Despite facing a shrinking school-age population and low birth rate, Hong Kong authorities must work towards minimising the negative impact of shutting classes
Hong Kong’s dwindling school-age population and low birth rate continue to put the education sector to the test. This is reflected in a growing number of schools losing government subsidies and having to be merged or axed because of insufficient enrolment. Given the trend is unlikely to turn around any time soon, more institutions may well shut in the coming years. Therefore, authorities should work with stakeholders to ensure a soft landing for the schools and students affected.
Critics fear the new class-size regulations may well accelerate the demise of some disadvantaged schools. The Education Bureau has also raised the minimum number of students required to operate a class and scrapped alternative options that may give struggling schools a reprieve.
As a result, the pupil threshold for a secondary school operating a Form One class will be raised from 25 to 27 starting in September. The requirement will be further tightened to 29 in 2026-27. Currently, secondary schools need to have at least two Form One classes, or a total of 26 students, to continue operating. With the changes, a school will have to enrol at least 28 students to run two classes to survive the coming academic year, and 30 pupils in 2026-27.
