The race for secondary school places has begun. Approximately 55,000 children have entered the race to gain admission in the next academic year.
This is an increase of about 1,400 students compared with 2019. The overall number of school places will increase proportionately, but only a little more than 100 places have been added to English-medium schools that many parents prefer.
Government figures say the number of students applying for secondary school places will be on the rise over the coming five years, with the number of 12-year-olds rising from about 63,300 in the next round of applications to 74,000 in 2024/25.
One major factor behind this is a rise in Hong Kong-born children from mainland China set to graduate from primary schools, including many cross-border students who live on the mainland but come to the city to attend schools every day.
The first phase of applications started on January 2nd. Parents may apply for two schools of their choice and must submit the forms to the schools before January 16. This year, parents will be notified in March rather than July if their children were successful. Those who do not receive offers enter the central allocation system. It is possible for a secondary school to fill 30 per cent of its seats through discretionary quota.
ITS can help parents with the application process. Please contact us for a free consultation.
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