How Does Hong Kong's School Placement System Work?
How are Hong Kong children allocated to primary and secondary schools? This article explains the whole process in plain, simple language.
Primary One Admission
All children with Hong Kong residency who are at least 5 years and 8 months old (by 1 September) are automatically included in this system.
1 Discretionary Places Admission (January to February)
Guaranteed Category (Category A)
If a parent works at the school, or if the child has a sibling already studying there, the school must accept the child.
Points-Based Category (Category B)
When places remain, the school uses a points system to decide. Choose ONE item from each group — your total is the sum of both.
Interactive Calculator Choose ONE from each group — total is the sum of both.
2 Central Allocation (March to June)
If your child did not get a place in Step 1, they enter this stage. The Education Bureau divides Hong Kong into about 30 School Nets. You choose preferred schools within your net. The computer gives each child a random number — smaller number = earlier choice.
📍 View all School Nets and schools
📅 Results are usually announced in June. — If the school assigned is not your first choice, you can still contact your preferred school directly to ask if they have any openings.
Secondary School Allocation (P6 to S1)
The secondary school allocation system for Primary 6 students has two stages.
1 Discretionary Places Admission (January)
Primary 6 students apply directly to their preferred secondary school.
2 Central Allocation (Submit in May; Results in June/July)
Students submit school choices through their primary school to the Education Bureau.
📅 Results are usually announced in June.
🌏 What if my child is newly arrived?
Newly arrived families can apply directly to preferred schools, or contact the Education Bureau from May to August.
Secondary 4 Placement
Most schools have enough S4 places for their own S3 students. If not, the Education Bureau arranges a transfer.
📅 Results are usually announced in July.
Which Schools Have Their Own Systems?
Recruit students independently.
The school decides whom to accept.
Have their own application process.
Contact the Education Bureau
Address: Podium Floor, West Block, Education Bureau Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre, 19 Suffolk Road, Kowloon Tong
Tel: 2832 7700 / 2832 7740
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-6:00pm