blzbub,
I only know a handful of people that tried local schools and so can't really comment. ESF (English Schools Foundation) is almost impossible to get into. Additionally, many of them have bad reputations, but I guess that is a subjective view. If you have young kids and are drawn to DB you will have trouble getting them in anywhere. Do a Gooogle on Australian International School (hong kong) and you will get an idea of fees. Schooling up here is expensive and it is a suppliers market...you take whatever school will let your kids in.
If you really want to join, commute unless you think you can provide for a family on $60K AUD pa up here! For each kid in school you can wipe out one months salary! You will also need to get some private health insurance to cover the CX shortfall in dependants coverage. A friend said it costs him less than $3K per month for BUPA.