How the system works
School admission guide for newly arrived children: P1, secondary entry and transfers
How can newly arrived families find Hong Kong schools and placement information? First distinguish P1 entry, secondary entry and transfers. Then check current Education Bureau and school requirements against the child's target grade, entry time, status and address documents.
Where to enquire about school places
Families arriving through talent admission schemes and other newly arrived families can use the child's current grade to distinguish P1 or secondary entry in a new academic year from transfers in the current year. The Education Bureau also provides placement information for newly arrived children.
Parents may contact schools with vacancies directly or seek the Education Bureau's placement assistance. Availability and assessment procedures must be confirmed with the school.
Not having a Hong Kong address affects the school-net and address-proof procedures for P1 Central Allocation. Check current Education Bureau requirements.
Not having a Hong Kong address does not limit applications to DSS schools. Families may still enquire about transfers at schools with vacancies or seek Education Bureau placement assistance.
Status, documents and cross-border arrangements
A temporary Hong Kong identity card or talent visa alone does not determine a child's admission eligibility. Verify the child's right to study, conditions of stay and documents required by the school. This page does not provide legal or immigration advice.
Children already studying in Mainland China who wish to enter during the current academic year may enquire about vacancies in the appropriate grade or Education Bureau placement assistance.
P1 admission and secondary school places allocation for the next academic year each follow their own procedures.
Cross-border families should also check documents, border-crossing and daily transport arrangements, and confirm attendance arrangements with the school.