Parents to have greater chance of enrolling children in top Hong Kong primary schools

Parents will have a greater chance of enrolling their children in popular Hong Kong primary schools as more spots are available in the final stage of the admission process compared with last year, according to the latest statistics.

Data released on Monday showed fewer students used the “siblings route” to secure spots in the initial discretionary admission stage this year at some of the most sought-after schools, leaving room for more parents to try their luck for places at these institutions.

Polly Chan Suk-yee, vice-chairwoman of the Hong Kong Aided Primary School Heads Association and a primary school principal, partly attributed the phenomenon to an earlier emigration wave.

“As older brothers and sisters leave the city, their younger brothers and sisters will of course not study in the same school, so fewer students will be admitted by this route,” she said.

Schools must accept admission applications from the siblings of current students or from the children of staff working there. Special consideration is also given to others such as those whose parents are alumni.

Parents could consider placing two preferred schools on their list for the central allocation round, the second and final stage of the system, given the increased number of vacancies at top institutions.