Making Secondary 1 Admissions More Equitable by Removing Affiliation Advantage

Mr David Hoe asked the Minister for Education given concerns that the current Secondary 1 admissions advantage for affiliated pupils may disadvantage applicants from non-affiliated primary schools, whether the Ministry will consider making admissions more equitable by (i) removing the affiliation advantage or (ii) capping the difference between affiliated and non-affiliated entry requirements at two Achievement Level points.

Affiliated schools contribute to our variegated education landscape, with their long history and distinctive school culture. In recognition of this, affiliated schools are allowed to accord some priority to affiliated students, which provides them with the opportunity to consistently imbue their school values, ethos and culture into their students, foster a strong school spirit and school tradition, while still adhering to the admission framework set by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

To keep our schools open to all students, regardless of their backgrounds or connections, since 2019, MOE has required affiliated secondary schools to reserve at least 20% of places in each Posting Group at Secondary One for non-affiliated students. As the Cut-Off Point (COP) for each school is determined by student demand and choice patterns, MOE does not cap the difference between the COP for non-affiliated students and affiliated students.

MOE will continue to regularly review the Exercise and make adjustments when needed.