In the early 1960s, the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China (referred to as “the Council” below) recognised that there were insufficient schools in Hong Kong, and that the quality of education was sub-optimal.  As a result, the Council decided to establish a new school in Causeway Bay and promote Christian values through education.  Upon its opening in September 1967, this new school was named “Kung Lee College” after the Chinese name of the Church of Christ in China’s China Congregational Church, to commemorate its devotion towards education.

 

In the early years of the College, in accordance with the Council’s founding ideals for the school, a higher education programme was planned, in addition to the grammar school programme.  Connections were made with American and Canadian universities, providing students with gateways to further their studies upon graduation.  During that time, students and teachers of many different nationalities studied and taught at Kung Lee, and the College was almost transformed into an international school.  However, with the development of society came changes to education policy, and the College adapted by becoming a caput school in 1972, and then an aided school in 1982.

 

In September 2003, in order to keep up with development trends in education and to respond to the needs of society, the College joined the government’s Direct Subsidy Scheme.  At this time, the College began offering a senior secondary programme to prepare students for the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination, along with the accredited higher diploma, diploma, and certificate programmes for young adults who wish to pursue careers in industrial and business logistics, and the travel industry.

 

With the introduction of the New Senior Secondary programme in 2009, the College established a dual-track system, offering both the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education programme and a two-year school-based diploma programme.  The slogan of “College Ready, Work Ready” was adopted, imbuing students with the necessary knowledge for both academic and vocational needs.  In 2007, 2009 and 2012, the College was accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications, and was qualified to launch programmes at Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (QF) Level 2 and Level 3.

 

In 2015, the College was once again accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications, and the programmes were pitched at QF Level 2 and Level 3.  Accordingly, in September 2016, the Certificate in Hotel and Catering Services Programme (QF Level 2) and the Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management Programme (QF Level 3) were offered, while the new Certificate in Travel and Tourism (Airline and Cruise) Programme (QF Level 2) and the Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management (Airline and Cruise) Programme (QF Level 3) were introduced.

 

In 2019, the Certificate in Hotel and Catering Services Programme and Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management Programme were once again accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications, attaining QF Level 2 and Level 3 respectively.

 

The College determines its developmental direction in response to social changes and educational demands.  Accordingly, an application has been submitted to the Education Bureau for the launch of a junior secondary programme beginning in September 2022.  With the adoption of a holistic, six-year approach to secondary education, the College aims to continue providing practical education, experiential learning, creative learning and multi-modal learning experiences to Hong Kong’s next generation.

 

Name of Qualification	Qualifications Register Registration No.	Validity Period	QF Level
Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management	16/000598/L3	01/09/2016 to 31/08/2022	3
Certificate in Hotel and Catering Services	15/003344/L2	01/01/2016 to 31/08/2022	2