Globally Recognised Qualifications,
Built Around You
Hong Kong's only fully registered and accredited alternative international school. 1-on-1 tuition for IGCSE & A-Level, flexible timetabling, official Edexcel exams — in-person or online. Wherever you are in the world.
What Is a Private Candidate?
We provide an alternative international school that allows learners to study for, and attain, globally recognized qualifications regardless of their personal circumstances. Every student is unique and needs a supportive and caring learning environment in order to excel. In addition, we recognize that some students learn better in a private class setting and our expert teachers are equipped to fulfill all academic needs.
ITS Education Asia runs the only fully registered and accredited official exam centre in a non-traditional international school in Hong Kong. Learning is available in school, online or a blend of the two. We have a long record and excellent results.
A Private Candidate Is Someone Who…
whose learning method does not fit into the traditional school class style
who has personal/family situations that stop them studying at a traditional school
who is forced to relocate and cannot find a traditional school
who wishes to learn at non-traditional pace
who wishes to maintain their studies in between schools
who wishes to study extra IGCSE/ A-level subjects to increase their chances for boarding schools / universities or school transfers.
who wishes to obtain a second chance in re-taking their high school qualifications in order to apply to better universities.
One or more of these may apply.
Award-Winning Student Achievements
Our students consistently achieve outstanding results — including the highest marks in the world. See our full results.
🏆 Highest mark in the world
IAL Chemistry
Pearson Award Winner
Principal Sean Lai accepts
Outstanding Achievement
Award Ceremony 2025
Why Our Private Candidate Programme Works
Consultation
- Introduce our classes and teaching methods
- Understand the advantages of studying at ITS for exams, predicted grades and university applications
- Understand the advantages of the International A-level modular format
Setting Academic Goals
- Identify a suitable number of A-level subjects to take
- Identify a suitable number of lessons and the duration to complete
- Set study periods and academic goals
- Set backup plans
Implementation
- Schedule trial lessons
- Fix a regularized schedule
- Purchase textbooks
- Start working on achieving key milestones
- Meet with teachers, consultants and mentors to maintain progress
Achieving Goals
- Complete curriculum
- Sit mock exams & practice with past papers
- Work towards achieving university offers
- Get ahead by studying pre-uni courses
- Career coaching
Real Students, Real Outcomes
Everybody is different. But traditional schooling starts from a position that everybody is the same. For most people that is fine, but for many others this means that either school does not maximize their potential, does not provide the best education option for them or completely fails them. From day 1, ITS was set up to address these issues. Here are some examples of students with different needs who chose ITS over more traditional schooling [names protected for privacy].
Was attending high profile local Hong Kong school and decided to switch to UK boarding school for A-levels with an eye on UK university. Switched to ITS to complete a full range of IGCSEs in a compressed time frame of 5 months and then start A-level syllabuses prior to going to UK.
Completed first year of A-levels at an international school but found the class-based approach did not fit his style of learning at this level. Enrolled in a one year IAL course at ITS to re-sit his first modules and complete the full A-levels in a one-to-one focused setting.
Struggled with traditional school structure at a top international school in Thailand. Some classes fast, some too slow. Enjoyed sports but not other things like wearing uniform. Needed to switch mid-term. Came to ITS and completed 7 IGCSEs in 12 months scoring all over grade 7 (equiv A*/A).
Needed to add exams to what he could do at school. Seen here collecting Pearson award for Highest Mark in the World in IGCSE Italian.
All of Our Classes Are Conducted 1 on 1
This ensures that each class is tailor-made to the learner's level and pace of learning and helps to create a sheltered, yet structured, environment in which children can learn to thrive and increase their confidence. There is minimal pressure (e.g. from peers and homework assignments).
Meet Our Staff"Was working with ITS to help myself learn economics as I had a short timeframe of around 7 months to complete a 2 year course. We were able to cover everything in concentrated depth despite the restrictive available time. Excellent teaching ability and friendly, helpful staff. Highly recommended."
— Joshua Lim, via TrustpilotAdvantages of Studying at ITS
University-Style Approach
We incorporate a more university-style approach to learning which both motivates students to take initiative and responsibility and actually delivers that experience. These are the good habits that characterize successful people and that benefit our students for life.
Flexible Timetabling
We use flexible timetabling to fit the life circumstances of each student as far as possible. We have found ways to timetable students with physical and mental health issues, non-standard home circumstances and more so that they can get the learning time needed to pass their exams.
Official Edexcel Exams
We offer official exams under the Edexcel exam board. This allows students to validate their studies by working towards the International GCSE or A-level exams.
Registered UCAS Centre
We are a registered UCAS Centre. Students apply for their targeted UK through the same procedure as a traditional school.
Dedicated US Prep Program
We have a dedicated US prep program for those aiming for US universities.
Top-Flyer Programmes
We have top-flyer programmes for those aiming for Ivy league, Oxbridge and other world class universities.
Official Cambridge AAT Centre
We are an official Cambridge AAT centre for university entrance exams.
Young Changemaker Incubator
We run an incredible leadership/social entrepreneurship programme called Young Changemaker Incubator with recognition from the United Nations which develops the key skills for the 21st century workspace, builds profile to support university admissions and actively contributes to impact.
UK Boarding School Pathways
We work with top agents for those using IGCSE to access UK boarding schools Year 12.
The Learning Advantages of a FLIP Model
Students are responsible for homework in these levels of understanding
Teachers introduce new material to students
we use at
ITS Education Asia
Students and teachers work together during the school day on these levels of learning
New material is introduced to students outside of class as their homework
Support System
Admission Tests & University Counselling
We provide admission tests preparation along with university counselling guidance for all of our students. Our private candidates will be able to receive attentive services with our expert counsellors. This is different from a traditional school as we cater to all students. Often, the traditional schools will focus their efforts mainly on their top students to boost their university admission rate and statistics. As ITS is non-selective, we try our best to ensure that every private candidate needs are met.
One-Year A-Level Foundation Course
For those who do not yet have a clear path to university and are interested in science options, we have a specially constructed condensed one-year A-level foundation course.
Duration and Fees Involved
Every case is different — contact us for a consultation.
Class Fees
Based on class time taken, below our standard rate
Examination Fees
Billed per subject, based on Edexcel's pricing
School & University Admissions
Billed by destination. We help apply to HK, UK & USA schools and universities
Study Hours
~2 hours per subject per week, depending on subjects and timeline
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Speak to one of our admission experts for a no-obligation consultation. We'll help design a programme perfectly suited to your needs and goals.
If you are interested in scheduling a meeting to speak to one of our admission experts, please contact us.





