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“Link Block” was opened under the leadership of the principal, Miss Angela Smith.
1984
The Sarah Roe Centre opened in 1986 for students with special educational needs. Located right by Peel Block. GCSE examinations started the same year, around this time the previous issues surrounding a large and growing student body were being resolved. The recent campus growth and staff development after joining ESF led to reduced class sizes and a balanced curriculum. Students began to experience overseas trips as well.
KGV had many things to celebrate around this time, the continued success of the sports and arts programs as well as the 50th year of the school's establishment in Ho Man Tin.
1986
King George V School, originally known as 'Kowloon British College,' began its journey in Tsim Sha Tsui as a co-educational institution with 31 students and two teachers. The school operated for two years until it was entirely destroyed by a typhoon, prompting the PTA to push for a new location in Kowloon.
1894
1900
s
"Kowloon British School.."
1930
s
"Central British School.."
Thanks to the generous contributions of Eurasian entrepreneur Sir Robert Ho Tung, the school relocated to 136 Nathan Road, a site currently used as the Antiquities and Monuments Office. Sir Robert Ho Tung personally advocated for a more diverse and inclusive student body, aiming to create a school "for students of all nationalities."
1902
The school maintained its predominantly Eurasian identity until after the conclusion of World War II. It was officially opened by British Major-General Gascoigne, with an honour guard of Sikh police.
Alongside the relocation to Ho Man Tin, the school changed its name to the Central British School (CBS). Unlike the familiar campus, the KGV community recognizes today, the building, renowned for its Bauhaus style, was situated in a rural and rocky location with limited biodiversity and community.
1936
The building was recognized as the 'Best in Asia.' Alumni fondly reminisce about their days at KGV, recalling leisurely strolls through the fields to Hung Hom Beach for swimming and picnics.
During this time, the notable and celebrated houses of today were created, honouring past headmasters and teachers who were significant in the development of the school. Mr. Nightingale suggested the plan for such development, Mr. Rowell was renowned for its design, and Reverend Upsdell opened the new school. Mr. Crozier was honoured with the last and final house due to his contributions during the war in the early 1940s.
1937
Initially, the school served as a refugee camp for people fleeing from Shanghai until 1941, when Japan invaded and occupied Hong Kong.
1940
s
"The War Years..."
After the Japanese surrender, the school buildings remained in better condition than most around Hong Kong. The Royal Air Force (RAF) took over the premises, utilising it as a military hospital.
1945
One of the doctors engraved the words of Winston Churchill, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), above the entrance to the school hall: "Never in the Field of Human Conflict." This quote honours the contributions of British fighter pilots and bomber crews during the war.
The school reopened in the summer of 1946, with Principal Mr. Ferguson leading the first assembly of the year. Notably, the flag of the Rising Sun, a symbol of the Japanese occupation, could still be seen painted at the back of the stage in the hall. Mr. D. Crozier, after whom the fourth and final house was named, was also present during this time. The school initially hosted only 79 students, and the field resembled a vegetable garden.
Shifting from the name 'Central British School,' the institution adopted the name 'King George V School' and opened its doors to students of all nationalities. Besides pivotal requirements such as the ability to speak English and pay the school fees, students of all backgrounds were welcome to study at KGV.
1948
1946
1941
The Japanese invaded Hong Kong. Hong Kong surrendered on Christmas Day and all Europeans were sent into POW (Prisoner of War camps) – including many teachers and ex-students of CBS (Central British School).
1950
s
"..Honestas Ante Honores.."
1960
s
"..Consolidation and Growth.."
1950
Long time teacher and newly appointed principal Mr. Mulcahy oversaw a period of growth and development at King George V. As the number of students enrolling at the school steadily increased, Mr. Mulachy managed the construction of new classrooms to accommodate the rising population. Additionally, he forged a personal connection with the school community by marrying the PE Mistress, Ms. McNeil, who was the driving force behind the popular Scottish dance activities at KGV.
1951
"Honestas Ante Honores," Latin for "Honesty before Glory," was introduced as the school motto to the 400 students present and became the main refrain in the school song. Boys and girls had separate entrances, with the boys predominantly entering from Sheung Shing Street and the girls from Argyle Street. Staff rooms were also divided into separate male and female rooms.
KGV was renowned for excellence, both academic and creative. Sports were strong, with the school often winning the Governor’s Shield for Sport and the Hong Kong Music Festival. KGV competed at the highest levels with the Girls Hockey Team, even winning the HK adult league in 1956. The cricket team became a great developer of future Hong Kong players, a tradition that endures to this day. KGV could also hold its own in the boxing ring, winning four titles in 1956.
1956
1958
Did you know Bruce Lee battled with one of our KGV students, Gary Elms, on March 29, 1958, in the Inter-School Boxing tournament?
In 1956, Bruce Lee was a student at St. Francis Xavier’s College, frequently getting into street and school fights. By 1958, at seventeen, Brother Edwards invited him to join the school's Boxing Team, believing he could channel Bruce's fighting spirit positively. The annual tournament featured twelve schools, with King George V School winning for three consecutive years, defended by champion Gary Elms. Bruce won his first three bouts by knockout. In the finals, he faced Elms, who aggressively attacked in the first round. However, Bruce adapted, using Wing Chun techniques, ultimately knocking out the champion in the third round.
