
23 Jan – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University webinar: Pushing Boundaries with AI

CANADA
24 Jan – Canadian Engineering Panel at CDNIS HK

KGV Higher Education & Careers Team

Due to student privacy protocols, we require parental consent before releasing student information to external organisations. Please complete this form to make a formal request. Requests will only be processed upon receipt of parental permission.

KGV’s standard lead time for teachers to prepare references is four working weeks from the date parental permission is received.

This process does not apply to higher education applications (i.e. university admissions). Those references are managed separately by the H.E. Team.

Gifted & Talented Programmes
Students interested in external extension programmes for specifically designed for gifted & talented students outside of KGV should refer to this website for guidance: https://sites.google.com/kgv.hk/kgv-extension-opportunities, instead of using the request form.

12 - 16 January 2026