Approximately 74 per cent of Hong Kong primary students were allocated their first-choice secondary school for the 2026-27 academic year, according to the Education Bureau (EDB). This figure, along with the 91 per cent of students who secured one of their top three choices under the central allocation system, remains unchanged from the previous year’s results.
A total of 48,545 Primary Six students participated in the Secondary School Places Allocation (SSPA) system for the upcoming term. The EDB reported on Monday that the overall satisfaction rate reached 95 per cent when including students who were placed in any of their top three choices.
The allocation process in Hong Kong is split between “central allocation” and “discretionary places.” Discretionary places allow schools to admit students based on academic and interview performance. According to the EDB, 68 per cent of students secured their first choice through the discretionary process.
How the SSPA satisfaction rates were calculated
The Education Bureau defines the “satisfaction rate” using two primary metrics. The baseline satisfaction rate of 84 per cent is derived from students who were either awarded a discretionary place or those who received their first choice through the central allocation process. When the criteria expand to include any student who landed in their top three choices, that rate climbs to 95 per cent, according to Education Bureau data.
What happens next for Primary Six students?
The EDB is scheduled to release the official SSPA results on Tuesday. The bureau has instructed Primary Six students to return to their respective primary schools on Tuesday to collect their allocation and admission slips. Following this, students must register at their assigned secondary schools on either Thursday or Friday of the same week.
High achievement in International Baccalaureate results
In a separate academic development, Hong Kong schools reported at least 63 top scorers in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
The distribution of these top scores across the city’s institutions includes:
- Victoria Shanghai Academy: 9 students
- Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School: 6 students
- St. Paul’s Co-educational College: 6 students
- Diocesan Boys’ School: 5 students
- Canadian International School: 3 students
Additionally, 27 students attained the maximum marks across seven English Schools Foundation (ESF) schools.
Students and parents are encouraged to monitor the official Education Bureau portal for any further updates regarding the 2026-27 school year admissions and registration deadlines.