Schools urged not to make pupils with special educational needs repeat grades

Hong Kong's education authorities have issued new guidelines stating that schools should refrain from requiring students with special educational needs or severe mental illness to repeat a grade. The revised School Administration Guide, updated in August, warns that such practice could exacerbate the students' social and emotional adjustment difficulties and heighten mental health risks.

When considering grade retention for students with special educational needs (SEN), schools must consult a team of professionals, which includes an educational psychologist, the school's student support team, teachers, and psychiatrists when necessary. The guide advises schools to provide individualized support measures for SEN students as an alternative to grade retention.

The Bureau of Education emphasizes that schools should not view grade repetition as the only solution for student learning or a punitive measure. The recommended repetition rate for primary schools should not exceed 3% of total enrolment, while for secondary schools, it should not exceed 5%. Students may only repeat a grade once during their six years of primary education, and they are not allowed to repeat Primary 6.

The guidelines aim to encourage a more cautious approach to grade retention, particularly for SEN students. Experts argue that each case should be assessed holistically based on the student's needs, suitability, and learning circumstances. While the guidelines do not completely ban grade retention for SEN students, they urge schools to adopt a more comprehensive assessment process.

Schools are encouraged to offer tailored support measures for individual SEN students, such as allowing them to drop elective subjects or switch to different courses. The new guidelines are seen as a positive step, as they acknowledge the varying learning needs of students with special educational needs.