Cho, Lok Kan;
(2025)
Acculturation and School Adjustment processes of Hong Kong BN(O) Immigrant families and children in the UK: Experiences and Perceptions of parents, children and young people.
Doctoral thesis (D.Ed.Psy), UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
The UK government's 2021 introduction of the BN(O) visa scheme is a significant event for Hongkongers. The impact of this policy on BN(O) immigrants can be complex, with some areas remaining under-explored. It has allowed many Hongkongers to relocate to the UK, with many families bringing their children. This has led to a new wave of children and young people entering the UK school system while their parents navigate the complexities of a new school environment as they adapt to life in the UK. The present study employed a qualitative, exploratory approach to investigate their transitional experiences within the UK school system. The study adopts the bioecological and acculturation frameworks to explore the interconnected experiences of parents and children within the UK school system, examining how wider parental and family experiences influence their children’s adjustment to school in the UK. Given that the BN(O) immigrants are also undergoing a cultural transition, the study incorporates Berry’s acculturation lens to explore the family’s acculturation preferences and experiences (e.g. cultural assimilation or integration), exploring a deeper understanding of how cultural adaption potentially shapes their educational journey. The study explores the perspectives of both parents and children regarding moving to the UK, revealing many positive experiences, such as a fulfilling approach to teaching and learning that aligns with their values, contributing to the relatively stress-free learning environment, compared to their experience in Hong Kong education. These positive experiences allow an exploration of the characteristics and supporting factors contributing to the transition. The study also raises important questions about the longer term implications for the BN(O) immigrants, including how families navigate cultural transition and cultural preservations and the potential social identity issues that might arise after long-term settlement.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | D.Ed.Psy |
| Title: | Acculturation and School Adjustment processes of Hong Kong BN(O) Immigrant families and children in the UK: Experiences and Perceptions of parents, children and young people |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Copyright © The Author 2025. Original content in this thesis is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). Any third-party copyright material present remains the property of its respective owner(s) and is licensed under its existing terms. Access may initially be restricted at the author’s request. |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education > IOE - Psychology and Human Development |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10207160 |
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