[5] In addition to tuition fees, the foundation receives an ongoing subsidy from the Hong Kong Government, which is being phased out.

In accordance with the white paper's recommendations, ESF was established in 1967 under the English Schools Foundation Ordinance (Cap.

However, students must demonstrate sufficient English language skills so that they can benefit from the foundation's English-medium learning environment.

[10] The applications are then sorted by priority category, and then each school makes an interview list based on the parent's preferences, availability and Education Bureau requirements.

[13] For applications to primary and secondary school, students will be invited for an interview and assessment when new places become available.

All five of ESF's kindergartens follow the IB Primary Years Programme, designed for students aged between 3 and 5.

The PYP centres on the development of the whole child and provides for children's academic, social, physical, emotional and cultural needs.

Students are taught using an inquiry-based approach, and are encouraged to be curious and to interact to issues locally and globally.

[22] Students study a range of subjects such as English, mathematics, science, the humanities, creative and performing arts, design technology and an additional language at an appropriate level.

The ESF has received one of its best mean IB Diploma scores amongst its 969 students graduating in the class of 2021 in its history, at a 38.9 out of a possible 45.

The ethnic groups of the foundations' students include local residents of Hong Kong, Europeans and other nearby regional countries.

Its main responsibilities include working with the chief executive officer to establish the foundation's strategic direction, review the overall curriculum strategy for all schools, and ensure the efficient use of resources.

The most substantial changes were to the structure and composition of ESF's governing body and committees, including the creation of a new Board of Governors to replace the Foundation.

[further explanation needed] Before the handover of 1997, it was generally accepted that this subsidy was fair and that the foundation had a reason to be subsidised.

A report criticising the ESF's use of funds was published by the Hong Kong Government in November 2002, resulting in a continuing debate about whether the subsidy should be cut or even suspended.

The ESF has recently addressed concerns about governance by putting forward a new ordinance that will change the way the organisation operates.

[30] The changes culminate in the phasing out of government's annual subsidy (worth HK$283 million) with effect from 2016, tapering to zero in 2028–29.

[30] After a comprehensive internal review of financing needs, the foundation decided to introduce one-off non-refundable levy starting in the 2015/16 school year.

[3] The ESF was involved in the controversial 2015 Hong Kong heavy metal in drinking water incidents.