Tightened class size regulations in Hong Kong may lead to an increased number of school closures.
Hong Kong Education Authorities Implements Measures to Safeguard Student Interest as Population Shrinks
Hong Kong's education authorities have announced tightened requirements for public secondary schools, effective September, to help maintain quality education amid dwindling student numbers. The measures aim to protect students' interests, and they may hasten the closure of less popular schools.
The Education Bureau, in a circular to schools, indicated these new measures would revise the class structure and support arrangements to safeguard students' learning interests. The bureau's deputy secretary, Ida Lee Bik-sai, explained in a blog post that the number of Form One students, aged 12, is expected to drop from 58,800 in 2025 to 49,800 by 2031.
One key adjustment involves raising the minimum number of students required for secondary schools to operate a Form One class. Starting in the new term in September, the minimum will increase from 25 to 27 students, and will progressively rise to 29 students in the 2026-27 academic year.
Less popular schools may find it challenging to meet these raised enrolment numbers, potentially leading to consolidations or closures, according to sector members who spoke on Tuesday. Moreover, there is a possibility, albeit unstated, that students with poor academic performance might be asked to repeat a grade to meet the enrolment threshold.
The Education Bureau asserts its purpose is to protect students' interests and ensure viable class sizes while preserving educational quality. These measures are part of a broader effort by the bureau to adapt to Hong Kong's evolving educational landscape.
The Education Bureau has released new measures to revise class structures and support arrangements in an effort to safeguard students' interests, which is a crucial aspect of education and self-development. These measures, intended to maintain viable class sizes and preserve educational quality, may lead to the consolidation or closure of less popular schools, as reported in general news.
