Hong Kong private secondary schools grow from 16 to 25 in five years

Hong Kong private secondary sector expands as local universities’ reputation grows

Private secondary institutions in Hong Kong increased from 16 to 25 between 2021-22 and 2025-26, marking a 56.3 per cent rise, according to Education Bureau figures.

The number of private secondary schools has risen by more than half in five years as demand for alternative curricula grows.

Education authorities and principals said new operators are seeking to attract families drawn by Hong Kong’s highly ranked universities.

The Education Bureau said a stronger economy and shifting parental preferences drove the 56.3 per cent growth in the private secondary schools sector since 2021-22.

Interest in alternative curriculum pathways

Leaders at schools offering alternative curriculum pathways said more mainland Chinese and overseas students were considering Hong Kong universities.

They said the institutions’ rising global reputation was behind that interest amid geopolitical concerns.

Demand for alternative curricula and the entry of new operators are part of the context behind the expansion, according to education authorities and principals.

Private primary schools also grew during the same period, but at a slower pace.

Their number rose from 62 to 65 between 2021-22 and 2025-26, an increase of 4.8 per cent, Education Bureau figures show.

Source: South China Morning Post