The "New Block," the primary centre for language learning, was inaugurated, marking the first major development since the original school's establishment in the 1930s. Initially, students were divided into separate classes based on their predicted academic performance. The diverse student body comprised 25 different nationalities across 900 students. The building provided additional classrooms, supplemented by extra science laboratories, as well as facilities for what were then listed as "Needlecraft, Housecraft, Metalwork, and Woodwork lessons."
1964
The project of the New Block was commenced by the Principal Frank Findlay in 1962 and finally opened while headmaster Eric Gore in 1964.
KGV School was going through a period of expansion, which brought both challenges and triumphs. Despite the strain of managing a large influx of students, the school continued to produce outstanding athletes who excelled in sports. Concurrently, KGV made its mark on the arts and drama scene.
1965
1966
The late 1960s were a time of great drama, with the Cultural Revolution in China and the Star Ferry Riots in Hong Kong. In November 1967, Mr J.Browne, the guest at Speech Day, commented that KGV was able to continue ‘running with the minimum of disruption during what has become the longest, hottest and most explosive summer’ during these turbulent times.
1973
In 1973, KGV School celebrated its 25th anniversary as an international school with a grand ball, showcasing the diversity and global perspective that had become hallmarks of the school.
However, the 1970s also brought challenges, as KGV grappled with issues surrounding its staff, curriculum changes, and a need for further development to accommodate its growing student body. Despite these difficulties, the school continued to excel in drama productions and sports, maintaining its popularity and relevance among prospective families.
1979
King George V School (KGV) made the decision to join the English Schools Foundation (ESF), a prestigious organisation that currently runs 22 international schools in Hong Kong. The construction of the swimming pool was completed, with the opening ceremony conducted by teacher Miss Angela Smith and Headmaster Mr. John Hackling (1975-1977). KGV was thriving in its extracurricular activities, with its rugby and football teams. Other school activities included the Adventure, Flying, and Motorcycle clubs.
1970
s
"..becoming a part of something greater.."
1980
s
"Onwards and Upwards.."
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1990
s
"..approaching the end of the century."
1994
Up until 1994, KGV School had undergone significant transformations, including the merging of the men's and women's staff rooms into one. With a growing staff and adjustments to the curriculum to align with recent changes in Britain, the school adapted to its expanding community.
In the 90s, KGV School expanded its activities, launching initiatives like the Pedal Kart competition and global trips that not only enriched students' experiences but also contributed to charitable causes around the world.
1997
During the period of the handover, there were 1,200 students studying at KGV. The vertical extension building, known as the IS block, was opened by Jalu Shroff. Senior school students occupied the top floors, with a tennis court on the roof, while the Sarah Roe School was located on the bottom floor.
"..appreciating the present and embracing the future.."
2000s onwards
2000
Since the 2000s, KGV School has developed new facilities, including additional classrooms, to accommodate the growing student body, alleviating previous operational concerns.
The school continued to excel in producing high-level athletes, including rugby sevens and national representatives.
KGV also was enjoying success in its drama and orchestral departments, which have led to enriching trips abroad.
The historical school field was converted from grass to astroturf in the early 2000s, until it was refurbished in 2013-2014 after a generous donation from the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union.
2005
KGV shifted from the general A-levels program and adopted the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. This marked the first time the school transitioned to an international curriculum.
2011
On December 16th, the school received a Guinness World Record certificate after beating the world record for the most people simultaneously planking. KGV gathered staff and students together to create a total of 1,549 people planking simultaneously.
2013
The award-winning Performing Arts and Science Blocks opened on the school campus, featuring innovative and avant-garde architectural styles that elevated KGV's facilities. Additionally, the Learning Resource Center (LRC), sponsored by the Fung Family, and the Heritage Centre, funded by the Welfare League, were inaugurated. These developments exemplify the unwavering support and continuous contributions from KGV's alumni community.
2015
The Piazza, the main area for students to socialise during lunch and break times, opened. The area provides an optimal view, located between the Science, Link, and New Blocks, allowing students to easily access classes. Infamously, the Piazza serves as the venue for several downball matches between students, a tradition that has existed in the school for years.
2017
Alongside the introduction of the new principal, Mark Blackshaw, the Middle Years Program (MYP) was introduced as the main curriculum for middle school students, specifically for years 7 to 9. Mr. Blackshaw was a well liked and respected member of our community and was responsible for KGV's continued success during his stay.
2021
The global COVID-19 pandemic surged during this year, with students either remaining in full asynchronous online learning or attending half-days on campus with a mandatory mask requirement. Amidst these challenging circumstances, the Inclusivity & Equity (I&E) group was established. Composed of students and teachers, this group aims to discuss and address social issues at KGV, fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
2023
With the conclusion of the global pandemic, the student body transitioned permanently to in-person learning and mask restrictions were lifted. Mr. Mark Poulsum was appointed KGV's Principal at this point. This time marked a significant milestone for KGV, as the school community could finally resume traditional classroom settings and extracurricular activities without the constraints imposed by the pandemic. With the guidance of Mark Poulsum, there has been a smooth transition back into regular classes.
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KGV became a member of The Alliance of Sustainable Schools which aims to create a focus in school life regarding sustainability.
"..looking forward to the future of King George V School."
2024 onwards
1890
s
"Where it all began.."
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