Every year, many children in Hong Kong get ready to start primary school or move up to secondary school. The answer lies in the Education Bureau's School Places Allocation System.
What Is the Education Bureau?
The Education Bureau (EDB) is the government department that manages all schools in Hong Kong.
Primary One Admission: Two-Step Process
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.
Step 1: Discretionary Places Admission (January to February)
Parents can apply to one government or aided primary school of their choice. However, places are limited, so not everyone succeeds.
Guaranteed category: 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: If places are still available, the school uses a points system to decide.
Step 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. The computer gives each child a random number. The smaller the number, the earlier you get to pick your school.
Results are usually announced in June.
Which Schools Have Their Own Admission Systems?
- DSS Schools: Recruit students independently.
- Private Schools: The school decides whom to accept.
- ESF Schools: Have their own application process.
Secondary School Allocation: Primary Six to Secondary One
Very similar to the Primary One system -- two stages.
Newly Arrived Children
Can apply directly to preferred schools, or contact the Education Bureau from May to August.
Secondary 4 Placement
Hong Kong's system tries to let students complete secondary education at the same school. Results are usually announced in July.
Contact the Education Bureau
Tel: 2832 7700 / 2832 7740