‘Worst yet to come’ as Hong Kong schools cut record 126 Primary One classes

Hong Kong's public schools have reduced a record 126 Primary One classes for the 2026-27 academic year due to a declining student population, with sector leader Jessie Cheung Chok-fong warning that the decline will continue. The number of Primary One classes fell from 1,558 in 2025-26 to 1,432 in 2026-27, a 8 per cent decrease. Kwai Tsing was hit the hardest, with 14 primary schools cutting their Primary One intake.

The trend is linked to a sharp drop in births since 2020, falling almost 20 per cent year on year to 43,000 due to the pandemic and social unrest. Cheung Chok-fong, a primary school principal, said the situation will only worsen as Hong Kong's birth rate continues to decline. In March, the Education Bureau announced 15 primary schools would not operate subsidised Primary One classes this year, with some merging or switching to private classes.

Parents must apply for public Primary One places by September 25, with results announced on November 23. Cheung advised schools to promote their unique features during the discretionary stage to attract parents.