The English Schools Foundation (ESF) announced on Thursday that from August 1, families can apply to any of its 22 schools across Hong Kong regardless of where they live.

At the moment, applications for all ESF schools – except for ESF Discovery College, Renaissance College and the five ESF Kindergartens – are tied to the applicants’ residential address.

But the ESF said in a statement that it's putting an end to this long-standing policy to open up more options for families.

The foundation added that parents who have already submitted applications will be given a chance to revisit their choice.